Guide to Finding and Opening Cult Stashes in Alan Wake 2

If you’re playing Alan Wake 2, opening Cult Stashes can provide helpful rewards like Lunch Boxes and Nursery Rhymes. While not mandatory, finding these stashes is a worthwhile pursuit during Saga’s investigation of the Cult of the Tree in and around Bright Falls. In this guide, we’ll show you where to locate Cult Stashes, how to solve each one, and the rewards they offer. Please note that this guide is a work in progress and will be regularly updated with more Cult Stashes as we discover them.

Cult Stash Locations in Cauldron Lake

In the Cauldron Lake area, you can find a total of five Cult Stashes. However, during your initial adventure, you’ll only be able to access four of them. These Stashes provide various supplies, including one with an inventory expansion, a valuable asset to acquire early on. Don’t worry if you miss any Stashes the first time around, as you can retrieve them later in the game.

Cauldron Lake Cult Stash #1 (“Confused? Follow the Steps”)

To find the first Cult Stash, head south of the Murder Site and general store on the map. In front of a long, rectangular trailer, you’ll come across a heavy box with a lock. On top of the box, there’s a taped piece of paper with instructions: “Confused? Follow the steps! Wash hands, take chicken out of fridge, take a nap.”

These directions point you towards the trailer. Inside, examine the bathroom sink, the fridge, and then the bed in the bedroom. In that order, you’ll see three symbols: two triangles intersecting at an angle, two triangles intersecting vertically, and horizontal elevator “open door” buttons. Use these symbols to unlock the chest. Once opened, you’ll receive handgun ammo and a trauma pad as rewards.

Cauldron Lake Cult Stash #2

This Cult Stash becomes accessible after defeating Nightingale, the game’s first boss, and awakening on the shore with a companion. As you head back towards the Witch’s Sign and the Overlap, stick to the right side. You’ll encounter a shore area with several gnarly tree limbs. While it may not seem like you can proceed further, approach the largest tree blocking your path. Saga will climb under it.

Once on the other side of the tree, follow the narrow path until you reach another Cult Stash. Opening this lock is relatively simple. When activated, lights will flash in a specific order. Mimic this order by pressing the corresponding buttons, similar to the game Simon Says. Successfully unlocking the Stash will reward you with shotgun ammo, a propane tank, a hand flare, and most importantly, an inventory expansion.

Cauldron Lake Cult Stash #3 (“Rock Rock Tree”)

After removing the flooding from Cauldron Lake, head down by the river. Just south of the Private Cabin, you’ll find another Cult Stash in a small ravine leading to the lake. The stash sits on a shelf next to the cabin and poses a riddle: “Rock, Rock, Tree. Are you bright enough?”

This one requires a bit of math and exploration to find the code. The numbers 7 and -2 are written on a rock to the south, while a tree to the left of the box displays a 6 and a +2. Additionally, there’s another rock to the right of the box with a 3 and a +3. By performing some calculations, it becomes apparent that the correct order is 5, 6, and 8. Though the cache doesn’t specify which rock comes first, attempting both will help determine the order. Upon successfully unlocking the Stash, you’ll receive a propane tank and a first aid kit.

Cauldron Lake Cult Stash #4

To locate this Stash, head west of the Witch Sign, next to the tent icon in the Crow’s Foot Hills on the map. You’ll notice golden arrows pointing the way before sighting the actual box. The box itself depicts a lightbulb.

Facing west and using your flashlight, observe the trees. You’ll see a series of arrows leading to the right or south on the map. Follow these arrows until you discover some keys on a mound of dirt. Pick up the Streamside Stash Key and return to the Stash to unlock it. As a reward, you’ll find a hand flare, shotgun ammo, and a trauma pad.

Stay tuned for more updates on additional Cult Stashes!