Do I need to play Alan Wake before Alan Wake 2?

Alan Wake 2 is the long-awaited sequel to Remedy Entertainment’s 2010 classic, but can new players understand the story without playing the original? Here’s everything you need to know about whether you need to play Alan Wake before Alan Wake 2.

After 13 long years of waiting, Alan Wake 2 has finally arrived. The follow-up to the 2010 cult classic is one of 2023’s biggest games, and fans are jumping in to pick up the story of the fabled novelist and new protagonist Saga Anderson.

But as is the case with any sequel that arrives so long after the first game, there are many players on all platforms who might be interested in playing Alan Wake 2 but have never visited Bright Falls before.

So, do you need to play the original Alan Wake to understand the sequel? Here’s everything you need to know.

Alan Wake 2: Do I need to play Alan Wake 1?

No, you don’t need to need to play the first game before Alan Wake 2. Developers Remedy Entertainment have confirmed that the sequel is designed to be enjoyed by both old fans and newer players.

On the game’s FAQ page, it states that: “Alan Wake 2 is a sequel but set up as a stand-alone experience. Newcomers can enjoy the thrill-ride with no past knowledge of the previous game.”

That being said, anyone who has completed the first Alan Wake will likely get more mileage out of the sequel, as it’s packed with “tons of lore and connections to be discovered.”

Alan Wake also shares a universe with Control, another Remedy game. However, the devs have confirmed that while it’s “recommended” that players have experienced everything in the Alan Wake universe so far, it’s “completely optional” when it comes to understanding the new title.

So, those who have never stepped foot in Bright Falls can still enjoy Alan Wake 2’s story. That said, if you want to pick up on every little reference, callback, and Easter egg, it’s best to go back and play through the 2010 original, as well as Control and its DLC, first.

For more on Alan Wake 2, here’s whether the game is on Xbox Game Pass or has a New Game Plus mode.