Spelunky 2 probably won't be out this year

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Designer Derek Yu said today that he doesn't think it's going to happen.

(Image credit: Mossmouth)

Spelunky 2 was announced in 2017 and showed off its first gameplay trailer in 2018, which is also when it revealed a release target of 2019. Alas, it doesn't look like that's going to happen.

"Also, apologies for the lack of updates! It can be tough balancing communication and dev time (and not spoiling too much). When things are quiet, we're just working away. There will be more updates coming, but for now we're focusing on development," Yu, the designer of the original Spelunky, said in followup tweets.

Yu hinted that the extra time required could be the result of responses to the trailer. "While I still love the overall style, we've been adding more detail, as well as increasing the contrast to make existing details pop (some were pretty subtle and compression wasn't friendly to them)," he said.

"As soon as we have a release date for #Spelunky2, we'll make sure everyone knows! We can't wait to show you more, although of course the best way is for you to experience it for yourself at launch. All the crazy stuff we're adding makes me buzz with excitement. :)"

So it's still technically possible that Spelunky 2 will be out this year, insofar as Yu didn't come right out and say that it won't be, but it sure doesn't sound like it's going to happen. I think we can safely mark this one down to 2020.

Andy Chalk
Andy Chalk
US News Lead

Andy has been gaming on PCs from the very beginning, starting as a youngster with text adventures and primitive action games on a cassette-based TRS80. From there he graduated to the glory days of Sierra Online adventures and Microprose sims, ran a local BBS, learned how to build PCs, and developed a longstanding love of RPGs, immersive sims, and shooters. He began writing videogame news in 2007 for The Escapist and somehow managed to avoid getting fired until 2014, when he joined the storied ranks of PC Gamer. He covers all aspects of the industry, from new game announcements and patch notes to legal disputes, Twitch beefs, esports, and Henry Cavill. Lots of Henry Cavill.