If you are a little intimidated by the idea that you need to pull off a perfect run through each level of Spelunky 2 to finish the game, then fear not. You can open shortcuts at certain points that will allow you to bypass levels, giving you a head start on the various threats that lurk in the tunnels and caves.
This is not to say that opening shortcuts is easy, but it definitely helps to cut down on the potential fatigue of making your way through multiple levels over and over again just to try to progress a little further.
You can open shorcuts by reaching the final level of certain floors, then meeting certain requirements through donating gold or items to an NPC called Terra. Give her the right items and she will open a shortcut for you, saving you time and effort on future runs. It will take a few runs to get her everything she needs, but this will be made easier if you know what you need to get each shortcut unlocked.
There are three shortcuts to open, at the end of the first, third, and fifth levels. The requirements will get progressively tougher, with those fifth level shortcut requirements being downright cruel in some places.
Level 1–4 shortcut
To open the level 1-4 shortcut, you will need to donate the following:
- $2000
- 1 Bomb
- $10,000
Level 3-1 shortcut
To open the level 3-1 shortcut, you will need to donate the following:
- 1 Rope
- Any Weapon
- Any Mount
Level 5-1 shortcut
To open the level 5-1 shortcut, you will need to donate the following:
- $50000
- Hired Hand
- World 1 Golden Key
