Summary
Alan Wake 2’s release is rapidly approaching, and a number of questions linger for fans of the series. As it’s been13 years since the originalAlan Wake,some have been mulled over for quite a while. Many reach back to the beginning, while others were introduced in later DLCs and other titles.
With so many open mysteries and multiple theories and speculation surrounding them, fans have high expectations about what might be addressed inAlan Wake 2. Therefore, there are a handful of significant story threads the sequel is set to answer.
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Will Alan Wake Escape The Dark Place/Presence?
Alan Wake’s The Dark Place/Presenceis the main antagonistof the series, and Alan’s efforts to defeat it and escape are the crux of the plot. His final words at the end of the first game, “It’s not a lake…it’s an ocean,” implied it’s something even more menacing than it already seemed. While Alan was able to force it into a stalemate, he’s still trapped while The Presence continues its attempts to manipulate him. However, given the nature of the survival-horror genre, whether Alan’s escape will result in a truly happy ending might not be so certain.
Alice Wake’s Whereabouts
The Dark Presence’s capture of Alan Wake’s wife, Alice, was the catalyst that kicked off his battle with it. Taking Alice hostage in its attempts to bend Alan to its will, Alan agreed to stay in The Dark Place if The Presence would release her. Since then, Alan has had no way of reaching her. Alice was most recently mentioned in a collectible note inControlas having been in talks with FBC agents about her experiences. Without any other firm information though, it’s hard to sayhow canonicalControl’sevents are toAlan Wakeat this point. Assuming Alan is successful, fans can hope to see the couple finally reunited.
How Will Saga Anderson Fit In?
Alan Wake 2’s Saga Andersonwas previously revealed as the game’s second playable character. She’s an FBI profiler investigating Alan’s disappearance and its impact on the town of Bright Falls. It’s probably safe to assume she’s related in some way to the Anderson brothers; the aging rockers who previously assisted Alan. Her prominence as part of the promotional material paints her as Alan’s partner; a counterpart in the real world while Alan is lost in The Dark Place. Still, some fans speculate that in keeping with the spirit of the series, Saga may in fact be a fictional character brought into existence by Alan as part of his escape plan.
Will Mr. Scratch Show Up?
Mr. Scratch appeared near the end of the originalAlan Wake.He later featured inThe SignalandThe WriterDLCs, and most prominently inAlan Wake’s American Nightmare.Mr. Scratch, Alan’s Wake’s doppelganger, embodies his most unsavory impulses and characteristics. Alan seemed to only temporarily banish his dark alter ego inAmerican Nightmare.Since the latter releases focused more on him, it wouldn’t be surprising if Mr. Scratch popped up to further torment Alan and/or Saga inAlan Wake 2.
What Are The Implications for Remedy’s Shared Universe?
Developer Remedy Entertainment has stated its intent to build a connected universe across its new releases. Alan Wake has appeared in theAWEDLC forControland was referenced inQuantum Break. With all these titles featuring world-altering entities and events, Remedy has given itself quite the task of maintaining this aspect going forward. As thenext official entry in the Remedy Connected Universe,Alan Wake 2will need to balance these factors carefully to keep everything consistent and engaging in the future.
Alan Wake 2releases August 03, 2025, for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.
