The Ultimate Gaming Laptops for Unleashing the Full Potential of Alan Wake 2

Alan Wake 2, set to release on October 27th, is highly anticipated in the gaming community. Its developer, Remedy, is renowned for pushing visual boundaries, particularly on PC. PC users have the advantage of customizing and upgrading their devices to enhance their gaming experience. Therefore, it's no surprise that Alan Wake 2, launching on the Epic Games Store, sets higher minimum requirements and favors newer GPUs compared to its competitors.

MSI Katana 15 15.6" 144Hz FHD Gaming Laptop

The Best Overall Gaming Laptop For Alan Wake 2 $1334 at Amazon

MSI Raider GE78 HX 17.3' Gaming Laptop

The Best High-End Gaming Laptop For Alan Wake 2 $3400 at Newegg

ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 14”165Hz Gaming Laptop (RTX 4070)

The Best Compact Gaming Laptop For Alan Wake 2 $1650 at Best Buy

ASUS ROG Strix G17 (2023) Gaming Laptop

The Best Mid-Range Gaming Laptop For Alan Wake 2 $2100 at Amazon

Acer Nitro 17 Gaming Laptop AN17-41-R7G3

The Best Budget Gaming Laptop For Alan Wake 2 $1277 at Amazon

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The Best Performance Gaming Laptop For Alan Wake 2 $4500 at Best Buy

Alan Wake II PC Hardware Requirements Explained

The PC requirements for Alan Wake 2, as stated by Remedy Entertainment, consist of 7 performance tiers. These tiers dictate a RAM capacity ranging from 8 to 16GB, and a minimum GPU requirement of Nvidia RTX 2000 or AMD RX 6000 series with at least 6GB of VRAM. Additionally, the developer specifies that a SSD space of 90GB is necessary for smooth operation.

The CPU and memory requirements are relatively modest, while the SSD requirements are to be expected. However, the GPU requirements significantly surpass last-generation AMD and Nvidia GPUs, especially when considering the Ray Tracing needs. This may be because Remedy aims to provide a cutting-edge gaming experience, as indicated by a now-deleted tweet from one of its developers mentioning the inclusion of mesh shaders in the game's tech stack. As a result, older GPUs such as the GTX series and AMD's RX 5000 and older models are not supported. Although the GTX 16XX series, which also utilizes the Turing architecture, theoretically should support the game, the minimum specification demanded (the RTX 2060) surpasses even the highest-end 16XX series GPU, the GTX 1660TI. Consequently, playing Alan Wake 2 as intended by the developer would not be feasible on older gaming PCs or laptops equipped with these GPUs.

Alan Wake 2's hardware requirements as detailed by Remedy Entertainment via their official X/Twitter account.

The Best Gaming Laptops For Alan Wake 2

MSI Katana 15 15.6" 144Hz FHD Gaming Laptop

Save $85 on the MSI Katana, the ultimate gaming laptop for Alan Wake 2. With an efficient and budget-friendly approach, this high-end laptop surpasses others in its price range, delivering the latest PC hardware for an exceptional gaming experience.

Featuring Windows 11 Home, an Intel® Core™ i7-13620H CPU, and a GeForce RTX 4070 8GB GDDR6 Laptop GPU, the MSI Katana is a powerhouse. It also boasts a 1TB PCI-E 4.0 SSD for lightning-fast storage and a 3-cell 53.5Whr Li-Polymer battery for extended gaming sessions.

The 15.6" FHD IPS-Level 144Hz NTSC 45% Panel provides stunning visuals, while the 720P Webcam and 2 x 2W Speakers enhance your gaming experience. With a sleek black design, DDR5 5200Mhz 16GB memory, and a range of ports including USB A, USB C, HDMI, Audio Jack, and Ethernet, this laptop offers unparalleled connectivity options.

At just 14.13"x10.20"x0.98" and weighing only 4.96lbs, the MSI Katana is portable and easy to carry. It comes with a 240W Power Adapter, ensuring optimal performance. Don't miss out on this gaming laptop's powerful 10-core 13th-generation CPU.

Delivers excellent value for money

Offers an above-spec RTX 4070 SKU on offer in its price range

Has both Wi-Fi 6E and Ethernet under the hood

Comes with a free copy of Alan Wake 2 at participating retailers

Cons The display is entry-level and has better alternatives

Has a somewhat low-end webcam in play

Underwhelming battery life

$1334 at Amazon

Performance Level: Optimal Graphics Setting: High/Ultra or Medium with reduced Ray Tracing

The MSI Katana 15 15.6" 144Hz FHD Gaming Laptop is a well-designed gaming laptop that strikes a balance between affordability and functionality. It may lack some of the premium features found in higher-end models, but it compensates with a robust 10-core Intel Core i7 mobile CPU and a powerful RTX 4070 GPU. Along with 16GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD, the Katana comfortably meets the desktop requirements for Alan Wake 2, falling between the RTX 3070 and RTX 4070 specifications (while considering thermal and power limitations for the GPU).

In addition to this, the Katana also includes a complimentary copy of Alan Wake, thanks to Nvidia's ongoing promotion for RTX 4070 or higher gaming laptops. It boasts support for both Ethernet and Wi-Fi 6E, but to achieve its current price point, compromises have been made, as mentioned earlier. The device features a low-end 720P webcam, a somewhat disappointing battery life, and an entry-level display with limitations in color and resolution. In comparison, competing alternatives typically offer a 2K resolution.

MSI Raider GE78 HX 17.3' Gaming Laptop

The MSI Raider GE78 HX 17.3-inch Gaming Laptop is the ultimate high-end gaming laptop for Alan Wake 2, priced at $3799. With a powerful Intel Core i9 processor, the top-of-the-line RTX 4090 GPU, and a stunning display, this laptop offers outstanding performance. It also boasts ample RAM and SSD space for seamless gaming. Operating on Windows 11 Home, this laptop features a 2K resolution 17.3-inch display with a refresh rate of 240Hz. It is equipped with a 2TB NVME SSD for storage, along with a 4-cell 99 Whr battery. The laptop also includes a 1080P 30FPS camera and 2x 2W speakers with 4x 2W woofers for immersive gaming audio. It comes in a sleek core black color and has 32GB DDR5 memory. The MSI Raider GE78 HX offers various ports including USB Type-C, USB Type A, SD Card, HDMI, and Ethernet. It supports Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, and 2.5G Ethernet for seamless connectivity. With dimensions measuring 380 x 298 x 23 mm and weighing 6.8 lbs, it is a portable and powerful gaming machine. The laptop comes with a 330W AC power adapter and is highly recommended for its inclusion of the RTX 4090, the most advanced mobile GPU available.

The Intel Core i9-13980HX has 24 cores allowing it to game and work with ease

Offers an impressive 2TB of SSD storage and 32GB of DDR5 memory

Comes with a free copy of Alan Wake 2 at participating retailers

It has 2.5G ethernet, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.3 support

Has an impressive 17.3' 2K 240Hz display

Cons Runs considerably loud when under load

RGB lighting could be brighter for a high-end laptop

Speaker performance could be better

$3799 at Amazon $3800 at Best Buy $3400 at Newegg

Target Performance Preset: Ultra Graphics or High Ray Tracing With Path Tracing Graphics

The MSI Raider GE78 HX 17.3' Gaming Laptop boasts impressive features and hardware that rival much pricier alternatives, some of which are priced close to $5,000. With its powerful RTX 4090 16GB and 24 Core Intel Core i9 CPU, it stands out as a dominant player in the gaming laptop market within its price range. Additionally, it offers a comprehensive networking stack, including 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6E, and BT 5.3 support.

On the display front, the Raider continues to impress with its outstanding QHD 240Hz display, enabling users to play Alan Wake 2 at either quality or performance presets while benefiting from the improved performance of DLSS3.5. As with all the gaming laptops curated by Our website, it also includes a complimentary copy of Alan Wake, saving gamers the $50 price tag it carries on the Epic Games Store.

The ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 14”165Hz Gaming Laptop (RTX 4070) is the ultimate choice for gaming enthusiasts. This compact laptop is highly renowned in the industry for its exceptional performance, thanks to its impressive CPU and GPU combinations. It successfully maximizes the power of AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS and Nvidia RTX 4070 to deliver outstanding gaming experiences. The G14's 2K target display resolution with a refresh rate of 165Hz, complemented by an IPS panel and up to 500 nits of brightness, further enhances the visual quality of games.

Operating System: Windows 11 Home

CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS

GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070

Storage: 1TB NVME SSD

Display: 14 Inches, 2560 x 1440 (QHD)

Network: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3

Brand: ASUS ROG

RAM: 16GB DDR5

Battery: 76WHr 4-Cell

Camera: 1080P FHD IR Camera

Speakers: Yes

Colors: Moonlight White

Weight: 3.64 lbs

Pros: Pairs a powerful Ryzen 9 CPU with an RTX 4070 GPU, offers an excellent 500 nit 2K 165Hz display.

Comes with a free copy of Alan Wake 2 at participating retailers

Has plentiful, fast 1TB PCI-E 4.0 storage

Has a dedicated Mux Switch

Extremely lightweight and thin

Cons Does somewhat thermally throttle when under load in most circumstances

Does not have an ethernet port

$1650 at Best Buy $2289 at Amazon

Target Performance Preset: High/Ultra Graphics or Medium w/low Ray Tracing Graphics

The ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 14-inch 165Hz Gaming Laptop excels in multiple areas, featuring a robust 8-Core Zen-4 based Ryzen 9 CPU and an impressive RTX 4070 GPU. It boasts a vibrant 2K 165Hz display, delivering a remarkable 500 nits of brightness. With 16GB of RAM and a spacious 1TB PCI-E 4.0 SSD, this laptop offers ample storage and memory. Additionally, the G14 includes a dedicated MUX switch for enhanced performance and boasts an above-average battery size for its compact size. These attributes position the G14 as a formidable alternative to more mainstream gaming laptops. Furthermore, weighing under 4 pounds, this 14-inch laptop is among the lightest and most powerful options available for gamers on the move.

Introducing the ASUS ROG Strix G17 (2023) Gaming Laptop

Unlock Superior Gaming with the Ultimate Mid-Range Choice

Get your hands on the ASUS ROG Strix G17, the ultimate gaming laptop designed to cater to the needs of both casual gamers and esports professionals alike. Powered by Windows 11, an impressive AMD Ryzen 9 7945HX processor, and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 GPU, this laptop guarantees an exceptional gaming experience. Boasting 16GB of DDR5-4800MHz memory and a lightning-fast 1TB PCIe 4x4 storage, you'll enjoy ultra-quick loading times and seamless multitasking.

Stay Cool, Stay in the Game

With gaming laptops, effective cooling is crucial, and the ROG Strix G17 excels in this aspect. Equipped with ROG Intelligent Cooling, this laptop expertly manages its powerful components, ensuring optimal performance even during intense gaming sessions. What's more, the inclusion of Thermal Grizzly's Conductonaut Extreme liquid metal on the CPU elevates performance to new heights, allowing you to dominate the virtual world for hours on end.

Experience gaming like never before with the ASUS ROG Strix G17 (2023) Gaming Laptop.

Operating System: Windows 11

CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 7945HX

GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070

Storage: 1TB PCI-E SSD

Display: 17.3-inch WQHD/2K IPS with a resolution of 240Hz

Network: Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6E, BT 5.2

Brand: ASUS

RAM: 16GB DDR5 4800MHz

Battery: 4-Cell, 90WHr

Camera: 720P HD camera

Speakers: 2-speaker system with Smart Amplifier Technology

Colors: Eclipse Gray

Dimensions: 15.55" x 11.10" x 0.92"-1.21"

Weight: 6.17 lbs

Pros:

- Utilizes a powerful and efficient AMD Ryzen 9-based 16 Core CPU

- Enhances the performance of its internal RTX 4070 through the use of liquid metal cooling

Comes with a free copy of Alan Wake 2 at participating retailers

Sports an excellent 2K 240Hz display

Offers one of the better gaming laptop keyboards with 4-zone RGB lighting

Cons Costs more than similarly spec'ed gaming laptops

Does come with a lot of bloatware out of the box

$2100 at Amazon $2100 at Newegg

For gamers seeking a high-quality RTX 4070-based gaming laptop, the ASUS ROG Strix G17 (2023) Gaming Laptop stands out as an impressive choice compared to cheaper alternatives. It offers excellent performance, thanks to its efficient yet powerful Ryzen 9 CPU, surpassing its Intel-based rivals. Additionally, it provides ample memory and storage for gamers who want to start playing immediately.

This gaming laptop, featuring

Acer Nitro 17 Gaming Laptop AN17-41-R7G3

The Acer Nitro 17 Gaming Laptop, priced at $1277 (originally $1400, saving $123), is the ultimate budget gaming laptop for Alan Wake 2. Equipped with a powerful octa-core AMD Ryzen 7 CPU and Nvidia's mid-range RTX 4060 GPU, this 17-inch gaming laptop offers outstanding performance. The display features Quad HD resolution and a high refresh rate of 165 Hz, perfect for fast-paced gaming. With a spacious 1-terabyte SSD drive and 16GB of DDR5 memory, it is a fantastic option for those in need of a desktop replacement. In addition, it runs cooler than most of its competitors. The operating system is Windows 11, and the laptop includes an AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS 8-Core CPU, an Nvidia RTX 4060 8GB GPU, and a 1TB NVME M2 SSD for storage. The 17'' 3 QHD/2K 165Hz display provides a stunning visual experience. It also offers Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.1 for network connectivity. Built by Acer under the Nitro brand, this laptop is equipped with 16GB DDR5 RAM and comes with a card reader, backlit keyboard, and webcam.

Offers an excellent price-to-performance ratio

Has plenty of memory and storage for its price point

Cons Somewhat GPU-restricted in performance thanks to the RTX 4060 in play

Does not qualify for the Alan Wake 2 Nvidia Promotion

$1277 at Amazon

Target Performance Preset: Medium/High Graphics or Medium w/low Ray Tracing Graphics

The Acer Nitro 17 Gaming Laptop (AN17-41-R7G3) is a highly recommended gaming laptop for budget-conscious gamers. Priced just above $1100, it offers impressive hardware capabilities that make it suitable for playing Alan Wake 2. Although it may face some limitations due to the game's heavy reliance on the GPU, the laptop's powerful Ryzen 7 Zen 4-based CPU and RTX 4060 ensure a smooth gaming experience. However, it may struggle to achieve the highest graphics settings suggested by Remedy, and it does not qualify for a free copy of Alan Wake 2 like other laptops on Our website. Despite this drawback, it remains a great value for its price and surpasses other options in its price range.

Presenting the Razer Blade 18 Gaming Laptop (RTX 4090), the epitome of gaming performance. This laptop redefines the concept of a gaming laptop, exceeding all expectations. Razer boldly proclaims it as the ultimate desktop replacement, boasting an impressive array of features and the highest quality craftsmanship. Prepare to immerse yourself in the world of gaming with this exceptional machine.

Operating System: Windows 11 Home

CPU: Intel Core i9-13950HX 24 Core Processor

GPU: RTX 4090 16GB GDDR6 175W

Storage: 2TB NVME (1+1TB SSD)

Display (Size, Resolution): 2K (2560 x 1600), 18' 240 Hz IPS

Network: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, Ethernet 2.5G

Brand: Razer

Battery: 91.7 WHr Li-Ion Battery

Camera: 5MP Webcam (Windows Hello support)

Speakers: 2 Speaker, 4 Woofer Array

Colors: Black

Memory: 32 GB DDR5 5600MHz

Ports: USB-A, USB-C, HDMI 2.1, SD Card, Ethernet

Weight: 6.80 lbs

Form: 18''

Power: 330W AC Power Adapter

Dimensions: 0.86" x 10.84" x 15.74"

Model: RZ09-0484UEH4-R3U1

Pros: Offers a top-tier RTX 4090 GPU

Surprisingly lightweight for an 18-inch gaming laptop

Comes with a free copy of Alan Wake 2 at participating retailers

Has a super-fast SSD configuration and plenty of DDR5 memory on offer

Cons Considerably more expensive than RTX 4090-based gaming laptop alternatives

$4500 at Best Buy $4500 at Razer $4500 at Amazon

For exceptional performance, choose the Ultra Graphics or High Ray Tracing With Path Tracing Graphics preset on the Razer Blade 18 Gaming Laptop, powered by RTX 4090. Not only does it deliver outstanding performance, but it also boasts an attractive design. Despite being one of the largest gaming laptops available, it manages to weigh under 7 pounds. While it may not be the most portable option, it outshines its heavier counterparts with its impressive technological capabilities.

The RTX 4090 is paired with a powerful 24-core Intel Core i9 13950HX, 32GB of speedy DDR5 memory, 2TB of SSD storage in RAID-0 setup, and a stunning 2K 240Hz display. Moreover, the Blade is eligible for Nvidia's special offer, which includes a complimentary copy of Alan Wake. This laptop stands out as the most expensive gaming laptop on the list, capable of fully experiencing the upcoming Alan Wake 2 with its lower clocked desktop RTX 4080 mobile GPU.

Alan Wake 2 will be available on October 27 for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.

FAQ

Q: When does Alan Wake 2 Release?

Alan Wake 2 releases on October 27 for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.

Q: Why Does Alan Wake 2 Need A High-End GPU?

According to Remedy Entertainment, the studio behind Alan Wake 2, the game has higher system requirements, particularly in terms of the GPU, even for entry-level users. The gameplay of Alan Wake 2 will heavily utilize Wake's powerful flashlight in a dark town, which means that the game necessitates the use of relatively new mesh shaders found in the RTX 2000 series/RX 6000 series or newer GPUs. Additionally, the game incorporates Ray Tracing at varying performance levels specifically designed for PC gamers who are enthusiasts.