Skip to main content

Spelunky 2

Spelunky 2 is a masterpiece of procedurally generated platforming that stays true to the legendarily challenging original while also holding surprises around every corner.
Spelunky 2 Game Cover
90%Game Brain Score
gameplay, music
grinding, optimization
93% User Score Based on 15,475 reviews
Critic Score 87%Based on 30 reviews

Platforms

Nintendo SwitchPlaystation 5Playstation 4Xbox Cloud GamingXboxSteam DeckWindowsPlayStationXbox Series X|SPCTabletXbox Game PassAmazon LunaCloudPhoneXbox OneNVIDIA GeForce NOW
Buy Nowfrom $6.06
Buy NowGet on Steam $6.99Buy NowGet on Xbox Games Store Buy NowGet on PS Store $19.99
Spelunky 2 Game Cover

About

Spelunky 2 is a single player and multiplayer arcade platformer game with fantasy and science fiction themes. It was developed by Mossmouth and was released on September 15, 2020. It received positive reviews from critics and very positive reviews from players.

"Spelunky 2" is a roguelike platformer sequel featuring a new generation of explorers on the Moon. The game boasts a bigger and more dynamic world with branching paths, multilayered levels, and interactive elements. Build a community in Base Camp, make friends, and tame animals for a more immersive experience. This sequel stays true to the original's challenging, randomly generated gameplay while adding new layers of complexity and fun.

Genres & Tags
Play Modes
Spelunky 2 screenshot
Spelunky 2 screenshot
Spelunky 2 screenshot
Spelunky 2 screenshot
Spelunky 2 screenshot
Spelunky 2 screenshot
Spelunky 2 screenshot
Spelunky 2 screenshot
Spelunky 2 screenshot
Skip User Reviews

93%
Audience ScoreBased on 15,475 reviews
gameplay265 positive mentions
grinding95 negative mentions
  • Spelunky 2 features an addictive gameplay loop with challenging mechanics that reward mastery and skill development.
  • The game offers exceptional replayability through procedural generation, diverse character options, and engaging multiplayer modes.
  • The charming pixel art style and dynamic soundtrack create an immersive atmosphere that enhances the overall gaming experience.
  • The increased difficulty and randomness can lead to frustrating and unfair deaths, detracting from the enjoyment.
  • The music lacks variety, with repetitive tracks that can become monotonous during extended play sessions.
  • Some players find the grinding aspect tedious and repetitive, particularly in the early stages of the game.
  • gameplay
    958 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay of Spelunky 2 is characterized by its addictive loop, challenging mechanics, and a steep learning curve that rewards players for mastering its intricacies. While many players appreciate the depth and variety introduced through new mechanics and level designs, some express frustration over the increased difficulty and randomness that can lead to unfair deaths. Overall, the game maintains the core elements of its predecessor while expanding on them, offering a rich and engaging experience for both newcomers and veterans of the series.

    • “The gameplay loop is so addictive, and the difficulty just makes me want to play it even more.”
    • “Learning the mechanics and secrets of this game was rewarding in a way no other gaming experience has been.”
    • “Spelunky 2 is a genius game, both in its mechanics, level design, and learnable movement/combat tech, as well as its atmosphere and lovable character designs and silly antics.”
    • “There's way too much randomness; it feels like 99% of your gameplay will be spent in the first two areas.”
    • “The mechanics aren't interesting enough to warrant this amount of playtime needed to get the true ending.”
    • “The gameplay loop itself isn't anything captivating either.”
  • music
    461 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music in Spelunky 2 has received mixed reviews, with many players noting that while the soundtrack is well-composed and fits the game's atmosphere, it lacks the variety and catchy tunes of its predecessor, Spelunky HD. Critics highlight the repetitive nature of having only one track per area, which can become monotonous during extended play sessions. Overall, while some appreciate the dynamic and ambient qualities of the new music, others feel it falls short of the charm and excitement found in the original game's soundtrack.

    • “The music in Spelunky 2 is excellent, with great low-end and percussive melodies that lodge into the player's head.”
    • “The soundtrack seamlessly adapts to the on-screen action, creating an atmospheric soundscape that enhances the emotional resonance of each moment, from tense encounters to triumphant victories.”
    • “The charming pixel art style is a treat for the eyes, and the dynamic soundtrack enhances the tension and excitement as you explore each level.”
    • “The biggest issue for me, though, is the lack of alternate songs for each area.”
    • “It's very limited compared to Spelunky in that each region has just 1 (or a few) songs which really sucks when you're replaying the same levels over and over.”
    • “The music is disappointing compared to Spelunky HD.”
  • graphics
    362 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics of Spelunky 2 have received mixed reviews, with many praising the vibrant pixel art and improved visual clarity compared to its predecessor, while others criticize the new art style as less appealing or functional. The game features charming and detailed environments that enhance the gameplay experience, although some players feel that certain elements blend into the background, making it harder to navigate. Overall, the graphics are seen as a significant upgrade, contributing to the game's addictive nature and replayability, despite some lingering preferences for the original's aesthetic.

    • “The graphics have a simple cute aspect, while still having a good bit of blood and gore.”
    • “From the moment you dive into its pixel-art world, you are greeted with a vibrant, meticulously designed environment that combines charming visuals with a surprising depth of detail.”
    • “The charming pixel art style is a treat for the eyes, and the dynamic soundtrack enhances the tension and excitement as you explore each level.”
    • “The game runs extremely poorly with some strange graphical bugs.”
    • “The graphics have been simplified to the point they look distinctly worse and less readable.”
    • “This one seems like a mess, the graphics are terrible (for me) I think Spelunky HD was way more pretty, this one looks like a mobile flash game, idk, something's off.”
  • humor
    271 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The humor in "Spelunky 2" is a standout feature, characterized by its chaotic and often absurd deaths that players find both hilarious and frustrating. Many reviews highlight the game's ability to create unexpected and comical scenarios, especially in multiplayer mode, where friends can share in the laughter of each other's misfortunes. Overall, the game successfully blends challenging gameplay with a lighthearted tone, making dying a source of amusement rather than annoyance.

    • “The hilarious deaths, interesting items, and pure fun baked into the game made me hooked, making me purchase the game after the trial ended.”
    • “The multiplayer chaos often results in hilarious moments and memorable teamwork, but it also amplifies the game’s difficulty, emphasizing communication and quick thinking.”
    • “Discovering new hilarious ways to die never ceases to amuse me!”
  • replayability
    216 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game is widely praised for its exceptional replayability, with many users describing it as "infinitely replayable" and "addicting." The procedural generation of levels, diverse character options, and multiplayer modes contribute to a rich and varied experience that keeps players engaged for hundreds of hours. Despite some criticisms regarding the balance of difficulty and level design, the overall consensus is that the game offers immense replay value, making it a must-try for fans of challenging platformers and roguelikes.

    • “Spelunky 2 is the perfect option as it offers a rich, challenging, and endlessly replayable experience.”
    • “The inclusion of multiple characters, each with unique starting items and abilities, adds variety and encourages replayability, as players can experiment with different playstyles and approaches.”
    • “The procedural generation and RNG elements are perfect; they make it endlessly replayable, but it still always feels as if success is down to little more than the player's skill.”
    • “The level layouts feel far too similar to promote replayability; they tend to generate almost exactly the same.”
    • “It's not a bad game, but it has more flaws than the first game and loses the endless replayability, which is a shame since there's so much added content.”
    • “I'm uninstalling the game now because it is just incredibly unfair and monotonous, which ruins replay value and overall game enjoyment.”
  • story
    178 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The story in Spelunky 2 is minimal yet enriched with lore and character development, focusing on the protagonist's quest to rescue her parents while exploring a universe filled with quirky characters and secrets. While some players appreciate the depth and variety of side quests, others feel the narrative is secondary to the gameplay, with many quests providing underwhelming rewards. Overall, the game offers a lighthearted and engaging backdrop that enhances the roguelike experience, though it may not satisfy those seeking a robust storyline.

    • “Like its predecessor, Spelunky 2 keeps storytelling minimalist but enriches its universe through subtle details.”
    • “The game’s depth extends beyond its immediate gameplay, with a layered story and a universe filled with quirky characters, cryptic lore, and numerous secrets waiting to be uncovered.”
    • “The story is very unique and the cast of characters are very cool and interesting.”
    • “Spelunky 2 has no fancy storyline or heroic duty to be fulfilled.”
    • “The story is barebones but not really what people play the game for.”
    • “The story, as with the first game, is mostly meaningless for the core gameplay, but does give the game an excuse to flood you with cute dogs and cats and other lovely critters.”
  • grinding
    106 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The grinding aspect of the game has received mixed feedback, with many players finding it tedious and repetitive, particularly in the early stages like the Dwelling. While some appreciate the challenge and the need for skill development through repeated attempts, others feel that the lack of variety and the punishing mechanics make the experience frustrating and time-consuming. Overall, the grind can detract from the enjoyment, leading to a sense of monotony that overshadows the game's potential fun.

    • “You need to learn to win, and to learn you have to die. It's impossible to win on your first attempt, but it's not grindy since every run is different.”
    • “The dangers of listening to the weirdos that thought doing hell runs in the first game was fun and not tedious.”
    • “A bit grindy sometimes.”
    • “The same 2-3 enemies and traps are repeated over and over again, making it beyond repetitive and tedious.”
    • “It's really hard to keep going and pushing for the harder victories when 1- you feel like the game is actively messing with you 90% of the time and 2- the time spent grinding amounts to nothing up until you actually get the thing you're looking for.”
    • “Spelunky 2 is full of lots of branching paths, complex interactions, and interesting plays, none of which most of us will ever see without grinding through countless hours of playing the initial dwellings area, easily the most boring and frustrating part of the game.”
  • emotional
    62 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The emotional aspect of the game is profoundly impactful, with many players reporting experiences of intense feelings ranging from joy to heartbreak, often leading to tears. The combination of a simple yet wholesome plot, challenging gameplay, and an atmospheric soundtrack creates a rollercoaster of emotions, making players feel both accomplished and devastated. Overall, the game is described as an emotional journey that resonates deeply, often leaving players reflecting on their experiences long after playing.

    • “The game made me cry several times.”
    • “Spelunky 2 is an emotional rollercoaster.”
    • “Don't let the charming graphics lure you into this nightmare; Spelunky is a self-proclaimed 'game' that will utterly destroy you on a deep, personal, emotional level.”
  • atmosphere
    33 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The atmosphere in Spelunky 2 is widely praised for its lively and immersive qualities, enhanced by detailed visual and auditory elements that create a playful yet tense environment. While some players feel it lacks the charm of its predecessor, Spelunky HD, many appreciate the game's unique art style and dynamic soundtrack that adapt to gameplay, contributing to a rich sense of adventure. Overall, the game successfully balances challenge and atmosphere, making exploration rewarding and engaging.

    • “The music and sound design complement the visual style perfectly, creating an atmosphere that is both playful and tense, capturing the essence of unpredictable adventure.”
    • “The attention to detail in both the visual and auditory aspects of the game contributes to its immersive and engaging atmosphere.”
    • “It's that moment when you strike that perfect medium of pacing, you absorb the randomly generated environment; the soundtrack, seamlessly being woven together to create this incredible atmosphere, that's when you can truly appreciate Spelunky.”
    • “Here the game switched to a purely performance-oriented approach, losing part of its atmosphere and almost making it a Mario game with different graphics.”
    • “The art is sometimes excellent and sometimes mediocre, lacking in that all-important atmosphere.”
    • “It's basically the mechanics where they're improved a lot, but the music, core loop, and overall magical atmosphere aren't there anymore.”
  • optimization
    24 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The optimization of Spelunky 2 has received mixed reviews, with some players praising its improved performance and smooth gameplay, while others report significant issues such as stuttering, inconsistent hitboxes, and lag during intense visual effects. Although the game has seen updates that enhance performance, particularly on lower-end systems, many users still experience frustrating slowdowns and unoptimized controls. Overall, while the game offers a more performance-oriented experience compared to its predecessor, it struggles with optimization on various hardware configurations.

    • “The consistency of the Spelunky formula is what gives birth to both high-level optimizations and the classic Spelunky shenanigans most people know and probably love.”
    • “Performance has been good for me both on PC and Switch.”
    • “Its optimization is crisp and buttery smooth and there are many different goals you can try to reach, although it may be hard and infuriating at times.”
    • “The game switched to a purely performance-oriented approach, losing part of its atmosphere and almost making it feel like a Mario game with different graphics.”
    • “This game is very badly optimized, as it lags (~20fps or a slow-motion-like effect) whenever there is an explosion, a ghost, or generally any additional visual effects.”
    • “Can't tell if I'm the only one experiencing massive slowdown spots, the game's performance is constantly tanking.”
  • monetization
    10 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The monetization aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with some players feeling it is a genuine effort that avoids the pitfalls of typical cash grabs, while others criticize it as a quick cash grab that fails to innovate. Despite the developers' dedication, there are concerns about unfair RNG mechanics and a perceived lack of value in the monetization strategy. Overall, opinions vary significantly, reflecting a divide between those who appreciate the game's depth and those who feel exploited by its monetization approach.

    • “This 'game' is just a cash grab.”
    • “It's the first game with more unfair RNG, and feels like a cash grab.”
    • “However, Spelunky 2 feels like a cash grab that failed to innovate.”
  • character development
    7 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Spelunky 2 features significant character development that enhances the overall experience, with a concrete story and a diverse cast of lovable characters. Players appreciate the improved character designs and the introduction of new unlockable characters, which contribute to the game's engaging atmosphere and level design. The non-linear progression allows for a richer narrative experience compared to its predecessor.

    • “The story is really amazing and the character development throughout the course of the game really brings the experience together.”
    • “It is worth noting, however, that the game is very different in that it's no longer linear and seems to have a concrete story with actual character development.”
    • “I also really like the newer character designs and the big influx of new characters to unlock.”
  • stability
    7 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's stability is a mixed bag, with users reporting occasional glitches and bugs, particularly with mounts, but overall, it remains enjoyable. While some players experienced lag and audio issues, many believe these problems are likely to be addressed in future updates. Despite the unpredictability, the game is generally fun, with challenges that feel fair rather than frustratingly inconsistent.

    • “The game is surprisingly stable, allowing for an unpredictable and unique experience without the frustration of bugs.”
    • “I appreciate how stable the game is; it lets me hop in and out without worrying about crashes or glitches.”
    • “The developers have created a game that feels solid and reliable, making each session enjoyable and free from technical issues.”
    • “Garbage game filled with glitches, do not buy even on a sale.”
    • “- the mounts are very buggy, and don't 'feel' like they belong in a game like this.”
    • “Sadly, in two different runs I got lags, and in one I got some audio glitches (had to restart the game for the audio to work again); but it will certainly be fixed since the game just came out.”
Skip Critic Reviews

87%Critics’ scoreBased on 30 critic reviews
Skip Game Offers

Buy Spelunky 2

59h Median play time
126h Average play time
10-154h Spent by most gamers
*Based on 108 analyzed playthroughs
Skip Videos

Videos

Skip Games Like Spelunky 2

Games Like Spelunky 2

Vagante Image
79%2.4kreviews

Vagante

2018Role Playing
Nintendo SwitchLinuxPC+6
Dead Cells Image
94%49.9kreviews

Dead Cells

2018Hack and Slash
Nintendo SwitchPlaystation 5Playstation 4+12
Caveblazers Image
86%2.9kreviews

Caveblazers

2017Role Playing
Nintendo SwitchPCPlaystation 4+3
Hollow Knight: Silksong Image
93%138.1kreviews

Hollow Knight: Silksong

2025Platformer
Nintendo SwitchPlaystation 5Playstation 4+13
Nuclear Throne Image
96%12.9kreviews

Nuclear Throne

2015Arcade Role Playing Shooter
Nintendo SwitchLinuxPC+9
More games like Spelunky 2
Skip FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Spelunky 2 is a arcade platformer game with fantasy and science fiction themes.

Spelunky 2 is available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Steam Deck and others.

On average players spend around 126 hours playing Spelunky 2.

Spelunky 2 was released on September 15, 2020.

Spelunky 2 was developed by Mossmouth.

Spelunky 2 has received positive reviews from players and positive reviews from critics. Most players liked this game for its gameplay but disliked it for its grinding.

Spelunky 2 is a single player game with multiplayer and local co-op support.

Similar games include Vagante, Dead Cells, Caveblazers, Hollow Knight: Silksong, Nuclear Throne and others.