Reanimal is the next project by Tarsier Studios. Known as the original creators of the Little Nightmares franchise, Tarsier Studios announced a brand-new IP last year at Gamescom titled Reanimal. This harrowing new horror tale follows an orphaned brother and sister on a grueling journey to save their missing friends. The general premise of Reanimal has been confirmed, but the deeper story remains a mystery.
Despite the game's secretive nature, though, one thing is for certain. Reanimal is set to be one of Tarsier's most visually shocking games yet. The Little Nightmares series was known for its grotesque and otherworldly character design, and Reanimal seeks to take that a step further. This time, the twisted monstrosities the players have to face are spine-chilling animal hybrids that aim to bring plenty of uneasy moments. The skin-crawling designs Reanimal boasts demonstrate how Tarsier Studios sets an even darker atmosphere than its previous work, but its plot promises added emotional turmoil. While the main objective is to save the main characters' friends, it's unlikely that they will all make it out alive.
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Reanimal's Story is Bound to Have Heavy Emotional Moments
The first and second Little Nightmares stories were already dark enough, but Tarsier Studios has teased Reanimal as even more intense. Based on the visuals alone, that has been made quite clear, and while that's exciting, it's also nerve-wracking when considering the journey ahead. On the game's official Steam page, a description of the game reads, "In this unsettling tale, the emphasis is on tension and thick atmosphere, as you join the two orphans on a desperate search for hope and redemption in the direst of circumstances." So, there is at least a chance for hope within the story, but based on Tarsier Studios' track record, shocking and upsetting twists may also balance out those hopeful moments.
As of now, Reanimal does not have an official release date set in stone.
Like Little Nightmares, Reanimal May Be Ready to Shock
If Little Nightmares 2 is any indication of where Reanimal's story can go, it means players may be better off not expecting a happy ending for every character. Throughout Little Nightmares 2, players take on the role of Mono as he protects the first game's raincoat-wearing protagonist Six on their journey. However, in a jaw-dropping moment, Six betrays Mono at the very end of the game, leaving him to a grim fate. There are plenty of theories as to why Six does this, but regardless, it serves as a huge gut-punch ending to an already bleak story.
In this unsettling tale, the emphasis is on tension and thick atmosphere, as you join the two orphans on a desperate search for hope and redemption in the direst of circumstances.
Since heart-wrenching horror stories are Tarsier Studios' bread and butter, some of the friends of Reanimal's two protagonists that players need to save are unlikely to survive. If this prediction is accurate, it will be interesting to see if such character deaths are written into the story and unavoidable or if player actions will dictate potential losses.
Reanimal is an Exciting Step Forward For Tarsier Studios
Now that the developer is no longer involved with Little Nightmares, Tarsier Studios now has the chance to showcase fresh ideas. Reanimal embraces much of what made Little Nightmares stand out, but this lean into even dark territory is compelling. It will be truly fascinating to see if Reanimal goes head-to-head with Little Nightmares 3.
Both Reanimal and Little Nightmares III feature co-op, adding an extra level to potential competition.
As the year continues, Tarsier Studios will hopefully offer more insight into Reanimal, or at the very least, confirm a release date. Reanimal looks incredibly grim, but in the most delightful way, and it will be fascinating to see how the story matches that energy as the narrative unfolds.
- Released
- February 13, 2026
- Developer(s)
- Tarsier Studios
- Publisher(s)
- THQ Nordic
- Engine
- Unreal Engine 5
- Multiplayer
- Online Co-Op, Local Co-Op




- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Nintendo Switch 2, PC