Miles Morales and Peter Parker in Spider-Man 2.
Screenshot by Destructoid.

How character switching works in Spider-Man 2 (PS5)

Twice as nice.

It’s a common trend for video game sequels to feature two protagonists, and this has been seen with titles like The Last of Us Part 2, Resident Evil 2, and Remedy’s upcoming game, Alan Wake 2. Spider-Man 2 will also be utilizing this gimmick to allow you to easily switch between Miles Morales and Peter Parker.

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Though this feature has been shown off in plenty of trailers, you may still have questions regarding how it works and when you can use it. This guide will answer all your Spider-Man 2 character-switching questions.

JJJ, Miles Morales, and Peter Parker in Spider-Man 2.
Screenshot by Destructoid.

How do you switch between Miles Morales and Peter Parker in Spider-Man 2 (PS5)?

Early on in Spider-Man 2, you’ll be given the FNSM, which is an app that keeps you up to date regarding what’s going on in the city. You can access the app by swiping left on the DualSense’s touchpad. With FNSM open, you then hold the square button to switch between protagonists.

The switching is instant, and you won’t have to suffer through any loading screens. Oftentimes, you’ll find the other Spider-Man relaxing at the top of buildings, interacting with the public, or even stopping a crime currently occurring. It’s a fun mechanic to use, as it lets you peek and see what the other Spider-Man is up to.

Miles Morales and Peter Parker in Spider-Man 2.
Screenshot by Destructoid.

Can you switch characters at any time in Spider-Man 2 (PS5)?

Not quite. When you haven’t activated any missions and you’re free roaming, you can switch between Peter and Miles as you please. However, most missions require you to switch to a specific Spider-Man to start them.

Once you’ve started a mission, you’re not allowed to switch at will any longer. At key points in the mission, you may be switched to a different character, and the two Spider-Men often help each other in combat. Nevertheless, the experience is far more orchestrated and you’ll have no choice regarding which Spider-Man to use during most missions.

Miles Morales and Peter Parker close up in Spider-Man 2.
Screenshot by Destructoid

Can you play as only one character in Spider-Man 2 (PS5)?

If you hate Miles or Peter, you’ll unfortunately not be able to avoid either one entirely. Miles and Peter have separate storylines. However, their narratives intertwine and you’ll have to complete both Miles and Peter’s missions if you want to progress the plot.

Unlike games such as Resident Evil 2, the two protagonists do not have entirely separate campaigns that can be completed one at a time. It’s a singular experience that is contingent on both Miles and Peter’s actions.

Miles Morales using cellphone in Spider-Man 2.
Screenshot by Destructoid.

Differences between Peter and Miles in Spider-Man 2 (PS5)

On the surface, the two Spider-Men are quite alike as they both use spider webs, have superstrength, and utilize their spider senses to detect danger. Despite this, there are key differences between the two superheroes.

Peter is your classic Spider-Man who has all the abilities you typically associate with the crime-fighter. In the sequel, he gains a few new gadgets to help him out, including mechanical spider arms that help him deal with hordes of enemies.

Miles is a little different, as he can utilize electricity as a weapon, to manipulate electronics, and move fast. He is also a master of camouflage, making it very fun to go the stealth route when playing as Miles.

They have separate skill trees and suits to unlock, so make sure you pay attention to both Spider-Men when deciding how you’ll spend your skill points and resources. The heroes also have different Abilities you can unlock to give them an edge in combat.

As you can see, you do have some freedom regarding character-switching in Spider-Man 2. However, there are a lot of barriers that have been placed to help tell a coherent story. Thanks to the separate skill trees and missions, you’ll always have a reason to switch between the heroes.


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Image of Smangaliso Simelane
Smangaliso Simelane
Staff Writer - Smangaliso Simelane is a writer with a passion for all things related to video games. He has been writing about video games since 2020.