One of the biggest changes Little Nightmares 3 brings to the series is the choice between two distinct protagonists: Low and Alone. Unlike Six’s solo journey in previous games, you’re now picking a partner for your trip through The Nowhere—and that choice affects how you’ll actually play the game.
Here’s the thing that caught me off-guard: this decision is permanent for your entire playthrough. No swapping mid-game, no testing both in the first chapter. You commit at the character select screen and that’s your companion (or character, if playing solo) until the credits roll.
So let’s break down everything you need to know about both characters to make the right choice for your playstyle.
Meet Your Protagonists: Low and Alone
First, let’s clear up the confusion because the game doesn’t actually label these characters by name on the selection screen. You’re choosing based on appearance alone (pun intended), which leaves many players wondering who’s who.
Alone – The Wrench-Wielding Mechanic
Visual Identity:
- Character with distinctive pigtails
- Wearing goggles on their head
- Practical, scrappy aesthetic
Signature Weapon: Wrench (melee tool)
Gameplay Role: Alone is your hands-on problem solver. While Low handles threats from a distance, Alone gets up close and personal with both puzzles and enemies.
Low – The Crow-Masked Archer
Visual Identity:
- Wearing a striking crow skull mask
- More mysterious, enigmatic appearance
- Slightly taller silhouette
Signature Weapon: Bow and Arrow (ranged weapon)
Gameplay Role: Low takes a more tactical approach, engaging enemies and environmental puzzles from range with surprising precision.
Character Abilities Breakdown: How They Actually Play
The distinction between these two goes way beyond aesthetics. Each character fundamentally changes how you interact with Little Nightmares 3’s world.
Combat Mechanics: A Tag-Team System
What makes the character choice interesting is that neither protagonist can handle combat entirely alone. The game builds cooperation into its core design:
Low’s Combat Role:
- Primary attacker in enemy encounters
- Uses bow to shoot enemies, stunning them and bringing them to the ground
- Auto-lock targeting system helps with aiming (crucial for tense moments)
- Maintains safe distance from threats
- Cannot finish off enemies alone—needs Alone to complete kills
Alone’s Combat Role:
- Finishing specialist in enemy encounters
- Rushes in with wrench once Low downs an enemy
- Delivers the final blow with melee strikes
- More vulnerable during approach but devastating up close
- Cannot easily initiate combat—relies on Low to create openings
Why this matters: If you’re playing solo, your AI companion handles the other role. But in co-op? You’re constantly coordinating these attack patterns, calling out enemy positions, and timing your strikes together.
Puzzle and Platforming: Different Tools for Different Jobs
The cooperative design extends beyond combat into every environmental interaction:
Low’s Environmental Abilities:
- Bow auto-locks onto interactive objects (ropes, distant buttons, switches)
- Can trigger mechanisms far away or in dangerous positions
- Essential for puzzles requiring ranged activation
- Creates pathways by shooting targets Alone can’t reach
- More versatile in wide-open spaces
Alone’s Environmental Abilities:
- Wrench interacts with mechanical gear systems
- Turns cranks and gears to shift platforms, open doors, and move obstacles
- Required for specific mechanical puzzles throughout the game
- Often needs to be in riskier positions to access mechanisms
- More hands-on approach to problem-solving
Design philosophy: Little Nightmares 3 constantly alternates which character “leads” in different sections. One puzzle might require Low to shoot three distant targets while Alone navigates platforms. The next might have Alone cranking gears while Low covers them from enemies.
Quick Reference: Low vs Alone Comparison
AspectLow (Crow Mask)Alone (Goggles)WeaponBow & ArrowWrenchCombat StyleRanged initiatorMelee finisherRangeLong-distance attacksClose-quarters onlyPuzzle ToolsShoots ropes, buttons, distant switchesTurns gears and mechanical systemsPlaystyleTactical, cautious, supportiveAggressive, hands-on, directCutscene FocusSlightly more prominentEqually important but less centeredSolo DifficultyEasier (AI handles melee well)Harder (AI ranged support less intuitive)
Which Character Should You Pick? (Real Talk)
Alright, let’s get practical. After playing through as both characters, here’s my honest recommendation:
For Solo Players: Choose Low
If you’re tackling Little Nightmares 3 alone with the AI companion, Low is the better choice for your first playthrough. Here’s why:
Reasons Low works better solo:
- The AI handles melee finishers more reliably than ranged shots
- You maintain better control over combat initiation
- Ranged targeting lets you assess situations before committing
- Auto-lock reduces pressure during intense moments
- Slightly more active role means less waiting on AI
When to pick Alone in solo:
- You prefer aggressive, in-your-face gameplay
- You’re doing a second playthrough and want a fresh perspective
- You trust AI pathfinding (it’s pretty good, but not perfect)
For Co-Op Players: Pick What Fits Your Style
In multiplayer, the choice becomes genuinely preference-based:
Choose Low if you:
- Prefer supporting roles and tactical gameplay
- Like being the “setup” person in co-op games
- Enjoy the satisfaction of precise timing and aim
- Want to feel like you’re covering your partner
Choose Alone if you:
- Love melee combat and getting physical
- Prefer direct, immediate interaction with the world
- Enjoy being the “finisher” in team combos
- Like solving mechanical puzzles hands-on
Pro co-op tip: Discuss with your partner before selecting. The combat flow feels significantly better when both players understand their roles from the start.
The Story Angle: Does It Matter Narratively?
Here’s something you should know: there are no story differences based on your character choice. You’re not picking between two different narrative paths or unlocking alternate endings.
That said, players have noticed that in-game cutscenes tend to focus slightly more on Low. The camera lingers on them a bit longer, certain dramatic moments center on their reactions, and the overall presentation gives Low a subtle “main character” energy.
Does this ruin the experience as Alone? Absolutely not. Both characters are equally important to the story, and both receive meaningful character moments. But if you’re deeply invested in feeling like “the protagonist,” Low might edge ahead slightly.
Can You Switch Characters Later?
Short answer: No.
Once you’ve committed to Low or Alone at the start of your playthrough, that’s your character until you finish the game or start over. There’s no swap mechanic, no chapter replay with the other character, no halfway switch.
Why this matters for trophy hunters: Several achievements require playing as both characters. You’ll need at least two complete playthroughs to unlock everything. Plan accordingly if you’re going for that platinum.
Silver lining: The game has good replay value. Experiencing it from both perspectives genuinely feels different enough to justify a second run.
My Personal Take: Why Low Won Me Over
For transparency, I started with Alone on my first playthrough (loved the goggles aesthetic), and honestly? I wish I’d gone with Low first.
The ranged gameplay felt more forgiving while learning the game’s systems. I had more time to assess threats, plan approaches, and react to the game’s frequently chaotic moments. When I replayed as Low, those same sections felt more manageable and less frustrating.
That doesn’t mean Alone is worse—just less forgiving for newcomers. The wrench-wielding, melee-focused gameplay is incredibly satisfying once you understand enemy patterns and puzzle solutions. But on a blind first playthrough, Low’s versatility helps smooth over the learning curve.
Plus, that crow mask is legitimately one of the coolest character designs in the series.
Tips for Playing Each Character
Low Tips:
- Don’t rush your shots – the auto-lock is generous, so take that extra second to confirm your target
- Use the bow for reconnaissance – aim around to highlight interactive objects before committing to a path
- Stay mobile – your range advantage means nothing if you’re backed into a corner
- Communicate enemy positions in co-op before shooting
Alone Tips:
- Position yourself before Low attacks – be ready to rush in the moment enemies hit the ground
- Watch for gear mechanisms everywhere – some are cleverly hidden in the environment
- Your wrench has reach – don’t be afraid to swing slightly before you think you’re in range
- Be the eyes on the ground in co-op while Low scans from range
The Bottom Line
Choose Low if you want a smoother first experience, especially solo. Choose Alone if you’re playing co-op and your partner already picked Low, or if you genuinely prefer melee combat.
And remember: you’re going to play both eventually anyway if you care about 100% completion. So really, you’re just deciding which character gets to terrify you through The Nowhere first.
Whatever you choose, both Low and Alone deliver compelling, atmospheric gameplay that builds beautifully on what made the first two games special—just now with a partner who’s (hopefully) slightly more reliable than the usual horror game AI.
Official Resources
Ready to start your journey? Grab Little Nightmares 3 on your platform:
- Official Website: Bandai Namco Little Nightmares III
- Steam (PC): Little Nightmares III on Steam
- PlayStation: Little Nightmares 3 on PlayStation Store
- Xbox: Little Nightmares III on Xbox Store
Final Checklist:
- ✓ Decided between Low (crow mask, bow) or Alone (goggles, wrench)
- ✓ Understood your character can’t be changed mid-playthrough
- ✓ Coordinated with your co-op partner (if applicable)
- ✓ Ready to embrace The Nowhere’s nightmares
- ✓ Accepted you’ll probably play through twice anyway for those achievements
Now pick your protagonist and dive in. The Nowhere is waiting, and this time, you won’t be facing it alone—even if you’re playing solo.
