Little Nightmares III: The Backstage is out today, June 12, 2026, on all platforms. The first story DLC in the Secrets of The Spiral Expansion Pass takes players into the shadowy underbelly of The Carnevale, introducing a brand-new playable companion and fresh horror mechanics built around light and darkness.
At a Glance
| Detail | Info | |
|---|---|---|
| Title | Little Nightmares III – The Backstage | |
| Release Date | June 12, 2026 | |
| Developer | Supermassive Games | |
| Publisher | Bandai Namco Entertainment | |
| Platforms | PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X\ | S, Xbox One, Switch 2, Switch |
| Included in | Secrets of The Spiral Expansion Pass | |
| Base Game Required | Little Nightmares III (Oct 9, 2025) |
Story: Behind the Curtain
The Backstage sends Low deep beneath The Carnevale's grand performance spaces into the grotesque machinery that keeps the show running. Here, Low meets Dime, a new child wearing a distinctive torch hat — a tool that proves crucial for navigating the pitch-dark passages below.
Together, Low and Dime must face new threats and use their light to find a way to save Alone from the Puppeteer's grasp.
Per Bandai Namco's description:
""In this adventure, Low will meet Dime, a new child who wears a torch hat, a very helpful tool for finding their way in what lies beneath the curtains of The Carnevale. The two children will have to face new threats and use their light to find a way to save Alone from the hands of the Puppeteer."
New Gameplay Elements
Dime — A Light-Wielding Companion
Dime marks the first time a Little Nightmares character uses light as a core mechanic. The torch hat illuminates dark passages, reveals hidden paths, and potentially interacts with specific enemies or puzzles in ways the base game never explored.
Low and Dime's combined toolkit:
| Character | Ability | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Low | Bow and arrows | Long-range targets, rope cutting |
| Dime | Torch hat | Darkness navigation, puzzle solving |
Darker Atmosphere
The Backstage's sub-Carnevale environment is deliberately more claustrophobic and oppressive than the main game. Community anticipation centers on the Puppet-type enemies expected to populate the backstage corridors, which would fit the Carnevale's performative horror theme.
How to Get The Backstage
| Option | Contents | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Base Game | Little Nightmares III only | $34.99 (currently -30% on Steam) |
| Secrets of The Spiral Pass | The Backstage + 1 more upcoming DLC | Purchased separately |
| Deluxe Edition | Base Game + full Expansion Pass | Bundle price on Steam |
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Console players can also find the game and DLC on:
About the Developer: Supermassive Games
Supermassive Games is the Until Dawn studio, known for branching narrative horror experiences. Little Nightmares III was their first platformer project — a notable pivot from their narrative-game roots.
| Title | Year |
|---|---|
| Until Dawn | 2015 |
| Man of Medan | 2019 |
| The Quarry | 2022 |
| Little Nightmares III | 2025 |
Base Game Reception: Context for the DLC
Little Nightmares III carries Mixed reviews on Steam (49% positive from 4,718 reviews) — a notable step down from the Tarsier Studios-developed originals. Common criticisms include lower tension compared to the first two games and limitations of the AI companion system.
What fans liked:
- ▶2-player co-op innovation for the franchise
- ▶Strong visual identity and art direction
What fans didn't:
- ▶Lower scare factor vs. LN1/LN2
- ▶AI companion limitations in solo play
- ▶Launch performance issues (since patched)
The Backstage's light-based mechanics and darker setting appear to be direct responses to community feedback — making it an interesting test case for whether Supermassive can recapture the franchise's original dread.
Expansion Pass Roadmap
| Chapter | Title | Release |
|---|---|---|
| Chapter 1 | The Backstage | June 12, 2026 (Today) |
| Chapter 2 | Unannounced | Oct–Dec 2026 (estimated) |
Verdict
If you bounced off Little Nightmares III at launch, The Backstage warrants a wait-and-see approach until reviews accumulate. If you own the Deluxe Edition or were already enjoying the base game, this is a same-day play. Dime's torch hat introduces the series' first meaningful light mechanic, and the sub-Carnevale setting offers a more claustrophobic and oppressive environment than anything in the base game. Whether it delivers the authentic Little Nightmares dread that made the originals legendary remains to be seen.
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