Little Nightmares III Ushers Players into a Darker, Co-op Nightmare
The critically acclaimed Little Nightmares series continues to captivate horror fans, and today, Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc. releases the latest installment, Little Nightmares III, available now on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Xbox PC as an Xbox Play Anywhere title. For the first time in the series, players can confront their childhood fears alongside a friend with the addition of online co-op.
Players will embody Low and Alone, two children inextricably linked and desperate to escape the haunting world of the Nowhere. Their unique bond allows for near-telepathic communication, a crucial asset as they navigate a treacherous landscape. The duo discovers a network of mirrors that transport them to disparate locations within the Spiral, but these journeys are one-way, adding a layer of permanent consequence to their exploration.
To aid players in their harrowing journey, here’s a guide to the unsettling locations Low and Alone will traverse as they delve deeper into the Spiral in search of an escape.
The Necropolis: A Desert of Forgotten Dwellers
The Necropolis is a sprawling, ancient city situated in a windswept desert. Once home to the enigmatic Dwellers, it now stands in ruins, populated only by strange statues and remnants of a lost civilization.
Players will utilize feather umbrellas to harness the updrafts created by the city’s remaining windmills, providing a unique traversal mechanic. However, the Necropolis is also home to hives of enormous Beetles, requiring Low’s arrows and Alone’s wrench to overcome. A particularly menacing threat lurks within the ruins: Monster Baby, who views Low and Alone as mere playthings.
The Candy Factory: A Sticky, Sinister Sweet Shop
This imposing factory, perpetually shrouded in smoke, is ruled by the Supervisor, who meticulously oversees the production of an endless stream of sickly sweet treats. From her surveillance hub, she monitors every corner of the facility, ready to capture anyone who dares disrupt the sugary process.
Beneath the watchful eye of the cameras, hordes of parasitic Candy Weevils thrive, feeding on discarded stock. Players must strategically employ light to ward off these swarming pests. The factory’s production line is staffed by the Herds, apathetic workers seemingly oblivious to the unsettling ingredient added to every confection.
The Vault of Curiosity: Echoes of the Nowhere’s Past
This expansive museum serves as a repository of artifacts and history from across the Nowhere. Abandoned by its curators and plunged into darkness, players will rely on a simple flashlight to navigate the dust-filled halls and spiderwebs.
Familiar faces from previous Little Nightmares games reappear, and a collection of Nomes inhabit the Vault’s hidden corners, offering cryptic clues about the museum’s origins. Solving intricate puzzles is key to unlocking the Vault’s secrets and unraveling the mysteries of the Nowhere.
The Carnevale: A Twisted Celebration
The Carnevale offers a fleeting respite of fun and frivolity on its rain-soaked boardwalks. This dilapidated carnival, filled with creaking rides and games, hosts members of the Herd enjoying their day off from the Factory.
However, the festivities are a facade. Members of the Herd are routinely “culled” in sinister accidents, and Low and Alone must avoid both these hapless victims and the malicious Puppets who operate the stalls. The Kin, the ringmaster, orchestrates the chaos, capturing players to add to his macabre collection, forcing them to collaborate to avoid becoming part of the show.
The Institute: A Distorted Reality
At the heart of the Spiral lies the Institute, a decaying and abandoned facility shrouded in a distorted reality. The jungle has reclaimed the building, with carnivorous plants posing a deadly threat to those who venture within.
Attentive Nurses still patrol the more intact sections of the campus, seemingly awaiting patients. A greater, more sinister presence lurks in the depths of the Institute, promising a terrifying challenge for those brave enough to seek it out.
Embark on the Nightmare Today
Little Nightmares III offers a standalone experience, welcoming newcomers to the series while providing a deeper dive for returning fans. Players can team up with a friend online, or utilize an AI companion. A free demo of the Necropolis is also available.
“This is only the start of your adventures together in the Nowhere,” a company release stated. Players can purchase the standard edition for $39.99 or the Deluxe Edition for $59.99, which includes the “Secrets of the Spiral” expansion pass and “The Residents Costume Set.” Prepare to face your fears, because, as the developers warn, “we know the truth.”
