How long is Alan Wake 2?

How long is Alan Wake 2?
(Image credit: Remedy)

If you want to know how long Alan Wake 2 is, the length is going to vary based on how you play the game, whether you're rapidly blasting through shadow monsters or plodding across Bright Falls. Alan Wake 2 features a semi-open world structure with the option to jump between two linear story branches, both with multiple maps that expand with each chapter that are also filled with all sorts of collectibles. Here's what you need to know about how long it takes to complete Alan Wake 2.

How long to beat Alan Wake 2?

Alan Wake 2 length

(Image credit: Remedy)

Having spent a lot of time with the game, here's how long it should take you to beat Alan Wake 2 by varying playstyles: 

  • Just the story: 18-20 hours 
  • Standard playthrough: 20-24 hours
  • Completionist: 28-30 hours
  • Standard playthrough and New Game Plus: 40+ hours

I completed the game to finish my Alan Wake 2 review and I was honestly a little surprised by just how long it took to beat. If you're shooting for a full completionist run, looking to collect all things like the hidden Nursery Rhyme locations in Alan Wake 2, then you can expect the game to easily push towards the 30 hour mark. 

The game's length also varies based on which of the Alan Wake 2 difficulty modes you pick, with higher difficulties adding extra time. If you're up for a serious challenge and for maximum game completion, you'll need to complete the game a second time in Alan Wake 2 New Game Plus mode which includes a new ending.

I will say, I personally think it's well worth taking your time with Alan Wake 2. Collectibles aren't just there for achievement hunters either, with all of the hidden Alan Wake 2 lunch boxes and mysterious Words of Power in Alan Wake 2 acting as the keys to improving your survivability. It's how you upgrade all of the Alan Wake 2 weapons that Saga can wield, and how you increase the stopping power of Alan in the Dark Place. Taking the time to really explore is also how you get the finer details of the story before you reach closing stage of the game with missions like the Alan Wake 2 come up with a new plan objective that start to funnel you into the end game. 

© 12DOVE. Not to be reproduced without permission.

Josh West
Editor-in-Chief, 12DOVE

Josh West is the Editor-in-Chief of 12DOVE. He has over 15 years experience in online and print journalism, and holds a BA (Hons) in Journalism and Feature Writing. Prior to starting his current position, Josh has served as GR+'s Features Editor and Deputy Editor of games™ magazine, and has freelanced for numerous publications including 3D Artist, Edge magazine, iCreate, Metal Hammer, Play, Retro Gamer, and SFX. Additionally, he has appeared on the BBC and ITV to provide expert comment, written for Scholastic books, edited a book for Hachette, and worked as the Assistant Producer of the Future Games Show. In his spare time, Josh likes to play bass guitar and video games. Years ago, he was in a few movies and TV shows that you've definitely seen but will never be able to spot him in.

Read more
How long is the Silent Hill 2 Remake?
How long is the Silent Hill 2 Remake?
Spider Man 2 how long length
How long to beat Marvel's Spider-Man 2?
Kingdom Come Deliverance 2
How long is Kingdom Come Deliverance 2? Time to beat and hours explained
Avowed screenshot showing two companions assisting in combat
How long is Avowed?
South of Midnight hero image for Big Preview showing Hazel looking at a Bottle of contained memories
South of Midnight is "10 to 12 hours" long because its story unfolds within a single day: "There's a kind of urgency to it"
How long is Astro Bot?
How long is Astro Bot?
Latest in Survival Horror
Post Trauma screenshot
This survival horror Steam Next Fest demo doesn't care that its puzzles are breaking me because it knows I'll stay for the immaculate Silent Hill vibes
Silent Hill 2 remake
As "the success of Silent Hill 2 speaks for itself," Bloober announces its continued partnership with Konami and a "truly special" new joint project
Level Zero: Extraction
2 weeks after launch, Escape from Tarkov-style survival horror mashup Level Zero: Extraction ends development because it "underperformed" expectations
Sony may never give us Days Gone 2, but it did just announce Days Gone Remastered is coming to PS5 with three new modes: Horde, Permadeath, and Speedrun
Resident Evil timeline - Resident Evil 5
Brand-new Resident Evil 5 and 6 ESRB ratings have survival horror fans wondering what the heck Capcom is doing
Resident Evil ReVerse
The Resident Evil deathmatch game that flopped is going offline as Capcom says it's "served its original, celebratory purpose admirably"
Latest in Guides
Monster Hunter Wilds Ember Rufflizard
Monster Hunter Wilds Ember Rufflizard location
A cart being driven to the extraction point in horror game REPO.
How to revive players in REPO
Fortnite Dill Bit Display Cases
Fortnite Dill Bit Display Cases: Where to search them
Monster Hunter Wilds Whoppers
How to catch a Monster Hunter Wilds Whopper
Three players in a REPO game.
How many people can play REPO?
Monster Hunter Wilds Sandstar
Monster Hunter Wilds Sandstar location