Alan Wake 2 features a number of tense sequences; some of these involve combat, some involve puzzles, and some involve both. After exploring Valhalla Nursing Home, Saga must unlock the overlap in the pond out back in order to pursue and rescue Tor.
After entering the overlap and navigating it’s maze-like passageways, you’ll begin a multi-phase boss fight against Cynthia. During the first phase, you won’t actually be fighting her; instead, you’ll need to avoid her in a tense game of cat and mouse as you search for the generator to get the lights back on. In the second phase, you’ll need to defeat Cynthia with all the tools in your arsenal. Cynthia can prove challenging during both phases of the encounter, so if you’re having any trouble, this guide’s got you covered.
Alan Wake 2
- Released
- October 27, 2023
- Developer(s)
- Remedy Entertainment
Cynthia Phase One – Don’t Disturb The Water
During the first portion of this boss fight, you aren’t really fighting Cynthia at all. At this point, you just need to get the power back on in order to delve deeper into the bunker in pursuit of Tor. The only issue is, Cynthia doesn’t want you to do that. After she pulls you a little deeper into this nightmare realm, the room floods with hip-deep water. Cynthia is lurking beneath the water, and if you’re in the water for more than a couple seconds, you’ll see her wave form as she approaches you from beneath the waves. When she reaches you, she’ll leap out of the water and do some serious and unavoidable damage to you before disappearing beneath the surface once again. The key to this portion of the boss fight is to stay out of the water as much as you can.
You can’t damage Cynthia during this phase, so don’t bother shooting at Cynthia. Save your ammo for phase two.
Your objective now is to navigate through the area to find the generator in order to bring power back to the bunker, allowing you to turn the lights back on, which will in turn allow you to descend to the level below, where you will enter a more traditional battle with the boss.
To reach the generator without being attacked by Cynthia, use the debris in the room to climb out of the water. This is the name of the game here in phase one. Continue finding shelter on debris in the water as you navigate the room, heading toward the passage across the room.
As long as you go from one ‘island’ to the next, even if they’re close together, you’ll be fine.
The next passages leads off to the left and right. If you’re doing well on supplies, you can head to the left, as that’s where the generator will be found. Heading to the right will offer an alcove with some supplies, so if you’re low on anything, now’s the time to stock up.
Follow the left path, ducking into alcoves and onto platforms at every opportunity. Eventually, you’ll reach a small alcove with the generator on the right. Climb up and use the generator to regain power. Directly across from that alcove is your way out. Run to the right side and climb up, then drop down into the main circular control room. Take the islands of debris carefully back to the central console.
Activate the console — this will turn the lights back on, and the water will have completely disappeared from this level. You can now head down the circular ramp into the true boss room below.
Turning On The Generator – Video Walkthrough
Cynthia Phase Two – Consumed By Shadow
As you descend, you’ll find yourself in a circular room somewhat similar to the one above. After walking around the room for a few moments, Cynthia will turn off the lights again and transform the room into a similarly flooded layout. During this fight, rather than swimming below the surface, she’ll either be floating up in the air or running straight at you.
While floating, Cynthia has multiple projectile attack that can be pretty devastating. Use your flashlight if possible to destabilize them, but they’re often a bit too quick to fully take care of them that way. Otherwise, try to avoid/outrun them.
Dropping a flare can help give you some breathing room, as it will distract/stun Cynthia, giving you crucial moments to heal, reload, or unload.
While floating, she makes an easy target for your Crossbow or Hunting Rifle. Between attacks, she floats in a fairly predictable manner, so when she’s docile, try to land as many headshots as you can. She’s most dangerous when she’s floating in the air, so bringing her down to the ground as fast as you can is crucial. Her ranged attacks are mysterious and deadly.
When she’s taken enough damage, she will drop to the water and start wildly pursuing you, flailing at you when she gets close. Dropping a flare here can be extra useful, as it’ll stun her when she’s in close range. Use your Sawed-off Shotgun to dish out some serious damage up close, and continue dodging as she attacks. Her attacks are reckless, and her momentum will carry her past you, so if you’ve got your dodge timing down, you’ll be able to dodge, swivel, and unload into her before she corrects and comes after you again.
Stay focused, and you’ll defeat her in no time.