Alan Wake II immerses you in the world of Survival Horror, depicted from a third-person point of view. Gamers can choose to embody either Alan Wake or Anderson's Saga, and have two different storylines at their disposal for a single-player session. Players can tackle these stories in any order, although Saga leads the opening sequence and Alan takes control of the campaign's conclusion.

The main characters, Wake and Anderson, move through various locations and confront opponents using firearms and a flashlight. Most notably, the flashlight can be focused to weaken enemies, making them easier to take out with firearms. However, survival requires careful handling of the flashlight's battery, as well as limited ammunition. To outsmart nearby opponents, Alan and Saga can perform deft evasive maneuvers.

Alan Wake 2 brings detective elements to the proceedings. It is possible to access a safe haven during a session known as the Mind's Seat, devoid of enemies. Described by Remedy as a 3D menu, Mind Place serves as a visual representation of Saga's thoughts. In this unique space, you can solve puzzles by connecting clues and unraveling the main mystery. In addition, you will need to profile characters to gather additional clues.