How to Beat Scratch in Alan Wake 2

Throughout Alan Wake 2, you’re going to come across many boss battles that require different things out of you, with one boss being quite confusing. Here’s how to beat Scratch in Alan Wake 2.

How to Defeat Scratch at the Police Station in Alan Wake 2

Scratch first appears during the chapter of the same name in Alan Wake 2, as Saga is about to give Alan the Clicker. It turns out that Alan was Scratch all this time, and he very much would like the Clicker. However, how you defeat him (considering he’s mostly invincible) is a mystery. Shooting him doesn’t even seem to phase him.

However, don’t let his lack of reaction fool you. While it doesn’t seem like it, shooting him does something. Once you’ve riddled Scratch with enough bullets, he’ll let out a scream. Now, you want to quickly run to one of the three glowing red boxes around the area and hold down the interact button. This will turn the box green, leaving you to do the others. However, don’t try to speedrun it by going for two in one go. It’ll be pretty much impossible.

If you’re having trouble, then it’s best to keep as much distance as possible. While Scratch is invincible, he’s very single-minded. He will walk fast toward Saga outside some teleports here and there, so he’s at least predictable. Once you have the timing on your dodges down, he shouldn’t be an issue to avoid. Once you have all three boxes, the lights will come on and Scratch will be subdued, though he’ll flee before you can properly trap him. Congratulations on beating Return 6: Scratch!

Alan Wake 2 is available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. If you’re looking for more help completing the game, check out our guide on how to get the Sheriff’s Pump Shotgun in Alan Wake 2.