Mastering the Battle against Cynthia, The Drowned Lady in Alan Wake 2

First Stage

In Alan Wake 2, the fifth chapter concludes with Saga embarking on a mission to rescue her grandfather, Tor, from the clutches of a local Bright Falls resident. Tor has fallen under the spell of this resident, who is known as Cynthia, the Drowned Lady. To save Tor, players will journey through a series of twisted and water-filled tunnels and ultimately confront Cynthia directly. Here are some helpful tips to conquer Chapter 5, titled "Return," in Alan Wake 2.

As Tor reaches the Overlap, Saga will enter a spacious circular room where an intriguing event awaits - the lights abruptly go out as Saga steps in, and Tor vanishes into thin air. Fortunately, there is a terminal in the center of the room that can be utilized to restore the lights, but first, players must locate the generator to regain power in this area. Initially, Saga must activate the power button, triggering the arrival of the formidable Cynthia, also known as the Drowned Lady, who will relentlessly pursue the players through the water-filled regions. It is important to note that Cynthia is impervious to harm at this stage. Instead of engaging in combat, players should prioritize reaching the generator through the adjacent hallway, although if they are cornered by Cynthia, a forceful strike from a shotgun, a flare, or an explosive canister can temporarily push her back.

As players exit the power console and enter the water, Cynthia will be alerted. If Saga spends too much time wading through the water, the Drowned Lady will start pursuing her. If the Drowned Lady catches up to Saga, she will attempt to drag her underwater, resulting in an instant, inescapable death. To prevent Cynthia's chase, players should utilize rocks and metal platforms scattered throughout the area to keep Saga out of the water. Starting from the center terminal, players should move towards the back of the room, away from Cynthia's initial spawn point, in search of a pathway through the wall into the back hallway.

Players should proceed through the back hallway, staying out of the water by alternating between the rocks and metal platforms. Along the back wall, players will occasionally come across staircases leading to a small storage room with ammo and healing items. It is important to thoroughly search these areas in order to maximize gear for the upcoming battle. At the very end of the back hallway, there will be a chain link fence with a broken section. Players should climb through the broken section to locate the generator. Interacting with the generator and cranking it will restore power. Once power is restored, players should return to the main power console and press the button to end the first stage. There is a shortcut available from the tall platform directly across from the hole in the fence. On top of the platform, there is a hole that leads back to the main room with the power button.

Defeating Cynthia

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After the power is restored and the light is switched back on, players can proceed down the next staircase to engage in the final battle against Cynthia. Descend the stairs and navigate through the room in a clockwise direction. Just as Saga is reaching the bottom of the stairs, the lights will suddenly turn off, the room will transform, and Cynthia will emerge from the water. Take advantage of this opportunity by launching a flare at Cynthia, stunning her and revealing her Source. When she regains her composure and prepares to attack, keep moving around the room to position obstacles between Saga and Cynthia. It's important to note that Cynthia has the ability to launch powerful dark projectiles that cause significant damage and can knock Saga to the ground. Utilize the surrounding environment and Saga's dodge capability to evade these blasts.

Once Cynthia's Source is uncovered, make use of the crossbow to unleash numerous shots directly into her Source. Utilize the flashlight's charged attack to momentarily incapacitate Cynthia and force her to shield herself from the brightness. This will provide an opportunity to align a shot precisely at her Source. Enhancing the crossbow's capabilities to fire two bolts consecutively prior to reloading is extremely advantageous during this encounter.

Once Cynthia sustains enough damage, she will enter a frenzied state and embark on a sprinting spree, attacking Saga with her slashing moves. Attempt to land a few more crossbow shots if feasible, and then swiftly switch to the shotgun to deliver a powerful blast as Cynthia draws nearer. By the time Cynthia transitions into her frenzy, her health is already depleted. However, if players are unable to strike her with the crossbow during this stage, it is advisable to administer a few additional shotgun blasts to ensure her defeat.

Once Cynthia is eliminated, swiftly proceed to her lifeless form and retrieve any remaining crossbow bolts. Players will be granted a brief window of opportunity to gather any miscellaneous items within the vicinity before the chapter concludes and a cinematic sequence ensues, transporting players away from the Overlap.

Alan Wake 2

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

Editor's P/S

Alan Wake 2 is finally here, and it's every bit as good as I'd hoped it would be. The story is gripping, the characters are well-developed, and the gameplay is incredibly fun. I'm particularly impressed with the way the game handles the horror elements. It's not just about jump scares; it's about creating a genuine sense of dread and anxiety. The game does a great job of building tension, and I found myself on the edge of my seat for most of the game.

One of the things I love most about Alan Wake 2 is the way it expands on the lore of the first game. We learn more about the Dark Presence, and we get to see how it's affected the town of Bright Falls. We also get to meet some new characters, including Saga, who is a great addition to the cast. I'm excited to see where the story goes in future games.