Little Nightmares III Co-op Guide: How Online Multiplayer & the Friend’s Pass Work (2025)

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For the first time in the haunting Little Nightmares series, you don’t have to face the darkness alone. Little Nightmares III introduces a game-changing co-op mode that transforms the franchise’s trademark isolation into a shared survival experience.

As Low and Alone, you and a friend will traverse the terrifying world of The Spiral—solving puzzles, dodging monstrous pursuers, and uncovering sinister secrets together.

This complete co-op guide explains everything you need to know about playing with friends, from setting up online sessions and using the Friend’s Pass to mastering character-specific strategies for survival. Whether you’re coordinating puzzle timing or fleeing from The Spiral’s horrors, understanding how multiplayer works will make your shared nightmare unforgettable.

🎮 How Online Co-op Works in Little Nightmares 3

For the first time, Little Nightmares III has been built entirely around two-player online co-op gameplay. The campaign was designed from the ground up for shared exploration and puzzle-solving—an exciting evolution from the solitary journeys of Six and Mono in earlier titles.

Little Nightmares III Co-op Guide
How to Join a Friend (Step-by-Step)

  1. From the main menu, the player who owns the full game selects the Multiplayer option.

  2. The game creates an online session (this may take 30–60 seconds).

  3. The host invites a friend from their platform’s friend list (Steam, PSN, Xbox Live, etc.).

  4. The friend accepts the invite and joins the lobby.

  5. Both players select their characters — Low or Alone — and start the shared campaign.

The Co-op Experience

Every decision matters in co-op. A mistimed jump, a missed switch, or a poor hiding spot can doom both players. The shared tension makes every escape feel like a joint triumph, transforming fear into teamwork.

This shift in emotional tone—from isolation to mutual reliance—adds a fresh dimension to the Little Nightmares formula while keeping the series’ iconic unease intact.

🧩 Friend’s Pass Explained: Play Co-op with Just One Copy

One of the most player-friendly additions in Little Nightmares III is the Friend’s Pass system, which lets you play the entire campaign with a friend—even if they don’t own the game.

How the Friend’s Pass Works

  • The non-owner downloads the free “Trial & Friend’s Pass” from their platform’s store.

  • Only the full-game owner can host a session, but the Friend’s Pass user can join invitations seamlessly.

  • Progress and achievements save for both players.

  • Both must be on the same platform family (PlayStation, Xbox, or PC via Steam).

What’s Included

✅ Full access to the campaign when joining a host
✅ All customization options
✅ Ability to earn trophies/achievements
✅ Permanent save progression

This generous system makes Little Nightmares III one of the most accessible co-op horror games of 2025—perfect for convincing a hesitant friend to face The Spiral with you.

🌐 Crossplay, Platform Limits, and Co-op Modes

Before inviting your friend, it’s important to understand the platform limitations of Little Nightmares III’s multiplayer setup.

Feature                            Supported?        Details
Online Co-op✅ YesFull two-player campaign
Local / Couch Co-op❌ NoSplit-screen not supported
Cross-Platform Play❌ NoLocked to same platform ecosystem
Cross-Generation⚠️ LimitedPS4 ↔ PS5 and Xbox One ↔ Series X/S

Key Limitations

  • 🚫 No Crossplay: PlayStation, Xbox, and PC ecosystems are isolated.

  • 🪞 No Local Co-op: Each player needs their own device (or one Friend’s Pass).

  • 💾 Save File Lock: Co-op saves cannot be converted to solo play—or vice versa.

Choose your platform wisely—you and your friend must be on the same system family to connect successfully.

🧠 Co-op Puzzle Strategies & Character Roles

Cooperation and communication are key to survival. Each character has distinct abilities that complement one another—understanding their roles is vital for solving puzzles efficiently.

Low – The Archer

  • Tool: Bow & Arrow

  • Role: Hit distant switches, cut ropes, and trigger environmental mechanisms.

  • Playstyle: Strategic, distance-focused. Ideal for players who like puzzle-solving from range.

Alone – The Mechanic

  • Tool: Wrench

  • Role: Smash barriers, operate machinery, and manipulate heavy mechanisms.

  • Playstyle: Hands-on and direct, perfect for explorers who love close interaction.

Essential Co-op Strategies

  • ⚔️ Unequip Tools: You can’t sprint or climb while holding your weapon—unequip after every use.

  • 🕵️ Move in Staggered Stealth: Take turns moving between cover to reduce detection.

  • ⏱️ Synchronize Actions: Count aloud (“3, 2, 1, go!”) for simultaneous puzzle triggers.

  • 👁️ Maintain Awareness: Regularly pan the camera to warn your partner of upcoming dangers.

👤 Solo Mode: Playing Without a Partner

If you can’t find a friend (or prefer the old-school solitary tension), Little Nightmares III supports single-player mode with a surprisingly competent AI companion.

AI Companion Behavior

  • Helps with puzzles and keeps pace during chase scenes.

  • Offers subtle puzzle hints by looking at key objects.

  • Rarely causes mission failure—though minor pathfinding hiccups can occur.

Solo Play Tips

  • 🗣️ Use the Call Command (Q/Triangle/Y) to prompt your partner’s actions.

  • 👀 Pay attention when your partner stops or stares—these are clues.

  • 🎯 Try playing as Low for smoother puzzle control.

  • 🔄 If the AI gets stuck, move rooms to reset its pathfinding.

While the AI does a good job, the true magic of the game shines in real co-op, where human timing and teamwork bring the horror to life.

🕯️ Conclusion: A New Era of Shared Nightmares

Little Nightmares III delivers a bold evolution for the franchise—turning isolation into shared terror without sacrificing atmosphere.

Though the lack of crossplay and local co-op may frustrate some, the Friend’s Pass system and carefully designed online mode make it one of the most approachable and emotionally engaging horror experiences of 2025.

Whether you’re solving puzzles side by side or trusting your AI ally in solo play, the journey through The Spiral remains chilling, beautiful, and unforgettable.

Now that you know how co-op works, it’s time to find your partner, choose your role, and face the nightmares together—because in this world, survival is better shared.     

🧩 Community Links & Resources

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