The narrative follows new original characters Harry Everhart (male professor) and Evangeline Crawford (young black female student), alongside established female narrator Norah from the prior game, in a 1950s setting uncovering Yithian secrets and Nazi-tied cults—pure adventure fare with no identity politics, systemic oppression lectures, or critiques of traditional norms. Evangeline's diversity feels incidental and story-justified via her eldritch gifts rather than a focal statement, with no race/gender swaps to legacy characters, LGBTQ+ elements, pronouns, or forced inclusivity clashing with the era/lore.

Developers show no activist intent or DEI consultancy involvement, and reception is overwhelmingly positive across critics (79+ on OpenCritic) and early Steam/X feedback praising puzzles, atmosphere, and faithful sequel vibes, devoid of backlash or 'woke' complaints. This is classic narrative puzzle entertainment unburdened by contemporary activism.