Little Nightmares III Preview: The Final Step Into a Co-Op Horror Dreamscape

Note: The build previewed is still under development, so the final release may deliver different experiences depending on platform.

The nightmare continues with Little Nightmares III, the third installment of the eerie puzzle-platformer series that has captivated horror fans worldwide. This time, the game explores childhood fears brought to life in haunting environments where players must survive as fragile, tiny humans navigating a world of twisted monsters and terrifying landscapes. What makes this entry even more exciting is the involvement of Supermassive Games as the developer, a studio already known for mastering interactive horror experiences.

This return to the series feels like one of the most anticipated comebacks in gaming, thanks to the franchise’s strong fanbase and its proven track record of delivering spine-chilling atmospheres. With Bandai Namco Entertainment Asia recently hosting a special media preview, the spotlight this time was on testing the online multiplayer mode, a first for the series.

At its core, Little Nightmares III remains an action-platformer with puzzle-solving mechanics. Players control two child characters, Low and Alone. Both can run, climb, jump, grab and throw objects, and solve puzzles. However, their individuality shines through in their unique tools. Low, the masked boy, wields a bow, while Alone, a girl dressed in green overalls and a face-covering mask, carries a massive wrench as her weapon of choice. Their tools are essential for progressing through the game, requiring cooperation and teamwork. For this preview, we stepped into the shoes of Alone.

The demo introduced a sinister carnival setting drenched in rain, offering a tense yet visually striking playground filled with secrets and dangers. While the paths seemed straightforward, environmental details encouraged exploration. Enemy encounters quickly heightened the tension. The Herds, giant candy factory workers, posed the biggest immediate threat, charging at Low and Alone when provoked. The twist is that these creatures are blind, forcing players to sneak past silently. Another horrifying enemy type was the twitching puppet dolls, moving unpredictably with grotesque, decayed appearances that made them even more terrifying.

The demo also featured boss encounters such as the ominous purple-clad Kin and his smaller counterparts, the Mini-Kin. These fights brought relentless chases that left no room for error, perfectly capturing the thrilling fear that defines the series. Fans of the franchise may recognize this setting from The Sounds of Nightmares, tying the game into the extended lore. With online Co-op gameplay, coordination between players became vital, as both needed to survive together under intense pressure.

The cooperative design did not lessen the fear factor. Even with a partner, the tension remained high, as one player’s mistake often meant restarting from a shared checkpoint. Some scenarios, however, were more forgiving, reviving only the fallen partner at a checkpoint. This balance kept the game challenging but never overwhelming.

Little Nightmares III continues the series’ legacy of blending hauntingly atmospheric visuals with psychological horror, now amplified by the new Online Co-op experience. The story follows Low and Alone through desolate dreamscapes plagued by monsters, where survival depends on both wit and teamwork. With support for multiple languages including Thai, the game is poised to resonate with a global audience.

The game launches on October 10 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam. Pre-orders are already available, offering special bonuses for early supporters. This installment not only builds on the eerie charm of its predecessors but also evolves into a more connected and collaborative nightmare. Fans of horror and cooperative gameplay should not miss this one.

In the end, Little Nightmares III looks to capture everything that made the series special while adding a fresh multiplayer twist. The game is shaping up to be more than just a continuation; it’s a bold evolution. With its mix of fear, strategy, and cooperation, this may well become one of the most talked-about horror titles of the year. As Halloween approaches, there may be no better way to step into the dark than with a friend by your side.