Marvel’s Spider-Man 2: Release date, characters & everything we know

Brad Norton
Peter Parker and Miles Morales with the Spider-Man 2 logo

Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is close, with Insomniac Games currently working on a follow-up to their acclaimed PlayStation title from 2018. From the release date to all the confirmed characters, here’s a full overview of everything we know about the superhero sequel so far.

It’s been three years since the first Spidey game by the studio launched to critical acclaim, and the universe has only been growing since. The 2020 follow-up cemented their spot atop the superhero genre. Now, Insomniac Games are back for more.

The first full-fledged sequel is just around the corner, as the first-party PlayStation studio is close to bringing the Marvel icon’s next story to life.

As we get closer to the game’s launch, more and more details are releasing and we now know quite a bit about the game. Here’s everything there is to know about Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 so far.


Contents


Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 release date

The release date for Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 was announced at Summer Game Fest 2023 by Insomniac Games. The webslinger’s next adventure arrives on PlayStation 5 on October 20, 2023. 

Insomniac Games had previously announced that a 2023 release window was the target for Spidey’s next web-slinging adventure. Now that the release date is finally here, players can’t wait to jump in and play once it arrives.

With the date reveal, the devs also shared the first complete look at Venom, the symbiote that, if trailers are anything to go by, will be a massive part of Spider-Man 2’s storyline

Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 platforms

Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is confirmed to be a PS5 exclusive, and fans will not be able to play the superhero game on previous-gen hardware or on any rival platforms at launch.

While the first Spider-Man title launched on PS4 and was then remastered for the PS5, Spider-Man Miles Morales was released across both simultaneously. Moving forward, it’s evident Insomniac is ready to shift into a new gear focusing solely on Sony’s latest hardware.

With both the original Spidey and the Miles Morales follow-up arriving on PC in 2022, however, it’s safe to expect a similar treatment years down the line. As with most Sony exclusives in recent years, we’re sure to see Spider-Man 2 on PC at some point in the near future.

Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 file size

Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 will require a minimum of 98 GB. This number was first revealed on the box for the Limited Edition console.

This is significantly larger than Insomniac’s previous Spider-Man games. For context, the first game was around 45 GB when it first released on PS4. Spider-Man Remastered on PS5 requires around 71 GB, and Miles Morales is about 54 GB, though the latter is a much shorter game.

While over double the size of its predecessor to start, Spider-Man 2’s size isn’t too surprising. Game files have been getting larger and larger in recent years, and the upcoming adventure already looks to be a bigger and more technically impressive experience.

Also note that this size is certain to expand as the game receives updates, patches, and possible DLC.

Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 trailers

Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 trailersIn the run-up to the game’s launch, PlayStation released a cinematic trailer for the game. This one features an overall darker tone. It shows Miles and Peter questioning their strength in order to save the city.

Venom, one of the key villains of the game is also heavily featured. since the game lets you play as both Peter Parker and Miles Morales, this motif of them coming together to overcome their villains.

During PlayStation’s September 2023 State of Play, Insomniac showcased a closer look at Marvel’s New York. Senior Creative Director Bryan Intihar noted that this version of New York is nearly twice the size of the original game, thanks to the addition of the Queens and Brooklyn boroughs.

The new trailer also showed off the new webwings mechanic, as well as the AR tech fitted to Peter’s and Miles’ lenses. Better still, players can expect the sequel to feature more than 65 suits based on the comics, films, and original designs.

Insomniac shared the Story Trailer for Spider-Man 2, giving not only a better look at the plot of the sequel, but many of the characters involved too. From Harry Osborne’s ominous pledge to the surprise return of Mr. Negative, there’s plenty to whet your appetite before jumping into the full game later this year.

A Spider-Man 2 trailer with an extended gameplay demonstration was revealed during the latest PlayStation Showcase. The 10-minute video highlighted how players will switch between Peter and Miles in the game, and their new combat abilities, including a fiendish Symbiote suit that grants Peter some aggressive new powers.

Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 was first revealed during Sony’s 2021 PlayStation Showcase event. The initial trailer gave us a look at Peter Parker and Miles Morales in action together, with Venom joining the fight at the very end.

Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 characters

Obviously, it wouldn’t be a Spider-Man game without the man of the hour, Peter Parker. Players will reprise the role of Spidey in Insomniac’s sequel, stepping into the shoes of the friendly neighborhood hero – though he won’t be alone.

This time around, Miles Morales will join Parker as the two fight together in the “most epic single-player adventure yet.”

Venom also appeared for a brief moment in the reveal trailer, and again in the more recent Story Trailer too. And while we know Peter will be able to wield Symbiote powers at some stage, there’s no telling if Venom himself will eventually join forces with the spidey duo, perhaps uniting against the common threat of Kraven The Hunter. 

Venom in Spider-Man 2
Venom is set to make his first appearance in the upcoming sequel.

The popular anti-hero may serve as a villain, a not-so-friendly ally in a greater battle, or perhaps even a mix of both throughout the game.

As well as this, Scott Porter – who voiced Harry Osborn in the first Spider-Man game – confirmed that the character will be appearing in the sequel. In a now-deleted tweet, the actor revealed that, while the character will be coming back, he will not be lending his voice to the role.

“While I voiced Harry in the first Spider-Man game I unfortunately will not be in the sequel. They decided to go photo real and the difference between me and Harry’s age was too much to overcome I believe. I was bummed but I get it. Gonna be an incredible game.”

Although leading theories, spurned by a handful of dev comments along the way and even the first game’s post-credits scene, have teased Harry himself is the one taking over by the Symbiote and morphed into venom, the exact identity of the villainous foe still remains a mystery.

Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 gameplay details

During the May 2023 PlayStation Showcase, Insomniac Games revealed some gameplay of the upcoming title, which you can see above.

One big aspect will be that symbiote-powered suits change up Spidey’s toolkit in the sequel.

Shortly after the first gameplay sequence debuted, devs shared new details on Spider-Man 2’s moment-to-moment gameplay. First up, in an interview with Famitsu, Insomniac’s creative director Bryan Intihar teased the map “is about two times larger than the previous titles” thanks to the addition of Queens and Brooklyn.

Not only that, but during open-world gameplay, players will be able to freely swap between Peter Parker and Miles Morales at the touch of a button, akin to GTA 5’s character-swapping feature.

“There are things that are exclusive to a specific character depending on the content, but we’re also preparing content that allows you to play as whichever character you like,” game director Ryan Smith added. “While they’re both Spider-Man and have some things in common, Miles is speedier than Peter, and they each have their own quirks, so we hope you can choose your favorite character.”

Suits are the key behind unique abilities in terms of both combat and traversal. The sequel is sure to introduce plenty of new Spidey suits for both Peter and Miles, though another layer of depth could be on the way.

Each and every suit will reportedly feature a ‘symbiote variant version’ according to FandomWire. This could see our heroes using Venom’s symbiote powers to their advantage. As a result, dozens of unique powers could be in play to mix things up like never before.

On the other hand, Spider-Man 2’s version of New York is also expanding into Queens where we’ll be able to swing around Peter’s home borough, and maybe even visit some iconic locations from his past.

Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 prequel comic to set up the story

Arriving on May 6, otherwise known as Free Comic Book Day, is a prequel story to Marvel’s Spider-Man 2. This slice of adventure is set to pit both Peter and Miles against a “new Super Villain whose powers they [don]t understand.” That villain being The Hood.

On top of that, it’s expected to set the scene ahead of the game’s arrival, giving us further insight into what Peter, Miles, and MJ have all been getting up to since their last appearance.

This prequel comic shows us where the story picks up in Marvel’s Spider-Man 2.

New Spider-Man 2 PS5 bundle & DualSense controller design

Accompanying the highly anticipated sequel at launch, Sony has confirmed Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 will have its own custom PS5 bundle along with a unique DualSense controller design to boot.

The custom console is a new black, white, and red design, intending to highlight Symbiote tendrils encroaching on the Spider-Man logo. The DualSense features the same color scheme and pattern, with the Spider-Man logo front and center on the touchpad.

Additionally, for existing PS5 owners, Sony is also offering up custom PS5 faceplates separately. Allowing you to get the exclusive Spidey design without having to sell your existing system.

custom PS5 console and DualSense controller for Marvel's Spider-Man 2.
A look at the custom PS5 console and DualSense controller for Marvel’s Spider-Man 2.

So, there you have it – that’s all of the information we know about Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 so far. Make sure to check back often, as we’ll update you as details are revealed right here.

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