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Spelunky

Spelunky is a roguelike platformer video game developed by Derek Yu and published by his studio Mossmouth.^[1] Originally released as freeware for Windows in December 2008, it draws inspiration from classic games like Spelunker and Rogue, tasking players with controlling an intrepid spelunker who explores procedurally generated cave systems in search of treasure while evading deadly traps, hostile creatures, and environmental hazards.^[2] The game's core loop emphasizes permadeath, randomized level layouts across four worlds leading to a final boss, and resource management with items such as ropes for climbing, bombs for excavation, and a whip for combat.^[2] A commercial remake, Spelunky HD, launched on Xbox 360 via Xbox Live Arcade on July 4, 2012, introducing enhanced graphics, new enemies, items, areas, and a dynamic soundtrack composed by Eirik Suhrke.^[3]^[4] This version added local four-player co-op and deathmatch modes, 20 playable characters (16 unlockable), and platform-specific features like a Daily Challenge on PC and PlayStation editions.^[1]^[4] Spelunky HD was subsequently ported to PC via Steam on August 8, 2013, PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Vita in August 2013, PlayStation 4 in 2014, and Nintendo Switch on August 26, 2021, broadening its accessibility and cult following.^[4]^[5] Renowned for its punishing difficulty and emergent gameplay, Spelunky has influenced the roguelite genre by blending precise platforming with unpredictable procedural elements, fostering replayability through secrets like hidden shops and shortcuts.^[6] The title's success paved the way for Spelunky 2 in 2020, but the original and its HD remake remain benchmarks for indie game design, celebrated for their depth and fairness in challenge.^[7]

Overview

Concept and genre

Spelunky is a 2D platformer that integrates core roguelike elements, including procedural generation, permadeath, and unforgiving difficulty, to create an experience centered on high-stakes exploration.^[4] Players assume the role of an intrepid spelunker navigating ever-changing underground caverns filled with treasures, deadly traps, hostile creatures, and environmental perils like collapsing floors and poisonous gases.^[4] The game's design emphasizes quick decision-making and precise controls, where a single misstep can end a run abruptly, encouraging repeated attempts to master its unpredictable layouts.^[8] At its heart, Spelunky fuses the twitch-based platforming of classic action titles with the emergent challenges and replayability inherent to roguelikes, but adapts them into a real-time, side-scrolling format rather than the traditional grid-based, turn-based structure.^[8] This hybrid approach—often classified as a "rogue-lite"—distinguishes it from purer roguelikes like Rogue or NetHack, which prioritize strategic depth over physical agility, by prioritizing fluid movement and immediate consequences in destructible environments.^[9] The result is a genre-blending title that rewards adaptability and pattern recognition amid constant novelty, making each playthrough a fresh test of skill.^[10] The series began with the original freeware release in 2008, developed by Derek Yu as an independent project.^[11] This was followed by an enhanced HD remake in 2012, which expanded accessibility across consoles and PC while refining the core formula.^[4] A sequel, Spelunky 2, arrived in 2020, building on the established foundation with deeper progression systems.^[12]

Release history

The original Spelunky was developed by Derek Yu under his studio Mossmouth and released as freeware source-available software for Microsoft Windows on December 21, 2008. The source code for the Windows version was made publicly available on December 25, 2009. This initial release was distributed freely through Yu's website and independent gaming communities, marking the game's entry as an accessible indie title without commercial barriers.^[13] The Spelunky HD remake, an enhanced commercial version, debuted on Xbox 360 via Xbox Live Arcade on July 4, 2012.^[14] It was ported to Windows PC through Steam and GOG.com on August 8, 2013, followed by releases on PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Vita via the PlayStation Network on August 27, 2013, in North America.^[4]^[15] The PlayStation 4 version launched on October 7, 2014, while backward compatibility and native support extended availability to Xbox One around the same period through Microsoft's digital storefront.^[16] A Nintendo Switch port arrived on August 26, 2021.^[17] This shift to a paid model across digital platforms like Steam, Xbox Live, PlayStation Network, and Nintendo eShop, including inclusions in bundles such as Humble Bundle sales, enabled broader commercial distribution.^[4] By 2016, the HD remake had sold over one million units across platforms.^[18] Spelunky 2, developed by Mossmouth in collaboration with BlitWorks, launched on PlayStation 4 on September 15, 2020, and on PC via Steam on September 29, 2020.^[19] Ports followed for Nintendo Switch on August 26, 2021, and Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and Xbox Series S on January 13, 2022.^[12] A native PlayStation 5 version was released on March 6, 2025, featuring 120 fps support as a free upgrade for existing PS4 owners.^[20] Like its predecessor, Spelunky 2 adopted a commercial digital distribution strategy across major storefronts, contributing to strong post-launch performance with estimates of over 600,000 units sold on Steam alone by late 2025.^[21]

Gameplay

Core mechanics

The gameplay of the original Spelunky features precise platforming controls that emphasize momentum and environmental interaction. The player navigates using left and right arrow keys for walking or running (with shift), up and down for aiming, climbing ladders or ropes, and ducking. Jumping is performed with the Z key, allowing variable height based on hold duration, while the X key delivers a short-range whip attack, throws held items, or interacts with objects like crates. Ropes and bombs are cycled with C and thrown with dedicated keys (S for ropes, A for bombs), enabling vertical traversal and explosive terrain manipulation for navigation or combat.^[22] The inventory system limits the player to carrying one handheld item at a time, such as a whip for close combat, a pistol or shotgun for ranged attacks, keys for locked doors, or picks for digging. Bombs and ropes operate separately, starting with a stock of four each, which can be replenished via bomb bags (adding three bombs), rope piles (adding three ropes), or bomb boxes (adding twelve bombs) found in crates or purchased from shops. Money collected from treasures allows trading in shops for weapons, ammunition, or utility items, but stealing triggers hostile shopkeeper responses.^[23]^[24] Health consists of four hit points, represented as hearts, with most enemy contacts or minor hazards deducting one point; certain traps or falls deduct more or cause instant death. There is no mid-run saving or healing beyond rare items like the Ankh, a rare item purchased for $50,000 that revives the player once, enforcing permadeath where death restarts the entire run from the first level.^[23] Enemies exhibit distinct behaviors that require adaptive strategies. Snakes patrol back and forth along the ground at a slow pace, pausing at edges or walls, and can be defeated by jumping on them, whipping, or throwing objects. Bats cling to ceilings and take flight erratically upon disturbance, making them difficult to hit directly but vulnerable to ranged weapons or environmental lures like arrow traps. Traps include arrow traps, which activate upon detecting movement or dropped objects in their line of sight, firing a damaging arrow (typically 1-2 hit points), and spike pits, which inflict instant death if landed on, often positioned beneath false floors or ledges.^[25]^[24] Scoring rewards exploration and efficiency, with points primarily from treasures like gold nuggets ($100-1,000), gems (emeralds at $1,000, diamonds at $5,000), and idols ($5,000-25,000) that must be carried to the level exit. Rescuing damsels awards points based on the area: $1,000 in the Mines, $2,000 in the Jungle, $3,000 in the Ice Caves, $4,000 in the Temple, and $5,000 in Hell, while speed bonuses and discovering secrets like hidden chambers multiply earnings. The ghost spawns after 2.5 minutes in a level, aggressively chasing the player to cause death, but it can be exploited by leaving gems loose on the ground, as contact converts them to higher-value diamonds for boosted scores.^[24]^[26]

Procedural generation and progression

Spelunky's procedural generation relies on a tile-based algorithm that constructs levels using a 4x4 grid of 16 rooms, each composed of 10x8 tiles (80 tiles total) defined by string-based templates. The process begins with a randomized seed to ensure variability, first establishing a navigable path from the entrance in the top row to the exit in the bottom row, followed by populating the rooms with hand-crafted layouts (approximately 50 templates per tile set) augmented by probabilistic elements for terrain, enemies, and items. This approach incorporates about 80% predefined room designs with 20% random tile placements, such as ledges or ladders, while obstacles like traps or foes are generated rule-based (e.g., a 1 in 40 chance for certain enemies under specific conditions), creating diverse layouts without fully random chaos.^[27]^[28] The game's world is structured across four main areas—Mines, Jungle, Ice Caves, and Temple—each featuring four levels, alongside single-level endgame areas: Hell and the City of Gold, and secret sub-areas like the Black Market, Worm level, or alien mothership (on Independence Day), culminating in boss encounters such as the volcanic guardian Olmec. Levels progress vertically through these biomes, with increasing environmental hazards: the Mines introduce basic caves and shafts, the Jungle adds vines and wildlife, Ice Caves feature slippery surfaces and yetis, the Temple brings push-block puzzles and spikes, Hell presents lava-filled voids, and the City of Gold serves as a treasure-laden endpoint accessible via specific keys and idols. Secret areas and bosses are integrated into the generation, often requiring item collection or environmental manipulation to unlock, maintaining a consistent narrative arc of deepening peril.^[29]^[27] Progression emphasizes risk-reward decisions, such as using bombs or a mattock to dig through walls for hidden gems, relics, or shortcuts that bypass early levels (e.g., starting directly in the Jungle after unlocking via prior runs). The Ankh, a rare resurrection amulet, grants one extra life by reviving the player at the level's entrance with full health upon death, often tied to secrets like the Moai head in the Ice Caves, which can yield additional rewards like the Hedjet crown when combined with self-inflicted demise. These mechanics encourage thorough exploration while punishing haste, as chain reactions from traps or enemy interactions can cascade unpredictably, balancing advancement with survival.^[26]^[30]^[31] Replayability stems from the algorithm's randomness, which produces thousands of unique level configurations per run, fostering emergent gameplay where player actions interact with generated elements in unforeseen ways, such as arrow traps triggering dynamite explosions that clear paths or doom foes. This variability demands adaptation over memorization, with shortcuts and achievements further incentivizing repeated attempts to master biomes or achieve low-death completions, turning potential frustration into engaging discovery.^[27]^[31]

Original development

Creation process

Derek Yu, an independent developer and visual artist with a history of personal game projects and participation in game jams, created the original Spelunky as a solo endeavor.^[32]^[33] Development began in the summer of 2008 as a quick personal project during a move, with Yu prototyping the core concept over a few weeks using Game Maker software before expanding it into a full release.^[11] The game was initially distributed as freeware via Yu's Mossmouth website on December 21, 2008, quickly gaining popularity within indie game communities for its innovative platforming and roguelike elements.^[11]^[34] On December 25, 2009, Yu released the source code publicly, which facilitated community-driven modifications, ports to other platforms, and ongoing fan contributions.^[35]^[36]

Influences and design philosophy

The original Spelunky was heavily influenced by the 1983 arcade game Spelunker, which provided the core theme of an intrepid explorer delving into treacherous caves filled with treasures, ghosts, bats, snakes, and falling boulders, all while managing limited resources like bombs. Derek Yu sought to capture Spelunker's sense of slow, deliberate movement and the constant threat of instant death from environmental hazards, but updated it with modern mechanics to make exploration more dynamic and replayable.^[37] Yu also drew from classic platformers like Super Mario Bros. for tight, responsive controls and precise jumping mechanics that emphasize skillful navigation through hazardous terrain. Additionally, roguelikes such as Rogue and NetHack shaped the game's procedural generation, permadeath, and emphasis on unpredictable encounters, blending these with platforming to create a hybrid genre experience. In his book on the game's development, Yu describes how these influences converged to form a "roguelike-infused platformer" focused on discovery and adaptation rather than scripted progression.^[38]^[11] Central to Spelunky's design philosophy was crafting a world that feels fair yet unforgiving, where every death teaches a lesson through consistent rules rather than arbitrary punishment. Yu prioritized emergent storytelling via randomness, allowing player choices to interact unpredictably with generated levels—such as a misplaced bomb triggering a chain reaction of collapses—fostering tense decision-making and the compulsion for "one more try." The terrain and hazards incorporate realistic physics, like momentum in falling objects and digging that affects stability, heightening the stakes of exploration and rewarding careful risk assessment. This approach aimed to revive the adventurous spirit of 1980s games while infusing indie sensibilities of accessibility and endless variety.^[11]

HD remake

Key changes

The 2012 HD remake of Spelunky introduced a significant graphical overhaul, transitioning from the original's low-resolution pixel art to high-definition pixel art designed for modern displays, which enhanced visual clarity while preserving the game's retro aesthetic. This update included improved animations for characters, enemies, and environmental elements, making actions like jumping and enemy movements more fluid and expressive. Accompanying these visuals was a new soundtrack composed by Eirik Suhrke, replacing the original's chiptune tracks with a more dynamic, jazz-infused score that better complemented the procedurally generated caves and escalating tension of deeper levels.^[39]^[40] Balance adjustments in the HD version refined the core gameplay for improved pacing and challenge, with tweaks to enemy AI making behaviors more intelligent and responsive—such as snakes gaining the ability to spit as cobras and bats exhibiting faster pursuit patterns. Item rarities were recalibrated to reduce early-game luck dependency, while level generation algorithms were updated to create more varied and interconnected layouts, minimizing frustrating dead-ends and promoting strategic exploration. These changes, informed by player feedback from the original freeware release, aimed to heighten the roguelike tension without altering the fundamental risk-reward dynamics.^[39] Added content expanded the game's scope, introducing new levels such as an extended Hell area with additional layers (5-1 to 5-4) culminating in a more elaborate confrontation with the demon Yama, alongside secret zones like the Worm level accessible via black market bombs. New items, including the powerful shotgun for ranged crowd control and the jetpack for enhanced mobility, diversified inventory options and tactical choices. Unlockable characters, such as the Yellow Miner Girl (found in coffins) and the Ninja (requiring specific Olmec defeats), added replayability through unique starting perks like extra speed or bomb capacity, encouraging multiple playthroughs to access the full roster of 20 explorers, with 16 unlockable.^[41]^[42] Technical improvements focused on accessibility and performance, implementing smoother controls with features like automatic ledge-grabbing to prevent accidental falls, alongside a shift to 60 frames per second from the original's 30 for crisper responsiveness. Widescreen support and cross-platform compatibility extended the game to Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC via Steam, with optimized code ensuring consistent procedural generation across hardware. These enhancements made the remake more approachable for console players while maintaining the original's punishing precision.^[39]

Multiplayer and technical updates

The 2012 HD remake of Spelunky introduced local co-operative multiplayer, allowing up to four players to explore procedurally generated levels on a shared screen.^[43] Players select distinct characters and navigate together, but the mode includes friendly fire, where attacks and environmental hazards can harm teammates, adding chaos and requiring coordination.^[44] Additionally, players compete for limited items, resources, and secrets, fostering both collaboration and rivalry during runs. Online leaderboards were integrated to track global scoring for various run types, enabling players to compare high scores, completion times, and achievements across the community.^[45] Subsequent updates added daily challenges, which generate a fixed seed for all players on a given day, promoting synchronized competition and replayability with dedicated leaderboards for metrics like money earned and level reached.^[46] Port-specific updates focused on console optimizations, including native controller support for platforms like PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 to improve precision over keyboard inputs.^[47] Bug fixes addressed issues such as input lag and procedural generation glitches, enhancing stability across versions. The 2021 Nintendo Switch port introduced further adaptations, such as optimized controls for handheld play with Joy-Con support, broadening accessibility on the hybrid console.^[48] In June 2025, the speedrunning community via MossRanking implemented rule adjustments for HD console versions, refining verification standards for categories like Any% and Low% to account for port-specific timing differences and input variances, ensuring fairer global comparisons.^[49]

Spelunky 2

Development and story

Spelunky 2 was first announced by Mossmouth on October 30, 2017, with an initial release target set for 2019 on PlayStation 4 and PC.^[12] However, developer Derek Yu stated that the project's increased density and detail required additional time, leading to a delay beyond 2019 due to its expanded scope.^[50] The game ultimately launched on September 15, 2020, for PlayStation 4, followed by a PC release via Steam on September 29, 2020, Nintendo Switch on August 26, 2021, and Xbox on January 13, 2022.^[12] Mossmouth, led by Derek Yu as designer and lead artist, expanded its team for the sequel to handle the larger scale, collaborating with BlitWorks on programming and a custom engine tailored to the game's needs, moving away from the GameMaker engine used in the original Spelunky.^[12] Additional contributors included composer Eirik Suhrke for music and sound design, and illustrator Justin Chan for key art and illustrations, enabling a more ambitious production compared to the primarily solo efforts on prior titles.^[12]^[51] The narrative centers on Ana Spelunky, the daughter of the original game's protagonist Guy Spelunky, who ventures to the Moon in search of her missing parents after their expedition fails to return, weaving in family dynamics and broader lore from the series.^[12] This cosmic quest introduces themes of exploration and familial bonds amid procedurally generated dangers, expanding the universe established in the first game. Post-launch, Mossmouth issued multiple patches to refine gameplay and online features, with ongoing support extending into 2025, including a free PS5 upgrade on March 6, 2025, that added 120fps support for enhanced performance.^[52] These updates also addressed server stability.

New mechanics and expansions

Spelunky 2 significantly expands the original game's world design by introducing new biomes and environments, such as the fiery volcanic Volcana, lush jungle regions, cosmic realms like the Cosmic Ocean, snow-filled Ice Caves, supernatural ghost worlds, and hidden levels extending to areas like 7-99. These additions create branching paths and multiple routes, allowing players to choose between alternate progression options, such as opting for Volcana over the Jungle early in the game. Levels incorporate a second layer system, enabling access to hidden passages, treasure rooms, and dynamic interactions via destructible terrain. Enhanced liquid physics simulate realistic flows of water and lava, introducing environmental hazards like cascading falls that alter level layouts on each run.^[12]^[53] New systems deepen gameplay interactions, including pet companions that follow the player and can be rescued for health restoration—delivering a pet to the level exit grants one extra hit point, with options to switch between dogs, cats, or hamsters at the base camp. Tameable mounts, such as turkeys or rock dogs, provide mobility boosts and special abilities like gliding or fire resistance once lassoed. The curse mechanic debuffs players by reducing maximum health to one heart, preventing healing from most sources, and accelerating ghost spawns; curses can be acquired from items like curse pots or enemies such as cat mummies, and cured via resurrection with the Ankh, sacrificial altars, or elixirs. Poison, another debuff, stacks with curse and is remedied by pets kissing the player upon rescue or consuming elixirs. Automated shops, including the ghost shop accessible only to cursed players, offer unique items without vendor interactions, while co-op modes introduce specific dynamics like shared ghost aggression and team-based pet rescues in local and online play for up to four players.^[54]^[55]^[56]^[57]^[58] Difficulty scaling evolves through hidden modifiers that subtly alter enemy behavior and level generation, alongside seeded runs that allow replaying specific level sets for practice or challenges. Daily challenges utilize fixed seeds to generate identical levels across platforms each day, fostering competitive leaderboards without full roguelike randomness. While no official "sadistic mode" exists, custom high-difficulty variants can be achieved via seeds or modifiers. The game received free updates enhancing arena modes with new competitive stages and custom challenge options, building on the HD remake's multiplayer foundations for local and online sessions. Community-driven mod support has grown, with 2025 tools and guides enabling custom content like expanded arenas and difficulty tweaks through overlays and level editors.^[59]^[60]^[12]

Reception

Critical reviews

The original freeware version of Spelunky released in 2008 received praise within indie gaming circles for its innovative procedural generation and roguelike elements, which set it apart from contemporary platformers.^[61] Critics highlighted its clever blend of exploration, traps, and permadeath as a fresh take on arcade-style challenge.^[62] The 2012 HD remake expanded on this foundation and earned widespread critical acclaim, aggregating a Metacritic score of 87/100 based on 54 reviews.^[63] Reviewers lauded its tight controls, atmospheric pixel art, and emergent gameplay moments that rewarded skillful play despite frequent failures.^[64] It won the Independent Games Festival's Excellence in Design award in 2012 and was named PC Gamer's Game of the Year for 2013.^[32] The title also appeared on Edge magazine's 2015 list of the 100 greatest video games, ranking at #33.^[65] Spelunky 2, released in 2020, built further on the series' strengths and achieved even higher critical regard, with a Metacritic score of 87/100 (PS4) or 91/100 (PC) based on 42 (PS4) or 19 (PC) reviews, respectively.^[66] Critics celebrated its expanded depth through new biomes, family dynamics, and intricate enemy behaviors, calling it a "thunderous sequel" that refined the roguelike formula without compromising its inventive chaos.^[67] IGN awarded it a perfect 10/10, praising the "ruthlessly inventive" challenges that encouraged endless experimentation.^[68] The game received nominations for Best Indie Game at The Game Awards 2020 and Control Design, 2D or Limited 3D at the 2021 NAVGTR Awards.^[69] A surprise free PS5 upgrade for Spelunky 2 in March 2025 introduced 120 fps support, which reviewers noted significantly enhanced the fluid platforming and responsiveness, making high-speed runs feel "buttery smooth" on current-gen hardware.^[70]^[52] Across the series, professional reviews consistently acclaimed the games' replayability through randomized levels and secrets, which fostered "consecutive hours of gameplay" from short sessions.^[71] Many praised the fairness of the difficulty, where deaths stemmed from observable rules rather than arbitrariness, promoting mastery over time.^[72] However, some critiques pointed to the steep learning curve as a barrier, with one outlet describing it as "too hard for its own good" due to the punishing randomness early on.^[73]

Commercial performance

The original freeware version of Spelunky, released in 2008, spread rapidly through word-of-mouth on indie forums like TIGSource, building a dedicated fanbase that paved the way for commercial releases.^[74] The HD remake, launched in 2012 for Xbox 360 and later ported to other platforms including PC and PlayStation, achieved significant commercial success, selling over one million copies worldwide.^[18] According to market data, it has generated approximately $12.3 million in gross revenue on Steam alone, with an estimated 1.4 million units sold across platforms as of 2025.^[75] Its inclusion in PlayStation Plus in October 2014 further expanded its reach, contributing to steady digital sales through subsequent ports.^[76] Spelunky 2, released in 2020 for PlayStation 4 and PC, enjoyed a strong launch driven by critical acclaim, with estimates indicating over $7.2 million in gross revenue on Steam.^[77] The game's visibility was enhanced by events like its feature in Summer Games Done Quick 2025, where a speedrun showcased its challenges to a wide audience.^[78] A surprise native PS5 upgrade in March 2025, including 120 FPS support and a free update for existing owners, sparked renewed interest and boosted concurrent player counts.^[70] The financial success of the Spelunky series provided Mossmouth with the resources to pursue ambitious projects, including the 2024 release of UFO 50, a collection of 50 games developed over eight years.^[18]

Legacy

Community and mods

The Spelunky series has cultivated a vibrant modding community, beginning with the release of the original Spelunky's full source code in 2013, which enabled extensive modifications using GameMaker software.^[35] This openness fostered the creation of custom levels and gameplay tweaks, such as the early Potionmod that introduced new item interactions and subsystems.^[79] For Spelunky 2, modding expanded through tools like Modlunky 2, allowing players to design custom levels up to the game's maximum size of 8x15 rooms, with examples including looping challenges like Infinite 1-1.^[80] Remix mods, such as Fingerspit's overhaul that alters enemy behaviors and level moods for a more intense experience, and hell-themed modifications like HellLunky2—which increases difficulty by 14 times through amplified hazards—demonstrate the community's creativity in remixing core mechanics.^[81]^[82] In 2025, updated guides and tools on platforms like Spelunky.fyi continued to support this scene, with Discord channels dedicated to mod development and troubleshooting.^[83] Speedrunning forms a cornerstone of the Spelunky community, coordinated primarily through MossRanking, a dedicated leaderboard site tracking runs for both Spelunky HD and Spelunky 2.^[45] Categories include Any% for fastest completions and low-score variants like Low% or Pacifist Low%, emphasizing minimal scoring or no damage while navigating procedural caves.^[84] For Spelunky 2, the Any% world record stands at 1:19.933 by runner ZSRoach, achieved in version 1.28.^[85] Low-scoring pursuits, such as No Gold Pacifist Low% in Spelunky HD, prioritize survival without gold collection, with top times reflecting precise route optimization. In 2025, MossRanking implemented adjustments for console runs in Spelunky HD, applying a 1.041666 multiplier to account for slower platform timers, ensuring fair comparisons across hardware.^[49] Community discussions and resources have evolved from the original Mossmouth forums, which became inactive around 2020, to centralized hubs like Spelunky.fyi and the official Discord server.^[86] Spelunky.fyi serves as a key repository for tools, including daily challenges that generate identical seeded levels for all players to compete on high-stakes runs once per day.^[87] Seed sharing remains integral, with players using utilities like Seedlunky to recreate and analyze specific generations for practice or challenge submissions.^[88] The Discord fosters real-time collaboration on modding, speedrunning strategies, and seed breakdowns, connecting over 7,000 members.^[89] Fan events highlight the series' enduring appeal, with Spelunky frequently featured in Games Done Quick marathons for charity. At Summer Games Done Quick 2025, runner Hectique completed a Spelunky Triathlon Any%—covering segments from Classic, HD, and Spelunky 2—in 27:19 on PC, drawing thousands of viewers to the broadcast.^[90] These showcases, including bid incentives for custom runs, underscore the community's engagement in competitive exhibitions.^[78]

Adaptations and cultural impact

Spelunky has appeared in the animated anthology series Secret Level on Amazon Prime Video, with the episode "Tally" featuring a story of explorers navigating a deadly subterranean world inspired by the game's mechanics.^[91] The series, produced by Blur Studio and Amazon MGM Studios, premiered its first eight episodes on December 10, 2024, including the Spelunky segment among adaptations of other video games like Pac-Man and Mega Man.^[92] The episode was teased in trailers as early as August 2024, highlighting Spelunky's influence on narrative explorations of peril and discovery.^[93] In March 2025, Spelunky 2 received a free native upgrade for PlayStation 5, enabling 120 FPS performance and improving accessibility for console players.^[94] Mossmouth, the studio behind Spelunky, released UFO 50 in September 2024, a collection of 50 retro-styled games that echoes the procedural generation and roguelite elements of Spelunky.^[95] One title in the anthology, a sequel to Campanella, stands out for its roguelite structure most akin to Spelunky, blending exploration and high-risk decision-making in pixel-art environments.^[96] Creator Derek Yu has teased the possibility of Spelunky 3 in 2024 interviews, noting it would diverge significantly from prior entries by altering the core paradigm to avoid repetition.^[97] The series has shaped the roguelite genre, serving as a key inspiration for titles like Dead Cells, which builds on Spelunky's fusion of platforming and permadeath to create fluid, replayable action experiences.^[98] In game design discourse, Spelunky's emphasis on chaos and emergent gameplay—where random elements lead to unpredictable player interactions—continues to be analyzed for its role in fostering tension and creativity, as discussed in 2024 retrospectives on procedural systems.^[99] Spelunky's enduring appeal persists into 2025, with community-hosted online sessions using third-party tools like Parsec drawing player engagement despite ongoing issues with official online co-op features.^[100] Indie developers continue to pay homage, as seen in Diggergun, a November 2025 release that incorporates Spelunky-style delving into a narrative-driven platformer about debt and mining exploitation.^[101]

References

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[20]
Spelunky 2
Though initially scheduled for 2019, Spelunky 2 released on PlayStation 4 on September 15, 2020, and released on Steam for PC on September 29, 2020. It was ...Places (2) · Bestiary (2) · Spelunkers (2) · Items
[21]
Spelunky 2 - PlayStation
Spelunky 2 ; Platform: PS4, PS5 ; Release: 3/6/2025 ; Publisher: Mossmouth, LLC ; Genres: Action ; Screen Languages: Catalan, Chinese (Simplified), Chinese ( ...
[22]
Spelunky 2 – Steam Stats – Video Game Insights - Sensor Tower
90-day returns207. active players (37 min ago) ; 306. active players (24h peak) ; 92.9%. positive reviews ; $9m. gross revenue ; 628k. units sold ...
[23]
Spelunky/Controls - StrategyWiki
Jun 8, 2021 · Control, Use. ← →, Move left or right. ↑, Aim upwards or climb ladders, ropes, vines, etc. Hold up and press X to open a crate or chest.
[24]
A Game Design Gold Mine - Critical-Gaming Network - Blog - Spelunky
Feb 17, 2009 · What little life (4 hits) that you start with is absolutely precious. ... The cons for this extreme permadeath design is that the game is ...<|control11|><|separator|>
[25]
Spelunky - Strategy Guide - PC - By brian_sulpher - GameFAQs
### Summary of Core Gameplay Mechanics in Original Spelunky (Classic Version)
[26]
Spelunky/Enemies - StrategyWiki
Nov 5, 2010 · Attacks and Movement: None. The Snake only moves back and forth slowly, sometimes pausing to turn around. It will only move on the level it is ...
[27]
How Spelunky Creates Amazing Unexpected Situations
Mar 4, 2016 · To give you an idea of how Spelunky understands its objects' properties, Derek Yu and Andy Hull have given RPS access to part of the remake's ...
[28]
How Spelunky Made Procedural Generation Fun - PCMag
Sep 15, 2020 · The algorithm constructs a path between the entrance and the exit, and then starts adding detail to the individual rooms along the way. Each “ ...
[29]
Spelunky's Procedural Space - Tiny Subversions
Sep 29, 2009 · Spelunky takes place in a series of two-dimensional platform levels. Each level is divided into a 4×4 grid of 16 rooms. Each room consists of 80 tiles, 10 ...
[30]
Guide :: Spelunky: a complete overview - Steam Community
Jan 6, 2014 · The Mines The Mines are the first of the four main areas, comprising levels 1-1 to 1-4. · The Jungle The Jungle is the second of the four main ...Missing: original structure
[31]
Ankh - Spelunky Guide - IGN
The Ankh will revive you upon death. If you die in World 3: Ice Caverns and the Moai is in the level, you will spawn inside of it and receive the ...Missing: resurrection mechanics
[32]
A Spelunky Game Design Analysis - Pt. 2
Nov 15, 2012 · The second part of my Spelunky game design analysis, addressing the topics of randomness, fairness, control, skill, strategy, and scaffolding.Missing: replayability emergent chain reactions
[33]
Mossmouth
My name is Derek Yu. Mossmouth is my personal studio where I can collaborate with cool people to make exciting, dense games full of surprises.
[34]
Finish a Game by Any Means Possible: An Interview with Derek Yu
Nov 28, 2024 · GameMaker chats to Derek Yu, creator of Spelunky. He shares his journey, the lessons he's learned, and gives his advice for new developers.Missing: million sales
[35]
Spelunky (Video Game 2008) - IMDb
Rating 4.5/10 (22) Release date · December 21, 2008 (United States) ; Also known as. Spelunky Classic ; Production company · Mossmouth.
[36]
Spelunky Source Code file - ModDB
Aug 19, 2013 · Copyright (c) 2008, 2009 Derek Yu and Mossmouth, LLC. Last Updated on December 25th, 2009 ... As of December 25th, 2009, I'm releasing the .gmk ...
[37]
Spelunky Classic
Spelunky Classic. This is the original freeware version of Spelunky that was released in 2009 and started it all. It's still free, so check it out!Missing: history | Show results with:history
[38]
Delving into the differences between Spelunker and Spelunky
Sep 18, 2012 · However, that club most assuredly includes Spelunky creator Derek Yu. Delving into the differences between Spelunker and Spelunky. Both games ...<|control11|><|separator|>
[39]
Interview: Aquaria's Derek Yu On Indie, The Pit of Death
Jun 23, 2009 · Gamasutra sits down with co-creator of the IGF-winning Aquaria and maker of unique Rogue-like infused platformer Spelunky, Derek Yu, to discuss ...
[40]
Spelunky's Journey From Pixel Game To Console Classic - Kotaku
Mar 21, 2016 · Spelunky is Yu's autobiographical, full-blown account of the making of the game, going very deep into everything from how it was designed to the dynamics of ...
[41]
Spelunky | Eirik Suhrke - Bandcamp
Written and produced by Eirik Suhrke with help from friends on some tracks; Kristian Valbo - Battery Carlos Reiakvam - Bass guitar. Jens Andersson - Sax
[42]
What is the difference between Spelunky and Spelunky HD? - Arqade
Nov 21, 2013 · Spelunky HD includes quite a few new features and additional, reworked content, including;. updated graphics; new enemies; new areas ...
[43]
Guide :: Characters & How to Unlock Them - Steam Community
Aug 8, 2013 · Unlocking all 16 secret characters earns the Achievement: 'The Entire Gang'. Available From the Beginning. These characters are available from ...
[44]
Multiplayer - Spelunky Guide - IGN
The entirety of the game can be played locally with up to four players, none of which can be two of the same character. The game takes place on one screen.<|control11|><|separator|>
[45]
Spelunky (PC) Co-Op Information - Co-Optimus
The Co-Op Experience Four players can explore the world of Spelunky together in local co-op play. The Spelunky SD mod allows for online co-op play, too!
[46]
MossRanking - Speedruns, scoreruns, leaderboards and rankings!
Spelunky News! Adjustments to Console Runs for Spelunky HD. Posted by garebear on June 13th, 2025 @01:40AM. The following is a rather large change but should ...Spelunky 2 Categories · About the Moss Rank · Spelunky HD Categories · Rankings
[47]
Spelunky HD - Daily High Score - MossRanking
Daily Leaderboard · Top 50 Daily All Time. Spelunky Classic. Rankings · Categories · Recent runs · Matchup · Achievements · Guides · Resources. Challenges.Missing: online global
[48]
https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/switch-eshop/spelunky
[49]
Spelunky Review (Switch eShop) - Nintendo Life
Rating 8/10 · Review by Mitch VogelSpelunky still has all the fundamentals in place and remains a great entry in the roguelike genre. Solid gameplay, plenty of secrets, and an addictive gameplay ...
[50]
Spelunky News! - MossRanking
Adjustments to Console Runs for Spelunky HD. Posted by garebear on June 13th, 2025 @01:40AM. The following is a rather large change but should only impact ...Spelunky Hd - Main Speed... · 15 Years Of Spelunky! · All Shortcuts + Olmec...
[51]
Spelunky 2 delayed beyond 2019 - Polygon
Aug 14, 2019 · Roguelike platformer Spelunky 2 won't make its previously scheduled 2019 release date. Developer Derek Yu broke the bad news on Twitter ...Missing: Cherry | Show results with:Cherry
[52]
Spelunky 2 - Eirik Suhrke - Bandcamp
Spelunky 2 by Eirik Suhrke, released 27 September 2020 1. Dwelling 2. Astral shoreline 3. Menu 4. Scorched grotto 5. Beneath the moss 6. Old timer 7.Missing: collaboration | Show results with:collaboration
[53]
Spelunky 2 gets free PS5 upgrade with 120fps support - KitGuru
Mar 10, 2025 · In a welcome and surprise update, Spelunky 2 has gotten a free PS5 upgrade, bringing full 120fps support to current-gen owners.<|control11|><|separator|>
[54]
Spelunky 2 Gets Surprise PS5 Version With A Crucial Update
Mar 7, 2025 · The beloved roguelike platformer Spelunky 2 was released in 2020 for PlayStation 4, and a native PS5 version just dropped yesterday, March 6.
[55]
First Look: Spelunky 2 Gameplay, Mossmouth Interview
Aug 29, 2018 · Spelunky creator Derek Yu shows us what's new (and what's not) in the surprise follow-up to one of gaming's most influential experiences.
[56]
What to Do With The Dogs Found in Spelunky 2
Sep 17, 2020 · Spelunky 2 will occasionally have players encounter dogs while in the dungeons. This guide will explain what dogs do while in the game.
[57]
How to Cure Poison and Curse - Spelunky 2 Guide - IGN
Sep 25, 2020 · Poison is easier to cure than curse. All you have to do is take Monti to the exit, and she will cure your character in a whim.
[58]
What to do when you're cursed in Spelunky 2 - PC Gamer
Sep 29, 2020 · You can be cursed by specific enemies and items throughout the game, and this status effect reduces your character's health to a single heart.
[59]
Spelunky 2: How to Get Rid of Poison and Curse - Game Rant
Sep 29, 2020 · The only way to cure a curse is by dying and starting a new run as is the way of the roguelike. Players should exert caution around curse inducing enemies for ...
[60]
https://steamcommunity.com/app/418530/discussions/0/2930112548425732892/
[61]
Spelunky 2's seeded runs make it feel like an entirely different game
Nov 27, 2020 · A seeded run lets you type in an eight character code from a limited selection of letters and numbers, and play the set of procedurally generated levels that ...
[62]
FAQ (Read Me First!) :: Spelunky 2 General Discussions
Oct 1, 2020 · We want to investigate official modding and depending on the extent of modding support ... Then of course under Splunky 2 settings you ...
[63]
GDC 2012: Fez, Spelunky, Antichamber, earn IGF honors
Mar 6, 2012 · GDC 2012: Fez, Spelunky, Antichamber, earn IGF honors. Emotions ran high at the 2012 Independent Games Festival Awards, where Phil Fish and ...
[64]
Review: In Spelunky, death makes life worth playing - Ars Technica
Jul 6, 2012 · In Spelunky, death makes life worth playing. Punishing difficulty, random level design combine for a platforming masterpiece.Missing: critical | Show results with:critical
[65]
Spelunky Reviews - Metacritic
Rating 87% (54) Platforms: PC; Xbox 360; PlayStation 3; PlayStation Vita; PlayStation 4; Nintendo Switch. Initial Release Date: Jul 4, 2012. Developer: Mossmouth. Publisher ...
[66]
Spelunky PC review | Eurogamer.net
Rating 10/10 · Review by Tom BramwellFeb 9, 2015 · Release date: 8th August · Should be available through Steam and GOG, with Humble Store to follow · Steam version includes Daily Challenge mode, ...
[67]
EDGE Magazine Lists The 100 Greatest Video Games Of All-Time
Sep 28, 2015 · 33 – Spelunky HD 32 – Destiny 31 – Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past 30 – Kerbal Space Program 29 – Dishonored 28 – Splatoon 27 – Legend ...
[68]
Spelunky 2 Reviews - Metacritic
Rating 87% (42) Spelunky 2 offers a challenging, but rewarding experience. With so many new levels, items, and enemies, there's no shortage of exploration and mystery. It ...
[69]
Spelunky 2 critic reviews - Metacritic
A thunderous sequel that surpasses its already incredible predecessor in every way that counts, Spelunky 2 is the ultimate roguelike and ruthlessly inventive ...
[70]
Spelunky 2 Review - IGN
Rating 10/10 · Review by Mitchell SaltzmanSep 14, 2020 · ... play as Spelunky guy's daughter, Ana, who goes to search for her parents on the Moon after they failed to return from their own expedition.Spelunky 2 Review · Spelunky 2 Screenshots · Gather Your Spelunky Guys...Missing: quest | Show results with:quest
[71]
Spelunky 2 (Video Game 2020) - Awards - IMDb
2 nominations. NAVGTR Awards. Spelunky 2 (2020). 2021 Nominee NAVGTR Award. Control Design, 2D or Limited 3D. The Game Awards. Spelunky 2 (2020). 2020 Nominee ...
[72]
https://www.wired.com/2012/07/spelunky-review/
[73]
Spelunky 2 on Steam
Released. Sep 29, 2020 ; OS: Windows 10 64-bit ; Processor: Quad Core 2.6 GHz ; Memory: 4 GB RAM ; Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 750
[74]
Review: Spelunky Is Frustrating, Random and Brilliant - WIRED
Jul 7, 2012 · Spelunky refuses to stoop down and make itself easier for you to conquer, but every time you play, it forces you to rise up and get a little ...
[75]
Spelunky Review - An Addictive Indie Platformer Blemished By ...
Jul 2, 2012 · ... Spelunky is too hard for its own good. Originally released as a freeware PC title in 2008, Spelunky's main draw is its randomized environments.
[76]
None
Nothing is retrieved...<|control11|><|separator|>
[77]
Spelunky – Steam Stats – Video Game Insights - Sensor Tower
90-day returns35. active players (77 min ago) ; 64. active players (24h peak) ; 92.1%. positive reviews ; $12.3m. gross revenue ; 1.4m. units sold ...
[78]
Music Monday: Spelunky - Cane and Rinse
Nov 17, 2014 · My message to you is if you have Spelunky as part of your PlayStation Plus subscription don't let it pass you by. Yes, it can seem ...
[79]
Spelunky 2 - Steam Revenue Calculator
We estimate that Spelunky 2 made $7,226,883.09in gross revenue since its release. Out of this, the developer had an estimated net revenue of $2,131,930.51.
[80]
Spelunky Series by Hectique in 27:19 - Summer Games Done Quick ...
Jul 11, 2025 · Runner introduction starts at 0:00 Run starts at 1:15 Commentary is provided by phinq, bumperoyster and cloiss PippyInATopHat is host This ...Missing: PS5 port Steam
[81]
Modding > Spelunky Classic > Spelunky Potionmod - Spelunky FYI
This is one of the very first mods released after Spelunky's source code was released. The PotionMod offers a compelling subsystem to Spelunky that could ...
[82]
Modding > Spelunky 2 > Custom Levels
Utility for loading custom levels. The level loading supports levels of any size up to 8x15, which is the max Spelunky 2 can support.
[83]
Spelunky 2 Mod CHANGES EVERYHING! - Remix mod (by Fingerspit)
Nov 22, 2020 · Download it yourself: https://spelunky.fyi/mods/m/fingerspits-remix-mod/ Mod install tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-hR6q_uDD8Q ...Missing: expansions support
[84]
Modding > Spelunky 2 > HellLunky2 V2.0
Makes the game 14x harder. good luck! By: death881; Downloads: 228; Mod Type: Script; Install Code: helllunky2.
[85]
How to Mod Spelunky 2 in 2025 (and Beyond) - YouTube
Jan 18, 2025 · MODDING SPELUNKY 2 IS AS EASY AS GOING STRAIGHT TO HELL The simple answer to this FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION is that You can mod your game ...Missing: expansions support
[86]
Spelunky Classic - Low% Score - MossRanking
Spelunky Classic - Low% Score ; 1, Flick, $413,925 ; 2, YellowSlug, $411,400 ; 3, Nitrome, $263,525 ; 4, zutklown, $245,400 ...Missing: records console
[87]
MossRanking - Spelunky 2 - Any%
### Summary of Low-Score Categories for Spelunky 2 - Any%
[88]
What happened to the Mossmouth Forums? - spelunky - Reddit
Jun 27, 2020 · The forums have been down. It seems like people on this sub have recognized that its down, providing one another with cached pages and whatnot.Mossmouth used to be more active and had a working forum - Redditcan someone put him in the game and upload him onto spelunky.fyiMore results from www.reddit.comMissing: shift | Show results with:shift
[89]
Daily Challenge - Spelunky FYI
Daily Challenge. 2025-11-07. 2025-11-08. 2025-11-09. Wins. Ana Spelunky, Margaret Tunnel, Colin Northward, Roffy D. Sloth, Alto Singh, Liz Mutton ...Missing: global | Show results with:global
[90]
Share your SEEDlunky levels :: Spelunky General Discussions
Jan 25, 2014 · Share your SEEDlunky levels. There's this little tool called Seedlunky HD (download here http://mossmouth.com/forums/index.php?topic=4107.0 ) ...
[91]
Spelunky - Discord
Speedrunning, modding, science, chat, and more related to Spelunky 2, Spelunky HD, and Spelunky Classic. | 7191 members.
[92]
Summer Games Done Quick 2025 Schedule
Check out the schedule for Summer Games Done Quick 2025!How to Attend · Prize Submissions 11/3/25 · Sign Up · Frame Fatales
[93]
"Secret Level" Spelunky: Tally (TV Episode 2024) - IMDb
Rating 5.5/10 (3,345) A pair of explorers ponder their purpose in a subterranean world where everything wants to kill them. Repeatedly.Missing: August | Show results with:August
[94]
Amazon Sets Premiere Date for Video Game Anthology 'Secret Level'
“Secret Level” will be exclusively available on Prime Video starting December 10. This project comes from Amazon MGM Studios and Blur Studio.
[95]
Amazon's latest Secret Level trailer includes Sifu, Mega Man ...
Nov 14, 2024 · Amazon's latest Secret Level trailer includes Sifu, Mega Man, Spelunky, and a nightmarish Pac-Man. Plus, Arnie and Keanu confirmed.
[96]
UFO 50
UFO 50 is a collection of 50 single and multiplayer games from the creators of Spelunky, Downwell, Air Land & Sea, Skorpulac, Catacomb Kids, and Madhouse.Get UFO 50 · About · Media · History
[97]
One Unique Thing About Every UFO 50 Game - TheHans255.com
Oct 12, 2024 · A sequel to Campanella, this game is probably the most similar to Mossmouth's Spelunky out of the whole pack, featuring a roguelite game ...<|separator|>
[98]
Legendary indie dev behind hit roguelike Spelunky says we might ...
May 21, 2024 · After almost four years of lovingly replaying Spelunky 2, independent developer Mossmouth says that fans may finally see a third roguelike gem come to fruition ...
[99]
Dead Cells is a Superb Spelunky-Like - Game Wisdom
Aug 16, 2018 · Dead Cells is a worthy successor to the action rogue-like focus of Spelunky, but it also retains some of the issues when it comes to high level play.
[100]
UFO 50 is the best retro-gaming homage I've ever played
Sep 16, 2024 · UFO 50 presents itself as a collection of 50 dusty game cartridges made by UFO Soft, a fictional developer that operated from 1982 to 1989.
[101]
https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/diggergun-combines-spelunky-style-delving-with-cursed-cornish-mines-and-the-cost-of-living-crisis