A brutally hard roguelike platformer in which you explore randomly generated caves on the Moon. Its systems all interact, which makes every run a new story.
L1What it is
You play Ana Spelunky, searching for her parents in caves under the Moon's surface. Levels are generated anew each run, and dying sends you back to the start. Shortcuts and knowledge make you better, but the game never gets easy.
L2How it plays
Jump, whip, throw bombs and ropes, and pick up items like jetpacks and shotguns. Everything interacts: arrows hit enemies, shopkeepers get angry, lava burns, monsters fight each other. Most deaths come from chain reactions you did not see coming, which makes them funny as often as frustrating.
L3Pixels & sound
Cartoony hand-drawn sprites with lots of detail and animation. The music changes per world. It is readable even in chaotic moments.
L4Coming back
Huge replay value: hidden areas, secret paths, daily challenges with leaderboards, and up to four-player co-op and versus, locally or online. Many players are still discovering secrets years later.
L5Value & tech
Runs well on most PCs and is Verified on Steam Deck. Online play works across platforms. Controller strongly recommended.
Power-ups
- Deep systems that create unique moments
- Endless replay value
- Great chaotic co-op
- Daily challenges
Game overs
- Very hard, especially early
- Co-op can make things even more chaotic
Score sheet
- Gameplay 30%
- 9.2
- Feel & controls 20%
- 9.0
- Pixels & sound 20%
- 8.2
- Replay 15%
- 9.8
- Value 15%
- 9.2
Weighted: 9.2 × 30% + 9.0 × 20% + 8.2 × 20% + 9.8 × 15% + 9.2 × 15% = 9.05, shown as 9.1.
The verdict
Verdict
Spelunky 2 is a masterpiece of systemic design. It is punishing, but each run teaches you something new, and the stories it creates with friends are unforgettable.
By the Game Pick Review editorial desk · Updated 3 Oct 2026 · How we score · Spotted an error?
