The indie darling that has sent countless adventurers to their untimely demise and sparked a million triumphant cheers, Spelunky 2, has just pulled a delightful, and arguably essential, surprise on PlayStation fans. Yesterday, without much fanfare, Mossmouth Games released a native PlayStation 5 version of their notoriously challenging roguelike platformer. While the upgrade itself is a welcome boost for performance and visual fidelity, it’s a single, yet monumental, addition that could fundamentally alter the experience for those willing to embrace it: native PS5 save transfers.

For the uninitiated, Spelunky 2 is not a game for the faint of heart. It’s a procedurally generated spelunking adventure where every descent into its treacherous caves is a fresh, unpredictable ordeal. Death is a constant companion, and progress is painstakingly earned, often through sheer persistence and a deep understanding of its intricate mechanics. Many players have poured hundreds, if not thousands, of hours into mastering its unforgiving landscapes, unlocking its secrets, and achieving those coveted speedruns and “pacifist” runs.

This is where the PS5 update truly shines, offering a lifeline to the dedicated Spelunky faithful. The ability to seamlessly transfer your existing PS4 save data to the new PS5 version is a godsend. Imagine spending months, even years, painstakingly unlocking shortcuts, collecting rare items, and building up your knowledge of enemy patterns. The thought of starting all over on a new platform would be enough to send even the most hardened spelunker running for the hills. Now, with a simple transfer, all that hard-earned progress is instantly available.

But here’s the crucial part, the “if you can take advantage of it” caveat that separates the casual player from the true Spelunky enthusiast: this update offers a golden opportunity for those who have been stuck in a rut, or are perhaps eyeing a new challenge.

For years, many Spelunky 2 veterans have meticulously curated their PS4 saves. Perhaps they’ve reached a point where they’ve “beaten” the game in their own way, explored every nook and cranny, and are now grappling with the game’s notoriously difficult post-ending content. The save transfer allows them to bring that wealth of experience and unlocked content with them to the PS5. This means that instead of starting from scratch to tackle the “Cosmic Ocean” or attempt even more ambitious challenges, they can hit the ground running, armed with all their prior knowledge and the benefits of the PS5’s enhanced performance.

However, this is where the “crucial” element comes into play. For some, this might be a moment of temptation to truly embrace the game’s core loop. While having all your unlocks is undeniably convenient, there’s a unique satisfaction in the raw, unadulterated struggle of a fresh Spelunky 2 playthrough. The save transfer allows players to bypass that initial grind, but it also bypasses the learning curve that defines the Spelunky experience for many.

The true advantage of this PS5 update, therefore, lies in its strategic application.

For the Returning Champion: If you’ve conquered Spelunky 2 on PS4 and are looking to revisit its chaotic charm on a more powerful console, the save transfer is a no-brainer. Jump back in, enjoy the smoother frame rates and crisp visuals, and immediately dive back into your challenging pursuits.
For the Stagnant Strategist: Perhaps you’ve been stuck on a particular boss, or can’t quite crack a specific shortcut.
Transferring your save allows you to experiment with different strategies and approaches, armed with the knowledge and resources you’ve already accumulated, without the frustration of repeated early-game setbacks.
For the Brave Newcomer (or Reborn Veteran): This is where the true “if you can take advantage of it” shines. For those who may have given up on Spelunky 2 on PS4 due to its difficulty, or for entirely new players, this update presents a curious choice. While the save transfer is available, the spirit of Spelunky often lies in earning every victory. Those who choose to start a fresh save on the PS5 will experience the game’s true intended progression, building their skills from the ground up, unburdened by previous save data. This pure, unadulterated challenge, amplified by the PS5’s technical prowess, is arguably the most rewarding way to experience Spelunky 2.

The surprise PS5 version of Spelunky 2 is more than just a technical upgrade; it’s a strategic gift to its dedicated community. The crucial update, the save transfer, offers convenience and continuity. But for those who truly understand the heart of Spelunky, it also presents a choice: embrace the accumulated wisdom and power, or embrace the primal thrill of starting anew, a fresh adventurer facing the unfathomable depths for the very first time. The choice, like every decision within its treacherous caves, is yours to make. May your ropes be sturdy and your bombs plentiful.