Little Nightmares III is the upcoming title from Supermassive Games, an atmospheric adventure that marks the third entry in the beloved franchise. This time, players will once again enter the dreamlike world of the Nowhere.
With its release on the horizon, many are asking: “Do I need to play Little Nightmares 1 and 2 before jumping into 3?” Here we’ll answer this question.
Little Nightmares 3 Story
In the third installment, players are introduced to new protagonists – Low and Alone. The two best friends are trying to escape the Nowhere, each equipped with their own useful tool: Low carries a bow, while Alone wields a wrench. These items play a key role in gameplay, helping to fight enemies, break through obstacles, and reach otherwise inaccessible areas.
The duo finds themselves in The Spiral, described as “a cluster of disturbing places” filled with dangers and surreal visions. Little Nightmares III also introduces online co-op for the first time, alongside a solo mode with an AI companion.
Players will also encounter new types of monsters across dangerous locations, such as the towering Monster Baby in the Necropolis or swarms of Candy Weevils in the Candy Factory. Low and Alone must rely on each other, hiding and defending themselves as they fight to survive.
Do you need to play Little Nightmares 1 and 2 before 3?
We’ve got plenty of new elements in Little Nightmares 3, but is it really necessary to play both prequels before diving into the new installment? No, but it’s recommended. Here are the connections explained.
While Little Nightmares III tells a different story than the previous games, meaning continuity and timeline of the narrative isn’t required, the trilogy is tied together through lore, atmosphere, and its signature blend of surrealism, horror, and symbolism. Recurring themes include children forced to survive in a world filled with grotesque monsters, a sense of powerlessness, loneliness heightened by vast spaces, and the absence of dialogue, with storytelling delivered entirely through visuals.
Interestingly, in Little Nightmares I the atmosphere of loneliness was even stronger, as only one protagonist – Six – was introduced. In the second installment, Six is accompanied by Mono, and in the third we meet two new friends as protagonists. This progression highlights how relationships gradually become more meaningful across the series.
Players will likely spot references and Easter eggs from the earlier games, and those familiar with LN I & II will uncover extra context and emotional depth. Still, newcomers are welcome to jump straight into LN3 without feeling lost.
Conclusion
So, to conclude – no, you don’t need to play Little Nightmares 1 and 2 before diving into 3. However, it’s recommended if you want to fully appreciate the context, deeper meaning, symbolism, and hidden Easter eggs. If you’d like to catch up, you can find the previous titles on G2A.