Little Nightmares 3 continues the eerie charm of its predecessors, blending atmospheric horror with puzzle-platforming tension. Developed by Supermassive Games and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment, the third entry introduces a new setting called The Spiral and two new protagonists — Low and Alone. It’s also the first in the series to feature online co-op, making every escape sequence and puzzle-solving moment even more intense.
How Long to Beat Little Nightmares 3
On average, a standard playthrough of Little Nightmares 3 takes around 7 to 8 hours to finish the main story. Players who rush through puzzles and focus purely on story progression can complete it in roughly 5 hours, while those who explore, experiment, and take their time will likely reach closer to 8 to 9 hours of gameplay.
Supermassive Games has maintained the franchise’s signature pacing — short but emotionally charged sequences that encourage replayability. Each chapter has its own rhythm, alternating between tension-filled chases and slower puzzle-solving sections, which affects the total playtime depending on your familiarity with the series’ mechanics.
Full Completion Time – Every Collectible & Trophy
If you’re aiming for 100% completion, expect a playtime between 10 to 15 hours. This includes:
- Collecting all hidden Dolls across the four chapters.
- Unlocking all trophies and achievements (32 total).
- Replaying certain levels with both Low and Alone, since some achievements are character-specific.
Completionist runs often take longer due to backtracking and replaying levels to find collectibles or secrets. Without a guide, players could spend even more time uncovering every hidden path in The Spiral.
See also: Little Nightmares 3 Multiplayer & Friend’s Pass Guide
All Chapters in Little Nightmares 3 (Story & Time Estimates)
The base game of Little Nightmares 3 features four main chapters, each set in a unique and unsettling environment filled with puzzles, chases, and environmental storytelling. Here’s the breakdown of every chapter and its average completion time:
| Chapter | Setting | Estimated Time (Normal Run) | Rushed Playthrough |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chapter 1: Necropolis | A desert city of tombs and lost echoes. | ~1 hour | ~40 minutes |
| Chapter 2: Candy Factory | A grotesque, industrial nightmare full of mechanical traps. | ~50 minutes | ~35 minutes |
| Chapter 3: Carnavale | A creepy festival zone packed with mannequins and illusions. | ~1.5 hours | ~50 minutes |
| Chapter 4: The Institute | A crumbling research facility where the final horrors unfold. | ~2 hours | ~1.5 hours |
Total Story Time: Approximately 5 hours 20 minutes on a standard run, or 3 hours 35 minutes if you already know the puzzles and play at a faster pace.
Chapter Collectibles Overview
Each chapter contains several collectible types that contribute to trophy and achievement progression. These are crucial for completionists aiming to unlock everything.
| Collectible Type | Quantity | Primary Chapter(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Dolls | 25 | Found across all chapters |
| Crows | 11 | Chapter 1 – Necropolis |
| Lady Figurines | 10 | Chapter 3 – Carnavale |
| Nomes | 6 | Chapter 3 – Carnavale |
| Child Ghosts | 5 | Chapter 4 – The Institute |
Collecting them all helps you achieve full completion and uncover additional lore elements that expand the mystery of The Spiral.
Secrets of the Spiral DLC – Additional Chapters
Supermassive Games has already confirmed that two more DLC chapters are coming as part of the Secrets of the Spiral expansion:
- Chapter 5 (Spring 2026) – Expected between April and June 2026
- Chapter 6 (Fall 2026) – Expected between October and December 2026
While no playtime details are official yet, each DLC chapter is estimated to add around 2–3 hours of new content, extending the total game length to approximately 12–15 hours once both DLCs release.
Co-op and Replayability Factors
Little Nightmares 3’s online co-op mode adds a fresh layer of replayability. Depending on your coordination and puzzle-solving synergy with a partner, the co-op experience can either speed up or slow down your total playtime.
- Solo Playthrough: Slightly longer due to AI-controlled companion interactions.
- Co-op Playthrough: Potentially faster if both players are experienced.
Additionally, replaying the story as the alternate character provides new interactions and perspectives on certain puzzles, making a second run worthwhile for dedicated fans. Play Now!
Little Nightmares 3 Story and Completion Time
| Playstyle | Average Time to Complete |
|---|---|
| Main Story (Solo/Co-op) | 7–8 hours |
| Speed Run / Rushed | 3.5–5 hours |
| 100% Completion | 10–15 hours |
| With DLC (Projected) | 12–15 hours total |
