Alan Wake 2is a sequel that takes much of the originalAlan Wake’s gameplay in new directions while adding to the lore of Remedy’s Connected Universe. Naturally, players curious aboutAlan Wake 2who might not necessarily have played the original may wonder if they need to playAlan WakeorAlan Wake Remasteredto playAlan Wake 2.

Those who played the firstAlan Wakesome time ago, as the game was released in 2010, may also wonder whether it’s necessary to replayAlan Wakebefore stepping back into Bright Falls, especially if they’ve forgotten how the story pans out.

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Do You Need To Play Alan Wake 1 Before Alan Wake 2?

The answer to whether you need to playAlan Wake1 before playingAlan Wake 2is no.It’s not necessary to playAlan Waketo understand and enjoyAlan Wake 2, as somethingRemedy Entertainment’sAlan Wake 2website FAQsalso clarify, stating that althoughAlan Wakeis a sequel, it is ‘set up as a standalone experience.’

How Alan Wake 2 Introduces New Players To Alan Wake

As a dual-protagonist experience, Remedy introduces all players, irrespective of prior knowledge, to the character of FBI Agent Saga Anderson, who also acts as a means of onboardingnewAlan Wake 2playersinto the story. As Saga investigates the murders and strange happenings of Bright Falls and Watery, so do the players.

Alan Wake 2emphasizes horror, scare tactics, and puzzle-solving gameplay in the vein of games likeResident Evil 4, which even veteranAlan Wakeplayers may have to adapt to. So, while there are some similarities,Alan Wake 2differs fromAlan Wakeand plays out very differently.

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Do You Need To Play Control Before Alan Wake 2?

It’s also not essential to playControlorControl’s two DLCs before playingAlan Wake 2.Remedy recommends it for players interested in the lore and Connected Universe but states it’s unnecessary. Players who’ve playedControlmay get a better understanding ofAlan Wake 2’s Federal Bureau of Control, but it’s not essential to playControlto playAlan Wake 2.

How To Play Alan Wake and Control Games In Release Order

That said, many fans ofAlan Wake 2might find they also want to experience more Remedy titles likeControlto better understand the growing and evolving Remedy Connected Universe. Likewise, those who decide to return to earlierAlan Waketitles might find they have a better grasp onAlan Wake 2’s Easter Eggsand references, particularly to previous characters like Mr Scratch.

Players looking to play allAlan WakeandControltitles beforeAlan Wake 2may want to play them in the followingrelease order:

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