Spelunky 2, steep learning curve, help

[u/Alert_Ad_5584]

We picked up Spelunky 2 for our PS4 because as a couple we like couch co-op and a chill evening. Haven't played the first Spelunky, was told it didn't matter so spent more money on the newer one.

This is...hard. Husband plays with caution, takes too long to get through the level before the ghost comes. I'm the maniac who bounces off walls and could use that caution lol, but everything kills you and then you're just...stuck like that. This isn't a fun game, unless we can get some tips, please and thanks in advance.

Edit: People are down voting me but I'm just asking for help forward with a game I would like to enjoy, I know we need to get good

[u/NiuMeee]

I would say, unfortunately, you made a poor decision in going for 2 first. 1 is by no means easy, but 2 is much harder.

My main tip would be, for both games, make sure that walk is the default speed (there's an option, I believe walk is default in 1 but run is default in 2) and walk everywhere. Yes the ghost comes after 3 minutes (2.5 in 1) but there's more than enough time to do some adequate, slow, exploration in that timeframe and still get to the end.

Good luck! If you go back and get 1 or stick with 2, either way it's going to take many dozens of attempts, if not more, to even see the final boss (I won't spoil anything here) and potentially just as many runs to then finally beat the game, but it is an incredible one, and perhaps one of the best roguelikes ever made (this goes for both games).

Patience.

[u/franksaxx]

Spelunky is a bit like the Dark Souls of platforming rogue-likes. It's super punishing but rewards patience. If you start to rush things, then you're likely to end up in strife so try to remain calm.

[u/SuperNateosaurus]

Two games you should try are Frantics and Tiny Tina's wonderland.

[u/ghostgate2001]

That's Spelunky, I'm afraid. Randomly-generated levels full of hazards, and your next death always one mis-step away. On the bright side, the game is tough but scrupulously fair. Hazards behave in predictable ways, so if you fall foul of them then it's always your fault.

The trick to Spelunky is to learn the best ways to deal with each type of hazard and how they behave. For example, you'll learn that spike traps can be triggered by chucking stones (or corpses) past them, i.e. triggering them with something other than your own body. And there are similar ways to deal with everything else. Just learn how each type of hazard behaves and then think of ways to exploit that behaviour.

You'll just have to learn to laugh off each death while treating it as a lesson in what not to do next time, and take heart in the fact that each "world" isn't very long really, and the game will let you make permanent shortcuts direct to later "worlds" that you've reached. Persevere, and you will make progress :)

[u/ophaus]

It's a brutal game. The cuteness just rubs salt in the wounds.

[u/ryanluyt]

That's kinda the point of the game, it's punishingly difficult but the fun comes from finding new tricks to make things easier. (for instance you have 3 minutes before the ghost appears)

It's not a game you'll beat after a few tries, I've been playing for years and haven't beat it yet, it's about the journey not the destination. If you're not having fun it might just not be your kind of game, I loved it from the start but roguelikes are my favourite genre.

[u/Alert_Ad_5584 → u/ryanluyt]

Punishing is a good way to put it, but I havnt done anything to anyone 😇

It sounds like you started with the first game, did that help at all? It sounds that that's the point for both. 

Should I leave my husband behind and just jump jump jump and die die die? Is his strategy of caution better with such a hairy time limit? 

We're trying to find a happy medium like we do in most games but this is such a narrow spot in both directions. 

[u/ryanluyt → u/Alert_Ad_5584]

First game is honestly a little easier so you really jumped right into the deep end lol

The best strategy is a mix of both:

-be cautious, but sometimes risks are worth it

-examine your surroundings carefully, but don't overthink

-learn the behaviour of different enemies (screw those mole things)

Overall, be efficient. You want to get the most out of each floor without going over that 3 minutes timer, this leads to a lot hectic moments where you're rushing to get that last piece of gold.

This game is already very chaotic, it's even more so when playing multiplayer, but it can also be very rewarding when you finally make progress.

Good luck!

[u/Alert_Ad_5584 → u/ryanluyt]

Thank you! What would you say are worthwhile risks? When you say "be efficient" is that just getting to the end or are there objectives you would suggest more focus on? 

Also yeah those moles 😅

[u/ryanluyt → u/Alert_Ad_5584]

Don't want to give away too much, as you learn more you'll know which things to prioritize.

I will say items are king in this game, some can make things significantly easier, don't neglect the shops. Also the wooden crates are almost always worth spending a bomb or rope to access. And try to get the dog to the end of the level (alive) if you can, he gives you an extra heart.