Should You Play as Edward or Emily in Alone in the Dark? – Differences Explained

A strange letter has brought Emily and Edward together to investigate the Derceto mansion. But should you play as Emily or Edward in Alone in the Dark?

Does it Matter Who You Play in Alone in the Dark – Edward or Emily?

The very first decision you make in Alone in the Dark will be who you want to play as: Emily Hartwood or Edward Carnby. And to an extent, the character you choose in Alone in the Dark does matter.

Depending on your character, you’ll get different dialogue, different cutscenes, and ultimately a different mission in Chapter 4, along with some revelations about the character you’ve selected. The character you don’t choose will essentially conduct their own independent investigation into the Derceto house, unraveling secrets and providing information as your paths cross. But beyond this, the game is largely the same. You’ll encounter the same puzzles, the same levels, the same enemies.

Despite that, it’s worth playing the game twice from both perspectives. Emily Hartwood has a much closer relationship with the missing person you’re trying to find in Alone in the Dark, and her perspective makes the game feel much more like a psychological horror. Edward, on the other hand, makes the game feel like a supernatural horror. But by playing both, you’ll get the fullest picture of the events unfolding in Derceto.

Playing Alone in the Dark twice doesn’t feel like a slog, either. Once you’ve played the game, you’ll know the answer to most puzzles, and you can skip some steps that would have bogged you down. You can even open safes or get the shotgun early, making the game that much easier.

In fact, it’s possible to complete Alone in the Dark in less than three hours. And if you pull off that feat, you’ll even get a secret achievement.