Here's How to Swing Like a Pro in "Spider-Man" on PS4

Swinging is easy but swinging in style? Let us help you.

If you've had the pleasure of playing Spider-Man on PlayStation 4, you'll know that the best thing besides finger-pistoling your way around is probably the swinging.

Even though I can't exactly talk from experience, flinging and swinging Spidey's body around Manhattan feels pretty realistic, in a fun way. But with great realism comes great difficulty, and while the game helps make swinging pretty seamless, there's always room for improvement.

We're here to help you graduate from high school Peter Parker to crime-fighting arachnid, Spider-Man.

Please help me. (Beginners)

Let's start with the total basics (even if the game forces you to learn them at the start). To start swinging, you just have to be airbourne (a simple jump with X is sufficient) and then hold down R2.

To start the next swing, let go of R2 and then hold it down again. Obviously, with all the buildings in the way, you're going to need to turn so use your left joystick to steer around any structures that get in your way.

That's basically it.

I'm getting the hang of it. (Intermediate)

Now that you understand how to move by swinging, let's take it a step further and find out how to do it well. 

Just like a swing set, Spidey's swings work best if you let go of them when they have the most momentum.

If you let go of the swing (remember, R2) at the peak of the swing (AKA the end), you're going to keep going in that direction until gravity pulls you back down. That means very high jumps.

If, instead, you let go of your swing just after you reach the lowest part (the middle), you'll keep going in a straight direction at a fast rate. That means long and low jumps.

To increase the trajectory of any of your swing releases, press X as soon as you release R2 and end your swing. This will give your Spidey jump maximum range.

Finally, if you've done one of those really high jumps, push down on L3 (left joystick) and you'll do a speedy dive. Increased speed means longer swing. You're welcome.

Skill level: Boss. (Advanced)

Once you've mastered the motion, it's time to take it to the next level: Upgrades. 

While swinging is still a blast without any upgrades, there are a few that can really change your whole game in crucial moments.

First, there's a nice little upgrade to your Point Launch. You can see it in action by launching onto a point with both L2 and R2 and then timing it so you press X as soon as you arrive at the point. If timed correctly, you'll see Spidey launch Superman-style into the NYC skies.

Another practical upgrade is the Quick Zip, which allows you to web zip twice without losing altitude. This will definitely help if you're trying to catch a speedy ground enemy and don't have time to swing around buildings.

Finally, if you want to do some pretty cool tricks while swinging and jumping, there's an upgrade for that too. Best saved for later in the game after you've upgraded all the important stuff, choose the Air Tricks upgrade to do some tasty cannonballs (and earn some extra XP).

Happy swinging, neighbourhood Spider-People!

Spider-Man is available now on PlayStation 4. You can grab it in stores or on the PlayStation store.

Header Image: Insomniac Games