After reaching the room with the two statues in Little Nightmares 3: The Backstage DLC, you will encounter a large checkered floor that functions as a Tic Tac Toe-style puzzle. At first glance, the solution is not obvious because the clues needed to solve it are hidden throughout the room. Using your light source is essential, as each clue only becomes visible when illuminated.
Before attempting the puzzle itself, take some time to explore the area and uncover all three clue markings. Once you’ve found them, you can safely cross the floor by stepping on the correct tiles in sequence to unlock the next section of the level.
| Objective | Details |
|---|---|
| Puzzle Location | Room with two statues and a checkered floor |
| Required Item | Light source |
| Number of Clues | 3 |
| Clue Visibility | Hidden until illuminated |
| Puzzle Type | Floor tile sequence puzzle |
| Correct Sequence Length | 4 steps |
| Reward | Opens the next room and allows progression |
Location of the puzzle room
The Tic Tac Toe puzzle is found inside a chamber featuring two large statues positioned on opposite sides of the room. The puzzle area occupies the center of the room in the form of a square grid made up of floor tiles.
A raised platform runs around portions of the room, and one of the hidden clues requires climbing to an upper walkway. Make sure to thoroughly search every corner while using your light to reveal the otherwise invisible markings.
Before solving the puzzle, you must locate the hidden symbols scattered around the room.
Finding the first clue
The first clue is the easiest to discover. Immediately after entering the room, approach the statue located on the left side. Shine your light around the statue until the hidden marking becomes visible.
Finding the second clue
For the next clue, move toward the right side of the room. Search the floor area carefully and use your light to reveal the hidden symbol. Without the light, the clue remains invisible.
Finding the third clue
The final clue is located on the upper level. Climb onto the elevated platform and walk all the way toward the far left side. Once there, use your light again to expose the last hidden symbol.
After locating all three clues, you will have the information necessary to determine the correct path across the floor tiles.
How to solve the Tic Tac Toe floor puzzle
The puzzle is solved by jumping onto specific squares in the correct order. Stepping on the wrong tile can force you to restart, so follow the sequence carefully.
| Step | Tile Position |
|---|---|
| 1 | Bottom-right tile |
| 2 | Left-middle tile |
| 3 | Center tile |
| 4 | Upper-right tile |
Begin by jumping onto the bottom-right square of the grid. From there, move to the left-middle square. Next, jump onto the center square. Finish the sequence by stepping onto the upper-right square.
Once the final tile is activated correctly, the puzzle will be completed and the path forward will open.
Understanding how the clues point to the solution
The three hidden clues scattered throughout the room act as pieces of a larger pattern. When viewed together, they indicate the route that must be followed across the floor grid. Rather than randomly testing tiles, the game encourages players to investigate their surroundings and interpret environmental hints.
This design fits well with the overall philosophy of Little Nightmares puzzles, which often rely on observation and exploration rather than direct instructions. Missing even one clue can make the solution seem confusing, which is why thoroughly searching the room before attempting the puzzle is recommended.
Rewards for completing the puzzle
| Reward | Description |
|---|---|
| Room Access | Opens the next room |
| Story Progression | Allows advancement through The Backstage DLC |
| Puzzle Completion | Clears one of the major environmental puzzles in the area |
The Tic Tac Toe puzzle in Little Nightmares 3: The Backstage DLC requires players to locate three hidden clues using their light source before crossing the checkered floor. The clues can be found near the left statue, on the right-side floor area, and on the far-left section of the upper platform. Once all clues have been discovered, step on the tiles in this order: bottom-right, left-middle, center, and upper-right. Completing the sequence opens the next room and lets you continue your journey through The Backstage.
