Remedy studio visual effects lead Johannes Richter explained in an interview with PLAY Magazine that Alan Wake 2 will rely more on atmosphere and the player's subconscious fears to terrify them, rather than showing someone being torn to shreds.
“Alan Wake 2 will feature body horror elements, but the project is much more focused on a chilling atmosphere and [the player's] fears,” Richter says.
Richter explained the absence of dismemberment in Alan Wake 2 by noting that the Northlight engine powering the game does not handle such effects well.
Alan Wake 2 is scheduled to release on October 17 for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.