The story of F.E.A.R. 2 begins about 30 minutes before the end of the original game and unveils the mystery of Alma, a little girl with psychic powers whose rage threatens to replace reality with a nightmare world of her own. This time around, players will take on the role of Michael Becket, a Delta Force operative.

Developer Monolith Productions has used feedback about F.E.A.R. to fine tune the sequel. Associate producer Eric Studer has stated: "We've gone to great lengths to ensure [the story] resonates with players more than it did in the first game."1up.com: F.E.A.R. 2 Project Origin Preview (November 13, 2008) Alma will no longer be a creepy little girl skittering across the screen to make players jump. John Mulkey, the game's lead designer, acknowledges that the trick lost its fright factor as the game progressed. A lot of thought has gone into "ways in which we can give Alma teeth. It's going to be more direct..."CVG: Preview: Project Origin (December 14, 2007)