Spelunky 2 guide: How to find the Black Market

As was the case in the original, Spelunky 2 has a secret Black Market just waiting for you to find. And if you played the original game, you probably know just where to look. But if you’re new to the world of Spelunky, allow us to enlighten you on how to find the Black Market.

Level 1 and the Gold Key

The first thing you’re going to need is the Gold Key. The Key will be in either level 1-2 or 1-3, but it may be off the beaten path a bit (and may require a bomb or rope to access). It’s always in one of these levels, though, so keep an eye out.

Once you have the key in-hand, bring it to the cave entrance pictured below.

Image: Mossmouth/Blitworks via Polygon

Inside that cave, you’ll find a chest containing the Udjat Eye, an item that first appeared in the original Spelunky. The eye works the same way here, allowing you to see gems and items hiding in walls. But it serves other purposes as well.

Once you have the Udjat Eye, you can proceed to the next area, taking the exit on the left side of 1-4 to enter the Jungle.

In the Jungle

When you’re in the Jungle, pay attention to the Udjat Eye icon on the top right of your screen. Under normal circumstances, it looks closed like this:

Image: Mossmouth/Blitworks via Polygon

As you explore the Jungle, however, watch the eye icon and listen carefully. The Black Market can show up in either level 2-2, 2-3, or 2-4. If the Udjat Eye icon opens and chirps once at the start of the level, as you can see in the image below, you know that level contains the Black Market.

Image: Mossmouth/Blitworks via Polygon

When you see the Udjat Eye open once at the start of the level, start hunting carefully. As you start getting closer to the secret entrance to the Black Market, the eye will start chirping and opening more frequently.

Keep moving around the blocks until the Udjat Eye is chirping multiple times per second. Once that happens, you know you’re right on top of the entrance and it’s time to start bombing. It’ll look like this:

It’s entirely possible that the Black Market can spawn in a place that requires Sticky Bombs to blow up, so it’s a good idea to kill any giant spiders you see, as they’ll always drop the Glue needed to make your bombs sticky.

Once you’ve found the right spot and you’re able to place your bomb, the entrance should reveal itself. It’s just a small, unassuming cave, but inside is true majesty.

Image: Mossmouth / Blitworks via Polygon

You’ll find a ton of shops in here, filled with goods to help you on your journey through Spelunky 2. And yeah, you can also try to rob them, but that’s obviously a hairy prospect, so you’ve been warned.

You may also spot a big ticket, very expensive item somewhere in here with a mysterious purpose. What does it do? We’ll let you figure that one out on your own.