19 Games Similar To The Little Nightmares Series
Little Nightmares, developed by Tarsier Studios, is a hauntingly beautiful and atmospheric puzzle-platformer that takes players on a dark and eerie journey through the twisted corridors of childhood nightmares. With its unique art style, haunting atmosphere, and thoughtful gameplay, Little Nightmares provides an unforgettable and chilling experience. Want a sequel? Check out similar games below.
19. A Rose in the Twilight
The player has to assume the role of a girl named Rose, who wakes up in a gloomy and colorless castle, accompanied by a curse that devours the life force around her. The game's characteristic style of graphics with sharp contrast of black, white and red colors enhances the feeling of isolation and hopelessness. So familiar to fans of Little Nightmares. The haunting soundtrack further immerses the player in a world that is as beautiful as it is disturbing. The game mechanics of A Rose in the Twilight are based on solving challenging puzzles using Rose's unique abilities. Players must navigate treacherous environments, manipulate objects, and strategically utilize Rose's power to control time and blood to advance. The puzzles are elaborate and require critical thinking and precision.
18. Contrast
- Similarity: 10 %
- Metacritic: link
- Year of release: 2013
- Game play time: 6 hours
- Trailer: link
- Review: IGN
Game mechanics are based on manipulating light and shadow to solve puzzles and progress through the story. Players can shift into shadows and interact with objects and platforms that exist only in 2D. This combination of 2D and 3D gameplay gives puzzles a unique depth and complexity, requiring players to think creatively and use the environment cleverly. The game's art style combines elements of film noir and whimsy to create a visually vibrant and immersive world. The contrast of light and shadow is beautifully rendered, and the use of bright colors on a black and white background adds to the surrealism. Each area of the game is meticulously crafted, which shows the attention to detail and careful design of the environment. Recommended for fans of Little Nightmares.
17. Knock-knock
- Similarity: 10 %
- Metacritic: link
- Year of release: 2013
- Game play time: 5 hours
- Trailer: link
- Review: IGN
Players take on the role of a recluse who must navigate a sinister and warped house that is haunted by supernatural forces. The minimalistic art style of the game, similar to Little Nightmares, combined with the haunting sound design create a sense of unease and mystery. The constant ticking of clocks and creaking floorboards contribute to the overall atmosphere, immersing the player in a world that feels both familiar and unsettling. The game mechanics of Knock-knock are based on survival and exploration. The player has to navigate through the mazes of the house, avoiding encounters with shadowy creatures that roam the dark rooms. The game emphasizes strategic planning and resource management, as the player must maintain mental toughness and find ways to survive until dawn. The inclusion of randomized elements adds to the replayability as new challenges and surprises arise with each playthrough. One of the distinguishing features of Knock-knock is the psychological plot. The narrative unfolds gradually through cryptic dialog fragments and surreal encounters. The game explores themes of isolation, fear, and the human psyche, inviting players to unravel the mysteries of the protagonist's troubled mind. The fragmentary and abstract nature of the narrative gives the game depth and intrigue, leaving room for interpretation and personal reflection.
16. DARQ
- Similarity: 20 %
- Metacritic: link
- Year of release: 2019
- Game play time: 4 hours
- Trailer: link
- Review: IGN
Like Little Nightmares, DARQ excels at creating a creepy and surreal atmosphere. The player has to assume the role of Lloyd, a young boy trapped in a twisted and volatile dream world. The atmospheric visual design of the game, characterized by a combination of darkness and ethereal lighting, creates a sense of unease and mystery. The breathtaking sound design further enhances the experience by immersing the player in a world where reality and imagination intertwine. The game mechanics are based on solving complex puzzles and manipulating the laws of physics and gravity. Lloyd can navigate the twisted architecture of the dream world, walk on walls and ceilings, and manipulate objects to move forward. The puzzles are distinctively designed, often requiring the player to think outside the box and take an unconventional view of reality. And the organic integration of these mechanics into the dreamlike environment adds depth and intrigue to the gameplay.
15. Selma and the Wisp
Players guide the girl Selma through a hauntingly beautiful world filled with shadows and danger. The game's expressive hand-drawn art style and skillful use of light and shadow creates an atmosphere of immersion and ethereal enjoyment. The atmospheric sound design further enhances the sense of unease and wonder, immersing the player even deeper into Selma's journey. The atmosphere is very reminiscent of Little Nightmares.The gameplay mechanics are unique and innovative. Players control Selma directly while manipulating the hovering companion Wisp to overcome various obstacles and solve puzzles. Cohesive coordination adds complexity and depth to the gameplay, requiring precise timing and strategic thinking. The puzzles are well designed and progressively more difficult, keeping the player engrossed and rewarding perseverance. One of the greatest strengths of Selma and the Wisp is its storytelling. The story unfolds gradually as players guide Selma through a series of atmospheric levels, each with its own theme and challenges. The details of the narrative are left open to interpretation, allowing players to form their own emotional connections and derive meaning from what is happening. The relationships between the main characters serve as a poignant metaphor for camaraderie and the power of overcoming challenges together.
14. Shady Part of Me
The game mechanics of Shady Part of Me are based on cooperative puzzle solving and light and shadow manipulation. Players must navigate through the environment, swapping control between the girl and her shadow doppelganger to overcome obstacles and progress through the story. The puzzles are elaborate and require players to think critically and utilize each character's unique abilities. And the seamless integration of these mechanics with the game's themes of duality and cooperation adds depth and complexity to the gameplay. Much like the Little Nightmares series. One of the features of Shady Part of Me is the emotionally intense narrative. The story focuses on a girl's inner feelings and her journey to self-acceptance and growth. Through symbolic imagery and poetic narration, the game reveals themes of loneliness, fear, and the power of camaraderie. The heartfelt moments of connection between the girl and her shadowy companion strike a nerve, leaving a lasting impression on players. The open-ended nature of the narrative allows for personal interpretation and reflection, adding depth to the overall experience.
13. Dream Alone
Dream Alone offers players to go on a journey as a boy with the ability to move between the real world and a nightmarish alternate dimension. The game's plot is initially curious, promising an exploration of the protagonist's psyche and the duality of existence. As in Little Nightmares, the dark and atmospheric environment creates an eerie atmosphere, drawing the player into a world that seems unsettling and mysterious.
12. INMOST
Gameplay consists of platforming, puzzle solving and occasional combat encounters. Each character has unique abilities that must be used to overcome obstacles and advance through interconnected levels. The puzzles are elaborate and often require the player to think outside the box and thoroughly explore their surroundings.One of the game's hallmarks is its ability to tell a compelling and emotionally rich story without relying on dialog. The game relies heavily on visual storytelling, using subtle animations and environment cues to convey the emotions and motivations of the characters. Interconnected stories gradually unfold, asking players to piece together a larger narrative puzzle. The exploration of dark themes and characters' internal struggles makes the game engaging and introspective. For fans of atmospheric ones like Little Nightmares, INMOST is a worthy journey into darkness and redemption.
11. Outlast
- Similarity: 40 %
- Metacritic: link
- Year of release: 2013
- Game play time: 6 hours
- Trailer: link
- Review: IGN
Outlast does a great job of creating a sense of fear and vulnerability, which is why it's so similar to Little Nightmares. Players take on the role of investigative journalist Miles Upshur, armed with only a video camera, and explore the asylum. The game masterfully utilizes a first-person perspective to immerse the player in a chilling and unsettling environment where darkness and fear lurk around every corner. The narrative is intriguing: it focuses on psychological horror and exploring the disturbing history of the asylum. However, the plot can feel fragmented and leaves some questions unanswered, which may leave players wanting a more cohesive narrative.
10. Detention
- Similarity: 50 %
- Metacritic: link
- Year of release: 2017
- Game play time: 6 hours
- Trailer: link
- Review: IGN
Players take on the role of two trapped people who navigate a nightmarish school inhabited by evil spirits and twisted creatures. The puzzles are elaborate and often require players to think outside the box and look for hidden clues in the environment. The sense of vulnerability and the need to carefully avoid threats add tension and spice to the gameplay, enhancing the overall suspense. One of the distinguishing features of Detention is its gripping and thought-provoking story. The game intertwines personal problems, political repression, and supernatural elements. Through symbolic imagery, poignant text, and heartfelt voice acting, Detention explores themes of guilt, fear, and the effects of repressive regimes. The narrative's ability to address historical events and societal issues with subtlety and nuance gives the game depth and emotional weight, compelling players to ponder its themes long after the game is complete. Fans of Little Nightmares should enjoy it.
9. Among the Sleep
- Similarity: 60 %
- Metacritic: link
- Year of release: 2014
- Game play time: 4 hours
- Trailer: link
- Review: IGN
Among the Sleep effectively captures the essence of childhood in a way more reminiscent of Little Nightmares' protagonist. The game begins with a birthday party, but quickly takes a dark turn when the protagonist's mother disappears and the player must navigate the creepy and distorted environment through the eyes of a toddler. The game's ability to evoke a sense of vulnerability and helplessness is remarkable, creating an atmosphere that is both unsettling and deeply immersive. Among the Sleep's gameplay mechanics focus on exploration, puzzle solving, and stealth. The player must navigate through various environments, interact with objects, and solve simple puzzles to progress through the story. The controls effectively mimic the clumsy movements of a toddler, emphasizing the fragility and innocence of the protagonist. The use of stealth mechanics, where the player has to hide from threatening creatures, adds tension and a sense of danger to the gameplay. One of the hallmarks of Among the Sleep is its ability to tap into childhood fears and fantasies. The game explores themes of abandonment, isolation and the power of imagination to cope with fear. Surreal and dreamlike themes combined with a haunting and atmospheric sound design create an unsettling atmosphere that resonates with players on an emotional level. The narrative unfolds in the environment, leaving room for interpretation and personal perception of the protagonist's journey.
8. Creepy Tale
Players must interact with objects and manipulate the environment to overcome obstacles and progress through the story. The puzzles are elaborate and require players to think outside the box and pay attention to subtle clues in the environment. The variety of challenges makes the gameplay exciting and encourages experimentation. As in Little Nightmares, one of the features of the game is its dark fairy tale narrative. The story unfolds through atmospheric narration and a minimum of dialog, allowing players to piece together the mysteries of the boy's journey. The game touches on themes of fear, loss, and the thin line between reality and imagination. Eerie encounters with bizarre characters and intertwined fables add depth and intrigue to the game, immersing players in a haunting and unpredictable world.
7. Inside the Backrooms
Inside the Backrooms is a mysterious journey into the unknown, capturing the essence of atmospheric games like Little Nightmares. The game immerses the player in a surreal and disorienting world - an endless network of empty and dilapidated rooms. The dim lighting, claustrophobic and disturbing ambient sounds effectively immerse the player in an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty. Puzzles and exploration mechanics are the core gameplay. Players have to navigate through a maze, piecing together clues and unraveling the secrets hidden in them. The non-linear nature of the game allows for multiple paths and encourages exploration, which increases overall immersion and engagement.
6. Amnesia: The Bunker
- Similarity: 70 %
- Metacritic: link
- Year of release: 2023
- Game play time: 8 hours
- Trailer: link
- Review: IGN
The player has to assume the role of a man who woke up in an abandoned bunker and has no memory of how he got there. Narrow corridors, dimly lit rooms and eerie sound design create a sense of isolation and impending doom. The oppressive environment effectively immerses the player in a world where their sanity is constantly challenged. The game mechanics are based on exploration, puzzle solving, and stealth. Players have to navigate through the labyrinths of the bunker, uncovering its secrets and avoiding dangerous creatures lurking in the darkness. The puzzles are well designed and offer a satisfying level of difficulty, requiring players to think critically and use their surroundings to advance. Fans of Little Nightmares should enjoy it.
5. Pinstripe
Pinstripe manages to create a dark and surreal atmosphere. In the role of Teddy, a former priest, the player travels to the mysterious and otherworldly realm of Pinstripe. The striking hand-drawn graphics style and ghostly beautiful environments create a sense of melancholy and intrigue. An atmospheric soundtrack further enhances the emotional impact, immersing the player in a world that is as mesmerizing as it is haunting. Very similar to Little Nightmares. The narrative in Pinstripe is one of the game's greatest strengths. It's a story about loss, redemption, and the search for meaning. The narrative unfolds gradually, revealing secrets and introducing memorable characters. The emotional depth of the narrative combined with the thematic exploration creates an immersive and introspective experience that lingers long after the game is complete. Pinstripe's game mechanics consist mainly of exploration, puzzle solving, and occasional platforming. The puzzles are well designed and offer a satisfying level of difficulty, requiring the player to think critically and utilize the environment. Platformers, while not as accomplished as in some specialized platformers, add variety to the gameplay and contribute to the overall sense of progression.
4. Richy’s Nightmares
You are the little boy Richie. And you have to survive in a dark magical forest filled with riddles and traps. The name of the game is very similar to Little Nightmares, and not for nothing. Again nightmares, again gloomy atmosphere of hopelessness.
3. Hollow Knight
- Similarity: 90 %
- Metacritic: link
- Year of release: 2017
- Game play time: 30 hours
- Trailer: link
- Review: IGN
Exploration is a key aspect of Hollow Knight, and the world of Hollowest is a pleasure to explore. Secret passages, hidden areas, and intricate map design reward players for their curiosity and thoroughness. Unraveling the history of the kingdom through environmental storytelling and cryptic dialog adds depth and intrigue to the game. The interconnectedness of the world and sense of discovery make each new area feel like a small victory as players uncover its secrets and learn the truth about the fall of Hollowest. The atmosphere and music in the game is simply exceptional. The haunting melodies and ambient soundscapes perfectly complement the eerie and melancholic tone of the game. From somber melodies echoing through abandoned halls to tense and adrenaline-fueled tracks during boss battles, the soundtrack enhances the emotional impact and further immerses the player in the world of Hallownest. In addition, Hollow Knight boasts a huge amount of content, providing hours of gameplay. Side quests, hidden collectibles, and challenging optional boss encounters give the game added depth and replayability. The inclusion of free content updates and DLC expansions that further enrich the game's story and add new challenges shows the developers' commitment to creating a complete and enjoyable experience. Overall, Hollow Knight is a true masterpiece that excels in every aspect. Atmospheric exploration, challenging gameplay and an engaging story create an unforgettable experience. Stunning art style, precise combat mechanics and exciting world building make this game one of the brightest representatives of indie games. For fans of atmospheric and challenging games like Little Nightmares, Hollow Knight is an absolute must play, showcasing the power of indie developers and cementing its place as one of the best examples of the genre.
2. Inside
- Similarity: 90 %
- Metacritic: link
- Year of release: 2016
- Game play time: 4 hours
- Trailer: link
- Review: IGN
Players take on the role of a young boy navigating a dystopian world filled with ghostly environments and disturbing encounters, much like the Little Nightmares games. The game's minimalistic yet detailed art style combined with exceptional sound design effectively conveys a sense of unease and foreboding, forcing the player to delve deeper into the mysterious narrative. Inside's game mechanics are intuitive and innovative. Players will have to solve a variety of puzzles and overcome platforming obstacles to advance. The puzzles are brilliantly designed, often requiring experimentation, observation, and creative thinking. The easy integration of environmental elements into the puzzles enhances the immersion and sense of discovery of the game, providing a rewarding and engaging experience.
1. Limbo
- Similarity: 90 %
- Metacritic: link
- Year of release: 2021
- Game play time: 3 hours
- Trailer: link
- Review: IGN
Limbo excels at creating a fear-inducing atmosphere that is reminiscent of Little Nightmares. Players play the role of a nameless boy who finds himself in a monochromatic and eerie world full of shadows and dangers. The game's characteristic black and white art style combined with atmospheric lighting and sound design creates an immersive and unsettling atmosphere oozing with mystery and intrigue. One of the game's greatest strengths is its minimalistic approach to storytelling. The game immerses the player in a wordless narrative that unfolds solely through environmental cues and subtle visual storytelling. The lack of explicit exposition allows players to interpret the story and form emotional connections on their own, resulting in a deeply personal and thought-provoking experience. Limbo's game mechanics are simple yet ingenious. The player has to complete a series of platforming challenges and environmental puzzles. The puzzles are elaborate and often require creativity and experimentation. Physics-based interactions and the seamless integration of environmental elements into the puzzles give the game depth and fun. Visually, Limbo is a work of art. The game's monochromatic aesthetic, with its stark contrasts and silhouettes, creates a striking and atmospheric world. The attention to detail in the animation and the fluidity of the characters' movements enhance the immersion of the game. Each environment is meticulously crafted, evoking a sense of both beauty and foreboding. Limbo's length is the perfect balance. The game offers a concise experience that is focused and tightly paced, ensuring that every moment is filled with meaningful and impactful gameplay. Limbo's brevity contributes to the impact on the narrative, leaving players with a deep sense of awe and contemplation.
