Saga Anderson faces some of the most haunting, intense, and strategically demanding boss encounters in Alan Wake 2. From corrupted officers to manifestations of darkness itself, each boss presents a new layer of challenge. This guide walks you through all four of Saga’s major boss fights — Nightingale, Mulligan and Thornton, Cynthia, and Mr. Scratch — offering practical strategies, weapon choices, and movement techniques to survive the darkness.

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Boss Fight 1: Nightingale

Recommended Loadout:

• Service Pistol (with “Another Headshot” upgrade)
• Sawed-Off Shotgun
• Trauma Pads

Pre-Fight Tip: If you’re low on supplies, search near the mini waterfall before entering the arena.

Phase 1:

• As soon as Nightingale blinks toward Saga, activate your flashlight boost and aim for his chest, not the head.
• Once the darkness shield is gone, unleash your pistol-shotgun combo: two headshots with the pistol to stagger, then follow up with shotgun blasts.
• He’ll teleport underneath the central tree. Use this moment to gather supplies — head right along the narrow path.

Phase 2:

• Nightingale appears in two ambush spots: one mid-path and one behind a tree near a puddle. Dodge his lunge and repeat the stun-then-blast combo.
• After circling back to the center, he’ll likely teleport in front of Saga. If he grabs you, don’t panic — it’s a scripted pause, giving you a prime moment to land the full combo again.

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Boss Fight 2: Mulligan and Thornton

Arena Landmarks:

• A well and a large boulder (for cover)

Required Weapons:

• Crossbow
• Shotgun
• Service Pistol

Phase 1 – Thornton’s Entry:

• As Thornton climbs from the well, shoot him with the crossbow, switch to shotgun, and double-tap.
• If he survives and teleports to a firing position, use the boulder to break line of sight and return fire.

Destroying Darkness Pieces:

• Start with the one above the well, then go around the arena.
• Eliminate four before Mulligan appears.

Mulligan Appears:

• Use the same combo strategy — stun with pistol, finish with shotgun.
• Don’t worry if Thornton reappears before the last darkness piece is destroyed — eliminating it will end the phaseand remove both enemies.

Phase 2:

• Get back into cover at the boulder. As both bosses climb out, target Mulligan first.
• Depending on Thornton’s position:
  • If he’s in front, stay where you are.
  • If he teleports behind, reposition around the boulder.
• Keep alternating between cover and attacks until both are down.

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Boss Fight 3: Cynthia

Recommended Loadout:

• Replace Crossbow with the Rifle

Phase 1 – Restore the Power:

• Head to the central platform and press the button.
• Navigate elevated platforms to avoid Cynthia as she stalks below.
• Reach the generator area, activate it, then return to the platform.

Phase 2 – Combat Begins:

• Head to the lower level and stop by the valve. Wait for the scene to shift.
• Cynthia appears on the right — aim down with the rifle and shoot until she drops. 4–5 rifle rounds should be enough.

Avoiding Exploding Clouds:

• If Cynthia releases particles, walk backwards.
• Dodge as soon as you see a bright flash, then keep retreating.

Shotgun Melee Strategy:

• When Cynthia charges, wait until she’s two paces away.
• Use shotgun melee to stagger, then unleash both shells.
• Run while reloading, keeping your speed matched with hers.
• Repeat until she goes down.

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Boss Fight 4: Mr. Scratch (x2 Encounters)

Objective: Temporarily disable him to complete tasks.

Key Tactic – Maintain Close Range:

• Stay just out of melee range to keep him idle.
• If you’re too close, his swings are slow and highly telegraphed.
• If you’re too far, he uses:
  • Darkness Wave: Sprint sideways to escape.
  • Blink Strike: He’ll teleport, then swing. Dodge right after the blink.

Counterattack Strategy:

• Use the sawed-off shotgun up close — one burst stops him.
• If using a pistol, land 6 shots to stagger.
• For the flare launcher (if available), 2 headshots will shut him down.

Final Note: You don’t have to wait for his voice line (“Got a delivery for you, Anderson”) before making your move. If he’s staggered, head straight to your objective.

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Conclusion

Saga’s journey through Alan Wake 2 is filled with brutal encounters, but each fight is built around clear mechanics, tight combat rhythms, and clever arena design. Master your weapon swaps, learn the attack windows, and use the environment to your advantage. With this guide in hand, you’ll not only defeat the darkness — you’ll understand it.

Good luck out there, Agent Anderson.