Uncovering the Secrets: Alan Wake 2 - Complete Guide to Cult Stash Locations and Puzzle Solutions
Uncover every secret in Alan Wake 2 with our comprehensive guide Discover the hidden Cult Stash locations and conquer challenging puzzles to unlock all the coveted crates Explore Cauldron Lake, Watery, and Bright Falls to unravel the mysteries that await
Discover an abundance of treasures in Alan Wake 2, with one noteworthy category of collectibles found within unlockable crates containing ammo, utility items, and healing kits. Our comprehensive guide unveils the locations of all the Cult Stashes in Alan Wake 2, along with the solutions to guide you through each puzzle you'll encounter.
Table of Contents:
- Locations and Solutions for all Cult Stashes in Alan Wake 2
- Revealing the Hidden Cult Stash Locations
Cult Stash locations in Cauldron LakeCult Stash #1
Cult Stash #2: Inventory upgrade reward
Cult Stash #3
Cult Stash #4
Cult Stash #5
Cult Stash locations in WateryCult Stash #1
Cult Stash #2: Crossbow reward
Cult Stash #3
Cult Stash #4
Cult Stash #5
Cult Stash #6
Cult Stash #7
Cult Stash #8
Cult Stash locations in Bright FallsCult Stash #1
Cult Stash #2
Cult Stash #3
Cult Stash #4
Cult Stash #5
Cult Stash #6
Cult Stash #7: Inventory upgrade reward
Cult Stash #8
Cult Stash #9: Lighthouse Key reward
All Cult Stash locations and puzzle solutions in Alan Wake 2
If you're going through the chapters of Saga, you will be presented with a golden opportunity to uncover all 22 Cult Stashes scattered throughout the game. Each stash brings forth a unique mini-puzzle or task, which may involve solving the mystery by pressing the buttons in the correct sequence according to how they illuminate.
Finding a missing key based on a clue or glowing arrows that only appear if you shine your flashlight on surfaces.
Math problems.
Decoding the appropriate symbols for usage.
To clarify, our guide on the locations of the cult stashes in Alan Wake 2 is structured according to the zones/areas you explore throughout the campaign. We have also indicated the chapters where you will initially encounter them. In the event that you overlook a container in the early stages, you can always revisit the area to solve the puzzle (unless the game warns you about reaching a point of no return).
How to reveal all Cult Stash locations
During the initial phase of the campaign, it may be challenging to locate all the Cult Stashes in Alan Wake 2 without stumbling upon them accidentally. However, as you delve into Return 3: Local Girl, you will have the opportunity to explore the Kalevala Knights Workshop as part of your main mission. Inside, you will come across a board adorned with various maps. By interacting with these maps, you can conveniently mark the undiscovered Cult Stash locations.
The maps displayed on the board within the Kalevala Knights Workshop serve as valuable guides, revealing the precise whereabouts of the Cult Stashes.
Cult Stash locations in Cauldron Lake
Cauldron Lake is home to only a small number of Alan Wake 2 Cult Stash crates. While a few are attainable early on in the campaign, acquiring the Bolt Cutters will be necessary to access the final one.
A map of the Cult Stash locations in Cauldron LakeCult Stash #1
Chapter: Return 1 - Invitation
Location: In front of the cabin near the Murder Site.
Puzzle/objective type: Cult symbols
Solution:1: Triangle up and down; interlinked
2: Triangle down and up; hourglass
3: Triangle left and right; side-by-side
Cult Stash #2: Inventory upgrade reward
Chapter: Return 2 - The Heart
Location: At the beach where Saga and Casey first meet Alan.
Puzzle/objective type: Button presses
Solution: Press the buttons in the correct order.
This Alan Wake 2 Cult Stash has a satchel that increases Saga's inventory space by one row. You can learn more about these items in our inventory upgrades guide.
Cult Stash #3
Chapter: Return 2 - The Heart
Location: In the lakeside area after you've completed the first Overlap encounter to clear the flooding.
Puzzle/objective type: Glowing arrows and missing key
Solution: Shine your flashlight to reveal glowing arrows. Follow them to acquire a key.
Cult Stash #4
Chapter: Return 2 - The Heart
Location: Once the flooded area is cleared, proceed towards the northwestern part of the zone, where a rocky ledge below the Private Cabin save point awaits.
Puzzle/objective type: Solve a math equation by using glowing numbers.
Solution: Rock-rock-tree - The numbers will glow if you shine your flashlight on certain objects:There's a rock that's further away (7-2).
There's also another that's closer to the crate (3+3).
And then there's the tree itself (6+2).
The code is: 6-5-8.
The rock-rock-tree puzzle might give you your first Cult Stash-induced migraine.Cult Stash #5
Chapter: After Return 5 - Old Gods
This Alan Wake 2 Cult Stash is concealed within the Rental Cabins. The gate can only be opened by utilizing the Bolt Cutters, which are acquired upon completing the Old Gods chapter.
Puzzle/objective type: Key is absent.
In order to access the opposite side, navigate through one of the cabins. Once there, direct your flashlight towards the tree located in the corner of the yard. A glowing symbol should become visible. Proceed to examine the ground behind the tree, where you will discover the essential key required to unlock this particular container.
Cult Stash locations in Watery
To locate a key, search for the tree adorned with the glowing symbol within the Rental Cabins yard. This particular key can be found during Return 3 - Local Girl, enabling access to most of the Alan Wake 2 Cult Stash containers in Watery. The only exception is the final container (#8), which necessitates the use of Bolt Cutters.
A map of the Cult Stash locations in WateryCult Stash #1
Chapter: Return 3 - Local Girl
Location: At the end of the narrow ravine in the eastern portion of the woods.
Puzzle/objective type: Button presses
Solution: Press the buttons in the correct order.
Cult Stash #2: Crossbow reward
Chapter: Return 3 - Local Girl
Location: Just outside the hut/save point in the wooded area.
Puzzle/Objective: Keycode Combination
Solution: A note suggests recent use of a crossbow, and you'll observe multiple bolts stuck into wooden beams, each assigned a number. The written numbers indicate the code, while the bolts signify their order.
The solution is: 5-2-7.
You can learn more about the other armaments that Saga and Alan can acquire in our weapon locations guide.
This special crate has the Crossbow weapon for Saga.Cult Stash #3
Chapter: Return 3 - Local Girl
Location: Right next to the Slow Coaster Ferris Wheel in Coffee World.
Puzzle/objective type: Keycode combination
Solution: The clue simply says "only striped cups," implying that you should check the numbers of the carriages with stripes running along the middle. The solution is: 1-4-7.
Cult Stash #4
Chapter: Return 3 - Local Girl
Location: In a bush near the Huotari Well in Coffee World.
Puzzle/Objective: Hidden Key
Solution: The clue prompts you to unravel the mystery of "what lies concealed behind the cheerful expression?" Within close proximity, there is a grinning figurine of a cup mascot. Examine the ground behind this statue to procure a key.
Cult Stash #5
Chapter: Return 3 - Local Girl
Location: On a rocky crag near the Lighthouse in the southern portion of the zone.
Puzzle/objective type: Cult symbols
Revamped: Use the provided crate to illuminate the surfaces surrounding and underneath the crag. Pay attention to the Roman numeral marks (i.e., I, II, and III) located next to the cult symbols. Each numeral corresponds to the order of the symbols.
1: Position both triangles pointing downwards, on both the top and bottom.
2: Adjust both triangles to point upwards, on both the top and bottom.
3: Both triangles down; side-by-side.
Cult Stash #6
Chapter: Return 3 - Local Girl
Location: Adjacent to Saga's mobile home in the Lighthouse Trailer Park. This area becomes accessible only once the Overlap encounter in Watery has been resolved, causing the floods to subside.
Puzzle/objective type: Missing key
Solution: The clue mentions that the key is somewhere the flood waters won't reach. Check the post near the wooden ramp and blue dumpster to find a key.
Cult Stash #7
Chapter: Return 3 - Local Girl
Location: At the edge of the pier in the southern portion of Downtown Watery after the flood waters have receded.
Puzzle/objective type: Math!
4X = 1,472.
X = 368.
Since we're looking for B2, we just need to add 128.
The solution is: 4-9-6.
Cult Stash #8
Chapter: Revisiting the Past - Ancient Deities
Location: Explore the spacious backyard of the Kalevala Knights Workshop, accessible by utilizing the Bolt Cutters obtained during the concluding events of Return 5 - Old Gods.
Puzzle/Objective Type: Keycode Combination
Solution: The clue indicates "only spare parts." To access the Alan Wake 2 Cult Stash, you must examine the theme park contraptions abandoned in the backyard area. You will require five Ferris Wheel cups to unlock it.
Rocket ships - 4
Saucers - 2
In order to find Cult Stash #8, you need to locate the spare parts located within the theme park rides that are in disrepair.
Cult Stash locations in Bright Falls
Bright Falls boasts the highest number of Cult Stash locations, with a total of nine scattered across the zone. These hidden stashes were discovered later in the campaign, specifically during the events of Return 4 - No Chance, Return 5 - Old Gods, and Return 6 - Scratch.
A map of the Cult Stash locations in Bright Falls Cult Stash #1
Chapter: Return 4 - No Chance
Location: Behind a large rock near the hut/save point.
Puzzle/objective type: Button presses
Solution: Press the buttons in the correct order.
Cult Stash #2
Chapter: Return 4 - No Chance
Location: At the back of an abandoned truck.
Puzzle/Objective: Math Challenge!
Solution: In order to obtain the exclusive Alan Wake 2 Cult Stash, you must successfully solve the following math problem: "Within a factory, there exists a combined total of 200 vehicles consisting of cars and bicycles. Each car possesses four wheels, while each bicycle has two. Given that the overall number of wheels amounts to 754, determine the total number of cars present in the factory." To simplify the equation, let's substitute variables: 4X + 2(200 - X) = 754.
4X + 400 - 2X = 754.
4X - 2X = 754 - 400.
2X = 354.
Solution: 1-7-7.
Watch out, everyone! It's Math!Cult Stash #3
Chapter: Return 5 - Old Gods
Location: In the wooded area after exiting Valhalla Nursing Home. You'll go here once you've cleared the Overlap encounter in this zone.
Puzzle/objective type: Glowing arrows and missing key
Ignore the illuminated arrows as they will only mislead you. Instead, inspect the inclined rock beneath the chest. You will discover a key adjacent to a downwards-pointing arrow sign.
Cult Stash #4
Chapter: Return 5 - Old Gods
Location: Along the dirt path near the hut/save point, but before the Ranger Station.
Solution: Activate your flashlight and trace the illuminated arrows. The accurate sequence will rely on the arrangement of the symbols encountered during the arrow-guided path.1: Two triangles positioned horizontally, one on the left and the other on the right.
2: Triangles both down; side-by-side.
3: Triangles up and down; elevator button.
Cult Stash #5
Chapter: Return 5 - Old Gods
Location: On a hill just between Cult Stash #4 and the Ranger Station.
Puzzle/objective type: Missing key
Solution: There's a hastily scribbled drawing hinting at the location of the key. It's on the ground at the fireplace structure outside the Ranger Station.
Cult Stash #6
Chapter: Return 5 - Old Gods
Location: Adjacent to a white van situated in front of the Elderwood Palace Lounge. Regrettably, we failed to detect this particular container in previous chapters. Therefore, we cannot verify whether it can indeed be accessed beforehand or if it solely emerges upon completing the Old Gods chapter.
Puzzle/objective type: Button presses
Solution: Press the buttons in the correct order.
Cult Stash #7: Inventory upgrade reward
Chapter: Return 5 - Old Gods
Location: Inside the shed next to the fresh seafood building. You need the Bolt Cutters to pry open the locked gate.
Puzzle/objective type: Keycode combination
Rewritten The clue relates to the water level, indicated by numbers on the poles. We arranged the ships in order of proximity to these numbers, from largest to smallest. The correct solution is: 6-9-7.
This Cult Stash in Alan Wake 2 contains a satchel that expands Saga's inventory capacity by one row. For detailed information on these items, please refer to our guide on inventory upgrades.
Cult Stash #8
Chapter: Return 5 - Old Gods
Location: Found in the yard across the street from the Oh Deer Diner.
Puzzle/objective type: Cult symbols
Rewritten
1. The clue refers to the painter's work log found at the park. Look for the cult symbols they have painted, which include a satellite dish with two interlinked triangles placed side-by-side and facing upwards.
2. Another symbol can be found near the park benches, consisting of two triangles placed side-by-side, one facing left and the other facing right.
3: In the gazebo - Two triangles up; top and bottom interlinked.
Cult Stash #9: Lighthouse Key reward
Chapter: Return 6 - Scratch
Location: In this chapter, you will revisit the basement of the Sheriff's Office. However, this time, you will have the opportunity to use the Bolt Cutters to unlock the gate leading to the evidence room.
Puzzle/objective type: Keycode combination
Solution: The clue has lines and polygons, and the combination is based on the number of lines that form each shape. The solution is: 1-4-6.
Rewritten
Please note that this container grants you the Lighthouse Key, which can be used to unlock the door of the Lighthouse in Watery. Inside, you will find several Manuscript Pages.
Additionally, we have found the following locations of the Cult Stash in Alan Wake 2 during the campaign. While playing as Saga, make sure to collect other items like the Alex Casey Lunchboxes and Nursery Rhymes/Dolls. Lastly, obtaining all lunchbox and stash collectibles will also unlock the "Hidden By the Trees" achievement.
From Bright Falls to the Dark Place, danger lurks in every corner in Alan Wake 2. Don't worry because we've got everything covered in our guides hub.
