Reanimal: Little Nightmares Creators' New Horror Game Draws 24K+ Players on Steam Launch Day

The creative minds behind Little Nightmares have returned with a new horror adventure that's already making waves on Steam. Reanimal, released on February 13, 2026, attracted over 24,000 concurrent players within its first 24 hours on the platform, signaling strong interest in this atmospheric horror experience.

What's New in Reanimal

Reanimal marks Tarsier Studios' first major release since parting ways with the Little Nightmares franchise, and it represents both a continuation and evolution of their signature style. The game centers on two orphaned siblings searching for lost friends on a nightmarish island, offering players multiple traversal options including on-foot exploration and boat travel.

The core gameplay revolves around environmental puzzle-solving rather than combat, with players navigating fragmented, layered environments to uncover the island's dark secrets. The game supports both local and online co-op modes, requiring players to work together to survive the hostile environments.

For local multiplayer, full controller support is available, with options like the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 (currently $49.99 on Amazon) providing optimal gameplay experience.

Visual Style and Atmosphere

Reanimal doubles down on the unsettling, childlike character design that made Little Nightmares distinctive, but early reviews suggest the overall tone leans more mature and darker than its predecessor. The visual aesthetic maintains that signature Tarsier Studios look while pushing into more disturbing territory.

The game prioritizes atmosphere over action, creating tension through environmental storytelling and exploration rather than combat encounters. This approach encourages players to carefully examine their surroundings for hidden details about the island's mysteries.

Reception and Performance

Currently holding a 78% positive rating on Steam based on approximately 1,800 reviews, Reanimal has received generally favorable feedback from players. However, the reception isn't without criticism. Some negative reviews point to the game's relatively short length as a significant drawback.

Technical issues have also emerged, particularly with the online co-op mode, which appears to be experiencing problems at launch. These connectivity issues represent a notable concern for a game that emphasizes cooperative play as a core feature.

Despite these early challenges, the strong concurrent player numbers suggest that the game's core experience resonates with fans of atmospheric horror and puzzle-adventure games. The 24,000+ player peak within 24 hours indicates that the Little Nightmares fanbase was indeed paying attention to Tarsier Studios' new project.

Who Should Play Reanimal

The game appears best suited for players who enjoyed Little Nightmares and are looking for a similar but more mature horror experience. Those who appreciate environmental storytelling, atmospheric tension, and cooperative puzzle-solving will likely find the most value in Reanimal.

Players seeking fast-paced action or extensive combat will likely be disappointed, as the game's focus remains firmly on exploration and atmosphere. The emphasis on environmental traversal over combat creates a slower, more contemplative horror experience.

Getting Started

For those interested in trying Reanimal before purchasing, a free demo is available on Steam. This allows potential players to experience the game's atmosphere and mechanics firsthand before committing to the full purchase.

The strong launch numbers, despite some technical issues and mixed reviews about length, suggest that Reanimal has successfully captured attention in the crowded horror game market. Whether it can maintain this momentum and address early concerns will determine its long-term success, but the initial response indicates that Tarsier Studios' return to horror gaming has been well-received by their established fanbase.