Little Nightmares 3 is built around two playable characters — Low and Alone — and finally lets two people tackle its setpieces together. Co-op is online-only, with no couch play. If you prefer to go it alone, an AI partner steps in and reliably handles the second role.

Co-op basics (what you need to know)

  • Mode: Online-only co-op for two players. No local/couch co-op.
  • Solo option: Yes — the second character is controlled by AI.
  • Internet: Required for co-op sessions; on consoles, an active online subscription is typically needed.
  • Character roles: Each lead has a distinct tool and use case during puzzles and encounters (e.g., a bow for distance interactions and a heavy tool for smashing and switches).

Friend’s Pass (one copy for two players)

A Friend’s Pass is included at launch on platforms that support it. With this pass, only one player needs to own the game; their friend can join online at no extra cost. This is intended to make co-op accessible without requiring a second purchase.

Save behavior is strict: when you start a co-op save, you must finish that save in co-op with the same two players. You can’t switch a save between solo and co-op, or swap partners mid-run. If you want to play solo or with a different friend, start a new save. The game provides up to eight save slots.

Cross-play and cross-gen status

  • Cross-platform (between different console families/PC): Not supported.
  • Cross-generation at launch (e.g., PS4 ↔ PS5, Xbox One ↔ Series): Not available at launch; the team has considered adding it but hasn’t committed further.
  • Nintendo Switch ↔ Switch 2: Cross-generation support is in the works, with details to follow.

If you’re planning to play with someone on a different platform family, you won’t be able to connect. If you share the same platform family but different generations, plan on playing on the same generation at launch.

How the two-character design shapes co-op

Levels lean on collaboration: one player clears obstacles or holds switches while the other triggers a mechanism or retrieves an out‑of‑reach item. The distinct tools are designed to complement each other — for example, ranged interactions to sever a rope versus blunt-force actions to break a weak surface or hit a pressure plate. In solo play, the AI partner generally recognizes when to act and can follow prompts to use their specific tool.

Key co-op features and limits at a glance

Feature How it works in Little Nightmares 3
Co-op mode Online-only, two players
Local/couch co-op Not supported
Solo play Yes — AI controls the second character
Internet requirement Required for co-op; console subscriptions typically apply
Friend’s Pass Included at launch where supported; one copy hosts two players
Cross-platform play Not supported
Cross-generation (launch) Not available at launch; may be considered later
Switch ↔ Switch 2 cross-gen Planned to be supported (details to come)
Save slots Up to 8
Save rules Co-op saves are locked to the same two players; no switching between solo and co-op on the same save

Release and platforms

Little Nightmares 3 launched on October 10, 2025 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch.

If you’re planning a co-op run, align on platform and generation first, then decide whether you’ll host with Friend’s Pass or both buy in. Because saves are bound to your partner pairing, pick who you’re playing with upfront — and expect to commit together through the end.