Alan Wake 2 offers players a brand new survival horror story, but do you need to play Alan Wake 1 to understand it?
Fans excited for Alan Wake 2 have already likely played the first game and its remastered version, as well as Control and its DLC AWE. However, if none of that makes any sense to you, you may be wondering whether it’s worth playing the original Alan Wake game or not. Fortunately, below, we’ve outlined exactly whether or not you need to play Alan Wake 1 before jumping into Alan Wake 2.
Should You Play Alan Wake 1 Before Alan Wake 2?
No, you do not need to play Alan Wake 1 in order to understand or enjoy Alan Wake 2. While there are plenty of references and lore connections to the first game in the sequel, you don’t need to get them to understand the story.
If you’ve never played any Alan Wake game before, you will absolutely be able to enjoy Alan Wake 2. This was confirmed on the game’s FAQ page, which directly states that it is “a stand-alone experience” and that “newcomers can enjoy the thrill-ride with no past knowledge of the previous game.”
Alan Wake 2 features an entirely new story with new characters, so a lot of that will be new even to people who have played Alan Wake 1. Of course, if you have the time to play the original game, then you will likely have a better experience overall. Alan Wake 1 will take you 10 hours to beat, or 14 if you want to complete all of the side content. Considering how long Alan Wake 2 is, you’ll need quite a lot of time if you want to experience the entire universe.
Do You Need to Play Control or Control AWE to Play Alan Wake 2?
No, you do not need to play Control or its DLC AWE in order to enjoy or understand Alan Wake 2. It is recommended that diehard fans check out all of the Control games before jumping into Alan Wake 2 in order to appreciate any references. However, as the FAQ page states, it is “completely optional.”
While many players may not know this, Control and Alan Wake are set in the same universe and, therefore, have some crossover elements. For example, Alan Wake appeared in the Control AWE DLC. Control and the AWE DLC will take you 15 hours to complete, or 24 if you do all of the side content.
Regardless of whether or not you play the original games, make sure to check out our Games Hub for all the latest news and guides on Alan Wake 2.