The gaming industry strikes again with another pre-announcement leak. Reanimal, the upcoming co-op horror adventure from Little Nightmares creators Tarsier Studios, had its release date accidentally revealed on November 20, 2025, just hours before the planned Xbox Partner Showcase announcement. Both the Epic Games Store and GOG prematurely posted the February 13, 2026 launch date, spoiling what was meant to be a surprise reveal.
How the Leak Happened
Store listings went live far earlier than intended, with the Epic Games Store displaying the specific February 13, 2026 release date. GOG compounded the leak by posting about preorders on their X account before any official announcement from THQ Nordic or Tarsier Studios. The gaming community on Reddit quickly spotted these listings and spread the word across forums and social media platforms.
This isn’t the first time digital storefronts have accidentally leaked major game announcements. Publishers often schedule store page updates to coincide with official reveals, but timezone differences, human error, or automated systems can cause these listings to go public prematurely. In this case, the leak happened mere hours before the Xbox Partner Showcase, where THQ Nordic planned to formally announce the release date alongside a new trailer.
From Little Nightmares to Reanimal
Reanimal represents Tarsier Studios’ first major project since stepping away from the Little Nightmares franchise. The Swedish developer created both the original Little Nightmares and its acclaimed sequel before being acquired by Embracer Group in 2019. In 2021, they announced plans to pursue a new intellectual property instead of continuing with Little Nightmares 3, which Bandai Namco Entertainment handed to Supermassive Games instead.
The departure proved bittersweet for fans. Little Nightmares 3 launched recently to mixed reviews, leaving some players disappointed with the direction. Meanwhile, Tarsier’s announcement of Reanimal at Gamescom in August 2024 generated massive excitement among horror game enthusiasts who loved the studio’s distinctive visual style and atmospheric storytelling. The community discussion surrounding the leak reflected this sentiment, with many Reddit users expressing more enthusiasm for Reanimal than they felt for the third Little Nightmares entry.
What Makes Reanimal Different
Unlike the solo experience of previous Tarsier games, Reanimal introduces cooperative gameplay as a core feature. The story follows a brother and sister navigating through a nightmarish version of their home while attempting to rescue three missing friends. Players can experience the game solo with an AI companion or team up with another player through local or online co-op.
The gameplay blends survival horror, stealth mechanics, and cinematic platforming across a fragmented island setting. A boat system allows players to explore locations beyond the main story path, creating a more nonlinear structure compared to the strictly linear progression of Little Nightmares. Environmental puzzles require coordination between both characters, emphasizing teamwork whether you’re playing with a friend or the AI.
Visually, Reanimal maintains Tarsier’s signature aesthetic with twisted monster designs and broken child protagonists. The development team drew inspiration from each character’s troubled past when creating both the children and the creatures that hunt them. The monsters literally embody fragments of psychological trauma, corrupting peaceful settings into spaces of dread and eeriness.
Technical Innovation and Design Philosophy
One significant technical advancement is the dynamic camera system. While Little Nightmares used fixed camera angles to create specific perspectives and tension, Reanimal employs a camera that constantly adjusts to keep both characters visible on screen. The development team designed this to maximize claustrophobia and shared tension, ensuring that co-op players experience horror simultaneously rather than separately.
Narrative delivery also evolves from previous Tarsier titles. Heavy environmental storytelling remains central to the experience, but both protagonists will be fully voiced this time, a departure from the silent characters of Little Nightmares. This decision aims to deepen the emotional connection between players and the siblings they control.
The team cited diverse inspirations during development, including It Takes Two for cooperative mechanics, The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker for exploration and adventure, and Silent Hill 2 for psychological horror elements. This eclectic mix suggests Reanimal will balance lighter adventurous moments with the intense dread Tarsier Studios perfected in their previous work.
Pricing and Special Editions
The standard edition of Reanimal will retail for approximately 34.99 USD across all platforms including Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, PC, and Nintendo Switch 2. For players wanting additional content, a Digital Deluxe Edition is available for 59.99 USD. This premium version includes the base game, a Season Pass covering three post-launch DLC chapters, and two exclusive cosmetic masks: Foxhead and Muttonhead.
Preorders opened across multiple storefronts following the leak and subsequent official announcement. Steam, Epic Games Store, GOG, and console digital stores all offer purchasing options. The inclusion of Nintendo Switch 2 in the platform lineup is particularly noteworthy, as it represents one of the first major third-party titles confirmed for Nintendo’s next-generation hardware.
Demo Available Now Across Platforms
Players eager to experience Reanimal don’t have to wait until February. A free demo became available on November 20, 2025, coinciding with the Xbox Partner Showcase announcement. The demo is accessible on Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC through Steam. This allows potential buyers to sample the gameplay, cooperative mechanics, and atmospheric horror before committing to a purchase.
The Steam demo has actually been available for several weeks prior to the console versions, giving PC players an early taste of what Tarsier has been developing. Console gamers can now catch up and experience the same preview content, which showcases the core mechanics and visual style that will define the full release.
A Valentine’s Day Horror Story
The February 13, 2026 release date places Reanimal one day before Valentine’s Day, creating an amusing juxtaposition between romantic celebrations and twisted horror. Whether intentional or coincidental, launching a co-op horror game right before a couples-oriented holiday presents interesting marketing opportunities. It’s certainly a unique alternative to traditional Valentine’s Day activities.
This timing also positions Reanimal early in 2026’s release calendar, avoiding the crowded fall season when most major titles compete for attention. The first quarter typically sees fewer AAA releases, potentially giving Reanimal more breathing room to find its audience without competing against massive franchises.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Reanimal release?
Reanimal officially releases on February 13, 2026, across Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, PC, and Nintendo Switch 2. This date was leaked through store listings before being confirmed during the Xbox Partner Showcase on November 20, 2025.
Who is developing Reanimal?
Reanimal is being developed by Tarsier Studios, the Swedish game developer best known for creating Little Nightmares and Little Nightmares II. After being acquired by Embracer Group in 2019, they decided to work on this new intellectual property instead of continuing the Little Nightmares series.
Can you play Reanimal solo or does it require co-op?
Reanimal supports both solo and cooperative play. When playing alone, an AI companion controls the second character. The game also features local and online co-op for two players, marking the first time Tarsier Studios has implemented multiplayer functionality.
Is there a Reanimal demo available?
Yes, a free demo is currently available on Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC through Steam. The demo launched on November 20, 2025, allowing players to experience the gameplay and atmosphere before the full release in February 2026.
How much does Reanimal cost?
The standard edition of Reanimal costs approximately 34.99 USD. A Digital Deluxe Edition priced at 59.99 USD includes the base game, a Season Pass with three DLC chapters, and exclusive Foxhead and Muttonhead cosmetic masks.
Will Reanimal be on Nintendo Switch 2?
Yes, Reanimal is confirmed for release on Nintendo Switch 2 alongside Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC. This makes it one of the first major third-party games officially announced for Nintendo’s next-generation console.
Is Reanimal related to Little Nightmares?
Reanimal is not officially connected to Little Nightmares, but it shares the same creative DNA as both games are developed by Tarsier Studios. Fans consider it a spiritual successor due to the similar art style, horror themes, and child protagonists, though the gameplay introduces cooperative mechanics not present in Little Nightmares.
Conclusion
Despite the premature leak spoiling the surprise, the Reanimal announcement generated significant buzz among horror game enthusiasts. The February 13, 2026 release date gives fans a clear timeline to anticipate, while the currently available demo provides an immediate way to engage with Tarsier Studios’ latest creation. With cooperative gameplay, nonlinear exploration, and the atmospheric horror the studio perfected in Little Nightmares, Reanimal stands as one of the most anticipated horror titles of early 2026. Whether you’re planning a spooky Valentine’s Day gaming session or simply eager for quality horror content, Reanimal promises to deliver the unsettling excellence Tarsier Studios has become known for.