In the Return 3 chapter of Alan Wake 2, you have an optional objective to “investigate the previously flooded area” in Cauldron Lake. But should you take the time to explore?
Should Saga investigate the previously flooded area in Alan Wake 2?
In short, yes. You should absolutely investigate the previously flooded area, especially if you want to get the most out of Alan Wake 2.
You get the option to explore the flooded area near the end of the Return 3 – The Heart chapter of Alan Wake 2, after you’ve found the person on the shore. At this point, the Cauldron Lake map changes as the flood retreats, allowing you explore previously flooded areas that you were unable to access.
It turns out the previously flooded area is packed with Nursery Rhymes to solve, Cult Stashes to open, Alex Casey Lunch Boxes to find, and Manuscript pages to read.
If you want to make sure you have as many resources as possible before heading into the next section, are aiming to pick up all available collectibles in Cauldron Lake, or simply want to get your hands on as much Alan Wake 2 background lore as possible, then I highly advise exploring the area and, in particular, chatting with Ilmo and his client at the radio tower.
How to explore the previously flooded area in Alan Wake 2
Again, there’s plenty to see and find in the previously flooded area. However, if you want to mark this optional objective as complete, Alan Wake 2 does have a specific location it would like you to see.
You’ll want to head toward the western side of Cauldron Lake. The main goal is to get to the Witchfinder’s Station. Once you’re there, you’ll be looking for a particular Nursery Rhyme that the game wants you to complete. To complete it, you’ll have to put a Wolf doll and Hero doll in the proper locations on the rhyme.
Anything else you find is just a bonus, but completing that specific Nursery Rhyme will cross off the optional objective of thoroughly exploring the previously flooded area.
Once you’ve had your fill of exploration, head up the hill to the car park to meet Casey and drive to your next destination. Reaching the car park will automatically complete this goal.
If you want to return to explore Cauldron Lake later, you can do so by interacting with Saga’s car. Just keep in mind this option isn’t always available through the game, so grab what you can when you can.
