Tarsier Studios, developer of Little Nightmares, announced this Thursday (20) the launch of Reanimal for February 13, 2026. The cooperative horror game arrives simultaneously on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series
During Xbox Partner Preview, the gameplay trailer showed the first chapters of the adventure, where players control two orphaned brothers on an island transformed into a hostile environment after a mysterious flood.
The free demo, available from today on PlayStation
The game’s standard price is US$39.99, with a digital deluxe edition for US$59.99 including a season pass with three extra chapters and cosmetic items such as Foxhead and Muttonhead masks.
Inheritance of Tarsier Studios
Tarsier Studios gained recognition with Little Nightmares in 2017 and its sequel in 2021, titles that sold millions of copies and established a stylized visual style with elements of psychological horror.
Reanimal represents a new IP after the studio left the Little Nightmares franchise, which had the third chapter developed by another team and released in October 2025.
The Swedish studio, now part of Amplifier Studios, emphasizes in Reanimal a darker narrative, inspired by fragments of the traumatic past of the child protagonists.
Featured game mechanics
Exploration and stealth form the basis of the gameplay, with the brothers alternating roles to overcome obstacles in claustrophobic scenarios.
The shared camera directs the view to increase tension, requiring precise coordination in collaborative puzzles.
In the trailer, scenes show rowing a boat through dark waters and escaping from traps, highlighting the importance of cooperation to avoid deformed creatures like Farejador.
- Players control Menino and Menina, each with complementary abilities for progression.
- Single-player mode allows alternating control of characters.
- Online co-op supports up to two players, with DualSense support on PS5 for adaptive vibration.
Plot and setting
After a devastating flood, the brothers’ home island becomes a labyrinth of dangers, with monsters inspired by childhood fears and remnants of an abandoned civilization.
The story progresses through minimalist narrative chapters, revealing secrets about the friends’ disappearance through subtle dialogue and environmental clues.
The initial demo covers the protagonists’ reunion and their first confrontation with threats, setting the stage for a rescue journey that lasts around 8-10 hours in the full game.
Elements such as the oppressive soundtrack and handmade art reinforce the atmosphere of vulnerability, differentiating Reanimal from more action-oriented titles in the horror genre.
THQ Nordic, publisher, confirms that the game prioritizes accessibility in co-op, with options to adjust difficulty in puzzles.
Platforms and availability
The demo expanded access following the release of Steam Next Fest in October 2025, which saw high engagement among testers.
Pre-sales are now open in digital stores, with exclusive bonuses for those who purchase in advance.
- PS5: Free Demo on PlayStation Store, with online co-op support via PS Plus.
- Xbox Series X/S: Test Versão available on Xbox Store.
- PC: Download via Steam, with compatibility for controls and keyboards.
- Nintendo Switch 2: Lançamento confirmed, optimized for portability in handheld mode.
Reanimal positions itself as an option for fans of narrative horror, focusing on the emotional connection between characters amid constant threats.
Preparation for launch
Developers have been testing mechanics in beta phases since 2024, adjusting the balance between tension and progression to avoid frustrations in co-op.
Post-launch updates will include fixes and additional content via season pass, without microtransactions.
The trailer ends with glimpses of varied biomes, such as flooded forests and urban ruins, suggesting diversity in environmental challenges.
