FBC Files and Documents

FBC Files and Documents

Throughout your journey in Alan Wake 2, you'll encounter various FBC (Federal Bureau of Control) Files and Documents. These collectibles offer crucial lore, expand on the game's universe, and often provide context for the strange events unfolding in Bright Falls and the Dark Place. While not strictly necessary for completing the main story, collecting them enriches the narrative and is essential for players aiming for 100% completion. Each file you collect for Saga Anderson is cataloged in her Mind Place under the "Case Files" section, specifically on the "FBC" board, providing new clues and connections. For Alan Wake, FBC-related documents often appear as new "Plot Elements" or "Echoes" in his Writer's Room, deepening his understanding of the Dark Place and its connection to the FBC.

General Strategies for Locating FBC Files

• Thorough Exploration: Many FBC Files are tucked away in less obvious corners. Always take the time to explore every room, desk, and shelf in areas you visit, especially those that seem out of the way.
• Light Source Awareness: Some documents are subtly highlighted by ambient light or a faint glow. Keep an eye out for anything that stands out visually.
• Mind Place/Writer's Room Integration: Once collected, FBC Files are automatically cataloged in Saga's Mind Place under the "Case Files" section (specifically, the "FBC" board) or in Alan's Writer's Room as new "Plot Elements" or "Echoes." They will be marked with a distinct icon (often a stylized FBC logo or a document symbol) indicating their presence and allowing for easy review. New, unread files often have a small notification dot.
• Listen for Cues: Occasionally, characters might hint at the presence of documents or research materials in a specific area. Pay attention to dialogue.
• Environmental Storytelling: Look for areas that seem like research stations, offices, or secure facilities. These are prime locations for FBC documentation.
• Check Back: Some areas become accessible or change after story progression. If you suspect you missed something, consider revisiting locations.

FBC Files by Chapter and Location (Saga Anderson)

Return 1: Invitation

• FBC Document: "Cauldron Lake Shoreline Survey"
  • Location: After the initial FBI investigation at Cauldron Lake, follow the path towards the General Store. This document is found on a table inside the General Store, near the counter, shortly after you speak with Deputy Thornton for the first time.
  • Significance: Provides early insights into the FBC's prior involvement and observations regarding Cauldron Lake's anomalous properties, hinting at the deeper mysteries at play.
  • Common Pitfall: Easy to miss if you rush straight to the murder scene. Take a moment to fully explore the General Store before heading out.

Return 2: The Heart

• FBC Document: "Wake's Manuscript Pages - FBC Analysis"
  • Location: Inside the Wellness Center at Cauldron Lake. After gaining access to the main facility, proceed through the reception area and into the staff offices on the ground floor. This document is typically found on a desk in one of the smaller, accessible offices to the left of the main corridor, near the break room.
  • Strategy: You'll need to navigate through some Taken encounters and solve the fuse box puzzle to restore power to certain doors. Ensure you have enough ammunition and healing items before entering the Wellness Center.
  • Reward: Unlocks new insights on the "FBC" board in the Mind Place, connecting Alan's manuscript to FBC investigations.
• FBC Document: "FBC Personnel File - Agent Estevez"
  • Location: Also within the Wellness Center. After gaining access to the second floor via the stairs near the staff offices, head towards the patient rooms. This file is located in the Nurse's Station, often on a clipboard or desk within the main console area.
  • Significance: Introduces Agent Estevez and her role, setting up future interactions and providing context for the FBC's presence.
  • Missable: Can be overlooked if you focus solely on the main objective in the patient wing.

Return 3: Local Girl

• FBC Document: "Bright Falls Incident Report - 2010"
  • Location: In the Sheriff's Station in Bright Falls. Once you have access to the evidence room or the main office area, search the desks and filing cabinets. It's often found in the room where you first meet Deputy Thornton, specifically on a desk near the computer terminals.
  • Significance: Details the FBC's initial response and findings from the events of the first Alan Wake game, offering crucial background on the FBC's long-standing interest in Bright Falls.
  • Strategy: This area becomes fully accessible after a certain point in the chapter. Take your time to explore every office.
• FBC Document: "FBC Containment Protocols - Type 7 Altered World Event"
  • Location: Also within the Sheriff's Station. This document is usually located in Sheriff Breaker's private office, often on his desk or a nearby shelf, accessible after you've progressed further into the station's investigation.
  • Significance: Explains the FBC's classification system for supernatural events and their standard operating procedures for containing them, highlighting the serious nature of the current situation.
  • Common Pitfall: Breaker's office might be locked initially; you'll gain access as part of the main story progression.

Return 4: Old Gods

• FBC Document: "Valhalla Nursing Home - FBC Surveillance Log"
  • Location: Inside the Valhalla Nursing Home. After gaining access to the main administrative areas, look for this document in the office adjacent to the main reception desk, often on a filing cabinet or a small table.
  • Significance: Reveals the FBC's long-term surveillance of the Anderson brothers and the nursing home, hinting at their knowledge of the Old Gods of Asgard.
  • Strategy: The nursing home has several locked doors and puzzles. Thoroughly explore each accessible room. Be wary of the Taken lurking in the darker corridors.
• FBC Document: "FBC Research Notes - Parautilitarian Abilities"
  • Location: In the secure wing of the Valhalla Nursing Home, specifically within the area where you find the Breaker's research. This document is often on a desk or workbench in one of the more secluded research rooms. You'll typically find it after solving the puzzle to access the locked research section.
  • Significance: Provides FBC theories and observations on individuals with unique abilities, directly relating to the powers displayed by certain characters. This document offers a glimpse into the FBC's broader understanding of the supernatural.
  • Reward: Adds a new "Parautilitarian" clue to the Mind Place, expanding the FBC's understanding of the supernatural.

Return 5: Old Gods (Continued) / Return Addendum: The Lake House

• FBC Document: "Cauldron Lake Research Notes - Project Nightingale"
  • Location: Inside the Lake House itself. Once you've navigated the initial puzzles and entered the main research area on the ground floor, this document is prominently displayed on a large research table or pinned to a corkboard near the central console. It's hard to miss if you're exploring the main lab.
  • Significance: Offers deep dives into the FBC's long-term study of the Dark Presence and the Old Gods of Asgard, detailing their attempts to understand and control the phenomena. This document is crucial for understanding the FBC's primary objective in the region.
  • Strategy: The Lake House is a complex area with multiple levels and environmental puzzles. Be methodical in your exploration, especially in the larger research rooms.
• FBC Document: "FBC Field Report - Cauldron Lake Anomaly"
  • Location: In the lower levels of the Lake House, specifically within the secure containment section or the FBC living quarters. Look for it on a bunk bed or a nearby locker in one of the small, spartan rooms. You'll typically pass through these quarters on your way to deeper research areas.
  • Significance: Provides a more personal account from an FBC agent about the challenges and dangers of working at Cauldron Lake, offering a human perspective on the FBC's operations.
  • Common Pitfall: This area is often guarded by more formidable Taken. Be prepared for combat and ensure your flashlight is fully charged.
• FBC Document: "FBC Communication Log - Director Trench"
  • Location: Within the deepest, most secure research areas of the Lake House, often found on a computer terminal or a secure desk in a room requiring a keycard. This is usually in the primary control room or a high-security office.
  • Significance: Hints at the involvement of Director Trench from the first Control game, further linking the two universes and suggesting a broader FBC conspiracy. This document is a significant lore piece for fans of the wider Remedy Connected Universe.
  • Strategy: This document is typically found towards the end of your Lake House exploration, after overcoming several obstacles and likely a significant Taken encounter. Ensure you've fully explored all accessible rooms in the secure zone.

Return 6: Scratch

• FBC Document: "FBC Dossier - Cult of the Tree"
  • Location: In the Watery Lighthouse area, specifically within the small FBC outpost or research station established near the lighthouse. Look for it on a desk or a supply crate inside one of the temporary structures.
  • Significance: Details the FBC's observations and investigations into the Cult of the Tree, providing background on their origins and activities.
  • Strategy: This area is usually accessed after a significant plot point involving the cult. Explore all temporary shelters and structures thoroughly.

Return 7: Summoning

• FBC Document: "FBC Research - Dark Presence Energy Signatures"
  • Location: Within the Cauldron Lake Ranger Station (which serves as a temporary FBC command post). This document is often found on a tactical map table or a computer terminal in the main operations room.
  • Significance: Provides technical details and FBC analysis of the Dark Presence's energy signatures, offering a scientific attempt to quantify the supernatural threat.
  • Common Pitfall: The Ranger Station can be a busy area with multiple objectives. scan all surfaces.

Return 8: Deerfest

• FBC Document: "FBC Report - Bright Falls AWE Re-evaluation"
  • Location: In the Bright Falls Town Hall, specifically in an office or archive room that the FBC has repurposed. Look for it on a bookshelf or a filing cabinet.
  • Significance: A re-evaluation of the 2010 Bright Falls AWE (Altered World Event) in light of current events, showing the FBC's updated understanding of the situation.
  • Strategy: The Town Hall is a large building. Methodically clear each room.

Return 9: Come Home

• FBC Document: "FBC Contingency Plan - Cauldron Lake Collapse"
  • Location: In the final FBC research facility or command center near Cauldron Lake, often found on a central console or a secure desk in the main control room.
  • Significance: Outlines the FBC's emergency protocols and worst-case scenarios for a complete collapse of reality around Cauldron Lake, highlighting the extreme danger of the situation.
  • Common Pitfall: This document is typically found in a high-tension area towards the climax of Saga's story. Don't let the urgency distract you from thorough exploration.

FBC Files by Chapter and Location (Alan Wake)

Initiation 1: Nightmare

• FBC Document: "Dark Place Manifestation Analysis"
  • Location: In the Subway Station, after you've manipulated the environment with the Plot Board. Look for it in one of the abandoned ticket booths or on a bench near the tracks. This document often appears after a significant environmental shift.
  • Significance: Provides FBC theories on how the Dark Place manifests and interacts with reality, offering a scientific perspective on Alan's predicament. This helps Alan understand the rules of his prison.
  • Strategy: The Dark Place is constantly shifting. Pay attention to the light sources and environmental cues that indicate interactable objects. Always re-check areas after using the Plot Board.

Initiation 2: Casey

• FBC Document: "FBC Research - Threshold Zones"
  • Location: Within the Oceanview Hotel, usually found in one of the guest rooms that has been transformed into a makeshift research station, often on a desk with scattered papers. This is typically in a room that opens up after a plot element is used.
  • Significance: Details the FBC's understanding of "Threshold Zones" – areas where the Dark Place bleeds into reality, like the Oceanview Hotel. This document helps Alan understand the nature of the hotel.
  • Common Pitfall: The hotel layout can be confusing. Explore each room thoroughly, as some documents are subtly placed. The constant shifting of the environment can make re-locating areas difficult, so grab it when you see it.

Initiation 3: Room 665

• FBC Document: "FBC Case File - Alan Wake"
  • Location: In the Oceanview Hotel, specifically within the manager's office or a secure storage room that becomes accessible after certain plot manipulations, often requiring a specific Plot Element to be applied.
  • Significance: A direct FBC dossier on Alan Wake himself, detailing their observations and concerns about his abilities and connection to the Dark Place. This is a critical lore piece for Alan's understanding of his own situation.
  • Strategy: This document is often tied to a specific narrative beat or puzzle solution within the hotel. Ensure you're thoroughly exploring all newly opened paths.

Initiation 4: We Sing

• FBC Document: "FBC Report - Cauldron Lake AWE (2010) - Revised"
  • Location: Within the Talk Show Studio, usually found in the production office or a green room that has been converted into a temporary FBC observation post. Look on a desk or a clipboard.
  • Significance: An updated FBC report on the original Cauldron Lake AWE, reflecting new information or theories that have emerged. This shows the FBC's ongoing struggle to comprehend the events.
  • Common Pitfall: The studio environment can be disorienting. Check all accessible rooms, even those that seem purely decorative.

Initiation 5: Old Gods

• FBC Document: "FBC Research - The Dark Presence & Narrative Influence"
  • Location: In the Dark Place version of the Valhalla Nursing Home (or a similar institutional setting), often in a distorted research lab or a patient's room that has been transformed.
  • Significance: Explores the FBC's theories on how the Dark Presence manipulates reality through narrative, directly relating to Alan's powers and the nature of the Dark Place.
  • Strategy: This area is highly surreal. Look for any anomalies or glowing objects that might indicate a document.

Initiation 6: Scratch

• FBC Document: "FBC Alert - Altered Item Manifestation"
  • Location: Within the Dark Place version of Bright Falls, often in a distorted version of the Sheriff's Station or a police car that has become a static object.
  • Significance: An FBC alert regarding the spontaneous manifestation of Altered Items within the Dark Place, highlighting the unpredictability and danger of the environment.
  • Common Pitfall: The chaotic nature of this chapter can make exploration difficult. Prioritize safety, but keep an eye out during lulls in combat.

Initiation 7: Stop Writing

• FBC Document: "FBC Protocol - Dark Place Excursion"
  • Location: In the final areas of the Dark Place, often in a heavily distorted office or control room that vaguely resembles an FBC facility.
  • Significance: Outlines FBC protocols for agents who find themselves trapped or operating within the Dark Place, offering a glimpse into their desperate attempts to understand and survive it.
  • Strategy: This document is usually found near the climax of Alan's story, in a highly critical area. Ensure all corners are checked before proceeding to the final confrontation.