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Is alan wake 1 necessary before playing alan wake 2?

Alan Wake Fans Debate Playing Origin Story | Mixed Opinions on Value of First Game

By

Marcus Huang

Jun 5, 2025, 11:55 AM

Edited By

Sofia Wang

2 minutes of duration

Cover art featuring Alan Wake in dark woods with a flashlight
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The ongoing conversation among gamers centers on whether to jump straight into Alan Wake 2 or take time to experience the original game first. With the Alan Wake Remastered available for just 5 euros on the PS5 store, many are weighing the nostalgia against the allure of a new release.

Significance of the Original Game

As Alan Wake 2 Deluxe is priced at 31 euros, players are considering if the experience of the first game adds significant context. Some believe playing Alan Wake 1 provides essential story elements that enhance the sequel, while others find its gameplay outdated.

Multiple voices from the community echo similar sentiments:

"Play the first game for sure awesome lore and great characters."

"It was a very good 2010 game. The story is excellent."

Key Themes Emerging from Discussions

  1. Gameplay Experience

    • While the original game has a rich narrative, many players describe its gameplay as dated. One user mentions, "I didnโ€™t find AW1โ€™s gameplay that enjoyable but the story is good." Another asserts that it might feel repetitive, leading some to skip playing altogether.

  2. Story Importance

    • Several commenters highlight how integral Alan Wakeโ€™s story is to understanding Alan Wake 2. One player remarked, "If youโ€™re going to play 1 at all, definitely play it before 2."

  3. Alternative Options

    • For those short on time, watching a recap video is a widely accepted approach. As one enthusiast noted, โ€œI watched an entire playthrough because I tried to play it beforehand.โ€

Mixed Reactions from the Community

The community response has been mixed, reflecting a blend of nostalgia and practicality. Players navigating their gaming schedules seek the best way to engage with the story without losing time. Some express interest in exploring the entire Alan Wake universe, while others prefer to dive directly into the sequel.

Key Takeaways

  • ๐Ÿ’ฐ Alan Wake Remastered offers great value at just 5 euros.

  • ๐ŸŽฎ Engage with the original to enrich the sequel's experience.

  • ๐Ÿ” Recap videos present a viable option for players short on time.

As discussions continue, it remains to be seen how many will opt to experience Alan Wake 1 before diving into its sequel, but the chatter around this choice is certainly heating up.

Future Gaming Choices Could Shape Trends

Looking ahead, thereโ€™s a strong chance that many players will favor experiencing Alan Wake 1 before jumping into its sequel. A significant portion of players, around 60%, might opt for the remaster as they value understanding the narrative fully. With Alan Wake Remastered priced economically, discussions around this game are likely to spark interest in other classic remasters, driving similar trends in the gaming community. Additionally, expect a rise in recap videos being promoted as essential viewing for those pressed for time, potentially reshaping how players prepare for sequels in the future.

A Lesson from the Past: Film Sequels and Their Roots

Reflecting on history, consider the way many movie franchises have fared with sequels deeply tied to their originals. The eventually overwhelming success of the "Toy Story" series, for instance, hinged not just on nostalgia but on fresh, engaging storytelling that built upon its predecessor. As with these films, Alan Wakeโ€™s sequel may capitalize on the unique storytelling threads established in its predecessor, suggesting that sequels grounded by their origins can gain considerable traction even amid changing player preferences.