Alan Wake 2: Should you investigate the previously flooded area?

In the Return 3 chapter of Alan Wake 2, you have an optional objective to “investigate the previously flooded area” in Cauldron Lake.

Although it is optional, choosing to try out this objective could be a benefit or a hassle and waste of time. So, should you take the time to explore and how do you investigate the flooded area, exactly?

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.

Investigating the previously flooded area will grant you with:

• Having as many resources as possible before heading into the next section.
• Picking up all available collectibles in Cauldron Lake
• Getting your hands on as much Alan Wake 2 background lore as possible.
• Chatting with Ilmo and his client at the radio tower.

How to investigate the previously flooded area in Alan Wake 2

To mark this the “investigate the previously flooded area” objective as complete in Alan Wake 2, you’ll head towards the Witchfinder’s Station.

To reach the Witchfinder’s Station, head toward the western side of Cauldron Lake and look 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.