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.
Your choice of equipment defines your damage output and playstyle. This guide ranks every major option, explains what makes each one strong, and tells you which builds they pair best with.
Equipment Rankings
| Equipment | Tier | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whip | S | All characters — the universal reliable weapon | Your default melee weapon with short range and specific attack timing. |
| Shotgun | A | Any character for maximum combat power and recoil mobility | The most powerful weapon in the game — kills almost anything in one shot and launches the player backward with recoil (useful for aerial movement). |
| Freeze Ray | A | Cautious players who want safe ranged engagement | Freezes enemies solid, allowing you to pick them up and throw them as weapons. |
| Boomerang | B | Resource-conscious players wanting ranged attacks without ammo management | A returning projectile that deals moderate damage. |
| Machete | B | Any character in vegetation-heavy levels (Jungle, Spider Caves) | A melee weapon with better range and damage than the whip. |
S-Tier: Whip
Your default melee weapon with short range and specific attack timing. The whip kills most basic enemies in one hit if timed correctly. Whip priority means attacking at the right frame beats enemy attacks. The whip is sufficient for the entire game with practice.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | S |
| Best For | All characters — the universal reliable weapon |
| Key Mechanic | physics platforming |
| Recommended Build | Classic Spelunker |
How to get it: Available from mid-game onward. See our walkthrough for the exact progression point.
Best builds using Whip: Pairs naturally with Classic Spelunker thanks to stat scaling synergies.
A-Tier: Shotgun
The most powerful weapon in the game — kills almost anything in one shot and launches the player backward with recoil (useful for aerial movement). Shotguns are found on shopkeepers' backs or purchased. The recoil mobility is as valuable as the damage.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Best For | Any character for maximum combat power and recoil mobility |
| Key Mechanic | whip combat |
| Recommended Build | Tina Flan |
How to get it: Accessible in the early-to-mid game. Check our maps guide for the location.
Best builds using Shotgun: Pairs naturally with Tina Flan thanks to stat scaling synergies.
A-Tier: Freeze Ray
Freezes enemies solid, allowing you to pick them up and throw them as weapons. Frozen enemies shatter on impact, killing them. The Freeze Ray provides safe engagement from range without consuming bombs.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Best For | Cautious players who want safe ranged engagement |
| Key Mechanic | bomb management |
| Recommended Build | Roffy D. Sloth |
How to get it: Accessible in the early-to-mid game. Check our maps guide for the location.
Best builds using Freeze Ray: Pairs naturally with Roffy D. Sloth thanks to stat scaling synergies.
B-Tier: Boomerang
A returning projectile that deals moderate damage. The Boomerang provides ranged attack capability without ammo consumption. It stuns rather than kills tougher enemies, requiring follow-up.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | B |
| Best For | Resource-conscious players wanting ranged attacks without ammo management |
| Key Mechanic | shortcut unlocks |
| Recommended Build | Au |
How to get it: Found in later areas. Our walkthrough covers when you can access this.
Best builds using Boomerang: Pairs naturally with Au thanks to stat scaling synergies.
B-Tier: Machete
A melee weapon with better range and damage than the whip. The Machete cuts through vegetation and cobwebs instantly, which is valuable in jungle and spider cave levels. Replaces the whip when found.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | B |
| Best For | Any character in vegetation-heavy levels (Jungle, Spider Caves) |
| Key Mechanic | secret paths |
| Recommended Build | Pilot |
How to get it: Found in later areas. Our walkthrough covers when you can access this.
Best builds using Machete: Pairs naturally with Pilot thanks to stat scaling synergies.
Equipment Progression Path
The order you should acquire equipment as you progress:
- Starting gear → Enough to clear Dwelling
- Shotgun → Your first real upgrade, available early
- Freeze Ray → Mid-game upgrade with good scaling
- Whip → Best-in-slot, aim for this by late game
- Upgrade to max → The power spike from max upgrades is enormous
Equipment Tips
- Always upgrade your primary equipment before diversifying — one strong option beats three mediocre ones.
- Match your equipment to your build's stat priorities for maximum scaling.
- Whip has priority over most enemy attacks if timed right — attack BEFORE the enemy reaches you, not reactively. Learn the whip's active frames.
- Check our tier list for how equipment rankings affect overall build effectiveness.
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 Combat Guide
- Spelunky 2 Boss Guide
- Spelunky 2 Maps & Locations
- Spelunky 2 Crafting Guide
- Spelunky 2 Classes & Characters
Similar Games
If you enjoy Spelunky 2, check out these related guides:
- Risk of Rain 2 Weapons Guide — roguelike game with similar mechanics
- Hades Weapons Guide — roguelike game with similar mechanics
- Darkest Dungeon Weapons Guide — roguelike game with similar mechanics
