Remedy: You Don’t Need To Play The First Game To Enjoy Alan Wake 2

After being announced at The Game Awards 2021, Remedy has shared just a little bit more insight on what to expect from Alan Wake 2, the long-awaited sequel to their cult hit.

Speaking to PlayStation Blog, Sam Lake, Creative Director at Remedy Entertainment, Lake revealed that Alan Wake 2 had actually been worked on in small increments over the past decade between Remedy’s major projects. Lake also again emphasised that Alan Wake 2 will be more survival horror than the action of the previous game, and that Remedy “are diving deeper than ever, into an ocean of darkness.”

However, Lake also mentioned that players won’t need to have played the first game to appreciate Alan Wake 2:

“I also want to make it clear that playing our previous games is not required in any way to fully enjoy Alan Wake 2, but to those interested it will add to the backstory of it.”

Obviously players who haven’t played the original game and even American Nightmare won’t get who Mr Scratch or just about any returning character is, neither will those who haven’t played Control really be able to dig into the “Remedy Connected Universe” that Alan Wake 2 will expand. However, it does seem like Alan Wake 2’s main objective will be to scare the lights out of people and look lovely while doing it, with returning players able to appreciate it that little bit more. It won’t be like trying to watch Twin Peaks: The Return without having never watched the original series.

Besides, you’ve got until 2023 to catch up on Alan Wake, Control, and plenty of DLC. It’s not a lake of content to play through, it’s an ocean — but don’t let that put you off. Start off with Alan Wake Remastered, then pick up American Nightmare on Steam for about a penny before you play through Control, including the AWE DLC that ties stuff together.

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