Marvel’s Spider-Man: Full Story and Side Mission Walkthrough

20 September 2025

Marvel’s Spider-Man is one of the best superhero games ever made, period. Released by Insomniac Games, this PlayStation-exclusive title swings players into a stunning and immersive world where they can live out their web-slinging dreams as Peter Parker, a.k.a. Spider-Man. Whether you’re here to unravel the thrilling story or gain tips on tackling those addictive side missions, this walkthrough will have you covered like Spider-Man’s iconic mask. Let’s dive right in, shall we?

The Main Story: A Tale of Power, Responsibility, and Chaos

If there’s one thing Spider-Man’s story excels at, it’s blending heartfelt moments with epic battles. The game’s narrative takes place eight years into Peter Parker’s career as Spider-Man. He’s no longer the rookie crimefighter we know from his origin story—he’s a seasoned superhero juggling his double life like a professional acrobat. But of course, his life is never simple. Things start off relatively normal (you know, fighting Wilson Fisk, aka Kingpin), but quickly spiral into chaos.

The Beginning: Taking Down the Kingpin

The game opens with a bang—or rather, a web-slinging masterclass. Spider-Man takes down Wilson Fisk in a jaw-dropping sequence that sets the tone for the rest of the game. But this isn't your typical happy-ending moment because Fisk's absence creates a power vacuum in New York City's criminal underworld. Chaos ensues as new villains rise to take his place.

And guess what? It’s your job to clean up the mess.

Enter Mister Negative

Things get real when Martin Li, aka Mister Negative, steps into the spotlight. At face value, he’s a philanthropic businessman running a charity called F.E.A.S.T. with Aunt May. But behind the scenes? He’s leading a group called the Demons, wreaking havoc all over the city. The dynamic between Peter and Martin is fascinating, especially as Peter begins to uncover the duality of his foe's life.

The Sinister Six Assemble

As you progress, other familiar villains join the fray, including Rhino, Electro, Vulture, and Scorpion. In true Spider-Man fashion, these villains don’t just show up randomly—they’re part of Doctor Octavius’ nefarious plan. Yep, good ol’ Doc Ock goes from being Peter’s mentor to his ultimate nemesis in one of the most heartbreaking arcs in the game.

The game’s story is emotional, action-packed, and full of twists and turns—and that final showdown with Doc Ock? Let’s just say it’s one for the history books.

Side Missions: More Than Just Busywork

Spider-Man's main story might be the heart of the game, but the side missions are its soul. These aren’t just filler content—they flesh out the world, give you more to do, and reward you with cool upgrades or gear. Let’s break down some of the most memorable ones:

1. The Black Cat Missions

You’ll encounter Felicia Hardy, aka Black Cat, throughout the city. Her missions involve locating her hidden stash of loot scattered across New York. This side quest isn’t just about collectibles, though—it builds tension between Peter and Felicia in hilarious and flirtatious ways. Think of it as the cat-and-mouse game you didn’t know you needed.

2. Tombstone’s Drug Operation

Tombstone, the unkillable biker gang leader, runs a lucrative drug operation in the city. Your objective? Shut it down, of course. This series of missions culminates in an intense battle against Tombstone, and let me tell you, it’s no walk in the park. It's worth it, though, because these missions give a good dose of gritty storytelling.

3. Taskmaster Challenges

If you’re someone who loves challenges, Taskmaster’s missions will feel like a playground for your skills. From stealth takedowns to web-slinging time trials, these missions push you to become the best Spider-Man you can be. Plus, Taskmaster himself is a hilarious and menacing foe, constantly taunting you with his photographic reflexes.

4. Research Stations

Harry Osborn’s research stations are scattered across the map and are super fun to complete. These science-based mini-games give you an excuse to swing around and learn about the environment while also rewarding you with handy tokens. Also, they’re a cute nod to Peter’s nerdy side.

5. Street Crimes

While the larger side quests are great, even the smaller street crimes deserve a shoutout. Whether it’s stopping a mugging or chasing down a runaway car, these dynamic events make New York City feel alive. They’re the perfect excuse to test out your combat skills when you’re just aimlessly web-swinging.

Pro Tips for Crushing Missions and Collectibles

Here’s the deal: while Spider-Man’s gameplay is incredibly intuitive, you’ll want to keep a few tips in mind to dominate both the story and side missions.

Upgrade Wisely

There are three skill trees in the game: Innovator, Defender, and Webslinger. Focus on Webslinger first to enhance your mobility. Trust me, being able to swing faster or yank enemies into the air will make your life way easier during fights.

Use Gadgets Strategically

Spider-Man’s gadgets aren’t just there for show—they’re lifesavers. Whether it’s the Web Bomb for crowd control or the Trip Mine for sneaky takedowns, gadgets can turn the tide of any battle.

Don’t Ignore Collectibles

The city is packed with backpacks, landmarks, and other collectibles. Not only are they a blast to find, but they also unlock cool costumes and give insights into Peter’s backstory. (Seriously, have you seen the Spider-Punk suit? It’s ridiculously cool.)

Master Dodging

If there’s one thing you should practice, it’s the dodge button. You might think button-mashing will get you through fights, but trust me, some of the later battles demand precision. Always watch for that iconic Spidey-Sense!

Why This Game Is a Love Letter to Fans

What truly sets Marvel’s Spider-Man apart is how much love Insomniac poured into every pixel. From the breathtaking visuals of New York City to the detailed character interactions, the game feels like stepping into a comic book. Even if you’re not a hardcore Spider-Man fan, you’ll appreciate the storytelling, gameplay, and sheer fun of swinging through Manhattan.

The game also nails Peter Parker’s personality—his quips, his struggles, his relationships. Playing as Spider-Man isn’t just about beating up bad guys; it’s about wearing the mask and dealing with what it means to be a hero. That’s what makes this game so special.

Wrapping It Up

Marvel’s Spider-Man is more than just a game—it’s an experience. Whether you’re diving into the thrilling main story or tackling those addictive side missions, there’s no shortage of things to do. The game is a perfect blend of action, storytelling, and exploration. Every swing through the city, every battle, every heartfelt moment—it all reminds us why Spider-Man is such an iconic hero.

So, grab your controller, zip up your virtual Spidey suit, and get ready to save New York City. Who knows—maybe you’ll even stop to take a selfie in front of the Avengers Tower while you’re at it. After all, you’re Spider-Man, and this is your city to protect.