How to Get the Black Rock Launcher in Alan Wake 2: A Complete Guide to the Lake House DLC

Key Takeaways:

1. The Black Rock Launcher is a must-have weapon in Alan Wake 2’s Lake House DLC, capable of obliterating painting monsters with a single shot.
2. To obtain it, you’ll need to progress through Sublevel 3, collect a Security Level 02 keycard on Sublevel 2, and unlock the Inventory Management Office on Sublevel 1.
3. Ammo is limited for the Black Rock Launcher, so use it strategically against tougher enemies and the DLC’s final boss.

The Lake House DLC for Alan Wake 2 delivers a chilling expansion with a fresh storyline, new enemies, and exciting weapons. Among these, the Black Rock Launcher stands out as a game-changing weapon. Designed to take down painted monsters, which are impervious to standard firearms, this grenade launcher introduces a thrilling dynamic to combat.

If you’ve been itching to wield this destructive weapon, you’re in the right place. In this guide, we’ll walk you through every step to unlock the Black Rock Launcher and prepare you to face the horrors of the Lake House DLC.

What Makes the Black Rock Launcher So Special?

Before diving into how to acquire it, let’s talk about why the Black Rock Launcher is so essential in the game. The DLC introduces new enemies called painting monsters, eerie figures born out of cursed paintings. Standard weapons like pistols and shotguns barely scratch these foes. The Black Rock Launcher, however, annihilates them with a single charged shot.

The catch? Ammo is rare, so you’ll need to think twice before pulling the trigger. Save it for moments when survival hangs by a thread or during climactic encounters, like the final boss battle.

Step-by-Step Guide to Getting the Black Rock Launcher

1. Progress to Sublevel 3 (-3)

To access the weapon, your journey begins on Sublevel 3 of the Lake House. Play through the story until you complete the main objectives on this floor. This will allow you to use the elevator and ascend to Sublevel 2.

2. Explore Sublevel 2 (-2) and Obtain the Security Level 02 Keycard

Once on Sublevel 2, you’ll find yourself in a sprawling facility with eerie hallways and glass offices. Your primary goal here is to reach the Control Center and retrieve the Security Clearance Level 02 keycard.

• Head straight down the main hallway until you reach a save point.
• From there, enter the Control Center. Inside, look for a dead scientist near the control panel. The Security Level 02 keycard will be on the floor next to the body.

However, Sublevel 2 will go into lockdown mode as soon as you reach it. To lift the lockdown:

• Interact with the computer in the Control Center and enter the code 220925. This will deactivate the lockdown, but it will also unleash a horde of Taken, the game’s shadowy enemies.
• Fight off the Taken (or run!) and use the elevator to escape to Sublevel 1.

3. Navigate Sublevel 1 (-1) to Reach the Inventory Management Office

With the Security Level 02 keycard in hand, your next stop is Sublevel 1. This is where the Black Rock Launcher is housed, but there’s a puzzle you’ll need to solve first.

• On Sublevel 1, locate the Panel Control Room. Inside, you’ll find a switch that controls the movement of painting panels. These panels block access to the Inventory Management Office.
• Hit the switch to rearrange the panels and open up a path to the office. You may need to backtrack and move the panels more than once to fully unlock the route.
• Once the path is clear, use the Security Level 02 keycard to open the door to the Inventory Management Office.

4. Claim the Black Rock Launcher

Inside the office, you’ll find the Black Rock Launcher sitting on a desk, alongside some extra ammo. Congratulations you’re now armed with one of the most powerful weapons in the DLC

Tips for Using the Black Rock Launcher

1. Conserve Ammo: Ammo for the Black Rock Launcher is scarce. Save it for the toughest painting monsters and bosses.
2. Charge Your Shots: The weapon requires a brief charge-up before firing. Make sure you’re in a safe spot before attempting to use it, as enemies can interrupt your aim.
3. Strategic Placement: The launcher’s explosive blasts can take out multiple enemies if they’re grouped together. Use it wisely to maximize its impact.

New Challenges in the Lake House DLC

The Lake House DLC isn’t just about new weapons it also introduces unique challenges and puzzles that elevate the game’s intensity. Here’s a quick rundown of what to expect:

1. Painting Monsters

These creatures are unlike anything you’ve encountered in Alan Wake 2. Born out of cursed paintings, they’re immune to standard firearms. The Black Rock Launcher is the only weapon that can destroy them, making it a critical addition to your arsenal.

2. Complex Puzzles

The DLC is filled with intricate puzzles, such as the painting panel switches required to access the Black Rock Launcher. These puzzles force players to think critically while under constant threat from enemies.

3. Horde Encounters

Throughout your journey, you’ll face waves of Taken enemies. These moments are intense, especially when paired with the eerie atmosphere of the Lake House.

FAQ Section

1. What is the Black Rock Launcher in Alan Wake 2?

The Black Rock Launcher is a powerful weapon introduced in the Lake House DLC. It’s essential for defeating the new painting monsters, which are invulnerable to standard firearms.

2. Where is the Black Rock Launcher located?

The launcher is found in the Inventory Management Office on Sublevel 1 (-1). However, you’ll need the Security Level 02 keycard from Sublevel 2 to unlock the door.

3. How do I lift the lockdown on Sublevel 2?

To lift the lockdown, enter the code 220925 on the computer in the Control Center. This will unlock the area but also trigger a wave of enemies.

4. Can I use the Black Rock Launcher on all enemies?

While you can use the launcher on most enemies, its ammo is limited. It’s best reserved for painting monsters, tough bosses, and large groups of Taken.

5. Is the Black Rock Launcher available early in the DLC?

Yes, players can obtain the Black Rock Launcher relatively early in the DLC by following the steps outlined in this guide.

The Lake House DLC in Alan Wake 2 brings fresh challenges and horrors to the table, and the Black Rock Launcher is your best ally in overcoming them. With its immense firepower, this weapon turns the tide against seemingly invincible enemies like the painting monsters. By following this guide, you’ll not only unlock the launcher but also gain a deeper understanding of the DLC’s unique mechanics and puzzles.