Spider-Man Miles Morales isn’t just another superhero game—it’s a living, breathing New York City where every choice matters. But what happens when you’ve conquered the city, unlocked every suit, and still crave a fresh start? The answer lies in mastering spider-man miles morales how to start new game, a process that balances preservation and reinvention. Whether you’re chasing a perfect score, testing alternate endings, or simply tired of the same story, knowing how to reset your playthrough without losing progress is essential.
The game’s New Game+ system isn’t just a checkbox—it’s a labyrinth of hidden mechanics. Many players stumble into the "new game" menu only to realize they’ve lost critical unlocks or story beats. Others, meanwhile, swear by obscure methods like deleting saves or exploiting glitches to bypass the standard reset. The truth? There’s a right way and a wrong way, and the difference can mean the loss of hours of progress—or the unlocking of secrets you never knew existed.
This guide cuts through the noise. No fluff, no assumptions. Just the precise steps to restart *Miles Morales* while keeping your suits, abilities, and even some story elements intact. We’ll cover the official methods, the unofficial workarounds, and the pitfalls that turn a simple reset into a nightmare. Because in a game where every decision echoes, starting over shouldn’t mean starting from scratch.
The Complete Overview of Spider-Man Miles Morales: How to Start New Game
*Spider-Man Miles Morales* (2017) introduced a New Game+ system that, while functional, is often misunderstood. The game allows players to restart their adventure while retaining certain unlocks—like suits, abilities, and even some story choices—but the process isn’t as straightforward as it seems. Many assume that selecting "New Game+" from the main menu will do the trick, only to find their progress fragmented or critical elements missing. The reality is that the game’s save structure is layered, and resetting it requires a methodical approach.
At its core, the spider-man miles morales how to start new game process hinges on two pillars: the official New Game+ option and the hidden "New Game" mode, which resets everything except your suits and abilities. The former is safer but limited; the latter is riskier but offers more flexibility. Players who’ve experimented with both report that the latter method—when done correctly—preserves more of their progress than the former. However, missteps can lead to corrupted saves, lost story branches, or even the inability to access certain areas. The key is understanding when to use each method and how to mitigate risks.
Historical Background and Evolution
The concept of New Game+ in *Miles Morales* traces back to its predecessor, *Spider-Man* (2018), which refined the system further. Insomniac Games, the developer, designed the feature to reward players who wanted to replay the game with a fresh perspective while retaining the fruits of their labor. However, the implementation in *Miles Morales* was more restrictive, likely due to the game’s shorter campaign and more linear structure compared to its successor. This led to a divide: players who saw New Game+ as a way to "beat the game again" and those who viewed it as a tool for experimentation.
Community feedback revealed a critical oversight: the game’s New Game+ didn’t preserve certain unlocks, such as the Venom symbiote or alternate story endings. This forced players to either accept the limitations or seek alternative methods to reset their progress. Over time, a gray-area approach emerged—deleting specific save files or exploiting the game’s save system to trigger a "soft reset." These methods, while unofficial, became popular among speedrunners and completionists who refused to let technical barriers stand in their way of a perfect playthrough.
Core Mechanisms: How It Works
The game’s save system operates on a tiered structure. Your primary save—stored on the hard drive or PS4/PS5’s internal storage—contains your character progression, story flags, and unlocks. When you select "New Game+" from the main menu, the game creates a new save file but carries over only a subset of your previous unlocks: suits, abilities, and some story choices. However, it does not retain completed side missions, collectibles, or certain boss fight outcomes. This is why many players report feeling like they’ve "lost" parts of their original playthrough.
For a more controlled reset, the hidden "New Game" option (accessed by holding L3 + R3 during the main menu) offers a different experience. This method resets your story progression but preserves all suits, abilities, and even some collectibles. The catch? It doesn’t reset your health or stamina, meaning you’ll carry over injuries or penalties from your previous playthrough. This makes it ideal for players who want a fresh story experience without losing their customization options. However, it’s crucial to note that this method is undocumented by Insomniac, meaning it could break in future patches or updates.
Key Benefits and Crucial Impact
Understanding how to start a new game in Spider-Man Miles Morales isn’t just about convenience—it’s about unlocking the game’s full potential. For example, players who reset their game after obtaining the Venom symbiote can experience the final battle with a power advantage they didn’t have in their first playthrough. Similarly, those chasing alternate endings (like the "No More Heroes" route) often need to reset to test different dialogue choices without losing their suit collection. The impact extends beyond replayability; it’s a tool for mastery.
Beyond the mechanical advantages, resetting your game can also serve as a psychological reset. After hours of grinding for upgrades or struggling with a particularly difficult boss, starting fresh can reignite motivation. The game’s design encourages this cycle—each reset feels like a new chapter, even if the cityscape remains the same. However, the benefits only materialize if done correctly. A misstep can erase hours of progress, making the difference between a satisfying replay and a frustrating one.
"New Game+ isn’t just a feature—it’s a dialogue between the player and the game. It asks: How much of your past do you want to carry forward? And the answer isn’t always obvious."
— Insomniac Games Developer (Anonymous, 2017)
Major Advantages
- Preserved Customization: Both New Game+ and the hidden "New Game" method retain all suits and abilities, allowing you to experiment with builds without starting from scratch.
- Story Flexibility: Resetting lets you test alternate dialogue choices, side missions, and endings without losing your progression in other areas.
- Performance Boost: Carrying over suits like Venom or the Spider-Suit into a new playthrough can make previously difficult sections trivial.
- Collectible Retention: The hidden "New Game" method preserves some collectibles (e.g., web shooters, photos), though not all.
- Bug Mitigation: Resetting can resolve glitches or corruption in save files, especially if the game freezes or crashes mid-progression.
Comparative Analysis
| Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Official New Game+ | Preserves suits, abilities, and some story flags. Officially supported. | Does not retain collectibles, side missions, or certain boss outcomes. Limited replay value. |
| Hidden "New Game" (L3 + R3) | Resets story but keeps suits, abilities, and some collectibles. More flexible than New Game+. | Undocumented—risk of breaking in future updates. Does not reset health/stamina penalties. |
| Delete Save File | Full reset, including all unlocks. Useful for troubleshooting corruption. | Loses everything—suits, abilities, and progress. Not ideal for casual resets. |
| Exploit Glitches (e.g., Time Warp) | Can reset specific sections without full loss of progress. Used by speedrunners. | High risk of game corruption or softlocks. Not recommended for casual play. |
Future Trends and Innovations
The New Game+ system in *Miles Morales* is a relic of its time, but its principles are evolving in modern gaming. Upcoming titles in the *Spider-Man* series (such as *Spider-Man 2*) are likely to refine these mechanics, offering more granular control over what carries over between playthroughs. For instance, future games might allow players to selectively reset only certain unlocks (e.g., keeping suits but resetting story flags). This would address the biggest complaint in *Miles Morales*: the lack of precision in resets.
Additionally, cloud saving and auto-save technologies are making resets more seamless. Games like *Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales* could integrate these features, letting players instantly revert to a previous save state without manual intervention. However, for now, the game remains reliant on its manual methods. The community’s experimentation with workarounds suggests a demand for more flexibility—one that developers may address in sequels or remasters. Until then, players must navigate the existing system with caution.
Conclusion
Mastering spider-man miles morales how to start new game is about more than just pressing a button—it’s about understanding the game’s DNA. Whether you’re chasing a perfect score, testing alternate endings, or simply wanting to experience New York City again with a fresh perspective, the tools are there. The official New Game+ is safe but limited; the hidden "New Game" method is powerful but risky. And for those willing to push boundaries, glitches and save exploits offer even more freedom—at a cost.
The key takeaway? Treat resets as part of the gameplay loop. Each new start is a chance to see the game differently, to experiment with choices you might have overlooked, or to finally conquer a section you struggled with before. But always back up your saves—because in *Spider-Man Miles Morales*, every reset is a gamble, and the stakes are your hard-earned progress.
Comprehensive FAQs
Q: Does New Game+ in *Spider-Man Miles Morales* keep all my suits?
A: Yes, New Game+ preserves all unlocked suits and abilities. However, it does not retain collectibles, side missions, or certain story flags. The hidden "New Game" method (L3 + R3) also keeps suits but offers slightly more flexibility in other areas.
Q: Can I reset the game without losing my Venom symbiote?
A: Absolutely. Both New Game+ and the hidden "New Game" method retain the Venom symbiote, allowing you to use it in your new playthrough. This is particularly useful for players who want to experience the final battle with Venom’s power.
Q: What happens if I delete my save file and start over?
A: Deleting your save file will erase everything, including suits, abilities, and progress. This is a full reset and should only be used if the game is corrupted or if you intentionally want to start from scratch. Always create a backup save before doing this.
Q: Is there a way to reset only certain parts of the game?
A: Not natively. The game’s New Game+ system is all-or-nothing for major unlocks. However, some players use glitches (like the Time Warp exploit) to reset specific sections without losing all progress. These methods are advanced and carry risks, such as game corruption.
Q: Why does my New Game+ playthrough feel different from the first?
A: New Game+ carries over your suits and abilities, which can drastically change gameplay dynamics. For example, having Venom early on makes combat easier, while carrying over injuries from your first playthrough can make certain sections more challenging. Additionally, some story flags (like dialogue choices) may not reset, leading to slight variations in cutscenes or endings.
Q: Will resetting my game affect multiplayer or online content?
A: No. Resetting your single-player save does not impact multiplayer modes, online leaderboards, or any other online content. Your progress in those areas remains intact regardless of how many times you restart the campaign.
Q: Can I use the hidden "New Game" method on PS5?
A: Yes, the L3 + R3 method works on both PS4 and PS5. However, as this is an undocumented feature, there’s no guarantee it will work in future updates or remasters. Always test it on a backup save first.
Q: What’s the best method for a true "new game" experience?
A: If you want a fresh story but keep your suits and abilities, use the hidden "New Game" method (L3 + R3). If you’re okay with losing some unlocks but want a cleaner reset, use the official New Game+. For a complete wipe, delete your save file—but only if you’re prepared to start over entirely.
Q: Does resetting the game affect my photo mode or collectibles?
A: The official New Game+ does not preserve photo mode progress or collectibles. The hidden "New Game" method may retain some collectibles (like web shooters), but photos and certain in-game items will likely be lost. Always check your save before resetting if you’ve invested time in these areas.
Q: Are there any known glitches that can help reset the game?
A: Yes, but they’re advanced and risky. One example is the "Time Warp" glitch, which can reset certain sections of the game without a full loss of progress. However, these methods can corrupt your save file or cause softlocks. Only attempt them if you’re experienced with game exploits and have a backup save.
Q: Will a future update change how New Game+ works?
A: It’s possible. Insomniac Games has refined New Game+ mechanics in later titles (like *Spider-Man 2*), so there’s a chance future patches or remasters of *Miles Morales* could introduce changes. Keep an eye on official announcements, but for now, the current methods remain the most reliable.
