The Evil Within 2 is a survival horror game developed by Tango Gameworks and published by Bethesda Softworks. The game is played in a third-person, "behind-the-shoulder" view, and it features auteur game design by Shinji Mikami, who inspired both games in the series. The game is highly non-linear, allowing players to explore vast maps in search of clues, collectibles, and story-related events.

Gameplay mechanics include crafting, completing side quests, and developing the protagonist's abilities. The game features five skill trees, each corresponding to a different playstyle and physical characteristic.

The game's plot follows the story of a haunted mental hospital, which was the setting for the first game in the series. The narrative centers around the presumed death of the protagonist's daughter and his wife's mental illnesses. The game does not feature multiple endings, and the storyline cannot be altered to affect the outcome of the ending.