Alan Wake 2 - HDR Optimized Settings (Patreon)

The game DOES USE/APPLY Xbox , Playstation and PC HDR Calibration app settings.


The title has a good HDR implementation by actually leveraging the system level HDR calibration and also providing correct black levels in HDR.

There are some instances where in-game actual peak brightness could have been higher (like the sun and the sky) but it seems having it dimmer is (another questionable) creators' intent as there are other elements (like torches or lamps) which confidently get closer to max luminance instead.


Luckily the game is also offering additional picture controls:




Set the Game Brightness slider to 90 to improve the luminance intensity of those dimmed highlights without raising blacks or ruining the whole picture (or you can leave it at 50 to preserve original "creators intent" if you prefer), while you can keep the UI Brightness slider to default 50


BONUS:

• Use Performance Mode on XSX|PS5: this will allow the game to run at 60fps while maintaining an acceptable picture quality. Just make sure to have VRR enabled in order to smooth out any fluctuation from the 60fps target
  
• Disable Film Grain: in order to improve image clarity
  

Enjoy :)

-P