Little Nightmares is a horror-themed platform game with puzzle elements set in a massive sea vessel called "The Maw". The player guides Six, a small girl in a yellow raincoat, who seeks to escape the Maw. The game features varied and twisted scenery, from grimy industrial depths to living areas with giant-sized furniture.
Gameplay involves navigating platform challenges where Six must carefully jump across the architecture to reach exits. Puzzle gameplay also plays a role, requiring Six to use objects or interact with the environment to open paths or distract enemies.
Six can manipulate her environment by pushing buttons, pulling levers and handles, standing on items, and picking up items to throw or drop elsewhere. She is equipped with a lighter to illuminate dark areas.
Encounters with hostile Maw inhabitants occur throughout the game. Some sections require stealthy navigation to avoid detection, while others demand swift escape from chasing enemies.
The game world also features optional challenges. Exploring allows Six to find lamps to light up, statuettes to break, and small creatures known as "Nomes" that can be hugged. Collecting all these items grants the player achievements.