Since its first reveal, Little Nightmares III has raised plenty of concern about whether it could live up to its predecessors—especially since the project was handed over to a new team, Supermassive Games, the studio behind story-driven horror titles such as Until Dawn and The Dark Pictures Anthology.
After finishing the game, it’s safe to say the studio handled the responsibility with confidence and care, even if there are lessons to be learned should they decide to continue the series with a fourth installment. Here’s our full Little Nightmares III review.
A Mysterious Story in a Dark World
Just like the previous entries in the Little Nightmares series, the third game drops you directly into its gloomy world without explanation or dialogue. You and your partner can choose between Low and Alone, setting out on a haunting journey across eerie locations filled with monstrous figures — from the Dead City and the Candy Factory to the nightmarish amusement park.
The storytelling once again relies on environmental storytelling rather than cinematic cutscenes, letting the world itself narrate the tragedy and mystery around you. The result is subtle, immersive, and deeply effective.
The narrative is packed with symbolism and hidden meanings that tie closely to the larger Little Nightmares universe. Many of the studio’s hints and references won’t fully make sense unless you’ve played the earlier titles.
Unfortunately, the game’s length is quite short — around six hours divided into four chapters. It’s a shame that Supermassive Games didn’t expand the world a bit more to allow for longer exploration. Still, a 2026 DLC is already confirmed to include two new chapters, which should delight fans eager for more.
Familiar Gameplay with Smart Improvements
Little Nightmares III doesn’t reinvent its formula but rather builds upon the foundation of its predecessors. The gameplay revolves around moving from left to right, solving puzzles, and escaping from terrifying creatures trying to capture you.
The biggest change here is the introduction of co-op gameplay for the first time in the series. You and a friend can play together online, and the addition of a Friend Pass means only one copy of the game is needed for both players. Of course, solo play remains an option, with the AI controlling the second character.
Each protagonist has a unique ability — Low wields a bow and arrow, while Alone carries a wrench — forcing cooperation to overcome obstacles and monsters. This mechanic works well and reinforces the sense of connection between the two characters.
However, some new gameplay ideas aren’t fully explored. For example, the umbrella introduced in the first chapter, which allows players to glide between platforms, disappears completely afterward. It would’ve been great to see such mechanics evolve and expand in later stages.
On the bright side, the horror atmosphere remains strong. Chase sequences, stealth moments, and sudden encounters with giant foes all deliver the same tension that fans expect, now amplified by the shared experience of co-op play. The chilling soundtrack by Tobias Lilja deserves special mention — it’s hauntingly beautiful and perfectly elevates every terrifying moment.
One odd design choice, however, is that co-op is online-only. While that works fine, the absence of local couch co-op feels like a missed opportunity, especially for players who want to share the experience on the same screen. Hopefully, this will be added in a future update.
Excellent Use of Unreal Engine 5
Built on Unreal Engine 5, Little Nightmares III is a visual showcase. Supermassive Games has leveraged the engine’s lighting, reflections, and texture systems brilliantly. Each chapter feels like a completely different visual experience — from the dusty ruins of the Dead City to the unsettling brightness of the Candy Factory and the twisted chaos of the fairgrounds.
You’ll often find yourself stopping just to admire the view or take screenshots, thanks to the exceptional art direction and cinematography. Silent cutscenes introducing new locations or enemies are presented with remarkable flair, often resembling short horror films in their framing and atmosphere.
Technically, the performance is solid. On PlayStation 5, the game runs at 4K and 60 FPS with no noticeable drops, while the PC version offers even higher fidelity at maximum settings.
Minor bugs do exist — occasional glitches or moments where characters get stuck in the environment — but they’re rare and barely affect the overall experience.
Little Nightmares III Review Final Verdict
Despite its short runtime and a few underused mechanics, Little Nightmares III proves that Supermassive Games successfully preserved the eerie soul of the series. It introduces cooperative play, enriches the horror atmosphere, and delivers breathtaking visuals powered by Unreal Engine 5.
It’s a unique, unsettling, and cinematic horror experience that honors the legacy of Little Nightmares with confidence and style.
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