Uncovering the Overlooked Battle Tactics in Alan Wake 2

Article Key Points

In Alan Wake 2, players are immersed in a slow-paced thriller narrative and armed with a variety of powerful weapons to fight off mobs of enemies.

Exploration in Alan Wake 2 is not mandatory, but it can greatly contribute to gameplay time and is essential for discovering valuable resources and secrets.

In Alan Wake 2, players are introduced to a melee attack that serves both as a defensive tool, allowing them to create distance from enemies, and as an offensive attack, capable of inflicting substantial damage. Mastering these tactics becomes even more crucial in higher levels of difficulty.

In Alan Wake 2, players are immersed in a captivating thriller narrative that unfolds slowly. However, similar to the original game, players are soon bestowed with a multitude of weapons that continuously accumulate in their inventories until the game's conclusion. Alan possesses a variety of formidable weapons that excel at dealing with hordes of Taken in the vibrant streets of New York City or the confined corridors of a hotel. On the other hand, playing as Saga presents a different challenge, as individual enemies such as wolves and tele-flankers pose a greater threat. Thus, players must remain vigilant, even during the daylight hours.

While exploration in Alan Wake 2 is not mandatory, it can consume a significant portion of a player's game time. The storyline revolving around Alan and Saga is relatively brief, unless players choose to embark on a scavenger hunt to uncover the game's hidden treasures and secrets. Engaging in exploration inevitably results in encountering a greater number of enemies, but players are duly rewarded for their efforts in each instance. To combat the Taken and cultists most effectively, players must not overlook Alan Wake 2's most potent attack, one that requires no weapon at all.

Alan Wake 2 Features a Defensive/Offensive Melee Attack

Alan Wake 2’s Defensive Backhand is More Powerful Than It May Seem

The mechanic of using a backhand strike in combat is not left unexplained and is easy to remember in Alan Wake 2's survival-horror encounters. It is crucial for survival in many situations for both Alan and Saga. This melee strike allows the player to create distance from enemies, similar to the shove mechanic in Resident Evil Village given to Ethan.

Depending on the chosen difficulty, this becomes crucial when resources are scarce and there are no hand flares to scare enemies away, providing a moment for players to quickly move towards a Safe Haven or Break Room. However, what most players fail to immediately realize is the offensive potential of using this backhand rather than defensively, which yields surprising results. On numerous occasions, players may observe that a well-aimed melee backhand can deliver a fatal blow to an enemy.

Nevertheless, relying solely on the backhand as an attack is not recommended. Yet, it is evident that even when used offensively, it remains a valuable tactic in close-quarters combat, helping to conserve ammunition and resources. If players are able to weaken enemies with shots and finish them off with a couple of well-executed backhands, it may be a strategic approach worth considering.

Alan Wake 2’s Gracious Dodge Window and Defensive Strike Make an OP Pair

Similarly, the dodge timing window in Alan Wake 2 is remarkably forgiving. Even the sudden appearance of wolves emerging from dark shadows and shrubbery can be anticipated through their audible cues, enabling players to master the art of perfectly timing a dodge and narrowly evading a wolf's lunging attack.

Tele-flankers are difficult to predict as they quickly move to unknown locations and use long-range attacks. However, players can effectively counter them by utilizing the backhand maneuver when close. This combination of dodging and melee attacks is even more crucial than having a variety of weapons readily available. This tactic can also be applied to other enemies, making it an effective method for dealing the final blow. In Alan Wake 2's Nightmare difficulty, this strategy will likely be even more valuable. While Saga has a range of weapons at her disposal, the well-timed backhand proves to be one of the sequel's most ingenious survival-horror techniques.

The long-awaited sequel to Alan Wake has finally arrived in October 2023, marking almost fifteen years since the original game's release. Remedy presents a gripping survival-horror experience in Alan Wake 2, featuring a captivating dual-protagonist narrative. Players will delve into the thrilling journey of the titular writer, while also exploring the intriguing path of an agent named Saga Anderson.

Franchise: Alan Wake

Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X

Release Date: October 27, 2023

Developed by: Remedy Entertainment

Published by: Epic Games

Genre: Survival Horror

ESRB Rating: M for Mature 17+ (Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Nudity, Strong Language)

Estimated Gameplay Time: 17 hours

Metascore: 92

PS Plus Availability: Not available, please visit the Official Site for more information.

Editor's P/S

Alan Wake 2 is a highly anticipated sequel to the 2010 psychological thriller game. The game is set in the fictional town of Bright Falls, Washington, and follows the story of Alan Wake, a writer who is investigating the disappearance of his wife, Alice. The game features a slow-paced thriller narrative and a variety of weapons that players can use to fight off mobs of enemies.

One of the most crucial combat techniques in Alan Wake 2 is the melee attack. This attack can be used both defensively and offensively. Defensively, the melee attack can be used to create distance from enemies. Offensively, the melee attack can be used to inflict substantial damage. Mastering these tactics becomes even more crucial in higher levels of difficulty.

In addition to the melee attack, players can also use a variety of weapons to fight off enemies. These weapons include firearms, such as pistols, shotguns, and assault rifles, as well as melee weapons, such as axes and crowbars. Players can also use environmental objects, such as rocks and bottles, to fight off enemies.