Little Nightmares 3 requires Windows 11, an Intel Core i5-6500/AMD Ryzen 3 1200 processor, 8GB RAM, and GTX 1060/RX 580 graphics for minimum performance at 1080p/60 FPS on low settings. Recommended specs include an i5-8400/Ryzen 5 1600 CPU, 12GB RAM, and RTX 2080/RX 6800 GPU for high settings at 1080p/60 FPS.
| Component | Minimum Requirements | Recommended Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows 11 (64-bit) | Windows 11 (64-bit) |
| Processor | Intel Core i5-6500 or AMD Ryzen 3 1200 | Intel Core i5-8400 or AMD Ryzen 5 1600 |
| Memory | 8 GB RAM | 12 GB RAM |
| Graphics Card | Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060 or AMD Radeon RX 580 | Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 (8 GB) or AMD RX 6800 |
| VRAM | 3 GB dedicated | 8 GB dedicated |
| Shader Model | 6.0 | 6.0 |
| Performance Target | 1080p @ 60 FPS (Low settings) | 1080p @ 60 FPS (High settings) |
| Storage | ~20-30 GB (SSD recommended) | ~20-30 GB (SSD recommended) |
The minimum system requirements for Little Nightmares 3 are surprisingly accessible, making the game playable on a wide range of PCs. Supermassive Games has optimized the game to run smoothly on hardware that's several years old, which is great news for players with older gaming rigs or budget laptops.
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For players seeking the best visual experience, the recommended requirements provide a significant but not overwhelming upgrade path.
One of the most significant aspects of Little Nightmares 3's system requirements is the mandatory Windows 11 requirement. Unlike many games that still support Windows 10, Supermassive Games has specifically listed Windows 11 as the only supported operating system.
This requirement could be a barrier for some players, as Windows 11 has specific hardware requirements of its own:
PCGamesN highlights this as a potential hurdle, noting that "while older devices might meet the game's other requirements, the Windows 11 requirements need TPM 2.0 and UEFI Secure Boot." This means that even if your PC has the necessary CPU, GPU, and RAM, you might not be able to play if you cannot upgrade to Windows 11.
Based on the official Steam store page information, players can expect specific performance targets:
Minimum Settings: 1080p resolution at 60 FPS on low settings
Recommended Settings: 1080p resolution at 60 FPS on high settings
This is excellent news for players, as it indicates that Supermassive Games has prioritized smooth 60 FPS gameplay at standard HD resolution. The fact that both minimum and recommended specs target 60 FPS suggests that the game has been optimized for fluid gameplay rather than pushing visual boundaries.
Corsair's analysis notes that "the Steam Store Page for Little Nightmares 3 has an indication of what sort of performance you can expect, with the minimum requirements stating that you'll be able to hit 60 FPS at 1080p on the low preset. The recommended specs, however, will apparently allow you to play at 60 FPS on the high preset at 1080p."
While the exact storage requirements aren't officially listed, PCGamesN estimates that "the Little Nightmares 3 download size is currently unstated, but we estimate that it will require up to 20-30GB of space, when you consider the 10GB size of the previous title."
More importantly, there's a strong recommendation for using an SSD rather than a traditional hard drive. Corsair specifically mentions that "it's likely that the game will have an SSD requirement, however, and we would recommend using one of the best gaming SSD options anyway, as it will be much quicker than a hard drive when it comes to load times."
This is particularly relevant for a game like Little Nightmares 3, which likely features frequent area transitions and loading screens between different sections of The Nowhere. An SSD can significantly reduce these loading times, maintaining the game's atmospheric tension without interruption.
If you meet or exceed minimum requirements:
If you meet recommended requirements:
If you're between minimum and recommended:
TechWiser offers this perspective: "If your PC is well below the minimum requirements, you might want to consider whether upgrading is worth it for just one game. In that case, you might want to look at the console versions of Little Nightmares 3 instead."
The game is available on:
Console versions offer optimized performance without the need to worry about specific hardware requirements, making them a viable alternative for players with older or non-gaming PCs.
The SystemRequirementsLab data reveals that Little Nightmares 3 requires Shader Model 6.0. This is important because:
The detailed breakdown shows:
This VRAM requirement is quite reasonable for modern games and suggests that Little Nightmares 3 uses efficient texture compression and streaming technologies to minimize memory usage.
While not part of the official system requirements, Corsair suggests that "because of how stylistic, atmospheric, and spooky this game looks, we would also recommend an OLED gaming monitor like the XENEON 34WQHD240-C or the XENEON 27QHD240."
They explain that "while the benefits of a 240 Hz refresh rate might be lost on a game like this, the unbeatable contrast and color accuracy will make the world of Little Nightmares 3 that much more immersive."
This is excellent advice for players who want the full atmospheric experience, as OLED displays offer perfect black levels and vibrant colors that enhance the game's horror aesthetic.
The most common issue players may face is Windows 11 compatibility. Here are some solutions:
While Little Nightmares 3 has modest requirements, it's worth considering future gaming needs. Here are some recommendations:
No, Little Nightmares 3 requires Windows 11 and does not support Windows 10. This is due to the game's requirement for Shader Model 6.0 and other Windows 11-specific features.
While not officially required, an SSD is highly recommended. The game will likely have faster load times and smoother performance with an SSD compared to a traditional hard drive.
Yes, if your laptop meets the minimum requirements. Many gaming laptops from the last 5-7 years should be able to run the game, especially those with dedicated graphics cards.
You have several options:
The recommended specs include an RTX 2080, which supports ray tracing, but there's no official confirmation that ray tracing will be implemented in the game.
While not officially confirmed, estimates suggest 20-30GB of storage space, similar to or slightly larger than the previous game in the series.
There's no official Mac version announced. The game is confirmed for PC (Windows 11), PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo platforms.
Both minimum and recommended specs target 1080p resolution at 60 FPS. The difference is in visual quality settings (low vs. high).
The system requirements don't differentiate between single-player and co-op modes, suggesting similar performance requirements for both.
Yes, a "Necropolis Demo" is available on all platforms, allowing you to test the game on your system before purchasing.
Little Nightmares 3's system requirements strike an excellent balance between accessibility and visual quality. Supermassive Games has ensured that the game can run on a wide range of hardware while still providing an enhanced experience for players with more powerful systems.
The Windows 11 requirement is the most significant barrier, but for players with compatible systems, the hardware demands are quite reasonable. Most gaming PCs from the last 5-7 years should be able to run the game, with older systems potentially needing minor upgrades.
Whether you're a horror fan with a high-end gaming rig or someone with a modest gaming laptop, Little Nightmares 3 appears to be optimized to deliver its terrifying experience to as many players as possible. The focus on 1080p/60 FPS gameplay ensures smooth performance, while the scalable settings allow players to adjust visual quality based on their hardware capabilities.
As we approach the October 10, 2025 release date, players can take comfort in knowing that they won't need the latest and most expensive hardware to experience the next chapter in this beloved horror franchise. The true question isn't whether your PC can run Little Nightmares 3, but whether you're brave enough to face the terrors of The Nowhere.
Ready to test your courage? Check your PC against our requirements guide and prepare to enter the world of Little Nightmares 3 when it launches on October 10, 2025. Don't forget to try the Necropolis Demo available now on all platforms!