Alan Wake - Complete Play Order
The definitive Alan Wake order for modern players: start with the newest accessible edition, follow connected universe entries in the right sequence, and avoid buying DLC twice when it is already bundled.
Image source: Remedy Entertainment
Quick answer: play Alan Wake Remastered, then Alan Wake's American Nightmare, then Control + AWE, and finish with Alan Wake 2 plus both expansions.
Alan Wake is a psychological horror-thriller universe from Remedy Entertainment, shaped by acclaimed writer and creative director Sam Lake.
This guide tracks canon status, bundle coverage, and the latest playable editions on modern platforms.
Recommended Order (Release)
| Order | Title | Type | Canon | Supported Platforms | Release | Notes | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alan Wake | Game | Canon | PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC | Original 2010 release; Remastered is the recommended edition and includes The Signal and The Writer. | Buy on Amazon | |
| 2 | The Signal (DLC) | Game | Canon | PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC |
Story expansion included in Alan Wake Remastered.
Included with Alan Wake Remastered.
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| 3 | The Writer (DLC) | Game | Canon | PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC |
Story expansion included in Alan Wake Remastered.
Included with Alan Wake Remastered.
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| 4 | Alan Wake's American Nightmare | Game | Unconfirmed | PC | May 22, 2012 | Standalone follow-up. Canon status not officially stated by Remedy. Released first on Xbox 360 in February 2012, with a PC release on May 22, 2012. | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 | Control | Game | Canon | PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, Xbox One, PC | Aug 27, 2019 | Part of the Remedy Connected Universe. | Buy on Amazon |
| 6 | Control: AWE (Expansion) | Game | Canon | PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, Xbox One, PC | Aug 27, 2020 |
Alan Wake crossover expansion; first official RCU crossover event.
Included in Control Ultimate Edition.
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| 7 | Alan Wake 2 | Game | Canon | PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC | Oct 27, 2023 | Mainline sequel. | Buy on Amazon |
| 8 | Night Springs (AW2 Expansion) | Game | Canon | PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC | Jun 08, 2024 |
First expansion for Alan Wake 2.
Included with Alan Wake 2 Deluxe Edition.
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| 9 | The Lake House (AW2 Expansion) | Game | Canon | PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC | Oct 22, 2024 |
Second expansion for Alan Wake 2.
Included with Alan Wake 2 Deluxe Edition.
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FAQ
Does this list include Control?
Yes. Control and the AWE expansion are part of the Remedy Connected Universe and directly tie into Alan Wake.
What about American Nightmare?
It is included but labeled unconfirmed until Remedy explicitly states its canon status.
Do I need to buy the DLC separately?
No. Alan Wake Remastered includes The Signal and The Writer DLC.
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