Alan Wake 2 features a complex narrative that swaps back and forth between the two main characters: Saga Anderson, an insightful and decisive FBI agent, and Alan Wake, a desperate writer trapped in the Dark Place. These two competing narratives intertwine wonderfully throughout the journey, but it’s not immediately clear how exactly to change characters. It’s a major feature of the game, right?
This guide breaks down when exactly you’ll unlock the ability to change back and forth between these characters, after which you’ll be able to prioritize whichever you choose when the opportunity arises.
Alan Wake 2
- Released
- October 27, 2023
- Developer(s)
- Remedy Entertainment
When Can You Change Characters?
You will not immediately have the ability to swap between Saga and Alan; the ability to do so will unlock after you’ve been introduced to each of these characters and their evolving stories. The game will initially follow Saga Anderson’s storyline as she investigates Nightingale’s murder and the cult operating in the area. After two chapters, you’ll then take control of Alan Wake as he navigates the Dark Place, the evil dimension he’s been trapped in for 13 years. You’ll then have to play an extended gameplay sequence with Alan Wake, which will allow you to get your bearings in the warped nightmare version of New York City. Once you complete this initial segment, you’ll then be placed back in Saga Anderson’s point of view, but you’ll be introduced to the janitor bucket, which is your method for changing narratives.
Where To Find Janitor Buckets
Janitor buckets are found within Janitor’s break rooms; these function just like normal safe rooms where you have the opportunity to access your stash and manually save your game. You will not find a janitor bucket in every safe room you come across, but they’re generally spaced out well enough so that you’re able to swap between characters in between major story beats.