Do I Have to Play Control to Understand Alan Wake 2?

Curious if playing Control is essential for understanding Alan Wake 2? Our guide breaks down what the developers and community say, so you can dive into Alan Wake 2 with or without playing Control.
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Alan Wake 2 Holding Cup In Cafe Near People
Image: Remedy Entertainment

Are you excited about Alan Wake 2 but haven’t played Control yet? You might be wondering if you’re missing out on important lore or connections between the two games. This guide aims to answer that question in detail.

We’ll explore what the developers and the gaming community have to say about the relationship between Control and Alan Wake 2. Whether you’re a newcomer or a returning fan, this guide has got you covered.

Is Playing Control Necessary for Alan Wake 2?

If you’re wondering whether you need to play Control to fully grasp the storyline of Alan Wake 2, the answer is no. However, playing Control and its AWE (Altered World Events) DLC can enhance your understanding of Remedy’s interconnected universe.

What Do the Developers Say about Control and Alan Wake 2?

According to Remedy Entertainment, the developers of Alan Wake 2, you don’t need to have played Control to enjoy their upcoming sequel from their Alan Wake 2 FAQ. They have designed Alan Wake 2 to be a standalone experience that both newcomers and returning fans can enjoy. The game is filled with lore and connections that will delight fans, but these are not prerequisites for understanding the new game.

Community Insights on Control and Alan Wake 2

A Reddit user who recently finished the remastered version of the original Alan Wake on PS5 asked the community if playing Control is necessary from a lore perspective. The general consensus is that while it’s not mandatory, playing Control can provide a richer understanding of the interconnected universe that Remedy is creating.

Should You Play Control’s AWE DLC?

Remedy’s FAQ and community discussions suggest that while it’s not necessary to play Control’s AWE DLC to understand Alan Wake 2, it is recommended for fans who want to delve deeper into Remedy’s wider universe. Alan Wake makes a cameo in Control’s second DLC, which essentially confirms that the two games are connected.

So, in all, you don’t have to play Control to understand Alan Wake 2. However, if you’re a fan of Remedy’s storytelling and interconnected universe, playing Control and its AWE DLC can offer a more enriched experience. Whether you decide to play Control or not, Alan Wake 2 is designed to be an enjoyable experience for all.

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Mark Carpenter

Mark Carpenter

Mark Carpenter is the Managing Editor at Try Hard Guides, and main guide writer. With over five years of experience in games media, including almost three years as an Assigning Editor for Pro Game Guides, and before that a Staff Writer.

His writing and game guide work has also been featured on platforms such as Metro UK and Game Rant, along with other smaller publications. He has been a devoted gamer since the days of Amiga, with a journey spanning roughly 31 years.

Mark's future goals are to grow the Try Hard Guides network as much as possible while helping gamers everywhere with gaming guide content. When not immersed in gaming, Mark enjoys delving into the worlds of D&D (Dungeons & Dragons), strumming his guitar, and indulging in a good read. His heart belongs to RPGs, the Final Fantasy series, and The Legend of Zelda. Moreover, he has a keen affection for dogs.

Contact: mark@tryhardguides.com

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