Reanimal is a cinematic horror adventure from Tarsier Studios, the team behind Little Nightmares. It focuses on two siblings trying to survive and escape a twisted island filled with hostile creatures. The game blends platforming, stealth, puzzle solving, and light exploration. Combat is not the focus. Survival comes from smart movement and awareness.
This guide breaks down the core mechanics and systems new players need to understand before jumping in.
How Movement Works
Movement in Reanimal is simple on the surface but important to master. Players can run, crouch, slow walk, jump, and interact with the environment. The difference between running and slow walking matters. Running is useful for escapes, but it increases the risk of being heard. Slow walking keeps noise down and gives better control in tight spaces.
The camera is directed and shared between both characters. In co-op, both players stay on screen. This makes positioning important. If one character moves too far, the camera shifts, which can affect visibility and timing.
Platforming is grounded and deliberate. Jumps are not floaty, and timing matters when crossing gaps or avoiding hazards. Most sections reward patience rather than speed.
REANIMAL Ultimate Beginner's Guide
Stealth and Enemy Behavior
Stealth is one of the main pillars of Reanimal. Enemies react to sight and sound. If players move too fast or step into open areas at the wrong time, they will be detected. Most creatures are stronger than the player characters, so direct confrontation is rarely an option.
Observation is key. Many enemies patrol specific paths. Watching their patterns before moving is often safer than reacting at the last second. Hiding behind objects, staying out of light, and moving when enemies turn away are common survival tactics.
When chased, the game shifts into short high-tension sequences. These moments rely on quick movement and environmental awareness rather than fighting back.
REANIMAL Ultimate Beginner's Guide
Puzzle Design and Interaction
Reanimal relies heavily on environmental puzzles. Players pull levers, move crates, activate switches, and find alternate paths. The puzzles are integrated into the world rather than presented as separate challenges.
In single player, the second sibling is controlled by AI. Some puzzles require coordination, such as holding a switch while the other character passes through a door. The AI generally follows commands, but positioning still matters.
In co-op, puzzle solving becomes more dynamic. Players must communicate and act together. Many obstacles require synchronized movement, boosting each other to higher platforms, or activating mechanisms at the same time.
The key approach is to slow down and scan the area. Most puzzles are based on observation rather than complex logic.
REANIMAL Ultimate Beginner's Guide
Boat Exploration and World Structure
As the story progresses, players gain access to a boat. This adds a layer of exploration beyond linear level progression. Instead of moving through a single path, players can navigate between locations around the island.
Boat control is straightforward. Players steer, accelerate, and occasionally boost. The boat sections create breathing room between intense stealth sequences and encourage exploration of side areas.
The world design becomes more open at this stage. While the story remains guided, players have more freedom in choosing where to go next.
Checkpoints and Progression
Reanimal uses automatic checkpoints. There is no manual save system. If players fail during a chase or get caught by an enemy, they restart at the most recent checkpoint. This keeps the pacing steady and avoids long reloads.
Progression is story driven. Players unlock new areas as they solve puzzles and escape threats. Exploration with the boat may reveal optional paths or additional story details.
Playing Solo vs Co-op
The full experience can be played solo or with a partner. In solo mode, AI controls the second sibling. The AI is designed to assist with puzzles and follow movement cues.
In co-op, both players control one sibling each. The shared screen changes how players move and plan. Communication becomes part of the gameplay loop. The tension feels different when both players are responsible for survival.
The game also includes a Friend’s Pass system, allowing a second player to join without owning a separate copy, depending on platform support.
REANIMAL Ultimate Beginner's Guide
Tips & Tricks for Beginners
Take time to observe before moving. Many enemy encounters are easier when players study patrol routes instead of reacting under pressure.
Use slow movement when exploring new areas. Noise attracts attention, and most threats are avoidable with careful pacing.
Position both characters carefully during puzzles. Even in solo mode, spacing and timing matter when interacting with switches and platforms.
During chase sequences, focus on the path ahead instead of looking back.
In co-op, talk constantly. Calling out enemy movement and timing actions together makes difficult sections much more manageable.
For more REANIMAL, check out GAM3S.GG guides below: