Product Info

Platform

Switch 2, Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox One, PC

Publisher

Bandai Namco

Developer

Bandai Namco

Series

Little Nightmares

Genre

Action, Adventure

Players

1-2

File Size (Minimum)

7.3 GB

Release Date (NA)

Oct 10, 2025

Purchase From

eShop

PSN Store

Microsoft Store

Steam

Official Store

Little Nightmares III is a co-op adventure horror game that offers satisfying puzzle-solving elements while you try to escape from enemies, keeping you on your toes throughout the game.

Finding a Way Home

In an attempt to escape, you will navigate through mirrors into various disturbing worlds as you try to find your way back home. You can play as one of two children: Low, a boy who wears a blue cap and mask while carrying a bow and arrow to shoot objects; or Alone, a red-headed pigtailed girl who wears a green jumpsuit and wields a wrench to break down paths and manipulate objects. The game’s story is not conveyed through dialogue like many other games, but instead through cutscenes and dream sequences, creating a sense of mystery surrounding Low and Alone’s situation and leaving players curious about what will happen next.

Travel Companions

Like Little Nightmares II, the third installment of the horror-themed game also features two characters but heavily focuses on co-op mode, either with AI or with a friend online.

Each character has their own unique abilities, and in solo mode, the game’s AI takes control of the character you are not playing. The AI generally reacts well during your travels, but there have been instances where it doesn’t respond fast enough in dire situations. For example, if you start running too quickly, the AI may not keep up, leading to their demise. Players need to pace themselves and stay close to their AI companion to ensure smooth gameplay. There seems to be a difference in speed between characters, possibly due to the wrench one of them carries.

Despite these challenges, the AI does a good job of interacting when help is needed to lift or push objects to progress. When playing with a friend online, there are moments where having the AI step in feels beneficial, as it knows where to position itself for optimal teamwork.

Little Nightmares III introduces a new co-op feature where you can play with a friend. However, cross-platform play is not supported, meaning you can only play with friends on the same platform, such as PlayStation 4 with another PlayStation 4 player. Local co-op is also not available, making co-op gameplay with a friend more challenging.

To bridge the gap between platforms, a “Friend Pass” is offered to game owners, allowing them to invite friends to play even if they don’t own the game. This feature aims to attract more players interested in the adventure.

During online play, both players share the screen, allowing for exploration in different areas. Pausing the game or adjusting settings affects both players, emphasizing the collaborative nature of the game. Collaborating with online chat adds to the experience whether you are troubleshooting a puzzle or facing the sudden suspense of a chase. Overall, the experience of co-op is a step in the right direction.

More Than Just Puzzles

While there are plenty of puzzle-solving situations, such as moving objects to access new areas, the horror game has moments where the intensity is heightened.

You will encounter stealth situations where patience is necessary before making a move. If you are too loud or move too slowly, you can be caught. When this happens, the game fades to black and restarts at the nearest checkpoint. Checkpoints are located in almost every area you visit, making it feel like the game is not punishing you for retracing your steps and providing more motivation to the player to keep trying. This is especially helpful in areas with challenging AI situations.

Battles do occur, but not as frequently as you might expect. Teamwork is essential to defeat foes. For example, when a beetle approaches, Low shoots an arrow to bring it down from the sky, and then Alone uses her wrench to finish it off. Each player has a role to play, and if you do not execute it properly or in a timely manner, you can expect to fail. Maneuvering between wielding your weapon and launching your attack feels slow but at least this style of gameplay is not occurring enough to make it a main issue.

There will be moments where you need to escape from enemies chasing you. The music intensifies, and the controller’s vibrations add to the tension, creating a nervous yet entertaining experience. Maneuvering is straightforward, requiring you to slide under broken fences and jump onto platforms. However, depth perception can be challenging, as the game does not prevent you from falling off edges. While the depth of field enhances the visual appearance, it can hinder gameplay when running and trying to avoid falling. A slight shift in the controller’s angle can cause your character to veer off course, leading to potential falls if you are not careful.

A View of Nightmares

If you’ve played the first two Little Nightmares games, you’ll be pleased to know that the dark and creepy atmosphere continues in the third installment. For those new to the game, imagine the style as if Tim Burton were to create a video game – that’s what you can expect. Each section you enter is filled with layers of detail, from the broken flooring to the depth that makes it feel like a vast world you’re journeying through. You control two small figures, each the size of a mouse, as you carefully navigate the level, avoiding detection and trying to survive. The characters, such as the giant baby or the inhabitants of each level, all have a creepy visual style. Flies, exposed flesh, and other elements contribute to the already eerie world.

If the dark, creepy tone isn’t enough, the music adds an additional layer of suspense as you progress. The music intensifies when an antagonist is nearby or during cutscenes showing Low and Alone surviving. Overall, the game’s score does an excellent job of enhancing the atmosphere.

One of the most significant advantages of  the game is the accessibility options available in the settings. It’s not just about adjusting text size or brightness; players can also highlight specific objects to make gameplay easier. For instance, players can choose a color to outline antagonists or interactive elements like stairs. With everything blending so seamlessly with its unique design, some players may find it challenging to navigate certain areas. This is where the accessibility adjustments come in handy.

The Last Nightmare

Little Nightmares III continues the series’ dark charm, this time leaning into teamwork to tackle its eerie puzzles. It’s a spooky yet enjoyable experience that feels fresh when played with a partner. Two heads are better than one.

PlayStation 4/5 codes were provided for this review. Little Nightmares III will be released on October 10, 2025 for Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.