Alan Wake 2 has so many secrets you need to unravel in the intense world it’s set in with its gripping storyline. One such complex situation you will come across and might not know what to do is a locked door in the car wash once you are heading over to the Poet’s Cinema in Initiation 8: Zane’s Film quest.
There’s more to it than meets the eye. This seemingly inaccessible room taunts players with the promise of hidden secrets and rewards. There is something worthwhile that awaits you on the other side of this door, and the way to unlock it is heavily concealed. Here’s a guide to finding out how to open this car wash locked door in Alan Wake 2.
Alan Wake 2 Car Wash Location
The car wash is located along Draft Street on the southeastern side of the Dark Place map. You’ll pass it as you make your way to the Poet’s Theatre during the “Initiation 8: Zane’s Film” chapter. After your meetup with Tom Zane in Oceanview Hotel, the mentioned quest triggers, and now is the time for you to head to the car wash as you can head straight into the theater, no detours needed.
Spotlights pointing towards the cinema will help guide you to the location. The car wash itself is a foreboding structure, cloaked in darkness and shadows, and its locked door has frustrated even expert players.
How to Open the Locked Door in Car Wash in Alan Wake 2
The car wash entrance is initially blocked by a dark bubble. Use your flashlight’s boost or a flare to burn away the glowing nodes anchoring it. Be prepared to fend off a lurking shadow that may ambush you. Once inside, head to the right and exit the car wash through a metal shutter exiting just in front of the Theatre. Turn left down a small alley flanked by a chain-link fence. Along the way, you’ll notice some windows leading to the locked room.
You’ll see a dark bubble hovering near a countertop that has a microwave on its top, and it obstructs the front-facing windows of the building; you’ll need to blast it. Once that’s done, leave the alley and immediately turn right. Keeping this way, you will locate more windows on your right. They’re also covered by a darkness bubble, zap it away.
Peer through the windows to find three darkness bubbles blocking the inside of the locked door. Use your flashlight to burn these away. It may take a few tries to get the right angle through the cracks in the boarded-up windows. After clearing the darkness, return to the main area of the car wash. The locked door should now be open and the room is accessible.
What’s Behind the Door Inside the Room?
Upon stepping through the previously locked door, you’ll find a small locker room that leads to a back area. Here, you’ll encounter Sheriff Tim Breaker, humming his usual tune. Interact with him to collect valuable intel, including updates on the conspiracy board. Even better, you’ll obtain a detailed map highlighting nearby Words of Power and hidden stashes around Poet’s Cinema. The area also offers useful supplies like ammunition and healing items provided you’re running low.
