Marvel's Spider-Man 2 release date and everything we know so far

Marvel's Spider-Man 2 PS5 gameplay screenshot
(Image credit: SIE)

Marvel's Spider-Man 2 is set for release this October, and it's undoubtedly the most anticipated of the new PS5 games on the horizon. Insomniac has set a high bar for this sequel, coming off the back of the fantastic Marvel's Spider-Man and the PS5 launch spin-off, Miles Morales. 

Peter Parker and his younger protege are set to star in this upcoming Marvel game, returning to New York City to battle against an emerging threat from one of the most iconic members of Spider-Man's rogue's gallery of villains: Kraven the Hunter. 

With new areas of New York City to explore, a new suite of skills and abilities to wield, and a certain Symbiote suit straining the relationship between the two Spider-Men, there's plenty to dig into. So keep reading to find everything we know so far about Marvel's Spider-Man 2 for PS5. 

Latest Marvel's Spider-Man 2 news

Marvel's Spider-Man 2 PS5 release date

Marvel's Spider-Man 2

(Image credit: SIE/Marvel)

The Marvel's Spider-Man 2 release date is set for October 20, 2023. Insomniac confirmed the news at Summer Game Fest, with creative director Bryan Intihar assuring viewers that the studio was confident that it won't experience any delays at this stage of development. 

Spider-Man 2 Kraven the Hunter

Marvel's Spider-Man 2 PS5 gameplay screenshot

(Image credit: SIE)

This was teased back in the 2021 announcement trailer, and later confirmed during the 2023 PlayStation Showcase reveal, but Kraven the Hunter will be the major protagonist of this upcoming sequel. One of the best Spider-Man villains, Kraven will be taking his talents for hunting to New York – something which will impact both Peter Parker, Miles Morales, and Spider-Man rogue's gallery of villains. The introduction of the hunter means we'll also be fighting a new faction throughout Spider-Man 2, in the creatively named 'Kraven's Hunters'. 

Spider-Man 2 villains

Marvel's Spider-Man 2

(Image credit: SIE/Marvel)

Spider-Man 2 characters

Marvel's Spider-Man 2 PS5 gameplay screenshot

(Image credit: SIE)

Black suit Spider-Man

Marvel's Spider-Man 2 PS5 gameplay screenshot

(Image credit: SIE)

Spider-Man 2 combat 

Marvel's Spider-Man 2 PS5 gameplay screenshot

(Image credit: SIE)

Given that Peter Parker has a new suit and that Miles Morales is becoming more confident as Spider-Man, Insomniac is introducing a new suite of combat mechanics and movesets to reflect the character changes. Miles has an expanded range of blue bioelectric powers, such a Thunder Burst – which unleashes a powerful electric ground-pound against foes. He also has a Chain Lighting ability, further improving his proficiencies in managing large crowds. These powers will intertwine with an expanded set of gadgets, like the group disabling Web Grabber, which will improve Miles' capabilities in stealth and action scenarios. 

As for Peter, his new Black Symbiote Suit necessitates a whole load of new abilities. There's a 'no mercy' style of combat takedowns being introduced into play here, from exceptionally brutal new combos, aggressive paries, and web-casts which seek to harm rather than disable a threat. As for parries, that's a new system being introduced for Spider-Man 2 – while Peter will still be able to dodge and swing around combat arenas, sometimes he'll need to well-time a block to disable an enemy and get a few hits in. 

Spider-Man 2 skill trees

Marvel's Spider-Man 2 PS5 gameplay screenshot

(Image credit: SIE)

Marvel's Spider-Man 2 won't be co-op

Marvel's Spider-Man 2

(Image credit: SIE/Marvel)

Spider-Man 2 character switching

Marvel's Spider-Man 2 PS5 gameplay screenshot

(Image credit: SIE)

While Spider-Man 2 won't have co-op support, it will be introducing a GTA 5 character switching system. Insomniac says you'll be able to "near-instant switch between both our playable Spider-Men" which should add some extra depth to combat and exploration. Additionally, senior community manager Aaron Jason Espinoza says that "you’ll seamlessly switch between both Spider-Men across a variety of story moments in Marvel’s Spider-Man 2. We want players to bask in iconic team-ups elevated by our signature set piece moments, and experience the story from the perspective of each Spider-Man."

Spider-Man 2 setting

Marvel's Spider-Man 2 PS5 gameplay screenshot

(Image credit: SIE)

While Spider-Man 2 will take us back to the New York City we so enjoyed exploring in Marvel's Spider-Man and Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales, the playable space is being massively expanded. While the first game was contained to Manhattan Island, Insomniac is expanding across the East River and into Queens. No word yet on whether other boroughs will be coming into play, but Insomniac says it has more to share on the world in the months to come. 

Will Spider-Man 2 be on PS4?

No, Marvel's Spider-Man 2 on PS4 or PC won't be happening. The new game is a PS5 exclusive. Insomniac says that it's excited to be "pushing the capabilities of the console" in an adventure that will "continue the journey of both Peter Parker and Miles Morales." Insomniac has now shifted its focus to the PS5, following the release of Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart as a platform exclusive, as it attempts to push the boundaries of third-person action-adventure games. A PC port is likely later, but don't expect it anytime soon. 

Who is developing Marvel's Spider-Man 2?

Marvel's Spider-Man 2 is being developed by the award-winning team at Insomniac responsible for 2018's Marvel's Spider-Man. Bryan Intihar will be returning as creative director and Ryan Smith is back as game director. The duo have decades of experience between them, having worked on everything from the Resistance series through to Ratchet & Clank and Sunset Overdrive. The creative team that helped get Spider-Man: Miles Morales out the door will now be turning their attention to Insomniac's other project, Marvel's Wolverine

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Josh West
UK Managing Editor, GamesRadar+

Josh West is the UK Managing Editor of GamesRadar+. He has over 10 years experience in online and print journalism, and holds a BA (Hons) in Journalism and Feature Writing. Prior to starting his current position, Josh has served as GR+'s Features Editor and Deputy Editor of games™ magazine, and has freelanced for numerous publications including 3D Artist, Edge magazine, iCreate, Metal Hammer, Play, Retro Gamer, and SFX. Additionally, he has appeared on the BBC and ITV to provide expert comment, written for Scholastic books, edited a book for Hachette, and worked as the Assistant Producer of the Future Games Show. In his spare time, Josh likes to play bass guitar and video games. Years ago, he was in a few movies and TV shows that you've definitely seen but will never be able to spot him in.