Marvel's Spider-Man (2018): Complete Beginner's Guide

Getting Started in Marvel's Spider-Man

The game opens mid-mission with Peter already in costume — this is intentional. You're experienced, not learning. The opening chase teaches web-swinging, gadgets, and basic combat before releasing you into open Manhattan. Complete the first story mission fully before exploring — it unlocks the map and shows you your first set of optional activities.

Collectibles and activities are your progression system alongside story missions. Research Stations give gadget upgrade tokens; Backpacks give suit tokens; Landmark photos give base tokens. Prioritize Research Stations early — gadgets open more combat variety faster than suits.

Core Mechanics to Master

Web-swinging momentum: don't release the web at the top of the arc. Release at the bottom — when you're at maximum speed — and immediately fire the next web before you start falling. This maintains momentum and keeps you at street-level speed. Higher swings gain height for point-launches; low swings gain horizontal velocity for crossing districts quickly.

Perfect Dodge (dodge the instant before an enemy attack connects) triggers a brief slow-motion window and a blue spider-sense indicator. Use this moment to counterattack or reposition. It also maintains your combo multiplier through heavy damage moments — critical for high-score challenge missions.

Best Early Upgrades

Research Station priority: Web Bomb (stuns groups — one of the best gadgets in the game), Spider-Drone (automated combat support), and Suspension Matrix (AOE web burst). Suit upgrades: Wireless Interface (disrupt enemy communications to stop reinforcement calls), Anti-Ock Protocols (increased damage against Sable and Fisk enemies), and Suit Yourself (suit powers recharge faster).

Essential Tips

1. Web-tangle brutes before attacking. Hold triangle near a brute to web their arms — this disables their super-armor and lets you combo them normally.
2. Environmental attacks give bonus Focus. Throwing enemies into walls, fusing stations, or electrical boxes triggers an environmental bonus.
3. Scan every landmark for the easy Landmark tokens. They unlock suit color variants and contribute to 100% completion.
4. The Backpack collectibles tell Peter's story in small audio logs — worth collecting for the narrative content alone.
5. Stealth sections (MJ/Miles) require patience — knock out one enemy at a time and hide in lockers when guards turn.
6. Crime prevention missions scale in difficulty — early ones are easy experience; later ones include heavy enemies and armed thugs.
7. The Remastered suits are unlocked via story progression. Don't buy suit upgrades for early suits — save tokens for suits you'll keep.

First Major Boss: Kingpin

Wilson Fisk opens the game as a statement of intent. He's a tanky brute who charges, slams, and throws objects. Phase 1: web his arms (hold triangle) when he charges, then combo. He'll break free — repeat. Phase 2: he picks up debris and throws it — dodge the projectiles and web-zip close immediately. Phase 3: he rushes constantly — perfect dodge to trigger slow motion, then hit the exposed back. This fight teaches every core mechanic: webbing, dodging, environmental awareness, and Focus spending.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Should I play the 2018 game or Spider-Man 2 first?
A: The 2018 game — it sets up all characters and story threads that Spider-Man 2 resolves. Miles Morales also bridges the two narratively.

Q: Is the Remastered version worth it over the original?
A: Yes. Ray tracing, 60fps, faster loads, and three extra suits make it the definitive version at the same price.

Q: How long is the DLC?
A: Each of the three City That Never Sleeps chapters takes 3–5 hours. All three together add 8–12 hours.

Q: Does the game run well on PC?
A: Yes — post-launch patches resolved initial VRAM issues. It runs excellently on mid-range hardware with DLSS support.

Q: Is there a New Game Plus?
A: Yes — New Game Plus retains all suit upgrades and gadgets and adds ultimate difficulty.