Little Nightmares III Backstage DLC Launched With New Character, Story Expansion, and Darker Carnevale Setting

Bandai Namco Entertainment has officially rolled out Little Nightmares III – The Backstage DLC, expanding the game’s eerie universe with a new storyline, character introduction, and fresh gameplay challenges. The DLC is now available across PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and PC, and is included for players who own the Deluxe Edition of the base game.

This marks the first major expansion for Little Nightmares III, pushing players deeper into The Carnevale, a setting already known for its unsettling atmosphere. With a stronger focus on exploration and character-driven storytelling, the DLC adds new layers to the game’s narrative while maintaining the series’ signature tension and mystery.

A Darker Look Behind The Carnevale

Instead of revisiting familiar areas, the DLC shifts the experience to a hidden section of The Carnevale, described as its most dangerous and least understood space. This backstage environment introduces tighter spaces, more complex level design, and an increased sense of vulnerability as players navigate through dimly lit areas.

The expansion leans heavily into environmental storytelling, allowing players to piece together the world’s secrets through visual cues and interactions. The tone remains consistent with the franchise’s identity, where horror is implied rather than explicitly shown, creating a constant sense of unease.

A key highlight of the DLC is the introduction of Dime, a new companion who plays a central role in both gameplay and story progression. Dime’s torch hat is more than a visual detail, it becomes a crucial tool for survival, helping players uncover hidden paths and deal with the darkness that defines this new area.

This addition changes how players approach puzzles, as light becomes an essential mechanic rather than a passive element. Working alongside Low, Dime adds a new layer of interaction that encourages coordination and careful planning, especially in moments where timing and positioning are critical.

A still from Little Nightmares III – The Backstage DLC trailer

A Rescue Mission With Higher Stakes

The narrative direction of The Backstage DLC revolves around a clear objective: rescuing Alone from the grasp of a mysterious figure known as the Puppeteer. This storyline introduces a stronger sense of urgency compared to the base game, giving players a more focused goal as they progress through the DLC.

The Puppeteer serves as a new threat, reinforcing the unsettling tone of the expansion while adding to the larger mystery surrounding The Carnevale. Encounters feel more intense, with players needing to rely on both stealth and puzzle-solving to survive.