Among the many captivating aspects of Marvel's Spider-Man 2 is the much-improved fast-travel feature. This revolutionary element, coupled with the PlayStation 5's ultra-fast SSD, will undoubtedly enhance the gaming experience and allow for more efficient crime-fighting than ever before. This unique aspect of gameplay allows players to harness the abilities of two protagonists, Peter Parker, and Miles Morales, and leap across the sprawling map of New York City and Brooklyn at a moment's notice.

Why Choose Fast Travel?

Fast travel becomes increasingly valuable as players delve deeper into the game, unlocking new missions and collectibles scattered across the city's boroughs. Of course, swinging over the bay to retrieve a rogue spider-bot is an option but doesn't it make more sense to fight crime strategically, utilizing resources and saving time? Fast travel in this sequel works more dynamically than in the original game. When a location is selected on the map, Peter Parker immediately zips to the designated spot, making navigation quicker and smoother.

Unlocking Fast Travel Across New York

But how do you get access to this coveted feature? Firstly, it’s not immediately available; each district must be unlocked separately to use fast travel in that region. For instance, if you unlock fast travel in the Financial District, the feature won’t automatically extend to Central Park. Therefore, in pursuit of full completion across each district, players should anticipate a reasonable grind over time.

The Fast Travel Grind: Not As Daunting As You Think

The thought of grinding to unlock fast travel might seem overwhelming, but the process isn't as demanding as one might assume. Each district comes with a reputation gauge that you can elevate by successfully completing collectibles and side missions. Although tackling prevalent city crimes such as hijackings or robbery attempts doesn't factor into this grind, they offer a useful bonus of experience points.

How to Fast Travel Efficiently

After a borough's reputation has advanced to the second node, fast travel is permanently activated for both Spider-Man counterparts. To fast travel, simply open the Map from the main inventory screen, select the desired location, hold the triangle button for two seconds, and voilà! Spider-Man will rapidly materialize at your chosen destination, ready for action.

Discovering Side Activities on Map

Most secondary missions in Marvel's Spider-Man 2 automatically pop up on the map, while others like Mysterio's Mysteriums or Prowler Stashes, can be discerned from afar by their digital beacons. Some collectibles, such as Spider-Bots or tech part stashes, only become noticeable when approached closely. Regardless, with the PlayStation 5’s nearly instantaneous fast travel and some effort on behaving like a good neighbor, the beloved superhero is never far from where he needs to be.