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Spelunky

Review · Indie · PlayStation 3 · Xbox 360 · PC

Spelunky

Reviewed: 30 Apr 2026

PlayStation 3 · Xbox 360 · PC · PlayStation 4 · PS Vita

Mossmouth · 2012

Ludograph rating

A

Recommended

68 /100

Automated review

Spelunky is an indie platformer that develops problem solving and strategic thinking through challenging, procedurally generated levels.

06010030Benefit →Low risk →B 56 · R 15
The Ludograph reading, plotted from the published benefit and risk sub-scores.

Growth (BDS)

56

Risk (RIS)

15

Daily limit

120min

Age guidance

13+

Developmental benefits

B1Cognitive
0.72
B2Social-emotional
0.17
B3Motor
0.75

Spelunky offers significant cognitive benefits through its randomly generated levels that demand constant problem-solving, strategic thinking, and adaptive learning. Players will hone their spatial awareness and critical thinking skills while navigating complex environments and managing resources. The game also provides strong motor skill development with its precise platforming and action mechanics.

Design risks

R1Compulsion-loop pressure
0.33
R2Monetization
0.00
R3Social risk
0.00

The primary risks in Spelunky are related to its roguelike nature, which can lead to frustration due to frequent deaths and loss of progress, potentially requiring emotional regulation. While not overtly manipulative, the variable rewards from random generation can create a strong desire for 'just one more run.' Content-wise, the game features moderate cartoon violence and mild language, consistent with its T rating.

Content (not in risk score)

R4.1Violence Level
0.67
R4.2Sexual Content
0.00
R4.3Language
0.33
R4.4Substance References
0.00
R4.5Fear / Horror
0.33

Content risk is displayed separately and does not affect the time recommendation.

Regulatory design checks · DSA — Assessed: meets criteria·GDPR-K — Assessed: meets criteria·ODDS — Assessed: meets criteria

  • DSA:What Ludograph checks: whether the game's design gives minors the transparency the EU Digital Services Act expects: plain terms, honest defaults, and clear reporting routes.: Estimated from review data. No dark pattern or child-targeting concerns found.
  • GDPR-K:What Ludograph checks: whether age assurance and consent flows are designed for under-16s, in the spirit of GDPR Article 8.: Estimated from review data. No privacy or child-targeting concerns found.
  • ODDS:What Ludograph checks: whether paid random-reward drop rates are disclosed, as required in China, Japan and South Korea.: Estimated from review data. No paid random-reward mechanics found, so drop-rate disclosure requirements do not apply.

These reflect Ludograph's assessment of the game's design practices against each framework's criteria, not a legal compliance determination.

Avg playtime~3 hReviewedApr 2026Report a data error →How scores are calculated →

Parents ask…

Is Spelunky safe for kids?

Ludograph gives Spelunky a rating of 68/100, recommended for ages 13 and up. It scores well on developmental benefits with manageable risks.

What age is Spelunky appropriate for?

Ludograph's rubric recommends a minimum age of 13+ for Spelunky, based on benefits, risks, and content review.

How long should kids play Spelunky?

Our session recommendation for Spelunky is up to 120 minutes per day. It is derived from the game's own structure (natural stopping points, compulsion-loop design, monetization pressure, and social dynamics), not from a universal screen-time dose.

Session recommendations are design-based heuristics. Evidence linking specific daily durations to child outcomes is limited, and context matters as much as time; treat this as a starting point for household rules, not a clinical threshold.

What are the main risks of Spelunky?

The primary risks in Spelunky are related to its roguelike nature, which can lead to frustration due to frequent deaths and loss of progress, potentially requiring emotional regulation. While not overtly manipulative, the variable rewards from random generation can create a strong desire for 'just one more run.' Content-wise, the game features moderate cartoon violence and mild language, consisten