In the ever-expanding universe of Marvel's Spider-Man 2, Insomniac Games has introduced an intriguing feature known as Ultimate Levels with their latest update. Here's everything you need to know about what they are and how to unlock them.
What Are Ultimate Levels?
Ultimate Levels are a new progression mechanism introduced in the New Game Plus (NG+) mode of Marvel's Spider-Man 2. Unlike the standard leveling system that caps at Level 60 in the base game, Ultimate Levels allow players to continue leveling up beyond this point, providing new challenges and rewards. Specifically, these levels unlock unique suit styles for Peter Parker's three symbiote-related suits: the Black Suit, the Symbiote Suit, and the Anti-Venom Suit. Each Ultimate Level you achieve incrementally increases Peter and Miles' base health, although no new skill points are awarded since those have already been maxed out by reaching Level 60.
How to Unlock Ultimate Levels:
- Complete the Game: To even begin unlocking Ultimate Levels, you first need to complete the main storyline of Marvel's Spider-Man 2. This will unlock the New Game Plus mode, which is where Ultimate Levels become accessible.
- Start New Game Plus: Once you've rolled credits, start a NG+ playthrough. Here, your levels, resources, unlocked suits, and upgrades carry over, setting the stage for Ultimate Levels.
- Level Up Past 60: In NG+, you'll begin at Level 60. Any XP you earn beyond this point contributes to your Ultimate Levels. The first Ultimate Level is achieved once you've gathered enough XP, which is significantly more than what's required for standard levels. For instance, moving from Ultimate Level 1 to 2 requires 41,000 XP.
- Grind for XP: To unlock all the new suit styles, you'll need to reach Ultimate Level 9. Here are some effective ways to earn XP:
- Side Missions and Activities: Engage in side missions like Marko's Memories, Mysterium, Prowler Stashes, and Hunter Bases. These activities offer substantial XP rewards, even for bronze medals.
- Replay Missions: The new update allows you to replay main story missions, which is another excellent way to farm XP.
- Swinging and Tricks: Performing tricks while swinging through New York can also contribute to your XP, though it's a slower method compared to missions.
- Unlock Suit Styles: As you progress through the Ultimate Levels, you'll unlock new styles for the symbiote-related suits. Each level up to 9 offers a new style, with the final style unlocked at Ultimate Level 9. These styles are not only cosmetic but also a testament to your dedication to mastering the game.
Why They Matter
- Enhanced Gameplay: The small health increments per level might not seem like much, but they can be crucial in the tougher battles of NG+ on higher difficulty settings.
- Collector's Delight: For players who love to customize their Spider-Man, these new suit styles are a significant draw, offering fresh looks for the symbiote suits which are central to Peter's character arc in the game.
- Achievement Hunting: There's a new trophy associated with NG+, and while having the highest Ultimate Level isn't tied directly to it, reaching these levels showcases your mastery over the game's mechanics and content.
With Ultimate Levels, Insomniac has added depth to the replay value of Marvel's Spider-Man 2, encouraging players to dive back into the web-slinging adventure with new goals in sight. Whether you're in it for the challenge, the new aesthetic options, or just to see how far you can push your Spider-Men, Ultimate Levels provide a fresh layer of engagement to this already beloved game.
