Is Playing Alan Wake 1 Necessary for Alan Wake 2?

Alan Wake 2 is a sequel that not only expands upon the gameplay of the original Alan Wake but also enhances the lore of Remedy's Connected Universe. For players who are new to the series and are interested in Alan Wake 2, they may be curious if it is necessary to play Alan Wake or the remastered version in order to fully enjoy Alan Wake 2.

Similarly, those who have previously played the original game, which was released in 2010, might be wondering if it is essential to replay Alan Wake before immersing themselves once again in the atmospheric town of Bright Falls, especially if they have forgotten certain aspects of the storyline.

Do You Need To Play Alan Wake 1 Before Alan Wake 2?

The answer to whether you need to play Alan Wake 1 before playing Alan Wake 2 is no. It's not necessary to play Alan Wake in order to understand and enjoy Alan Wake 2. Remedy Entertainment's Alan Wake 2 website FAQs also clarify this, stating that although Alan Wake is a sequel, it is 'set up as a standalone experience.'

How Alan Wake 2 Introduces New Players To Alan Wake

As a dual-protagonist experience, Remedy brings forth the character of FBI Agent Saga Anderson to introduce all players, regardless of their prior knowledge. Saga serves as a way to onboard new players to the story of Alan Wake 2. In sync with Saga's investigations into the murders and eerie events of Bright Falls and Watery, the players also delve into the same.

Alan Wake 2 takes a fresh approach to gameplay, focusing on horror elements, scare tactics, and solving intricate puzzles. Drawing inspiration from games like Resident Evil 4, even experienced Alan Wake players will need to adjust their strategies. While there are certain similarities, Alan Wake 2 diverges significantly from its predecessor, offering a unique and engaging experience.

Do You Need To Play Control Before Alan Wake 2?

Playing Control or its two DLCs before starting Alan Wake 2 is not a requirement. Remedy suggests it for those interested in the lore and Connected Universe, but emphasizes that it is not necessary. While playing Control may enhance players' understanding of the Federal Bureau of Control in Alan Wake 2, it is not essential to experience Control beforehand.

How To Play Alan Wake and Control Games In Release Order

Players interested in fully immersing themselves in the Alan Wake universe and gaining a comprehensive understanding of the evolving Remedy Connected Universe may consider playing other Remedy titles like Control. By doing so, they can enhance their experience of Alan Wake 2 and better appreciate the Easter Eggs and references, including the presence of characters like Mr Scratch. To fully enjoy the chronological progression of the storyline, it is recommended to play the Alan Wake and Control titles in the following release order:

Alan Wake (2010 for Xbox 360 and 2012 for PC).

The Signal and The Writer DLCs for Alan Wake (2010).

Alan Wake's American Nightmare (2012 for Xbox 360, PC).

Alan Wake Remastered (2021 for PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and 2022 for Nintendo Switch).

Control (2019 for PS4, PC, and Xbox One, and 2021 for PS5 and Xbox Series X/S).

Control's The Foundation and AWE DLCs (2020).

Alan Wake 2

Franchise Alan WakePlatform(s) PC, PS5, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series XReleased October 27, 2023Developer(s) Remedy EntertainmentPublisher(s) Epic Games

Editor's P/S

As a hard fan of the Alan Wake series, I am thrilled about the release of Alan Wake 2. I have been eagerly awaiting this sequel for years, and I cannot wait to dive into the new story and explore the expanded world of Bright Falls.

I believe that playing the first Alan Wake game is not necessary to enjoy Alan Wake 2. The sequel is set up as a standalone experience, and Remedy Entertainment has stated that new players will be able to jump right in without having played the original game. However, I do believe that playing the first game will enhance your enjoyment of the sequel. The first game provides a lot of backstory and character development that will make the events of Alan Wake 2 more meaningful. Additionally, there are a number of references and Easter eggs in Alan Wake 2 that will be more appreciated by those who have played the first game.

Overall, I believe that Alan Wake 2 is a must-play for fans of the series and for anyone who enjoys action-adventure games. Whether you have played the first game or not, I am confident that you will enjoy this sequel.