If you're wondering whether Alan Wake Remastered is available on Steam, the short answer is no. The game remains exclusive to the Epic Games Store on PC, alongside its console versions on PlayStation and Xbox.
Understanding why this restriction exists requires looking at who funded and published the updated version of Remedy Entertainment's psychological thriller. Epic Games Publishing financed the remaster, which means they hold the publishing rights for this specific edition on PC. Consequently, a Steam release hasn't happened yet, leaving many PC players who prefer Valve's launcher waiting indefinitely.
Why Alan Wake Remastered Skipped Steam
When Remedy Entertainment originally launched the psychological action game in 2010, it was an Xbox 360 exclusive before coming to PC via Microsoft Studios. Years later, Remedy reacquired the publishing rights, allowing them to bring the franchise to new platforms.
For the remaster project, Remedy partnered with Epic Games Publishing to fund development and marketing. Part of that publishing agreement involved PC distribution exclusivity through the Epic Games Store. Because Epic funded the project, they control the storefront strategy for the remastered version. This mirrors how Epic handles other titles they finance, keeping them tied to their ecosystem on PC.
Understanding the Difference: Original vs. Remastered on PC
It's easy to get confused because the original 2012 PC version of Alan Wake is actually available on Steam. If you search Valve's marketplace, you'll find the classic release, complete with its original character models, older lighting systems, and classic licensed music.
However, the remastered version features significant visual overhauls that the Steam version lacks:
- Upgraded Character Models: Alan Wake, Alice, and other key residents received fully redone character models with modern facial animations.
- 4K Resolution Support: The game supports native 4K rendering and 60 frames per second on capable hardware.
- New Commentary: Players can experience developer commentary tracks featuring creative director Sam Lake.
- Updated Environments: Textures, lighting, and environmental details were rebuilt to bring the dark Pacific Northwest setting closer to modern standards.
Will It Ever Come to Steam?
Epic Games has gradually brought some of their published titles to Steam months or years after launch. For example, titles like Hades or various third-party exclusives eventually crossed over. However, games fully funded by Epic—such as Alan Wake 2 and Alan Wake Remastered—remain tied to the Epic Games Store because Epic acts as the permanent publisher on PC.
Unless Epic and Remedy alter their publishing agreement or decide to transfer PC publishing rights back, a Steam version isn't officially planned. If you want to play the upgraded version on PC, Epic's launcher is the only option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I play the original Alan Wake on Steam?
Yes. The 2012 PC port remains active on Steam, though it occasionally faces temporary delisting due to music licensing renewals. It lacks the visual upgrades found in the remaster.
Is Alan Wake 2 on Steam?
No. Much like the remaster, Alan Wake 2 was published by Epic Games and is exclusive to the Epic Games Store on PC.
Does the Epic Games Store version support Steam Deck?
While you can technically install the Epic Games Store on a Steam Deck using compatibility tools like Heroic Games Launcher or third-party installers, it requires manual setup and doesn't offer the native plug-and-play experience found with Steam games.
Are there mods for the PC version?
Modding communities primarily focused on the original PC release because of its older file architecture. The remastered version runs on a more modern iteration of Remedy's Northlight engine, which has a different modding landscape.
