Alan Wake 2 Anniversary Update Features New Accessibility Settings and QOL Changes

As Alan Wake 2 nears its first anniversary, Remedy Entertainment has announced a massive update packed with community-requested features. Released in October 2023, Alan Wake 2 captivated players with its atmospheric psychological horror and a dual narrative involving Alan Wake, a novelist trapped in a nightmarish dimension, and Saga Anderson, an FBI agent investigating the mystery of his disappearance.

All owners of Alan Wake 2 will receive a free quality of life update tomorrow – the Anniversary Update.

It includes frequently requested features, such as inverting the X (horizontal) axis and the Gameplay Assist menu, which includes toggles for quick turn, invulnerability, one… pic.twitter.com/VM2lsrq2aY

— Alan Wake 2 (@alanwake) October 21, 2024

Since its launch, Alan Wake 2 has received widespread acclaim, such as selling over 1.3 million units by February 2024 and receiving multiple Game of the Year nominations. Building on this momentum, Remedy released the first DLC, Night Springs, expanding the story with additional episodes.

Now, with the upcoming Lake House DLC and its one-year success, Remedy will release a free anniversary update on October 22, 2024, alongside its second major DLC expansion, The Lake House. This guide will highlight the key features of this anniversary update and how to make the most of these exciting additions.

What’s New in the Alan Wake 2 Anniversary Update?

In response to player feedback, Remedy’s Alan Wake 2 anniversary update aims to enhance the player experience with several quality-of-life improvements. The free update introduces new features highly requested by the community, especially those seeking greater gameplay customisation and accessibility.

Key Features of the Anniversary Update:

• Gameplay Assist Menu: This menu will allow players to adjust gameplay settings for a more tailored experience. Features include:
• Quick Turn Ability: Instantly face the opposite direction with a button press, perfect for escaping intense encounters.
• Autocomplete QTEs (Quick Time Events): Automatically complete these time-sensitive events.
• Single Tap for Button Tapping: Changing repeated button tapping with a single tap, making weapon charges and healing easier.
• Weapon Charging with Taps: Fire-charged weapons with single taps, simplifying combat.
• Healing Items with Taps: Heal faster and easier using a single tap for health items.
• Player Invulnerability & Immortality: Choose between invulnerability (no damage) or immortality (no death) for a more relaxed playthrough.
• One Shot Kills: Eliminate enemies with a single hit.
• Infinite Ammo & Flashlight Batteries: Never run out of bullets or flashlight power, perfect for players focused on story or exploration.
• Enhanced DualSense Support for PlayStation 5: For PS5 players, the DualSense controller will receive improvements, including gyro aiming (motion control) and expanded haptic feedback. This enhancement allows for greater immersion as haptic feedback will now be applied to healing items and throwables, not just weapons. Players can also customise the gyro aiming, adjust sensitivity and control the pitch, yaw, and roll.

These updates aim to make it more accessible for players of all skill levels while maintaining its signature tension and challenge.

The Lake House DLC Expansion

Besides the anniversary update, The Lake House, the second major DLC for Alan Wake 2, will launch simultaneously. This expansion introduces a fresh storyline centred on Federal Bureau of Control (FBC) agent Kiran Estevez, who investigates the Lake House, a mysterious research facility near the infamous Cauldron Lake. As Estevez explores the facility, players will face new threats and engage in survival horror gameplay reminiscent of classic genre titles.

The Lake House promises to deepen Alan Wake 2’s lore, blending Remedy’s signature narrative style with chilling environments and terrifying new enemies. Although the DLC is not part of the free update, it will be available to those who own the Expansion Pass.

For detailed information regarding Alan Wake 2’s The Lake House DLC, click our link here.

Download Size and Remedy’s Heartfelt Message

The Anniversary Update, including The Lake House expansion, will require around 15 GB on PlayStation 5, 18 GB on Xbox Series X/S, and 20 GB on PC. The Lake House expansion will require the Expansion Pass to access, while the Anniversary Update is free for all players.

Lastly, in an official statement, Remedy Entertainment thanked the community for their support since Alan Wake 2’s release. “We can’t believe it’s been almost a year since Alan Wake 2 was released,” said Thomas Puha, Remedy’s communications director. “Thank you to everyone who has played the game and become a member of our fanbase, no matter when you joined us or how long you’ve been a fan.”

Final Thoughts

With Alan Wake 2 celebrating its first year, Remedy’s commitment to enhancing it through updates and expansions showcases its dedication to delivering a high-quality player experience. Whether you’re a dedicated fan or new to the world of Alan Wake, the Anniversary Update and The Lake House DLC offer exciting reasons to return to Bright Falls.

As it evolves, fans can expect more thrilling narratives, immersive gameplay, and the same psychological horror that made Alan Wake 2 stand out in 2023.

For more gaming articles and news coverage, follow our Twitter page for timely updates from your favourite games and gaming studios.