Released on October 10, Little Nightmares III is already on everyone’s lips. This third opus of the cult series from Bandai Namco plunges us once again into a disturbing universe, where Low and Alone try to escape the traps of Nowhere. Designed to be played solo or cooperatively, the game offers an immersive atmosphere that immediately appealed to the community. But what many don’t know is that there are two ways to try it, or even complete it, for free.
Bandai Namco offers a free trial as well as a feature called Friend’s Pass. Together, they allow players to experience the game world without paying anything, as long as they meet certain conditions.
A free trial to explore the beginning of the adventure
The free trial allows you to access the start of Chapter 1, alone or in pairs, provided that both players are on the same platform. Bandai Namco states: “Whether you prefer to take on The Spiral alone or alongside a friend, you can begin the journey at no cost.”
Concretely, this demo allows you to test around 30 minutes of gameplay. It is ideal for familiarizing yourself with the mechanics of the game, the sound environment, and the interactions between the two characters.
The official blog adds: “The free trial allows one or two players to explore the beginning of the first chapter for free in single-player or online co-op, provided they are both on the same platform.” This means you cannot mix media (eg: PS5 and Xbox) for this test.
The Friend’s Pass: a tip for playing the complete game for two
The second option is much more generous. Little Nightmares III features a Friend Pass system inspired by cooperative titles like It Takes Two.
The idea is simple: only one person buys the game, and can then invite a friend to join for free to play the entire campaign. Bandai Namco explains: “This unique feature means that only one copy of the game is required for both players to complete the entire campaign together.”
The invited player simply needs to download the free trial and activate the Friend’s Pass by joining their friend’s game. “To enjoy the full game with your friends, only one of you must own the game, while the other must download the free trial and Friend’s Pass,” says Bandai Namco. Once in the game, “As long as you are playing on the same platform, simply send your friend an invite to join your game and the Friend Pass will be activated.”
Conditions to follow to take advantage of the free version
Before getting started, it is better to know the few restrictions imposed by these two devices. First, all free games – trial or Friend Pass – only work if both players are playing on the same platform : Steam, PS5 or Xbox. No crossplay possible.
Next, Friend’s Pass only works online, not locally. You therefore need a stable connection and an active subscription to the multiplayer service if you are on console.
Finally, the progress saved during the free trial is retained if you subsequently purchase the full game. A good way to test before committing.
Both options are available now for download from the respective stores. Whether you are a curious solo player or a duo looking for a memorable game, Little Nightmares III worth a detour – especially if it costs you nothing.