Tarsier Studios just hit a major milestone that should ease any worries about delays. Reanimal, the upcoming co-op horror adventure from the creators of Little Nightmares 1 and 2, has officially gone gold. THQ Nordic confirmed the game completed development and is on track for its February 13, 2026 release across Nintendo Switch 2, PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S. For a game launching on Friday the 13th, that timing couldn’t be more perfect.
What Going Gold Actually Means
For those unfamiliar with game industry terminology, going gold means the game has completed core development and been sent to manufacturing for physical copies. The term originated from the gold master disc that contained the final approved version ready for mass production. While digital distribution has reduced the significance somewhat, going gold still marks the completion of development and confirms the game is ready to ship.
This doesn’t mean development stops entirely. Studios typically continue working on day-one patches and post-launch updates right up until release. But reaching gold status signals confidence that the main experience is finished, polished, and ready for players. For Reanimal, this announcement essentially confirms there won’t be any last-minute delays pushing the game out of its February release window.
The Little Nightmares Connection
Reanimal comes from Tarsier Studios, the Swedish developer behind the first two Little Nightmares games. Those atmospheric horror platformers became cult favorites for their distinctive art style, oppressive atmosphere, and ability to create genuine terror without relying on jump scares. When Little Nightmares 3 was announced with Supermassive Games at the helm instead of Tarsier, fans wondered what the original team was working on.
The answer is Reanimal, which looks to expand on everything that made Little Nightmares special while adding cooperative gameplay. Players control a brother and sister navigating a nightmarish island to rescue their missing friends. The game combines stealth mechanics, environmental puzzles, and cinematic platforming with the same twisted visual design that defined Tarsier’s previous work.
Co-Op Horror Done Right
What sets Reanimal apart from Little Nightmares is the emphasis on cooperative play. You and a partner control the orphaned siblings as they explore dimly lit sewers, alleyways, and vaguely industrial spaces while escaping dark creatures. The game supports both local and online co-op, allowing friends to experience the horror together regardless of their setup.
However, Tarsier hasn’t forgotten solo players. Reanimal includes a full single-player mode where you can experience the entire story alone. This flexibility ensures the game accommodates different play styles without forcing anyone into multiplayer if they prefer the isolated dread of playing solo. The siblings’ journey involves traveling both by land and boat, solving environmental puzzles, and confronting pieces of their past.
Try It Now With the Demo
Players don’t need to wait until February to get their hands on Reanimal. A free demo is currently available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC through Steam. The demo covers one of the starting islands that the siblings arrive on and showcases exploration, puzzle-solving, and encounters with terrifying monstrosities. It’s a quick look at what Tarsier has been cooking up since stepping away from Little Nightmares.
The Nintendo Switch 2 demo will arrive later, likely closer to the console’s launch. For anyone on the fence about Reanimal or curious whether Tarsier can recapture the magic without the Little Nightmares branding, the demo offers a risk-free way to find out. Early impressions suggest the studio hasn’t lost its touch for creating oppressive atmospheres and genuinely unsettling monster designs.
Pricing and Editions
Reanimal launches at a budget-friendly $39.99 for the Standard Edition, significantly less than typical AAA releases. THQ Nordic is also offering a Deluxe Edition for $59.99 that includes two cosmetic masks and a Season Pass. The Season Pass promises post-launch DLC, though no details have been revealed about what that content will include or when it will arrive.
For collectors, there’s also a $200 Collector’s Edition packed with physical extras. Pre-orders are currently available across all platforms including physical versions for Switch 2. The reasonable base price makes Reanimal accessible to anyone curious about Tarsier’s work, while the premium editions cater to hardcore fans who want everything.
Why February 13 Is Perfect
Launching a horror game on Friday the 13th is almost too perfect to be coincidence. February 13, 2026 falls on a Friday, making it an ideal release date for a game built around childhood fears, nightmarish creatures, and atmospheric dread. Whether Tarsier planned this from the beginning or got lucky with scheduling, the superstitious significance adds extra flavor to an already dark premise.
The early 2026 release window also positions Reanimal strategically. It avoids the crowded fall release schedule when major AAA titles compete for attention. Launching in February gives the game breathing room to find its audience without getting buried under blockbuster releases. For a smaller-budget title from an independent studio, that timing could make all the difference.
What Fans Are Saying
The response to Reanimal going gold has been overwhelmingly positive from the Little Nightmares community. Fans who worried about potential delays can now relax knowing the game is locked in for its release date. The fact that Tarsier reached gold status nearly two months before launch suggests the studio is confident in the game’s stability and polish.
Some players have questioned whether going gold this early means the game might release sooner than expected. The answer is almost certainly no. Games reach gold status weeks or even months before release to allow time for manufacturing physical copies, distribution to retailers, and preparing day-one updates. The gap between going gold and launch is normal industry practice, not a sign of potential schedule changes.
FAQs
When does Reanimal release?
Reanimal launches on February 13, 2026 across Nintendo Switch 2, PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S. The game has gone gold, confirming this release date is locked in.
What does it mean that Reanimal has gone gold?
Going gold means the game has completed core development and been sent to manufacturing for physical copies. While minor updates and patches may still be worked on, the main experience is finished and ready for release.
Is Reanimal related to Little Nightmares?
No, Reanimal is a completely separate game. However, it’s developed by Tarsier Studios, the same team that created Little Nightmares 1 and 2. Expect similar atmospheric horror, distinctive art style, and environmental puzzle-solving.
Can you play Reanimal solo?
Yes, Reanimal includes a full single-player mode. The game also supports local and online co-op if you want to play with a friend, but solo play is fully supported.
Is there a Reanimal demo available?
Yes, a free demo is currently available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC via Steam. The demo covers one of the starting islands and introduces the gameplay mechanics. A Nintendo Switch 2 demo will arrive later.
How much does Reanimal cost?
The Standard Edition costs $39.99. There’s also a Deluxe Edition for $59.99 that includes two cosmetic masks and a Season Pass, plus a $200 Collector’s Edition with physical extras.
What platforms is Reanimal coming to?
Reanimal launches on Nintendo Switch 2, PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S simultaneously on February 13, 2026. Pre-orders are available now across all platforms.
Will Reanimal have DLC?
Yes, the Deluxe Edition includes a Season Pass for post-launch DLC. However, no specific details about the content, story additions, or release timing have been announced yet.
Conclusion
Reanimal going gold two months before launch is exactly the kind of news horror fans want to hear. It confirms Tarsier Studios is ready to deliver their next nightmare on schedule without the delays that have plagued so many recent releases. The game looks like a natural evolution of what made Little Nightmares special, adding cooperative gameplay without sacrificing the atmospheric dread and distinctive visual style that defined those games. With a budget-friendly price point, available demo, and perfect Friday the 13th release date, Reanimal has everything going for it. For anyone who loved Little Nightmares or just appreciates atmospheric horror done right, February 13, 2026 can’t come soon enough.