Alan Wake 2: Rekindling the Enigma - A Comprehensive Walkthrough

In the upcoming chapter of Alan Wake 2, players will be thrust into the terrifying world of horror. The unexpected awakening of a corpse in the morgue alerts both Alex Casey and Saga Anderson to the fact that they have unknowingly wandered into a chilling narrative. As players delve back into Cauldron Lake, they will have ample opportunities to uncover secrets and unravel mysteries.

Within this chapter, players will encounter thrilling combat encounters and the exciting possibility of obtaining a new weapon and a selection of charming items. Brace yourselves as we embark on the journey of "Return 2: The Heart".

This walkthrough contains spoilers, so players should proceed with caution.

Search the Crime Scene

To begin this chapter, players should immediately return to the location of the crime scene. Utilizing the shortcut from the previous chapter will significantly expedite the journey. Notably, the gates remain accessible and players need not concern themselves with unlocking them once more.

During the descent, two men can be found at the FBC station, providing players with interesting backstory information about Saga and her family. When prepared, proceed with Casey towards the location where Nightingale's body was discovered.

Since players last visited the crime scene, it has become partially flooded. At this point, they can choose to investigate the table and engage in a conversation with Casey. Additionally, on the right side of the crime scene, there are footprints that players can examine.

Follow the Trail

Nightingale has left peculiar footprints on the ground. With no other leads, following the trail is the only option. In case the players lose the trail, they can easily track it by using the flashlight to illuminate the footprints.

Once they reach the water, a sudden fright will occur, after which a new option to profile Nightingale will present itself. If the players have any remaining evidence that they have not yet placed on the board, this would be an opportune moment to do so.

Head back to the water and approach the red box attached to the telephone pole. Inside, players will find a supply of ammunition and a Trauma Pad. It is advisable to utilize the Trauma Pad immediately, considering the damage sustained during the initial encounter with Nightingale. Once equipped, continue moving left from the red box and proceed along the path that leads to Witch's Ladle. Eventually, players will arrive at the dead end they came across in the previous chapter.

This time, however, a peculiar luminous section adorns the tree. Move closer to the tree to receive guidance on utilizing the flashlight for eradication of shadowy areas. By doing so, an additional manuscript page is unveiled.

Go to the Witch's Hut

Following the not-so-subtle hint on the manuscript page, head north in the direction of the Witch's Hut. On the left side of the hut, locate a fuse box that seems to be incomplete. Unfortunately, without a fuse, the lights cannot be switched on at this point.

To locate the fuse, cross the bridge located west of Witch's Hut. Within one of the crates, you will discover a damaged fuse. However, there is another nearby crate containing an intact fuse. Return to the fuse box and insert the new fuse. Upon entering the Witch's Hut, players will acquire the ability to manually save their progress, as well as unlock an achievement/trophy.

After saving, turn around and examine the shelf for an additional page. Utilizing the clue provided on the page, return to the Mind Place. Place the evidence on the board and proceed to conduct a profile analysis on Nightingale. Remarkably, Saga is able to deduce that Nightingale's heart lies within the old general store.

Before leaving the Witch's Hut, check the small table to the left of the door. It contains ammo.

Go to the General Store

Located in close proximity to the crime scene, the general store was previously barricaded and entirely inaccessible. However, it now stands with its door wide open, granting players unrestricted entry. Adjacent to the general store is a laundromat, but it holds no remarkable items or clues.

Within the confines of the general store, players will have their initial encounter with a Taken (excluding Nightingale). Direct the flashlight towards the adversary and proceed to discharge rounds until it succumbs. Since there is only one foe, players need not fret over ammunition.

Within the room from which the Taken materialized, there are numerous treasures awaiting exploration. Firstly, an item that expands the inventory capacity can be obtained. Additionally, a sawed-off shotgun can be discovered in this chamber, accompanied by a manuscript page and various other provisions. To acquire the sawed-off shotgun, input the code 739. When prepared to advance the storyline, utilize the flashlight to dissipate the shroud of darkness engulfing the refrigerator in this room.

Perform the Ritual

Players are now prepared to perform the necessary ritual to enter the Overlap. Before proceeding, it is recommended that players return to the Witch's Hut and save their progress. On the way to the Witch's Sign, players will be unexpectedly attacked by two Taken. Eliminate them and continue forward.

Approach the Witch's Sign and insert Nightingale's Heart. This action will initiate a cutscene, causing the tree to open up, granting players access to the other side. Continue moving ahead until a rock with a dark blemish is encountered. Remove the blemish by burning it, revealing another manuscript page.

Keep going through the identical-looking tree in front of you, and continue following this specific path. Stay alert and keep an eye out for some objects located on the right side. The fact that the game is offering players ammunition, batteries, and a trauma pad can only signify one thing.

How to Beat Nightingale

Nightingale is essentially an enlarged, more resilient version of the Taken. When he becomes visible, employ the flashlight to eliminate his shield and then launch an assault. Gradually, he will vanish, prompting players to make a swift escape from the tempest he summons. Eventually, Nightingale reemerges. Lower his shield and continue firing at him until he dematerializes once more. It won't be long before he resurfaces and launches an attack.

When Nightingale captures players, they have the option to quickly press the prompted button to escape.

Once players inflict sufficient damage on Nightingale, he will be defeated, and they will earn a trophy/achievement for their victory. Following Nightingale's defeat, a cutscene will commence.

Explore the Area

After unexpectedly encountering Alan Wake, the next course of action is to return to Bright Falls by car. While traversing the Witch's Ladel once again, players will come under attack from a wolf that has been taken. Dispatch the wolf and approach the red box situated on the tree. By using the flashlight, hidden yellow arrows indicating a specific direction will become visible. Follow these arrows to discover a key.

With the subsided flood, players now have the opportunity to explore the previously inaccessible northeast section of the map. Over the bridge lies a poem encircled by chalk drawings. Adjacent to this, a Crow Doll can be found on one of the nearby tables. Take the Crow Doll and position it on the symbol of the sun. As a result, a Hammer Charm will materialize on the picnic table nearby.

Further along, outside the Private Cabin lies a generator. When activated, the cabin transforms into a secure haven where players can dutifully save their game progress. Additionally, there awaits another manuscript page within this cabin.

At the Witchfinder's Station, there is a new set of puzzle drawings. Enter the cabin and retrieve the Wolf and Hero Dolls from the second floor. Then, proceed to the drawings outside the cabin and place the Wolf Doll on the tree symbol and the Hero Doll on the boat symbol. This action will result in the emergence of a Coffee Mug Charm in the room where the dolls were initially found.

Before departing, ensure that you have collected these dolls, along with the earlier acquired Crow Doll. Over at the Private Cabin, there is another diagram that requires the utilization of all three dolls. By successfully completing this puzzle, a Kalevala Knights Charm will appear by the pond situated to the northeast of the cabin.

Players should have already received a message from Casey informing them of his and Alan's arrival at the car. To conclude the current chapter, return to the parking lot by taking the shortcut and interact with the vehicle following a sequence of cutscenes.

Alan Wake 2 can now be played on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.