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Little Nightmares: The Residence

Review · Action · Xbox One · PlayStation 4 · PC

Little Nightmares: The Residence

Reviewed: 18 May 2026

Xbox One · PlayStation 4 · PC

Tarsier Studios · 2018

Ludograph rating

A

Recommended

68 /100

06010030BenefitLow riskB 51 · R 0
The Ludograph reading, plotted from the published benefit and risk sub-scores.

Growth (BDS)

51

Risk (RIS)

0

Daily limit

120min

Age guidance

13+

Developmental benefits

B1Cognitive
0.64
B2Social-emotional
0.13
B3Motor
0.75

Little Nightmares: The Residence offers a rich puzzle-platforming experience that challenges players' problem-solving, spatial awareness, and critical thinking skills. The game's atmospheric design and engaging challenges provide a stimulating cognitive workout.

Design risks

R1Compulsion-loop pressure
0.00
R2Monetization
0.00
R3Social risk
0.00

The game's horror theme and 'house of dread' setting may induce fear and anxiety, particularly for younger or sensitive players. While free from monetization and social risks, the intense atmosphere could be a concern.

Content (not in risk score)

R4.1Violence Level
0.33
R4.2Sexual Content
0.00
R4.3Language
0.00
R4.4Substance References
0.00
R4.5Fear / Horror
1.00

Content risk is displayed separately and does not affect the time recommendation.

Regulatory design checks · DSAAssessed: meets criteria·GDPR-KAssessed: meets criteria·ODDSAssessed: meets criteria

  • DSA:What Ludograph checks: whether the game's design gives minors the transparency the EU Digital Services Act expects: plain terms, honest defaults, and clear reporting routes.: Estimated from review data. No dark pattern or child-targeting concerns found.
  • GDPR-K:What Ludograph checks: whether age assurance and consent flows are designed for under-16s, in the spirit of GDPR Article 8.: Estimated from review data. No privacy or child-targeting concerns found.
  • ODDS:What Ludograph checks: whether paid random-reward drop rates are disclosed, as required in China, Japan and South Korea.: Estimated from review data. No paid random-reward mechanics found, so drop-rate disclosure requirements do not apply.

These reflect Ludograph's assessment of the game's design practices against each framework's criteria, not a legal compliance determination.

Parents ask…

Is Little Nightmares: The Residence safe for kids?

Ludograph gives Little Nightmares: The Residence a rating of 68/100, recommended for ages 13 and up. It scores well on developmental benefits with manageable risks.

What age is Little Nightmares: The Residence appropriate for?

Ludograph's rubric recommends a minimum age of 13+ for Little Nightmares: The Residence, based on benefits, risks, and content review.

How long should kids play Little Nightmares: The Residence?

Our session recommendation for Little Nightmares: The Residence is up to 120 minutes per day. It is derived from the game's own structure (natural stopping points, compulsion-loop design, monetization pressure, and social dynamics), not from a universal screen-time dose.

Session recommendations are design-based heuristics. Evidence linking specific daily durations to child outcomes is limited, and context matters as much as time; treat this as a starting point for household rules, not a clinical threshold.

What are the main risks of Little Nightmares: The Residence?

The game's horror theme and 'house of dread' setting may induce fear and anxiety, particularly for younger or sensitive players. While free from monetization and social risks, the intense atmosphere could be a concern.