Alan Wake 2: Release Date, Differences From The Original, DLC & Pricing

As we await the release of this sequel, we've put together an extensive summary of everything you need to know about Alan Wake 2, covering its release date, supported platforms, pricing, gameplay updates, story details, and more.

Alan Wake 2 Release Date, Platforms, Price

Alan Wake 2 is scheduled for release on October 27 and will be available on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via the Epic Games Store. The game's price is set at $60 USD on consoles and $50 on PC. Notably, Alan Wake 2 will be available exclusively in digital format.

Alan Wake 2 Brief Plot Synopsis 

Alan Wake 2 picks up 13 years after the original game's events. Alan, who saved his wife in the first installment, remains trapped in the Dark Place—a world capable of turning fiction into reality. During this prolonged time, he has been striving to write himself free from the Dark Place but without success.

In parallel, the game introduces a second playable character, FBI agent Saga Anderson. Saga finds herself in the real world, investigating a series of ritualistic murders in Bright Falls, the same setting as the first Alan Wake game. The stories of these two protagonists start to intertwine as Saga encounters pages from a horror story that starts becoming a reality around her.

Alan Wake 2 unfolds across three locations in the Pacific Northwest: Bright Falls, the nearby city of Watery, known for fishing and logging, and the isolated Cauldron Lake. Principal narrative designer Molly Maloney described the game's world as "a little quirky, a little interesting, a little weird," mirroring Remedy's take on the Pacific Northwest.

The game will again feature live-action sequences as part of its storytelling, with a desire to seamlessly blend live action into the experience. This choice complements the shifting dream-like reality of the Dark Place, adding a layer of confusion to both the player and Alan Wake himself.

Alan Wake 2 Gameplay

Alan Wake 2 combines a mix of combat, puzzles, detective work, and interactive story moments to enhance the narrative. Notably, the sequel will feature fewer combat encounters than its predecessor, aiming to address a criticism of the original game, where gameplay felt repetitive.

The gameplay leans toward a slower pace, characteristic of the survival horror genre. Combat is designed to focus on resource management and strategic play rather than repetitive battles. In Alan Wake 2, the flashlight technique from the first game returns, requiring players to eliminate darkness before inflicting damage. Some enemies will exhibit shadowy behavior, creating a sense of paranoia.

Players can expect the combat to feel similar to Resident Evil, featuring an identical camera angle and tense gunplay. The game includes a gruesome wound system, where each gunshot opens up visceral cavities.

The game provides freedom for players to switch between characters, with only specific situations restricting this. After the introductory missions, players can alternate between Saga and Alan, either chapter by chapter or by completing one character's story before transitioning to the other.

Playing Previous Games in the Remedy Universe

Alan Wake 2 is the third entry in the Remedy Connected Universe (RCU), a shared world that includes the Alan Wake and Control franchises. Playing previous games like Alan Wake, Control, and their expansions can enrich the experience, but the sequel is accessible as a standalone title. Newcomers can enjoy the game without prior knowledge of the series.

If you wish to explore the entire RCU experience, you can play the following games:

• Alan Wake: The original game is available on Xbox 360 and PC. However, we recommend playing Alan Wake Remastered, released in 2021 and accessible on various platforms, including PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, Xbox One, Switch, and PC. The remastered version also includes The Signal and The Writer DLCs.

• Control: Initially released on PS4, Xbox One, and PC, it's recommended to play Control Ultimate Edition, available on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, Xbox One, Switch (via cloud streaming), and PC. The Ultimate Edition includes the original game with graphical and performance updates on newer consoles, along with The Foundation and AWE expansions.

Alan Wake 2 Expansions, Editions, Preorder Bonus

Remedy has announced that Alan Wake 2 will receive free post-launch content and two paid expansions: Night Springs and Lake House. These expansions are included with the Digital Deluxe version of the game. For preorder bonuses, players who purchase either edition will receive in-game items:

• Ornate Revolver Skin for Alan
• Survival Resources Pack for Saga
• Oh Deer Diner Sweater for Saga

There are two editions of Alan Wake 2:

• Standard Edition: Priced at $50 USD (PC) and $60 USD (Consoles), it includes the digital copy of the game.

• Digital Deluxe Edition: Priced at $70 USD (PC) and $80 USD (Consoles), it includes the digital copy of the game, the expansion pass (Night Springs and Lake House expansions), and various in-game items like skins and charms.