The idea of Alan Wake 2 going open-world has fans excited and sceptical in equal measure. Could a sandbox setting work for a story-driven game like Alan Wake 2? In the coming sections, we’ll explore this intriguing concept in depth. We’ll examine the potential Alan Wake 2 open-world format could bring to the franchise.
Remedy Entertainment has yet to embrace the open-world format in its previous titles fully. However, with games like Control, they’ve turned away from purely linear designs. As for Alan Wake 2, there’s plenty of chatter and speculation — it’s time to set the record straight on what to expect.
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Is Alan Wake 2 Open-World?

No, Alan Wake 2 is not an open-world game. The original Alan Wake also followed a more linear, story-driven format, a characteristic Remedy Entertainment style. The developers are well-known for their tightly scripted narratives and atmospheric settings, as evidenced in previous titles like Max Payne and Control.
However, Alan Wake 2 does promise more expansive areas than any of Remedy’s previous games. The game will feature two worlds, Bright Falls and Dark Place, which players can explore. Interactions with NPCs and environmental cues will add depth to these settings.
But don’t mistake this for Alan Wake 2 open-world — it remains a linear, story-driven psychological horror game akin to its predecessor.
While the notion of Alan Wake 2 open-world might sound appealing to some, Remedy is sticking to its strengths by crafting a more focused, narrative experience. Larger areas and the possibility of exploration are certainly features to look forward to, but the game’s core will remain in delivering a high-quality, story-centric experience.
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Playable Characters on Alan Wake 2

In Alan Wake 2, players have the opportunity to step into the shoes of two special characters: Alan Wake and Saga Anderson. Each character offers a unique perspective, making the game a multi-layered experience.
Alan Wake is the writer we’ve come to know from the original game, still struggling to escape the nightmarish realm of the Dark Place. His journey continues as he battles external and internal demons, trying to make sense of a reality that constantly shifts around him.
On the other hand, Saga Anderson is a new addition to the Alan Wake universe. She’s an FBI agent investigating the mysterious happenings tied to Wake’s disappearance and the Dark Place. Players will also encounter familiar characters from the first Alan Wake game and Control, enriching the narrative landscape.
Despite the absence of an Alan Wake 2 open-world setting, the dual-character setup promises depth and diversity in gameplay. Remedy’s creative director, Sam Lake, even makes an in-game appearance as an FBI agent, adding another layer of intrigue to this highly anticipated title.
Alan Wake 2 will be released on October 27, 2023 for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Is Alan Wake 2?
Sam Lake, the Game’s creative director, reveals that Alan Wake 2 will offer more than 20 hours of gameplay. This makes it Remedy Entertainment’s longest title to date. Since Alan Wake 2 open-world is not a reality, the extended playtime is partly due to the dual-character format, letting you take on the roles of both Alan and Saga.
Is Alan Wake 2 a AAA Game?
Alan Wake 2 is a AAA game in every sense. Crafted by Remedy Entertainment, it has both a notable budget and significant player expectations. While it faces stiff competition for the Game of the Year title, possibly from Baldur’s Gate 3, it’s undoubtedly in the running. Maybe the only shortcoming is Alan Wake 2 open-world, but we will see that when the game comes out.
Why Are Big Games Called AAA?
The term “AAA” in video games has no single, universally accepted origin. However, it’s often compared to AAA bond ratings, which indicate the highest level of creditworthiness. Similarly, AAA games like Alan Wake 2 are expected to have the greatest chance of commercial success, underlining their premium quality and high production values.
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