In the chilling world of Alan Wake 2, cult stashes hidden throughout the map offer valuable supplies and upgrades. One particularly tricky puzzle guards the ‘Only Striped Cups’ stash in the quirky Coffee World area. This guide provides a complete walkthrough, from locating the stash to entering the correct **147 code**, drawn from environmental clues on the Ferris wheel.
Navigating Coffee World in Alan Wake 2
Coffee World serves as a surreal highlight in the Watery region, accessible during the Return 3 – Local Girl chapter. This abandoned theme park brims with coffee-themed attractions, eerie music, and hidden secrets tied to the Cult of the Tree. As Saga Anderson, you’ll explore this area to advance the story while uncovering stashes like the striped cups one.
The park features rides such as the Slow Roaster Ferris wheel, Espresso Express rollercoaster, and Latte Lagoon boats. Cult stashes are marked on your map with black circles and question marks once you find a specific noticeboard in the Kalevala Knights MC workshop. These containers always require puzzle-solving, often involving observation of nearby objects or symbols.
- Key attractions: Ferris wheel (Slow Roaster) with cup-shaped carriages.
- Access tools: No bolt cutters needed for this stash; it’s openly accessible.
- Rewards: Supplies, ammo, and potentially inventory upgrades from similar stashes.
Locating the Only Striped Cups Cult Stash
Head to the central Ferris wheel in Coffee World, known as the Slow Roaster. The cult stash—a padlocked metal box—is positioned right beside the ride’s base, under a wooden shelter. A riddle etched on the box reads ‘ONLY STRIPED CUPS,’ hinting at the solution without being overt.
This stash becomes available as soon as you enter Coffee World, making it one of the earliest in the Watery area. Look for the cheerful, looping carnival tune emanating from the Ferris wheel to pinpoint your location. The box features a three-digit combination lock with a small arrow indicating the input direction.
Deciphering the Striped Cups Riddle
The clue ‘ONLY STRIPED CUPS’ misdirects players toward literal coffee cups scattered around the park. Instead, it refers to the Ferris wheel’s carriages, designed like oversized coffee mugs. Examine the ride closely: each carriage displays unique patterns—flames, solid colors, or stripes.
Focus on the **striped** carriages (white with blue stripes). Three specific ones bear prominent numbers:
| Position | Carriage Description | Number |
|---|---|---|
| Top/First visible | Striped cup | 7 |
| Middle | Striped cup | 4 |
| Bottom/Last | Striped cup | 1 |
These numbers appear in sequence as you scan from top to bottom or left to right on the wheel. However, entering 741 directly fails due to the lock’s mechanics.
Understanding the Lock Mechanism
The padlock’s arrow spins clockwise, contrasting the Ferris wheel’s counterclockwise rotation. This opposition requires reversing the observed order. Instead of 741 (ride direction), input **147** (lock direction).
Steps to input:
- Align the first dial to 1.
- Turn to 4.
- Set to 7 and hold for 1-2 seconds until it clicks.
The lock pops open, revealing cult supplies. This directional twist adds depth, rewarding attentive players who notice subtle environmental interactions.
Other Cult Stashes in Coffee World and Watery
Coffee World and surrounding Watery areas host multiple stashes, each with unique puzzles. Mastering patterns helps with the striped cups challenge.
Motorcycle Club Workshop Stash
In the Kalevala Knights MC workshop backyard (post-bolt cutters), count spare parts: 5 Slow Roaster cups, 4 Espresso rockets, 2 Latte boats. Code: **542**.
Bright Falls Park Stash
Behind the Sheriff’s Station, symbols on satellite dish, flower bed, and gazebo yield a code. Check work log for hints.
Pier Stash
Near Bright Falls pier (post-Valhalla Nursing Home), read numbers on water poles from tallest to shortest ship: **697**.
These examples show common themes: counting items, directional cues, and symbol matching.
Tips for Solving Alan Wake 2 Puzzles Efficiently
Alan Wake 2 emphasizes exploration and observation over combat.
- Map markers: Visit the MC workshop noticeboard to reveal stash locations.
- Tools: Bolt cutters (end of Old Gods) unlock many gates.
- Upgrades: Prioritize stashes for inventory expansions like crossbows or ammo capacity.
- Flashlight use: Reveal hidden symbols on trees or objects.
- Notebook: Saga’s mind place documents clues automatically.
Avoid frustration by circling areas multiple times; clues are always nearby.
Why Cult Stashes Matter in the Story
These puzzles tie into the Cult of the Tree’s lore, providing backstory via notes and drawings. Rewards sustain prolonged exploration in dark, enemy-filled zones. The striped cups stash, early in Watery, equips you for Coffee World’s Taken encounters.
Collecting all 22 stashes (across chapters) unlocks achievements and deepens immersion in Remedy’s narrative-driven horror.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the code for the Only Striped Cups stash?
The code is 147, derived from reversing the numbers on striped Ferris wheel cups.
Do I need bolt cutters for the Coffee World stash?
No, it’s accessible immediately upon arriving in Coffee World.
Where exactly is the striped cups stash?
Next to the Slow Roaster Ferris wheel base, under a shelter.
What if the code doesn’t work?
Ensure clockwise input on the lock (1-4-7) and hold the final digit. Reverse order from wheel observation.
Are there more stashes in Watery?
Yes, including the workshop (542) and others requiring bolt cutters.
Advanced Strategies for Watery Exploration
Beyond stashes, Coffee World hides collectibles like thermoses and manuscript pages. Use the profile system to highlight interactables. Combat tips: Conserve flashlight battery for Taken weak points; shotgun blasts clear groups efficiently.
Integrate stash hunting with story progress—revisit post-noticeboard for full map reveals. This methodical approach maximizes loot without backtracking excessively.
References
- Alan Wake 2 Only Striped Cups Puzzle Solution — Game Revolution. 2023-10-27. https://www.gamerevolution.com/?post_type=guide&p=952222
- Alan Wake 2 stash locations, codes and solutions — GamesRadar. 2023-10-27. https://www.gamesradar.com/alan-wake-2-stash-solutions-locations/
- Alan Wake 2 Cult Stash – All Locations And Puzzle Solutions — GameSpot. 2023-10-27. https://www.gamespot.com/articles/alan-wake-2-cult-stash-locations-guide/1100-6518639/

