Puzzles are the heart of Little Nightmares 3, requiring both characters to work in tandem to progress. Many puzzles are designed specifically around the unique tools each character wields: Low's bow can hit distant switches, break fragile obstacles, or create distractions, while Alone's wrench can turn valves, pry open grates, and serve as a melee tool for smashing barriers. The key to success is understanding when and how to use each character's abilities. For example, you might need Low to shoot an arrow through a series of targets to redirect a beam of light, while Alone simultaneously turns a crank to position mirrors correctly.

Environmental puzzles often involve manipulating objects in the world: pushing crates to reach higher platforms, pulling levers in sequence, or creating paths by moving obstacles. Pay close attention to your surroundings—the game frequently uses visual cues like chains, ropes, or highlighted objects to indicate interactive elements. Some puzzles require precise timing, especially when dealing with moving platforms or patrolling enemies. If you're playing solo, the AI will generally understand what needs to be done, but you'll need to position yourself correctly to trigger the right behaviors. In co-op, clear communication about who does what and when is essential for smooth puzzle completion.

Later in the game, puzzles become increasingly complex, combining multiple mechanics and requiring both characters to perform actions simultaneously. Don't be afraid to experiment—while some puzzles have specific solutions, the game encourages creative thinking. If you get stuck, take a step back and look at the entire room. Often, the solution involves elements you may have overlooked, such as shadows that need to be cast in specific patterns, or objects that can be used in unexpected ways. Remember, every puzzle has a logical solution, and persistence is key.

Throughout The Spiral, numerous collectibles are hidden in plain sight and in obscure corners. These items serve multiple purposes: they flesh out the game's cryptic lore, reward thorough exploration, and provide completionists with extra challenges. The primary collectibles include various items like hats, trinkets, and fragments of memories that offer glimpses into the tragic stories of The Spiral's inhabitants. Finding all collectibles in a level often requires revisiting areas with knowledge gained later, or noticing subtle environmental details that hint at hidden passages.

Secret areas are cleverly integrated into the level design, often accessible only by using specific character abilities in creative ways. For instance, you might need to shoot an arrow at a barely-visible target to trigger a hidden platform, or use the wrench to pry open a well-camouflaged vent. Some secrets are time-sensitive and only available during specific moments in the level, such as before a chase sequence begins or after defeating a particular threat. Keep your eyes peeled for visual anomalies—cracks in walls, unusual shadows, or items that seem out of place often indicate nearby secrets.

Collecting everything requires patience and a keen eye. Many players find it helpful to replay levels after completing the story, as they'll have a better understanding of the mechanics and level layouts. The game doesn't penalize you for exploring, so take your time in each area before triggering story events that might lock you out of certain sections. If you're playing co-op, designate one player as the "spotter" to watch for collectibles while the other handles navigation. The satisfaction of finding that last hidden item makes the effort worthwhile.

Low and Alone are defined by their signature tools, which are central to both combat and puzzle-solving. Low carries a bow that fires arrows—these projectiles can activate switches from a distance, break fragile objects like glass or thin wood, and even pin certain enemies temporarily. The bow has limited range and requires a brief moment to aim, so timing is crucial when you're under pressure. As you progress through the game, you'll discover that the bow can interact with various environmental elements: lighting torches, cutting ropes, or triggering chain reactions that open new paths. Mastering the bow's versatility is essential for overcoming the game's tougher challenges.

Alone wields a heavy wrench, a tool that's as practical as it is symbolic. The wrench can turn valves to redirect water or steam, pry open locked grates and doors, and smash through weakened walls or floors. In dire situations, Alone can also use the wrench defensively, though direct combat is rarely encouraged in Little Nightmares 3—stealth and evasion remain your best strategies. The wrench's weight means Alone moves slightly slower when carrying it in the ready position, but this trade-off is worth it for the access it provides. Many areas require the wrench to proceed, making Alone indispensable for progression.

Beyond their tools, both characters share core abilities: climbing, jumping, grabbing onto ledges, and working together to lift heavy objects or boost each other to higher platforms. Cooperation is seamless—when one character needs help, the other can offer assistance by standing in specific positions or holding doors open. The AI partner in solo mode understands these cooperative actions well, but human players can execute them more creatively, finding shortcuts or alternative solutions to problems. Learning to switch between characters effectively (in solo mode) or coordinating actions (in co-op) transforms simple mechanics into elegant problem-solving opportunities.

The Spiral is divided into distinct regions, each presenting its own atmosphere, dangers, and narrative beats. The Necropolis serves as one of the early areas, introducing you to the game's core mechanics in a relatively linear fashion. Here, you'll navigate through ancient crypts filled with crumbling architecture, learn the basics of using Low's bow and Alone's wrench, and encounter your first truly threatening enemies. The Necropolis teaches you the importance of observation and patience—rushing forward often leads to deadly mistakes. By the time you leave this area, you should feel comfortable with the game's rhythm of exploration, puzzle-solving, and evasion.

Later regions like the Carnevale and the Candy Factory ramp up the complexity and horror. The Carnevale is a twisted carnival environment where cheerful music contrasts with grotesque enemies and deadly attractions. Puzzles here often involve timing and coordination, such as activating carousel mechanisms while avoiding patrolling threats. The Candy Factory is particularly unsettling, with its sickeningly sweet aesthetic hiding truly horrific secrets. This area features some of the game's most intricate puzzles, requiring both characters to manipulate conveyor belts, mixing machines, and furnace controls. Each region builds on skills learned in previous areas while introducing new mechanics and enemy types.

As you progress through each level, checkpoints automatically save your progress, so you don't need to worry about manual saving. However, the game can be unforgiving—falling from heights, getting caught by enemies, or mistiming jumps results in instant death and a respawn at the last checkpoint. Take your time to survey each room before committing to a path. Look for environmental storytelling elements that hint at dangers ahead: blood stains, broken objects, or signs of struggle often indicate nearby threats. The walkthroughs for each area should be treated as guidance rather than strict instructions—experimentation and adaptation are part of the Little Nightmares experience.

Survival in Little Nightmares 3 requires more than just solving puzzles—it demands situational awareness, quick reflexes, and smart decision-making. First and foremost, always be observant. The game's visual language communicates a lot: flickering lights often indicate danger, environmental sounds can warn you of approaching enemies, and the camera will sometimes pan or focus on important elements. Use these cues to your advantage. When entering a new area, stop and watch for a moment. Observe patrol patterns, identify hiding spots, and plan your route before moving forward. This cautious approach saves time in the long run by reducing deaths and repetition.

Stealth is almost always preferable to confrontation. While there are moments where you must act quickly or use your tools defensively, most encounters are designed to be avoided rather than fought. Move slowly when enemies are nearby, hide behind objects or in shadows, and use environmental sounds to mask your movement. If you're playing co-op, consider splitting up strategically: one player can distract an enemy while the other sneaks past, or both can create simultaneous diversions in different areas. Communication is vital—whether you're using voice chat or in-game signals, coordinating actions prevents mishaps and makes difficult sections much easier.

Don't be discouraged by failure. Little Nightmares 3 is designed around trial and error. Each death teaches you something about enemy behavior, environmental hazards, or puzzle mechanics. If a particular section is frustrating you, take a break and return with fresh eyes. Sometimes the solution becomes obvious after stepping away. For completionists aiming to find every collectible and secret, consider playing through the story once to enjoy the narrative, then replaying with a guide to catch everything you missed. The game's atmosphere and tension are best experienced when you're not constantly hunting for collectibles on your first playthrough.

Finally, remember that Little Nightmares 3 is as much about atmosphere and storytelling as it is about gameplay. Take time to appreciate the incredible art direction, the haunting sound design, and the environmental storytelling that makes The Spiral feel like a living, breathing nightmare. Every corner of this world has been crafted with care, and rushing through it means missing the details that make the experience truly memorable. Whether you're playing alone or with a friend, embrace the journey through The Spiral, face its horrors with courage, and guide Low and Alone toward whatever freedom—or fate—awaits them.