Spelunky: Exploration, Risk and a Beginner’s Survival Guide

Spelunky is a platforming game built around exploring dangerous, changing levels. The challenge comes from reading a new situation and deciding how much risk a reward is worth. Spelunky Classic, the commercial Spelunky release and Spelunky 2 should not be treated as the same product.

Look before committing to a route

Take a moment to inspect the area you can see. A trap, enemy or awkward landing can matter more than the value of a nearby piece of treasure.

Work out where a movement will leave you. Reaching an item is only part of the decision if the return route creates another problem.

Resources create options

A resource used now is no longer available for a later obstacle. Spend it for a clear purpose, such as a safer route or access that meaningfully changes the run.

Avoid using a limited resource only because it is available.
Notice whether a detour leaves a reliable way forward.
Judge an item’s value against the risk of reaching it.
Keep time and the next section in mind.

Learn a rule from each run

A failed run can still teach you a useful interaction or a hazard pattern. Identify that lesson before starting again.

Because layouts change, memorizing one route is not the whole challenge. Learning how an object or enemy behaves gives you knowledge you can use in a different arrangement.

Find the intended version

Use the official Spelunky site to distinguish the project’s releases and authorized ways to obtain them. The commercial Steam release has its own listing and requirements.

Do not assume that an old statement saying “free to download” applies to every edition. A classic release and a later commercial game can have different availability and features.

Official information: Spelunky — developer or authorized listing.

Keep exploring

For another challenge, browse browser games in Crazy Games Arcade. Each game listing provides its own player and control information.