Swinging between New York skyscrapers as Spider-Man is one of the most joyful things you can do on a PlayStation. Sony’s Marvel’s Spider-Man games have become some of the most popular titles on PS4 and PS5.
If you are new to them, this guide explains what the games are, the order to play them, and where you can play them today.
Who makes the Marvel’s Spider-Man games?
The games are developed by Insomniac Games, a studio owned by Sony Interactive Entertainment, in collaboration with Marvel Games. Insomniac was already well known for series like Ratchet & Clank and Spyro the Dragon before it took on Spider-Man.
The games tell their own original story. They borrow characters from the comics and films, but you don’t need to know anything about Spider-Man to follow along.
What kind of games are they?
They are open-world action-adventure games. “Open world” means the whole city is a big playground you can explore freely, rather than a series of separate levels. In this case, the playground is a detailed version of New York City.
You spend your time doing three main things:
- Web-swinging: Travelling across the city by shooting webs and swinging between buildings. It feels fast and smooth, and many players say it’s the best part.
- Combat: Fighting criminals with acrobatic punches, kicks, dodges and web gadgets.
- Story missions and side activities: Following the main plot, plus optional tasks like stopping crimes, collecting items and solving puzzles.
The games in order
Here are the main games in release order, which is also the story order:
- Marvel’s Spider-Man (2018, PS4): You play as Peter Parker, an experienced Spider-Man who has been fighting crime for about eight years. He faces familiar villains while juggling his job, friends and personal life. In 2020 it got an upgraded PS5 version called Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered.
- Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales (2020, PS4 and PS5): A shorter standalone story starring Miles Morales, a teenager who also has spider powers, as he learns to protect his neighborhood of Harlem. It was a launch game for the PS5 in November 2020.
- Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 (2023, PS5): Released in October 2023, this sequel lets you play as both Peter and Miles, switching between them in the open world. It is bigger, with a larger map that includes more of New York’s boroughs.
There is also downloadable content, often called “DLC,” which means extra story chapters you can add to a game. The first game has an add-on story called The City That Never Sleeps, which is included in its Game of the Year Edition.
Where should a beginner start?
The best place to start is the first game, Marvel’s Spider-Man (or Spider-Man Remastered on PS5). It sets up the characters and relationships that the later games build on.
After that, play Miles Morales, then Spider-Man 2. Miles Morales is shorter than the others, so it’s a nice palate cleanser between the two bigger games.
If you only want to try one, Spider-Man 2 is the most polished, but you’ll enjoy its story more if you know what came before.
Can I play them on PC?
Yes. Sony has brought all three to PC:
- Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered came to PC in August 2022.
- Miles Morales followed in November 2022.
- Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 arrived on PC in January 2025.
The PlayStation versions remain the main way most people play, and the PS5 versions take advantage of the DualSense controller’s haptic feedback (detailed vibrations you can feel in your hands) and adaptive triggers (buttons that can push back to simulate tension, such as pulling a web).
What makes these games special?
- The feeling of movement: Swinging through the city is simple to learn but rewarding to master.
- A big-hearted story: The games focus as much on Peter and Miles as people as on the superhero action.
- Accessibility: They include many options to make the game easier to see, hear and control. “Accessibility” means features that help people with different abilities enjoy the game.
- Visuals: Especially on PS5, the city looks bright, busy and detailed.
How Wolverine fits in
Insomniac’s next Marvel game, Marvel’s Wolverine, launched exclusively on PS5 on September 15, 2026. It stars Logan, the clawed hero from the X-Men, and has its own original story with a darker, more intense tone.
Wikipedia lists Wolverine as part of the same Marvel’s Spider-Man series of games, sharing a universe with Peter and Miles. However, it is a separate adventure, and you do not need to have played the Spider-Man games to understand it.
Are they kid-friendly?
All three Spider-Man games are rated T for Teen by the ESRB in the US, for violence, some blood, drug references and language. They are generally considered suitable for teenagers, but parents should check the rating in their own country. Wolverine is much more violent, so check its age rating before handing it to a younger player.
Tips for first-time players
- Spend some time just swinging around. You’ll learn the controls naturally.
- Upgrade your skills and gadgets as you earn points. They make fights much easier.
- Try different suits. Many have special abilities as well as fun looks.
- Use photo mode, a feature that lets you pause and take screenshots, to capture great moments.
The bottom line
Insomniac’s Marvel’s Spider-Man games are a great introduction to PlayStation: fun to control, easy to learn, and full of heart. Play them in order, starting with Marvel’s Spider-Man, then Miles Morales, then Spider-Man 2. If you want more from the same studio, Marvel’s Wolverine is now available on PS5, though it’s a darker adventure for older players.
Featured photo: Gage Skidmore / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Discover more from Playstation Stuff
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.