Like the Resident Evil remakes before it, you can't get far in Alan Wake 2 without a pair of bolt cutters. They can break locks and get you into places you probably shouldn't be, so in the spirit of mischief this guide will share how to get bolt cutters in Alan Wake 2.
Alan himself can't get the bolt cutters; they're only available to Saga Anderson, and you'll need to make a decent amount of story progress to get them. Getting your hands on them will unlock new paths, and reward you with the Cut Short trophy/achievement, too.
Before we reveal how to get the bolt cutters, check out our other Alan Wake 2 guides. We can help you get the flare gun, figure out how to use your torch, and even find a screwdriver to become a real DIY expert.
How to get bolt cutters in Alan Wake 2
To begin snapping through chains and padlocks, you'll need to be playing as Saga Anderson in Return 5 - Old Gods. After a decent chunk of progress through the chapter that has you exploring the Valhalla Nursing Home, you'll eventually be tasked with putting an 'Anger's Remorse' record on a jukebox.
After playing the record, you'll hop through a portal into a creepy sewer. It's fairly linear, but you should look out for a generator to turn on and red lever to pull. After some looping, you'll reach some smaller rooms that can have their lights turned on and off; a tool cabinet with the bolt cutters inside will be visible only when the lights are off.
Switching the lights on in this room will reveal a doorway. Enter this new room and turn its lights on to reveal a desk that holds the tool cabinet key. You can now return to the tool cabinet room, switch the lights off, and use the key to finally collect your bolt cutters.
Bolt cutters are great if you're looking to access some cult stashes or just have unrestricted access to the game's creepy world. Collectible hunters rejoice - you can now access the dolls and nursery rhymes that were otherwise blocked off.
That's all we can tell you about getting bolt cutters in Alan Wake 2. There are plenty more guides where that came from - find out how to upgrade weapons, learn where all the charms are, or learn how to get into the Kalevala Knights safe.