Spelunky 2 was initially released on PlayStation 4 and PC in September 2020, with a Nintendo Switch release planned for the near future. Like its predecessor, Spelunky 2 was highly praised by fans and critics, exemplified by the PlayStation 4 iteration's 87 critic score and 8.2 user score on Metacritic.
As is common in the roguelike genre, there are numerous people who purchased the game on launch but still haven't come close to completing it yet. The game may seem too tough to handle at points, and some players will question whether they've hit a wall where they can't progress further.
7 Try Not To Get Frustrated
To put it bluntly, Spelunky 2 is a tough game. Mossmouth's 2020 release differentiates itself from most platformers with its brutal difficulty and unforgiving roguelike structure that resets most of the player's progress upon death. Suffice to say; the game can be infuriating for those who want instant results and gratification.
Like most games, becoming frustrated in Spelunky 2Â is only going to make matters worse. Being frustrated leads to rash decisions, which leads to more frustration and ultimately an endless cycle of defeat. So, it's best to try and remain calm when things take a turn for the worst and continuing persisting without getting flustered.
6 Don't Explore Too Much
Every level in Spelunky 2 is filled with numerous items like loot, pets, and mounts. Consequently, beginners may think that fully exploring each level is logical, treating the game as if it's a collectathon like Banjo-Kazooie or Super Mario 64.
Exploring levels undoubtedly has its benefits, potentially providing players with more health and money, though it's often not worth the risk in the punishing world of Spelunky 2. Although it may seem counterintuitive for some platforming fans, reaching the end of the level as efficiently as possible is often the best strategy, as there are far too many hazards to make extra trips worth the effort. Moreover, if players spend too long in a particular level, they will be greeted by a ghost that will instantly kill the player if it catches them.
5 Don't Steal From The Shopkeeper
The aforementioned loot that is found in each level is predominantly used to buy items from the shopkeepers. The NPCs offer some incredibly useful items, such as the Bomb Bag, Teleporter, and Compass, which points to the end of the level.
One interesting mechanic of the shopkeepers is that it's possible to steal all of their items, netting players an incredible range of equipment without having to spend a penny. This is, of course, very tempting, though it comes with a range of risks. The shopkeepers will instantly become hostile to the player, which is an issue as they have a highly unpredictable move set. Whereas most enemies are methodical and predictable with their movement, the shopkeepers run and jump around at pace, blasting their guns in a way that's almost impossible to predict.
In a game that is already brutally difficult, it's best not to add further challenge, so being respectful to shopkeepers is generally the best tactic.
4 Treat Lost Lives Like Learning Experiences
Treating losses like lessons is life advice that most people will be told so often that it becomes cliché. However, Spelunky 2 players should use the age-old advice when playing the platformer, as it's the best way to ensure improvement and gradual progress in the roguelike game.
This advice is especially beneficial in the opening hours, as players will constantly be learning about new traps, enemies, items, and intricacies of the level design, which will help them understand how best to approach the procedurally generated stages.
3 Take The Time To Plan Routes
Speaking of the indie game's level design, it may initially seem redundant to try and plan routes in procedurally generated stages. However, this is a common beginner mistake, as charging headfirst into levels will result in being caught out by traps or being dropped into enemy-filled areas. Instead of simply rushing through levels and hoping for the best, players should take the time to double-check every drop and significant change of direction to ensure that there aren't any nasty surprises hiding off-screen.
Granted, players can't take too long in each level as it will trigger the ghost, though it's still worth taking as much time as possible to find a safe route.
2 Think Carefully Before Using Mounts
Another factor of Spelunky 2 that requires some careful thought is how to use mounts. Initially, it may seem logical to use a mount whenever possible, as they will absorb hits and can also double jump. Unfortunately, mounts come with their own risks, as hopping onto one will cause it to run around aimlessly for a few seconds. As one would expect, this can be fatal in the world of Spelunky 2, as the mount will often run straight into a deadly trap.
Opting not to use a mount may seem like a waste, though thankfully, they have an alternative use. By throwing bombs at the poor animals, they will be transformed into a perfectly cooked piece of meat that regains the player's health.
1 Carry Throwable Items As Often As Possible
Spelunky 2 gives players two primary attacks, a whip with poor range and a classic jump attack that is often tricky to pull off. Consequently, players should try to buy weapons from the shopkeeper as soon as possible to help them defend against enemies.
Having a purchasable weapon isn't always possible, though, so players will often have to improvise. Improvising isn't too difficult, as there are numerous items lying around on the ground like rocks and skulls which can be carried. Not only are these items great for taking down enemies, but they can also be used to set off traps.