With this chapter, Saga begins to solve the case of the cult killings, but she encounters even more mysteries. This chapter will be the first to feature significant combat, so be prepared.
With the guide below, you’ll find all the collectibles you need and learn how to take on the enemies that’ll attack you in Return 2 in Alan Wake 2. Final Draft differences are also noted.
Return to crime scene
The chapter begins with Saga in the sheriff’s office after dealing with Nightingale. The first thing to do is speak to Alex and discuss the supernatural events that occurred. You both agree to return to Cauldron Lake to give the crime scene another look. You do this by heading back to the car parked outside the Elderwood Lodge.
On your way there, you’ll run into one of the Koskela brothers helping an FBC member at the FBC station. You’ll notice it’s slightly flooded after you get to the crime scene. Investigate the table, speak to Alex, and then follow the footprints to Cauldron Lake. This is also a good time to revisit Saga’s Mind Place and stick up any clues you haven’t yet.
Witch’s Hut
Return to the Witch’s Ladle and then wade through the water to get to the Overlap again. Here, you’ll have to use your flashlight to burn away some darkness and reveal a manuscript titled “Saga Finds a Save Haven.” It instructs her to head to the Witch’s Hut.
At the hut, you have to plug in a fuse, and you can find the solution to this puzzle here. Once the hut is lit up, you can use it as a spot to save. You can also access your shoebox here which will have all your content from your previous playthrough.
You’ll also find two manuscripts in the hut. The first is titled “Saga Opens the Cauldron Lake Overlap” and it explains the ritual she must perform to open the overlap. The second is a new manuscript on the table titled “Dark Poem 1.” Visit your Mind Place to place any new clues and fill in your profiles.
General Store
Your next task is to head to the general store to retrieve Nightingale’s heart. Once you’re there, enter and a Taken’ll attack you. Shine your flashlight to weaken it before shooting. Aim for the red weak point, though headshots also do significant damage.
With the enemy dealt with, you can head to the back of the general store where you’ll find another manuscript page. The heart you need is in the freezer. Before you leave, grab the sawn-off shotgun on the wall. Your next target is the Witch’s Ladle.
Witch’s Ladle overlap
Head to the witch’s sign by the Witch’s Ladle and insert the heart in the hole, opening the overlap. Enter the creepy portal and follow the path. It’ll take you on a loop and on your second time around, you’ll find a rock with a dark spot you can burn off to reveal another manuscript, this one titled You’ll find yet another manuscript page here, this one titled “Nightingale Enters the Overlap”.
As you search for Nightingale in the forest, keep your eyes on the ground, as there’s another manuscript to collect titled “Nightingale in the Dark Place.” Once you find the undead enemy, you’ll have to deal with your first big battle, which you can easily do by following this guide.
Once Nightingale is dead, that’s pretty much it for this chapter. Saga meets Alan Wake for the first time, and you can collect a manuscript next to him.
Final Draft changes in Return 2: The Heart in Alan Wake 2
Once again, the only change is a new manuscript. This time around it’s a poem that seems to be speaking about Alan, though that’s up for interpretation. You can continue with your walkthrough on this Alan Wake 2 hub which answers any questions you have surrounding the game.
