Earlier I said that you can technically beat the game at a minimal level in under 4 minutes, but that is one way to beat the game. Spelunky 2 is a lot less about the areas and more about the journey, and that is what makes it so exciting. This is why starting from the beginning and working your way through is the most effective method, but the shortcuts thankfully let you come to a better understanding of some of the later areas that may be more difficult to get to on a regular basis. Forewarning, though, starting at a shortcut is great and all, but you will be majorly under-equipped when it comes to items, bombs, and ropes. There are ultimately three shortcuts to create, and they basically allow you to start your game at that point, skipping the previous couple areas. As you improve, moving through the Dwelling and into the Jungle or Volcana becomes a bit easier, and it is at this point you meet Mama Tunnel, AKA Terra, who asks for money and supplies to help you create shortcuts. For example: The Dwelling, which is the first four levels and consists of being considered “one area”, has spiders and snakes to test your basic combat, arrow traps that can do big damage against you, and sneaky buggers like the horned lizard and the cave mole that cause all kinds of problems, whereas Tide Pool, the fourth area, is decorated in traditional Chinese iconography and introduces water, switches, and a slew of new enemies unlike the Dwelling.īecause of this, progression consists of 1) getting to the next area and 2) understanding the next area. That does not mean each area does not abide by its own standards, though. Think of it like this: Remember those NES games where making it to the next stage was a joy in and of itself? That is the Spelunky franchise in a nutshell, except the stages are procedurally generated each time, so nothing quite feels the same in each progressing stage. Quite frankly, this is not really a game for the casual player, but that is not a bad thing at all, as Spelunky 2 has such a wonderful-feeling progressive system that feels like the days of the NES while also being its own thing. Getting to that point takes lots of lots of practice and dying, and each new area will bring its own challenges to keep you on your toes. To be blunt, if you are insanely good, it is quite possible to clear the game at the minimal level in under 4 minutes, but do not let that fool you.

This is a roguelite adventure unlike any other, and although early plays will be incredibly difficult, learning the ropes and mastering certain elements is part of the gaming experience.

Spelunky 2 endings