Little Nightmares

Little Nightmares is a one of a kind horror game that you need to play.

86%Game Brain Score

story, atmosphere

grinding, stability

94% User Score Based on 65,060 reviews

Critic Score 77%Based on 61 reviews

Platforms

Buy Nowfrom $5.33

Buy NowGet on Steam€19.99

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About

In Little Nightmares, players control Six, a young girl trying to escape "The Maw," a creepy vessel filled with grotesque creatures. The game features a dark, whimsical world filled with puzzles and secrets to discover. With its unique art style and atmospheric gameplay, Little Nightmares encourages players to reconnect with their inner child and unleash their imagination to escape from the horrors that lurk in the shadows.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo

94%

Audience ScoreBased on 65,121 reviews

story4.9k positive mentions

grinding239 negative mentions

The game features stunning visuals and a unique art style that creates a haunting and immersive atmosphere.
The emotional depth of the story, conveyed through environmental storytelling and character design, resonates with players and leaves a lasting impression.
The sound design and music effectively enhance the eerie ambiance, contributing significantly to the overall immersive experience.

Gameplay mechanics can be frustrating due to clunky controls and a trial-and-error approach, leading to tedious and repetitive experiences.
The narrative is often criticized for being vague and lacking coherence, leaving players feeling disconnected from the story.
Technical issues, including bugs and glitches, detract from the overall experience, causing frustration for many players.

story
11,263 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
43%
53%
4%
The story of *Little Nightmares* is characterized by its atmospheric and immersive storytelling, conveyed entirely through visuals and environmental cues rather than dialogue. Players navigate a dark, surreal world filled with grotesque characters, piecing together a haunting narrative that explores themes of fear, vulnerability, and survival. While the story is often described as vague and open to interpretation, it captivates players with its emotional depth and unsettling twists, leaving them eager for more, especially with the additional context provided by the DLCs.
- “The story, though mysterious, is deeply immersive, making you feel for the young protagonist as they navigate through dark and dangerous environments.”
- “With its stunning visuals, engaging gameplay, and thought-provoking story, it’s a title that lingers in your mind long after the credits roll.”
- “The story unfolds in a subtle yet impactful way, relying on environmental storytelling to convey its themes of fear and vulnerability.”
- “The story isn't really there, so if you're looking for a game with storytelling, this won't be the one but it will be a game you can play late at night to relax and solve some puzzles/mysteries.”
- “The lack of story made me alternatively feel bored or frustrated to the point where playing was a chore and I had no reason to continue except I've paid for this.”
- “The story is very vague at first glance; you're on some sort of ship, you gotta escape a bunch of insatiable gluttons, while at the same time you tend to get a bit hungry too and sometimes the distinction between them and you is pretty thin.”
atmosphere
7,925 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
70%
29%
1%
The atmosphere in *Little Nightmares* is widely praised for its haunting and immersive qualities, effectively blending eerie visuals, unsettling sound design, and a unique art style to create a deeply engaging experience. Players appreciate the game's ability to evoke feelings of dread and tension without relying on jump scares, instead focusing on a chilling ambiance that enhances the narrative and gameplay. Despite some criticisms regarding controls and gameplay mechanics, the overall atmospheric design is considered one of the game's strongest assets, making it a must-play for fans of atmospheric horror.
- “A near-masterpiece of design and atmosphere.”
- “Little Nightmares is a hauntingly atmospheric puzzle-platformer that combines eerie visuals with gripping suspense.”
- “The atmosphere, the gameplay, the sound design, the story, pretty much everything is good or great.”
- “The game tries to create a horror atmosphere, but it’s ruined by forcing you to spend ages retrying a simple jump due to poor movement mechanics.”
- “The atmosphere completely falls apart because of this.”
- “While the game's eerie atmosphere initially draws players in, the narrative fails to capitalize on this potential.”
graphics
7,708 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
63%
36%
1%
The graphics of "Little Nightmares" have been widely praised for their stunning and unique art style, often compared to the works of Tim Burton. Players appreciate the game's atmospheric visuals, which effectively create a haunting and eerie environment that enhances the overall experience. However, some critiques mention that the visuals can occasionally hinder gameplay due to depth perception issues and unclear navigation, but the overall aesthetic remains a significant highlight of the game.
- “Little nightmares is a beautifully crafted, atmospheric game that blends horror, puzzle-solving, and a unique art style.”
- “The graphics are beautiful but scary, the gameplay is something you have to get used to, and the lore is just a rabbit hole of speculation that just seems to keep on going.”
- “The game’s visuals are stunning, featuring a meticulously crafted environment that evokes a sense of dread and curiosity.”
- “Second, I found the visuals too hazy for my liking.”
- “If you like having to redo the same puzzles 5 times in a row because of bad controls, visuals that make it hard to know what to do or where to go (resulting in deaths and redoing the same thing over and over) and basically either unfairness or bulls***, then, this game is for you.”
- “Often, I didn't know where to go because of the visuals.”
gameplay
6,310 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
35%
58%
7%
The gameplay of "Little Nightmares" has received mixed reviews, with many players praising its atmospheric design and engaging puzzles, while others criticize its simplicity and occasional clunkiness. The game combines stealth, exploration, and puzzle-solving elements, creating a tense experience, but some mechanics can feel frustrating due to trial-and-error gameplay and imprecise controls. Overall, while the visuals and ambiance are highly regarded, the gameplay is often seen as the weakest aspect, with many players suggesting it may not justify the price for its relatively short playtime of around 3-5 hours.
- “Its chilling world and clever gameplay make for a captivating and unsettling experience.”
- “The gameplay is a perfect blend of stealth, exploration, and puzzle-solving, keeping players engaged and challenged throughout.”
- “Overall, Little Nightmares is a captivating journey that masterfully combines stunning visuals, engaging gameplay, and a haunting atmosphere.”
- “20€ for 2.5 hours of gameplay?!”
- “The game tries to create a horror atmosphere, but it’s ruined by forcing you to spend ages retrying a simple jump due to poor movement mechanics.”
- “The gameplay is simplistic platforming and overcoming obstacles.”
music
3,520 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
57%
42%
1%
The music in "Little Nightmares" has been widely praised for its haunting and atmospheric qualities, effectively enhancing the game's eerie ambiance and emotional depth. Players appreciate the sparse yet impactful use of music, which heightens tension during critical moments and complements the unsettling visuals. Overall, the soundtrack is considered a standout feature, contributing significantly to the immersive experience of the game.
- “The sound design and music amplify the tension, immersing you in its unsettling environment.”
- “The soundtrack is beautiful and I will definitely be playing Remainal and Little Nightmares 3 when they come out.”
- “The soundscapes and haunting soundtrack add to the immersive experience, intensifying the feeling of unease and drawing players into the world of Little Nightmares.”
- “Music was forgettable.”
- “I guess the game doesn't emphasize music that much in favor of ambient sound design, which is a good idea overall, but when they hit you with the main song, it's jarring and it's not very good either.”
- “The soundtrack did not really do anything for me either.”
replayability
496 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
20%
64%
16%
The game's replayability is a contentious topic among players, with many noting its short playtime of around 3-5 hours and a linear narrative that limits significant replay value. While some players appreciate the opportunity to hunt for collectibles and achievements, others feel that once the game is completed, there is little incentive to replay it. Overall, opinions vary widely, with some finding it enjoyable enough to revisit, while others deem it lacking in replayability.
- “While it doesn’t offer much in the way of replay value in terms of new gameplay mechanics or branching storylines, the game’s atmosphere and lore invite multiple playthroughs to uncover hidden details and secrets.”
- “The achievements and hidden collectibles make this game replayable and still incredibly enjoyable with its atmospheric environment and absolutely incredible sound design!”
- “This game has so much replayability it's insane; Little Nightmares is how you make a horror game.”
- “Replay value is also low, in my opinion.”
- “Due to its linear nature and the lack of significant changes in subsequent playthroughs, Little Nightmares offers limited replay value.”
- “It's very short and once you 100% complete it, there's no replay value.”
character development
443 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
51%
46%
3%
Character development in the game is primarily conveyed through its striking and grotesque character designs, which evoke a sense of unease and charm, reminiscent of Tim Burton's style. Players appreciate the memorable and chilling aesthetics that enhance the overall atmosphere, while the protagonist's journey, particularly that of "Six," is noted for its emotional depth despite minimal dialogue. The game's ability to tell a compelling story through visual elements and character interactions leaves a lasting impression on players, making it a standout in the horror genre.
- “The character designs are imaginative and grotesque, further immersing you in this surreal world.”
- “The character design, especially that of the protagonist Six, is both adorable and disturbing at the same time – a perfect fit for the game's unsettling vibe.”
- “The game's visual style is undeniably its strongest suit, with its grotesque character designs and dimly lit environments setting a mood that is both unsettling and intriguing.”
- “The game tried to be scary, but unfortunately due to the bad character designs, I was really disappointed.”
- “Overall the game tried its best, but I do not recommend playing it due to the clunky controls and bad character designs.”
- “Others may say the game is 'open for interpretation' but since there is literally no coherent story or any information, just some random settings and characters being put after another, you might interpret any story or deep character development into the 'story'.”
grinding
415 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
1%
41%
58%
The grinding aspect of the game has received largely negative feedback, with many players describing the gameplay as tedious, slow, and repetitive. Common complaints include clunky controls, frustrating platforming, and a checkpoint system that forces players to redo lengthy sections, leading to a sense of monotony. While some players found enjoyment in the story and atmosphere, the overall consensus is that the game often feels like a grind, requiring excessive effort to progress.
- “A bit grindy... sometimes.”
- “One long, tedious grind.”
- “Average level of grinding.”
- “The gameplay is just tedious.”
- “This game, and its DLC, is a tedious slog through an uninteresting world.”
- “I really wanted to like this game, but it was way too boring and tedious to be enjoyable.”
emotional
399 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The emotional aspect of "Little Nightmares" is deeply impactful, with players reporting a wide range of feelings from fear and unease to heartwarming moments and profound sadness. The game's atmospheric storytelling, enhanced by its haunting soundtrack and unique art style, allows for a strong emotional connection, often leading to tears during pivotal scenes, especially in the DLC. Despite its lack of explicit dialogue, the game effectively conveys a touching narrative that resonates with players, making it a memorable emotional experience.
- “While the controls can be frustrating at times and the game is on the shorter side, the emotional impact and chilling world it presents make it a must-play for fans of atmospheric horror.”
- “Without a single word, the game manages to tell a deep and emotional story through its environment and situations.”
- “The game's emphasis on atmosphere and symbolism allows for a deeper emotional connection, leaving a lasting impact even after the credits roll.”
stability
346 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
3%
2%
95%
The game's stability has been widely criticized, with numerous players reporting frequent bugs, glitches, and control issues that detract from the overall experience. While some users found the game enjoyable despite these technical problems, many expressed frustration over game-breaking glitches and inconsistent performance, particularly in the DLC content. Overall, the game is described as "buggy" and "janky," leading to mixed recommendations based on individual tolerance for such issues.
- “The game itself was fun to play, with no glitches that I came across.”
- “I experienced no glitches throughout the game; all the animations are flawless, and I saw no seams or visual weirdness.”
- “The achievements are hard but doable; the game has barely any glitches, and the gameplay is pretty fun.”
- “The achievement is broken and there are so many glitches.”
- “Unfortunately, the immersion is marred by occasional technical problems and small glitches, such as the protagonist getting stuck and twitching in place.”
- “The game is really buggy; I mean, really, sometimes you will lose in critical places because of a bug and go all the way back to the checkpoint.”
humor
328 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
99%
1%
The humor in the game is described as a blend of dark and macabre elements, often eliciting laughter through absurd situations and grotesque character designs. Players find themselves amused by the quirky animations, unexpected interactions, and the juxtaposition of horror and comedy, making for a uniquely entertaining experience. While some moments can be genuinely scary, many reviews highlight that the game's humor often overshadows the horror, resulting in a fun and engaging adventure.
- “This twisted and hilarious adventure takes you through a nightmarish world filled with creepy dolls, grotesque chefs, and hungry monsters.”
- “Little Nightmares doesn't take itself too seriously, sprinkling dark humor throughout the gameplay.”
- “The janitor has funny noodly arms, I rolled on the floor laughing my flipping arse off!”
- “Game has charming art style, nice soundtrack, okay story, but when you just can't get through that one single spot in the second half of the game and try again and again and again for dozens of times, it's just not funny anymore and invalidates all the progress.”
- “Starvation is not funny.”
optimization
200 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
38%
49%
13%
The game's optimization has received mixed feedback, with many players noting that it runs smoothly on various systems, often without significant bugs or performance issues. However, some users reported occasional gameplay jankiness, control problems, and specific bugs that detract from the experience, particularly on non-console platforms. Overall, while the graphics and performance are generally praised, there are calls for better optimization, especially regarding controls and certain gameplay mechanics.
- “The gameplay is smooth and controls are easy to figure out, and I never had any issues as this game is highly polished and optimized.”
- “Great graphics, well optimized; I was getting 140 fps on ultra all the way through.”
- “The game itself is beautiful; the graphics are amazing and it seems to be very well optimized to look as good as possible without sacrificing your framerate.”
- “You try to force your little girl of a character to run/jump/grab/grasp things to get there, only to fail 10 times in a row thanks to the subhuman level of gameplay optimization.”
- “I really wanted to like this game... however, the controls aren't optimized for PC; too many obstacles seemingly aren't in the way but physically prevent you from moving; points to vault or climb are too narrow or too minimal to actually work; also, enemies get stuck in places you need to get through, thus forcing you to restart the area.”
- “Very nice game, one of the most beautiful games I've ever played, but it is not optimized!”
monetization
12 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The monetization aspect of the game has received mixed feedback, with some players feeling that the $20 price tag is too high and suggesting waiting for a sale. There are concerns about the game's advertising practices, with some labeling it a cash grab, while others appreciate the music's contribution to the atmosphere. Overall, opinions vary on the value for money and the impact of ads on the gaming experience.
- “It seems like a cash grab to me.”
- “Now, to understand my reaction, you have to first know that I hate advertising with a burning passion.”
- “I'd argue that for those interested in playing this game, the $20 is a little too much and that you should wait for it to go on sale, but if anything about the game's advertising has stood out to you, it's ultimately worth a go.”

77%Critics’ scoreBased on 68 critic reviews

Buy Little Nightmares

4h Median play time

6h Average play time

4h Main story

8h Completionist

3-6h Spent by most gamers

*Based on 446 analyzed playthroughs

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