The one-year anniversary of Alan Wake 2 brings a significant update from Remedy Entertainment, focusing on accessibility and performance. This update introduces new difficulty options and enhancements for the PlayStation 5 Pro, making the game more approachable for a wider range of players.
Remedy outlined the changes in a recent blog post, highlighting the expanded Gameplay Assist menu. These new options allow players to significantly reduce the game’s difficulty, offering features like player invulnerability, infinite ammo, and even one-shot kills. These additions cater to players who may have been intimidated by the game’s survival horror elements or those who prefer to focus on the narrative, visuals, and music. While these features may lessen the scares, they provide a valuable option for experiencing the story without the pressure of challenging combat.
Beyond combat adjustments, the update addresses several highly requested features. Players can now invert the X-axis for both mouse and controller input. A quick-turn function and an option to auto-complete quick-time events have also been added, further enhancing accessibility.
Specific enhancements for the PlayStation 5 include the addition of gyro aiming with the DualSense controller, offering players more precise control. Haptic feedback support has also been implemented for healing items and throwables, adding another layer of immersion.
Alan Wake stands in front of a movie theater in Alan Wake 2.
Remedy has also detailed improvements for the PlayStation 5 Pro. Leveraging Sony’s PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR) AI upscaling technology, the PS5 Pro version offers enhanced performance modes. The Quality Mode, targeting 30 fps, now features ray tracing, previously unavailable on the standard PS5. The Performance Mode aims for the same image quality as the base console’s Quality Mode, with potential 4K output.
These performance upgrades, coupled with the new difficulty options and accessibility features, significantly enhance the Alan Wake 2 experience. The free update arrives on October 22nd, coinciding with the release of The Lake House DLC, the game’s final planned story expansion. This expansion promises new gameplay elements, monsters, and connections to Control, as revealed during the October 2024 Xbox Partner Preview.
This anniversary update demonstrates Remedy’s commitment to refining and expanding Alan Wake 2, offering a more tailored and accessible experience for all players. Whether you’re a seasoned survival horror veteran or prefer a more narrative-focused playthrough, these new options and enhancements provide a welcome opportunity to revisit Bright Falls.
