Alan Wake 2 has unveiled its latest story expansion, The Lake House, adding to the eerie atmosphere of the Remedy Connected Universe. Notably, this expansion offers a sneak peek at the highly anticipated follow-up to 2019’s Control—and some details may easily go unnoticed.
Remedy has cultivated an interconnected universe across its games, prominently featuring Control and Alan Wake 2. The original Control began hinting at Alan’s storyline before formally integrating him into the narrative through the AWE expansion. In turn, Alan Wake 2 includes substantial references to the Federal Bureau of Control (FBC) while enriching the lore surrounding its operations.
Players anticipated further exploration of Control within The Lake House DLC, which released this week, but specifics regarding content were vague. The DLC follows Agent Estevez, introduced in Alan Wake 2 during a crisis at a nearby FBC facility. The Lake House unfolds the events that transpired there, revealing a story that is less than thrilling.
To avoid spoilers, we won’t delve into too many specifics, but in one optional section, players encounter a character from Control, gaining insight into potential developments in Control 2 along with some intriguing footage to spark theories.
Warning: Spoilers for The Lake House DLC are included in the following sections.
When engaging with The Lake House, be sure to explore every level in the facility using the elevator. The optional Floor -4 is particularly easy to overlook while pursuing primary objectives, but checking it out activates the teaser. You’ll first come across a familiar light fixture in one of the offices. Engage with it three times, and you’ll be transported to the Oceanview Motel, which then leads you to a location resembling the Oldest House, a key setting from Control. Navigate the hallway to meet Dylan Faden, who played a significant role as an antagonist in the previous title.
It’s evident that some time has elapsed; Dylan has allowed his hair to grow longer since the last game. During a brief exchange, we discover that four years have passed since the incidents in Control and that the FBC headquarters has remained eerily quiet. Additionally, there are hints that something mysterious is occurring outside. Following this interaction, the teaser showcases a collage of disjointed imagery—empty streets, Hiss entities floating in alleys, and a figure draped in a robe atop an inverted building.
Remedy has confirmed that two new Control games are in development, with one expected to be a direct sequel. Alongside Control 2, there’s also the impending release of FBC: Firebreak, a cooperative PvE shooter set to debut next year.