The Buzz Around Alan Wake 2
Alan Wake 2 isn’t just another sequel it’s the resurrection of a cult classic. The original Alan Wake landed back in 2010 and quickly became a storytelling landmark for horror gamers. Remedy Entertainment’s blend of cinematic tension and mind-bending mystery earned it a loyal fan base that’s been waiting 13 years for this follow-up.
This time, the expectations were sky-high. Players wanted darker visuals, smarter mechanics, and answers to the story’s unanswered riddles. When Remedy confirmed the sequel in partnership with Epic Games Publishing, the excitement skyrocketed and so did the questions: “Is Alan Wake 2 on Game Pass?”
Let’s get the truth out first.
Is Alan Wake 2 on Game Pass?
No Alan Wake 2 is not currently available on Xbox Game Pass.
And that’s not by accident. Remedy Entertainment made a strategic deal with Epic Games, giving them publishing control. That means, for now, the game sits outside Microsoft’s subscription ecosystem.
Remedy has been clear about this from the start. In interviews and official FAQs, the studio stated that the game would launch as a digital-only title, available on Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC through the Epic Games Store. No physical discs. No Game Pass bundle.
Still, it’s not all bad news. Remedy has a history of eventually bringing its games to Game Pass remember Control? It launched as a premium title but made its way to the subscription library months later. So while Alan Wake 2 isn’t on Game Pass yet, history suggests it could show up eventually maybe sometime in 2026.
Where You Can Play It
Alan Wake 2 is a next-gen exclusive, meaning it only runs on:
- Xbox Series X/S
- PlayStation 5
- PC (via Epic Games Store)
If you’re still using an Xbox One or older PC, unfortunately, this game’s not designed for you. Remedy focused on performance, visuals, and atmosphere that leverage newer hardware so the experience stays seamless and cinematic.
Here’s what stands out: the game is digital-only. Remedy ditched physical discs completely, a decision that sparked debate. But it also allowed the studio to focus on faster updates and higher visual fidelity. For PC users, you’ll find it exclusively on Epic’s launcher not Steam, not Game Pass.
Price and Editions
If you were hoping it might sneak into Game Pass as a surprise, the pricing might explain why it hasn’t yet.
- Standard Edition: $49.99
- Deluxe Edition: $79.99
The Deluxe package adds story expansions (Night Springs and The Lake House), exclusive outfits, and extra content. These expansions will roll out gradually throughout 2025.
There’s no free demo, and Game Pass subscribers don’t get a discount at launch. However, as seen with past Remedy titles, that could change once initial sales slow and Microsoft negotiates Game Pass inclusion.
Why It’s Not on Game Pass (Yet)
So what’s holding it back? In short business agreements.
Epic Games Publishing funded Alan Wake 2’s development, meaning it controls where the game goes. Since Game Pass is a Microsoft service, Remedy can’t just drop it there without Epic’s green light.
Another reason: Remedy and Epic are focusing on premium sales first. They know fans have been waiting over a decade, and many are willing to pay full price. Once those early buyers are in, the developers can open the door to Game Pass later keeping the game relevant long-term.
If we go by patterns from other third-party releases, there’s a strong chance Alan Wake 2 could land on Game Pass roughly 12–18 months after launch, which puts it somewhere around mid–2026.
What Makes Alan Wake 2 Worth the Price
Even without Game Pass access, Alan Wake 2 is worth every minute for horror lovers. This sequel doesn’t just revisit the original’s story it redefines it.
You alternate between two characters: Alan Wake, trapped in the mysterious Dark Place, and Saga Anderson, an FBI agent investigating a chilling murder mystery. The game blends reality with nightmare, switching between their perspectives like a well-cut film.
Combat is slower, more deliberate, and tied to light your flashlight isn’t just for seeing; it’s for surviving. Every corner feels alive, every shadow a threat. Remedy doubled down on narrative depth, delivering psychological tension that rivals Resident Evil Village and Silent Hill 2 in tone.
Performance-wise, the game shines on next-gen consoles. Ray tracing, 4K support, and dynamic lighting effects make this one of 2025’s best-looking horror experiences.
Is Alan Wake 2 Free to Play?
No and that’s by design.
Remedy’s titles have always focused on quality single-player storytelling, not free-to-play mechanics. There are no microtransactions, no battle passes, and no subscription hooks. You pay once, and you get the full experience (plus DLCs if you grab the Deluxe Edition).
It’s a refreshing change from modern trends especially when most blockbuster games are built around ongoing monetisation. Remedy wanted Alan Wake 2 to feel like a complete cinematic story, not an endless content grind.
How to Play Alan Wake 2 on Xbox and PC
For Xbox Series X/S Users:
- Go to the Microsoft Store on your console.
- Search for Alan Wake 2.
- Choose your preferred edition and purchase.
- Install the game (around 80–90GB download size).
- Grab a headset, dim the lights, and prepare for the chaos.
For PC Players:
- Download and install the Epic Games Launcher.
- Log in or create an Epic account.
- Purchase Alan Wake 2 directly from the store.
- Install the game and ensure your GPU drivers are updated.
- For smooth performance, aim for RTX 3060 or better.
Pro tip: if you’re using an SSD, the game loads faster and feels smoother when switching between Alan and Saga.
Other Games Leaving and Entering Game Pass
While Alan Wake 2 waits in the shadows, Xbox Game Pass still has plenty of horror and thriller options to keep you busy. Titles like:
- Resident Evil 7: Biohazard
- Dead Space (Remake)
- Signalis
- The Evil Within 2
are all perfect warm-ups if you crave that same psychological edge.
On the other side, keep an eye on the Games Leaving Game Pass section in your app. Microsoft rotates titles monthly, so some indie gems disappear quietly while big AAA titles make room for new arrivals. Remedy’s Control left and returned later, which could easily happen again with Alan Wake 2.
Bottom Line
Alan Wake 2 isn’t on Game Pass right now but don’t rule it out forever.
The partnership with Epic means it’s temporarily locked to direct digital sales. But given Remedy’s past and Xbox’s track record with story-driven hits, it’s not a stretch to imagine this haunting masterpiece joining Game Pass down the line.
For now, though, if you’re a fan of slow-burn suspense, cinematic visuals, and mind-bending storytelling this one’s worth buying outright. When it finally hits Game Pass, you’ll already have faced the darkness firsthand.
Rachel combines her technical expertise with a flair for clear, accessible writing. A graduate of the University of Edinburgh, she specializes in creating detailed tech-focused content that educates our readers about the latest in web development and SEO tools at Spinbot blog.