Alan Wake 2features a complex narrative that swaps back and forth between the two main characters:Saga Anderson, an insightful and decisive FBI agent, andAlan 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 downwhen exactly you’ll unlock the abilityto change back and forth between these characters, after which you’ll be able to prioritize whichever you choose when the opportunity arises.
Updated by Jeff Brooks on June 08, 2025: This guide has been updated to include additional helpful details and links to provide an all-around better user experience, including the exact chapter names for when you have to switch between characters.
Alan Wake 2
When Can You Change Characters?
You will not immediately have the ability to swap between Saga and Alan; the ability to do so will unlockafter 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 completingReturn 2: The Heartanddefeating your first major boss, 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 his first 3 missions — Initiation 1: Late Night, Initiation 2: Casey, andInitiation 3: Haunting— you’ll then be placed back in Saga Anderson’s story, but you’ll be introduced to thejanitor bucket, which is your method for swapping back and forth betweenAlan’s and Saga’s storylines.
Where To Find Janitor Buckets
Janitor buckets are found withinJanitor’s break rooms; these function just like normal safe rooms where you have the opportunity to access your stash andmanually 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 inbetween major story beats.
NEXT:Alan Wake 2 Review: Remedying The Past
