After more than a decade of being exclusive to Xbox Consoles and PC, Alan Wake is finally available on PlayStation 4 and 5. Remedy's remaster of their cult hit retains the classic gameplay and feel while giving the visuals a serious upgrade.
✕ Remove Ads
RELATED: Games To Play If You Like Control
Anyone venturing into the darkness of Bright Falls for the first time should take heed of the tips below to make the journey a little easier and more manageable. Even though the story is Alan Wake's main focus, the game is not afraid to give players a challenge and keep them on their toes. Here's how to make it through in one piece.
10 Press In The Right Analog Stick To Switch Shoulders
The camera is constantly behind Alan Wake's shoulder, which means the view can be limited at times. Fortunately, a simple press of the right analog stick will move the camera from one of the protagonist's shoulders to the other.
This is essential to both camera control and gameplay, since sometimes aiming is easier when the camera is behind one shoulder than the other. Take note of what feels the most natural and makes combat easiest.
✕ Remove Ads
9 Gear Does Not Carry Over Between Episodes
At the start of every episode, Alan starts with no gear, and must gather items over the course of the episode. Once that episode ends, all his ammunition and equipment are gone. With this in mind, don't be shy when consuming ammunition.
Use everything Alan has at his disposal, especially when heavier enemies come into the picture. This is more of an action game than survival horror (despite the spooky atmosphere), so the game often gives players more than enough to handle a situation.
8 Holding The Flashlight Without Aiming Still Damages Enemies
✕ Remove Ads
Before being able to damage an enemy, players have to shine the flashlight on them until the circle of light closes and they have a solid form.
To save battery power, the player can still hurt enemies by simply pointing the flashlight without concentrating the light. This strategy mostly works when there is only one enemy present. If two or more are attacking Alan, it is better to concentrate the light as long as their are enough batteries.
7 Backtrack For Ammunition
Every once in a while, Alan comes across a box full of revolver ammunition. This ensures that he never runs out of ammunition, especially since there is no melee combat in the game.
RELATED: How Many Episodes Are There In Alan Wake?
✕ Remove Ads
Coming across a box of ammo also usually means there is an intense combat section waiting for him. Once the battle is over, don't be afraid to backtrack to the box of ammunition and refill on bullets. Alan rarely has a shortage of bullets, but it is never bad to have more than needed.
6 Play On Normal
Any player debating what difficulty to play Alan Wake should do it on Normal. Easy is a bit of a cakewalk, while Nightmare can be exceptionally difficult. Go through it on Normal for the first time to fully get into and appreciate the story.
If players feel like going through Alan Wake once more, then play it on the next difficulty. Certain collectibles are only obtainable on Nightmare, so it's essential for completionists to play.
5 Fight, Don't Run
✕ Remove Ads
There are only a few instances when players are encouraged to run instead of fight. Enemies are faster than the protagonist and always catch up. It is better to face them and master dodging to avoid taking damage.
There are also the poltergeist objects, which Alan cannot outrun as they fling themselves across the play area. Take a stand and fight all the enemies, preferably from a distance.
4 Follow The Yellow
The flashlight will sometimes illuminate otherwise invisible markers. These yellow signs often point in a direction and lead to a chest of supplies or some other secret. If one of these catches the player's eye, always take the time to follow where it leads.
There is usually a torch at the end, indicating that the secret is found. The extra supplies make some of the game's harder fights easier.
✕ Remove Ads
3 Play Alan Wake Before Control
It is unfortunate that this remaster came out two years after Remedy's most recent game, Control. The two are connected, with several easter eggs in Control hinting at Alan's current whereabouts.
RELATED: Hidden Secrets Many Still Haven't Found In Control
The final DLC for Control solidifies the connection even further, hinting at a future for Alan's story. If you still have not played Control by this point, we recommend playing Alan Wake first to prevent any spoilers. At the very least, play it before doing the AWE DLC.
2 Watch TV Shows & Listen To The Radio Shows
✕ Remove Ads
Lore in Alan Wake is delivered to the player out in a similar way to Max Payne and its sequel, two games also by Remedy. In all of these games, the player character will often walk by television sets or radios. Don't ignore these — they're much more than world-building props.
The TVs in Alan Wake play fictional television programs, while the radio is a local station that comments on events in the game. NPCs also have a lot to say, so take time and listen to everything they have to say. It heavily enriches the world and gives deeper insight into Alan's story.
1 Always Go Off The Beaten Path
The mini-map does not show much information, just a yellow mark indicating the direction players should go. Any experienced gamer knows to check the nooks and crannies elsewhere before heading to the goal.
✕ Remove Ads
There are a lot of bonuses to find in Alan Wake. Almost every area outside of the main path has something to find, whether they be coffee thermoses or pages of Alan's manuscript. Don't stick to the main path; venture out and look for secrets.
Alan Wake Remastered is out now for PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
MORE: Great Quotes From Remedy's Control