Spelunky 2 is the sequel to the genre-defining roguelike platformer, expanding the original's tight gameplay with branching paths, rideable mounts, liquid physics, and layers of hidden content that take hundreds of hours to uncover. Every run through the procedurally generated caves, jungles, and volcanos is different, and the physics-based emergent gameplay creates stories no scripted game could match. Reaching the Cosmic Ocean (the true final area) requires mastering a sequence of secret objectives across multiple playthroughs. Spelunky 2 is punishing, fair, and endlessly replayable.
Choosing the right build shapes your entire experience. This guide breaks down every option — what they're good at, what they struggle with, and which one matches your playstyle. For optimized builds with full gear sets, see our builds guide.
Quick Comparison
| Build | Tier | Playstyle | Best Equipment | Beginner Friendly? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classic Spelunker | A | Standard run — explore, collect resources, avoid unnecessary risks, reach the exit. | Whip | Yes |
| Tina Flan | A | Leverage extended whip range for safer combat, otherwise standard approach. | Shotgun | Yes |
| Roffy D. Sloth | B | Survive hits that would kill other characters, use extra HP to learn dangerous sections. | Freeze Ray | No |
| Au | B | Collect extra gold, buy powerful shop items (paste, climbing gloves), build advantage through purchases. | Boomerang | No |
| Pilot | B | Standard play until finding a jetpack, then leverage extended fuel for aerial dominance. | Machete | No |
New player? Start with Tina Flan — see our beginner's guide for why.
Classic Spelunker
The default character with standard stats. No special abilities but no weaknesses either. The Classic Spelunker is the baseline for learning the game's mechanics without character-specific gimmicks.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Standard run — explore, collect resources, avoid unnecessary risks, reach the exit. |
| Best Equipment | Whip |
| Stat Priority | Game knowledge, whip timing, resource management |
| Core Gear | Whip, bombs, ropes, whatever you find |
| Key Mechanic | physics platforming |
Strengths
- Highest overall performance across all content types
- Standard run — explore, collect resources, avoid unnecessary risks, reach the exit.
- Pairs well with Whip
Weaknesses
- Popular choice, competition for resources
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Dwelling to learn Classic Spelunker-specific mechanics
- Focus on physics platforming — it's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Whip as your first major upgrade
- See our full Classic Spelunker build guide for the optimal gear progression
Tina Flan
A character with a wider whip range, making combat slightly easier. Tina's extended reach gives a meaningful advantage against enemies that punish close approach.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Leverage extended whip range for safer combat, otherwise standard approach. |
| Best Equipment | Shotgun |
| Stat Priority | Whip combat, range advantage exploitation |
| Core Gear | Extended whip, standard equipment |
| Key Mechanic | whip combat |
Strengths
- Most versatile — adapts to any situation
- Leverage extended whip range for safer combat, otherwise standard approach.
- Pairs well with Shotgun
Weaknesses
- Lower peak damage than S-tier options
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Dwelling to learn Tina Flan-specific mechanics
- Focus on whip combat — it's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Shotgun as your first major upgrade
- See our full Tina Flan build guide for the optimal gear progression
Roffy D. Sloth
A slow character with extra starting health. Roffy trades speed for durability — taking hits without dying. Better for learning boss patterns and dangerous areas.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | B |
| Playstyle | Survive hits that would kill other characters, use extra HP to learn dangerous sections. |
| Best Equipment | Freeze Ray |
| Stat Priority | HP management, safe pathing, learning-focused |
| Core Gear | Extra HP, standard equipment, defensive play |
| Key Mechanic | bomb management |
Strengths
- Best survivability for learning hard content
- Survive hits that would kill other characters, use extra HP to learn dangerous sections.
- Pairs well with Freeze Ray
Weaknesses
- Slower progression speed
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Dwelling to learn Roffy D. Sloth-specific mechanics
- Focus on bomb management — it's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Freeze Ray as your first major upgrade
- See our full Roffy D. Sloth build guide for the optimal gear progression
Au
A golden character unlocked through achievement. Au attracts gold, making shop purchases easier. The extra money enables buying paste, climbing gloves, and other powerful shop items consistently.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | B |
| Playstyle | Collect extra gold, buy powerful shop items (paste, climbing gloves), build advantage through purchases. |
| Best Equipment | Boomerang |
| Stat Priority | Gold collection, shop item priority, resource accumulation |
| Core Gear | Gold attraction, shop-focused strategy |
| Key Mechanic | shortcut unlocks |
Strengths
- Excellent in group and cooperative content
- Collect extra gold, buy powerful shop items (paste, climbing gloves), build advantage through purchases.
- Pairs well with Boomerang
Weaknesses
- Less effective solo
- Requires deep game knowledge to use effectively
Recommended Progression
- Start in Dwelling to learn Au-specific mechanics
- Focus on shortcut unlocks — it's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Boomerang as your first major upgrade
- See our full Au build guide for the optimal gear progression
Pilot
A character with jetpack affinity. When the Pilot finds a jetpack, its fuel lasts longer. Since jetpack is one of the strongest mobility items, the Pilot has a meaningful advantage in runs where one appears.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | B |
| Playstyle | Standard play until finding a jetpack, then leverage extended fuel for aerial dominance. |
| Best Equipment | Machete |
| Stat Priority | Jetpack fuel efficiency, aerial combat, mobility |
| Core Gear | Jetpack (when found), standard equipment |
| Key Mechanic | secret paths |
Strengths
- Highest skill ceiling with unique mechanics
- Standard play until finding a jetpack, then leverage extended fuel for aerial dominance.
- Pairs well with Machete
Weaknesses
- Steep learning curve, punishing mistakes
- Requires deep game knowledge to use effectively
Recommended Progression
- Start in Dwelling to learn Pilot-specific mechanics
- Focus on secret paths — it's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Machete as your first major upgrade
- See our full Pilot build guide for the optimal gear progression
Which Build Should You Pick?
For Beginners
Tina Flan is the clear winner. It's forgiving, teaches core mechanics, and remains competitive into endgame. Follow our beginner's guide for the best first-session experience.
For Maximum Performance
Classic Spelunker is the top pick once you understand the game's mechanics. Pair it with Whip for the strongest overall setup.
For a Challenge
Pilot offers the highest skill ceiling. It's punishing when misplayed but incredibly rewarding when mastered. Only recommended after you've completed the game with another build.
For Group Play
Au shines in cooperative content with utility and team support capabilities.
More Spelunky 2 Guides
- Spelunky 2 Spelunky 2 Overview
- Spelunky 2 Best Builds
- Spelunky 2 Tier List
- Spelunky 2 Walkthrough
- Spelunky 2 Beginner's Guide
- Spelunky 2 Tips & Tricks
- Spelunky 2 Weapons Guide
- Spelunky 2 Combat Guide
- Spelunky 2 Boss Guide
- Spelunky 2 Maps & Locations
- Spelunky 2 Crafting Guide
Similar Games
If you enjoy Spelunky 2, check out these related guides:
- Risk of Rain 2 Classes Guide — roguelike game with similar mechanics
- Hades Classes Guide — roguelike game with similar mechanics
- Darkest Dungeon Classes Guide — roguelike game with similar mechanics
