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

Alan Wake 2 is a sequel that takes much of the original Alan Wake's gameplay in new directions while adding to the lore of Remedy's Connected Universe. Naturally, players curious about Alan Wake 2 who might not necessarily have played the original may wonder if they need to play Alan Wake or Alan Wake Remastered to play Alan Wake 2.

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By William Parks

Those who played the first Alan Wake some time ago, as the game was released in 2010, may also wonder whether it's necessary to replay Alan Wake before stepping back into Bright Falls, especially if they've forgotten how the story pans out.

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

The answer to whether you need to play Alan Wake 1 before playing Alan Wake 2 is no. It's not necessary to play Alan Wake to understand and enjoy Alan Wake 2, as something Remedy Entertainment's Alan Wake 2 website FAQs also clarify, stating that although Alan Wake is 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 onboarding new Alan Wake 2 players into the story. As Saga investigates the murders and strange happenings of Bright Falls and Watery, so do the players.

Alan Wake 2 emphasizes horror, scare tactics, and puzzle-solving gameplay in the vein of games like Resident Evil 4, which even veteran Alan Wake players may have to adapt to. So, while there are some similarities, Alan Wake 2 differs from Alan Wake and plays out very differently.

Do You Need To Play Control Before Alan Wake 2?

It's also not essential to play Control or Control's two DLCs before playing Alan Wake 2. Remedy recommends it for players interested in the lore and Connected Universe but states it's unnecessary. Players who've played Control may get a better understanding of Alan Wake 2's Federal Bureau of Control, but it's not essential to play Control to play Alan Wake 2.

How To Play Alan Wake and Control Games In Release Order

That said, many fans of Alan Wake 2 might find they also want to experience more Remedy titles like Control to better understand the growing and evolving Remedy Connected Universe. Likewise, those who decide to return to earlier Alan Wake titles might find they have a better grasp on Alan Wake 2's Easter Eggs and references, particularly to previous characters like Mr Scratch.

Players looking to play all Alan Wake and Control titles before Alan Wake 2 may want to play them in the following release order:

Alan Wake (2010 for Xbox 360 and 2012 for PC).
The Signal and The Writer DLCs for Alan Wake (2010).
Alan Wake's American Nightmare (2012 for Xbox 360, PC).
Alan Wake Remastered (2021 for PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and 2022 for Nintendo Switch).
Control (2019 for PS4, PC, and Xbox One, and 2021 for PS5 and Xbox Series X/S).
Control's The Foundation and AWE DLCs (2020).