Little Nightmares III vs Path of Exile 2

• Perspective: 2.5D Side-Scroller
• Multiplayer: 2-Player Online Co-op Only
• Setting: The Nowhere / The Spiral
• Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2
• Unique Feature: The first game in the series designed for co-op, featuring two new protagonists with unique, complementary tools for puzzle-solving and survival.

• Perspective: Isometric (Top-Down)
• Multiplayer: 6-Player Online Co-op, 2-Player Couch Co-op
• Setting: Wraeclast (20 years after PoE1)
• Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
• Early Access Release: 2024-12-06
• Unique Feature: A complete overhaul of the original's core systems, featuring a new Skill Gem system, a dedicated dodge roll, and a dual-specialization passive tree.

• Co-op Partner: The game is designed around a duo. In solo mode, the second character is controlled by AI. In online co-op, they are controlled by another player. Cooperation is mandatory for solving most puzzles.
  Human (Player/AI)

• Unique Items: Dropped by monsters throughout the game. Each of the 700 new equipment base types has its own unique item variant, leading to thousands of powerful and build-enabling items to find.
• Gold: A new currency type that drops from monsters. Gold is used for various NPC vendor interactions and for respeccing passive skill points, providing an alternative to Orbs of Regret.

• Survival Horror
• Puzzle-Platformer
• Co-op
• Psychological Horror
• Fairy Tale
• Dread

• Dark Fantasy
• Eldritch Horror
• Deep Character Customization
• Loot Hunting
• Complex Economy
• Action RPG
• Survival
• Post-Apocalyptic

• New Weapon Types: Spears, Crossbows, Flails
  Path of Exile 2 introduces several new weapon archetypes alongside returning favorites, each with their own dedicated skills and passive tree nodes.
• Returning Weapon Types: Swords, Axes, Maces, Bows, Wands, etc.
  All weapon types from the original game return, but with updated animations, sounds, and interactions within the new combat system.

• Equipment Base Types: The game features 700 new equipment base types. Armor continues to provide a foundation of defenses (Armour, Evasion, Energy Shield) and serves as the housing for sockets, though the linking mechanic has been moved to the gems themselves.

• Cosmetic Microtransactions: Path of Exile 2 shares its cosmetic microtransaction system with the first game. Any armor sets, weapon effects, pets, and other cosmetics purchased in either game will be available to use in both.

Progression is based on puzzle-solving and traversal using each character's unique tool. Low uses a bow and arrow to hit switches and cut ropes, while Alone uses a wrench to turn mechanisms and smash barriers. There are no traditional skill trees; progression is about mastering the co-op mechanics and finding new tools like the Parasol for gliding.

The game features a linear, 2.5D structure across four main chapters. Each chapter is a distinct, horrifying location within The Spiral, including the sand-ravaged 'Necropolis' (home to the giant Monster Baby), the gloomy 'Candy Factory', and the grotesque 'Carnevale'.

• Low: Playable Protagonist
  A spindly-limbed child in a white raven mask who wields a bow and arrow.
• Alone: Playable Protagonist
  A confident child with red pigtails who wields a wrench.
• Monster Baby: Antagonist
  The giant, doll-like 'Resident' of the Necropolis chapter.
• The Supervisor: Antagonist
  A creepy, multi-armed woman who stalks the Candy Factory like a spider.

• Warrior (Str): Playable Class
  A new melee specialist who excels with maces and clubs.
• Sorceress (Int): Playable Class
  A new spellcaster who can seamlessly blend different elements like fire, cold, and lightning.
• Monk (Str/Dex): Playable Class
  A martial artist who uses a quarterstaff and his fists to deliver swift, mobile attacks.
• Huntress (Dex): Playable Class
  A spear-wielding warrior who excels at hit-and-run tactics, throwing her spear and recalling it.
• Mercenary (Dex/Int): Playable Class
  A crossbow specialist who brings shooter-style mechanics to the game, using different types of bolts for various effects.
• Returning Archetypes: Playable Classes
  The six original classes (Marauder, Ranger, Witch, Duelist, Templar, Shadow) return with new models and animations, alongside six entirely new classes for a total of 12.

• The Main Campaign
  A brand new, six-act storyline that takes players across Wraeclast to stop a new wave of Corruption. The campaign is designed to be a more curated, single-player-like experience compared to the first game.
• The Atlas of Worlds
  The shared endgame between both Path of Exile games. After completing the campaign, players unlock the Atlas and can run thousands of procedurally generated map areas to challenge pinnacle bosses and acquire the most powerful loot.

The game is the first in the series built for co-op. It supports 2-player online co-op only. There is no local couch co-op, a decision that has been widely criticized. The game includes a 'Friend's Pass,' allowing one owner to invite a friend to play for free. A single-player mode with an AI companion is also available.

The game is available in a Standard Edition ($39.99), a Deluxe Edition ($59.99 - includes the Expansion Pass for two future chapters and cosmetic packs), a retail Mirror Edition (includes a figurine), and a premium Premium Spiral Edition (includes a music box figurine base).

• Q: What is Little Nightmares III?
  A: It is the third game in the horror-platformer series and the first to be built for co-op. It follows two new child protagonists, Low and Alone, as they try to escape a nightmarish world.
• Q: Can I play it in local couch co-op?
  A: No. The game only supports 2-player online co-op. It does not have any local or split-screen multiplayer, a decision that has been widely criticized.
• Q: Do both players need to own the game?
  A: No. The game includes a 'Friend's Pass,' which allows someone who owns the game to invite a friend to play the entire story with them online for free.
• Q: Is it still made by the original developers?
  A: No. The original developer, Tarsier Studios, was acquired and moved on to a new IP. Little Nightmares III was developed by Supermassive Games, known for titles like Until Dawn and The Quarry.

• Q: Is Path of Exile 2 an expansion?
  A: No. Originally announced as an expansion, it is now a completely separate, standalone game with its own campaign, classes, and game mechanics. It will exist alongside the original Path of Exile.
• Q: Is Path of Exile 2 free to play?
  A: The game launched into a paid Early Access on December 6, 2024. The full 1.0 release of the game will be completely free-to-play, just like the original.
• Q: Do my purchases from Path of Exile 1 carry over?
  A: Yes. All cosmetic microtransactions and convenience items (like stash tabs) purchased in either game are shared and can be used in both Path of Exile 1 and Path of Exile 2.
• Q: Can I play with my friends from Path of Exile 1?
  A: No. Because Path of Exile 2 is a separate game with different characters and balance, you cannot party up with players who are playing Path of Exile 1. However, PoE2 has full cross-play between its own PC and console versions.

• OFFICIAL PC SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS. These specifications reflect the use of Unreal Engine 5. The game requires Windows 11.
• Laptop Performance Note: Laptop performance will vary based on the model's cooling and TGP. While not the most demanding UE5 title, a stable framerate is important for the game's timing-based platforming and chase sequences.
• Laptop Consideration: G P U T G P: Maximum TGP for the laptop's GPU is beneficial to handle high graphical settings and resolutions, especially with ray tracing enabled.
• Laptop Consideration: Cooling Thermals: The game's visually rich environments and detailed character models will require a laptop with a good cooling solution to prevent thermal throttling.
• Laptop Consideration: C P U Power Limits: A modern multi-core mobile CPU is recommended to ensure smooth performance without bottlenecks.
• Laptop Consideration: M U X Switch Optimus: A MUX switch or NVIDIA Advanced Optimus is a critical feature for reducing input latency, which is helpful for the game's precise platforming challenges.
• Game Name: Little Nightmares III

• OFFICIAL EARLY ACCESS PC SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS from the game's Steam page. These specifications may change as development continues towards the full 1.0 release.
• Laptop Performance Note: Laptop performance will vary based on the specific model's cooling and power delivery (TGP). Path of Exile 2's new engine and complex combat encounters can be demanding.
• Laptop Consideration: G P U T G P Impact: Total Graphics Power (TGP) is critical for laptop GPU performance. A higher TGP allows the GPU to perform closer to its desktop equivalent.
• Laptop Consideration: Advanced Cooling Thermals: The game's intense combat can be graphically demanding. A robust cooling system is essential to prevent thermal throttling and maintain consistent performance.
• Laptop Consideration: C P U Performance Sustain: A strong mobile CPU with high single-core performance is important, as the game's core logic can be CPU-bound, especially with complex builds and numerous calculations.
• Laptop Consideration: R A M Configuration Speed: 16GB in a dual-channel configuration is the recommended minimum. The game can utilize more, and faster RAM can improve performance.
• Laptop Consideration: Display Panel G P U Pairing: Match the GPU's capability to the laptop's display. The game's fast-paced combat benefits from a responsive, high-refresh-rate panel.
• Laptop Consideration: M U X Switch N V I D I A Advanced Optimus: A MUX switch or Advanced Optimus is beneficial for reducing latency, which is crucial for the timing of the new dodge roll mechanic.
• Laptop Consideration: Driver Updates O S Optimization: Keeping GPU drivers updated is crucial for performance and stability, especially for new content patches.
• Game Name: Path of Exile 2

• G P U T G P: Maximum TGP for the laptop's GPU is beneficial to handle high graphical settings and resolutions, especially with ray tracing enabled.
• Cooling Thermals: The game's visually rich environments and detailed character models will require a laptop with a good cooling solution to prevent thermal throttling.
• C P U Power Limits: A modern multi-core mobile CPU is recommended to ensure smooth performance without bottlenecks.
• M U X Switch Optimus: A MUX switch or NVIDIA Advanced Optimus is a critical feature for reducing input latency, which is helpful for the game's precise platforming challenges.

• G P U T G P Impact: Total Graphics Power (TGP) is critical for laptop GPU performance. A higher TGP allows the GPU to perform closer to its desktop equivalent.
• Advanced Cooling Thermals: The game's intense combat can be graphically demanding. A robust cooling system is essential to prevent thermal throttling and maintain consistent performance.
• C P U Performance Sustain: A strong mobile CPU with high single-core performance is important, as the game's core logic can be CPU-bound, especially with complex builds and numerous calculations.
• R A M Configuration Speed: 16GB in a dual-channel configuration is the recommended minimum. The game can utilize more, and faster RAM can improve performance.
• Display Panel G P U Pairing: Match the GPU's capability to the laptop's display. The game's fast-paced combat benefits from a responsive, high-refresh-rate panel.
• M U X Switch N V I D I A Advanced Optimus: A MUX switch or Advanced Optimus is beneficial for reducing latency, which is crucial for the timing of the new dodge roll mechanic.
• Driver Updates O S Optimization: Keeping GPU drivers updated is crucial for performance and stability, especially for new content patches.