Spider-Man: A History of Every Costume in the PS4 Game | Gaming News
Spidey has a suit for every occasion.
Insomniac's Spider-Man game does a great job of putting players in the web-swinging shoes of Peter Parker as he swings through the skyscrapers of Manhattan. It doesn't hurt that players are always dressed for the part. Spider-Man features 28 costume choices, most of which are based directly on iconic Spider-Man comics and movies from years past.
Check out our slideshow or scroll down to get a closer look at every single costume in the game and learn more about their history and ties to the comics.
The Advanced Suit
First Appearance: Marvel's Spider-Man (2018)
The Advanced costume is Spidey's default suit for the majority of the adventure, and one of the only costumes created by Insoniac's artists specifically for the game. While reminiscent of Spidey's classic costume, it sets itself apart with a prominent white spider emblem and other embellishments. Thanks to creator Otto Octavius, this suit also includes a wealth of technological upgrades that make Spidey's hectic job a little bit easier.
Trivia: This costume will make its Marvel Comics debut this fall when Insomniac's Spider-Man takes part in the multiverse-spanning Spider-Geddon crossover.
The Classic Suit
First Appearance: Amazing Fantasy #15 (1962)
Insomniac's Spider-Man starts out wearing a more traditional version of his iconic costume. Legendary Marvel artist Steve Ditko first designed this suit way back in 1962, and it's a look that's changed remarkably little over the years.
Trivia: It wasn't until 1984's Secret Wars #8 that Spider-Man finally retired his classic red and blues for a new costume.
The Battle-Damaged Classic Suit
First Appearance: n/a
It's not long before Spider-Man's classic suit gets torn to shreds in the game, necessitating his switch to the Advanced costume. This costume isn't inspired by any particular Marvel story, but Spidey does have a habit of wrecking his clothes when going up against powerful enemies like Green Goblin, Juggernaut and Morlun.
Trivia: Spider-Man's classic costume was made from traditional spandex, but he's developed a series of stronger, more durable suits to help protect him during particularly dangerous missions.
Spider-Man 2099
First Appearance: Amazing Spider-Man #365 (1992)
In the year 2099, a new hero named Miguel O'Hara stepped up to fill the void left by Peter Parker. This costume was designed by artist Rick Leonardi , and many fans still regard it as one of the best updates to the classic Spider-Man look. Thanks to the futuristic technology of his era, Miguel's costume has all sorts of added benefits, including being constructed of near-indestructible “unstable molecules” and an air foil cloak that allows him to glide.
Trivia: Miguel became the first Latino character (but not the last) to take up the mantle of Spider-Man.
Spider-Man 2099 (White Version)
First Appearance: Spider-Man 2099 Vol. 3 #1 (2015)
Despite the enduring popularity of Spider-Man 2099's costume, Marvel elected to give Miguel O'Hara a new look (courtesy of artist Kris Anka) for his third ongoing series. The new costume came as a result of Miguel being stranded in the present-day Marvel Universe. Luckily for him, Peter Parker (who at the time was in charge of a multinational corporation called Parker Industries) stepped up to provide Miguel with a new suit featuring the most advanced technology 2015 had to offer. Hey, it's better than nothing.
Trivia: Miguel did eventually make it back to the year 2099 at the end of the series, though he temporarily died in the process.
The Anti-Ock Armor
First Appearance: Marvel's Spider-Man (2018)
Doctor Octopus has always proven to be one of Spider-Man's most difficult foes. Even the proportionate strength and speed of a spider is no match for four super-strong tentacles that can move faster than the speed of thought. The climax of the game introduces the “Anti-Ock” armor, a suit specially designed to counter Otto's new toys. This is another costume created specifically by Insomniac's artists.
Trivia: Ironically, Doctor Octopus became Spider-Man when he transferred his brain into the body of Peter Parker in a series called Superior Spider-Man.
The Big Time Stealth Suit
First Appearance: Amazing Spider-Man #650 (2010)
Peter Parker began working for Horizon Labs in a 2010 storyline called “Big Time.” With access to new resources he never had as a struggling photographer, Peter was able to design a new series of costumes designed to specifically counter the abilities of his enemies. One of them was this stealth suit, designed by artist Humberto Ramos. The ability to turn invisible proved to be a valuable addition to Peter's already impressive arsenal.
Trivia: Though not featured in the game, this suit also has the power to deflect sonic attacks. When that power is active, the suit's color changes from green to orange.
The Dark Suit
First Appearance: Spider-Man/Deadpool #8 (2016)
“Dark” is an apt term for this suit, as it debuted during a particularly nasty chapter in Spidey's career. In Spider-Man/Deadpool, Wade Wilson was hired to kill Peter Parker, not realizing that Peter also happened to be his buddy Spider-Man. Deadpool was eventually forced to retrieve Peter's soul from the afterlife and the clutches of Mephisto, paving the way for this sinister-looking costume designed by artist Ed McGuinness.
Trivia: Mephisto was previously responsible for eliminating Peter's marriage to Mary Jane
The Electrically Insulated Suit
First Appearance: Amazing Spider-Man #425 (1997)
Electro is a dangerous opponent, one who's come closer than most to killing Spider-Man over the years. This costume (designed by artist Steve Skroce) was the first of many attempts by Peter to counteract Max Dillon's electric powers. The heavy padding provides much-needed insulation, but Peter has had to steadily improve upon the original design in order to keep up over the years.
Trivia: Spidey teamed up with X-Man (a younger version of Cable from an alternate reality) the first and only time he wore this costume.
The ESU Costume
First Appearance: Marvel's Spider-Man (2018)
This costume was created specifically for the game and isn't based on a specific comic book storyline. It is, however, an acknowledgement of Peter's college years and his time as a student at Empire State University.
Trivia: Peter eventually went on to earn his doctorate, though he had his degree revoked after being accused of plagiarizing Doctor Octopus (long story).
The Fear Itself Suit
First Appearance: Fear Itself #7 (2011)
Many of Spidey's alternate costumes grant him new abilities, but only one truly grants him the power of a god. Artist Stuart Immonen designed this new suit, which is designed from the same enchanted metal that makes up Thor's hammer. Its primary weapon is a pair of blade-firing wrist gauntlets. Unfortunately, Spidey only got to use his new suit once before Odin had it destroyed.
Trivia: Along with Spider-Man, Ms. Marvel, Iron Fist, Doctor Strange, Iron Man, Red She-Hulk, Wolverine, Black Widow and Hawkeye all received Asgardian upgrades in Fear Itself.
The Homemade Suit
First Appearance: Captain America – Civil War (2016)
In many incarnations of the Spider-Man saga, Peter designs a rudimentary, homespun costume before developing the classic, sleek suit we know and love. This particular costume is modeled after the one seen in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In addition to protecting his secret identity, this crude costume helped Peter deal with the overload of sensory input created by his newfound powers.
Trivia: Marvel Studios had contingency plans for Captain America: Civil War in case their negotiations with Sony fell through and Spider-Man wasn't able to appear.
Iron Spider
First Appearance: Spider-Man – Homecoming (2017)
The MCU version of Spider-Man got a big upgrade in Infinity War. This Tony Stark-designed suit is far more durable than Spidey's usual suit and features a series of retractable arms similar to those of Doctor Octopus. The suit (designed by concept artist Ryan Meinerding) also features an updated color scheme that reflects Tony Stark's love of red and gold.
Trivia: In the comics, Spider-Man wore a similar suit in the 2006 crossover Civil War, though that costume was entirely red and gold.
Last Stand Spider-Man
First Appearance: Amazing Spider-Man Vol. 2 #58 (2003)
The Spider-Man of Earth-312500 is a much older and more pessimistic alternative to the traditional Peter Parker. That's reflected in his costume (designed by John Romita, Jr.), which is a more rugged and utilitarian take on the classic Spider-Man design.
Trivia: This version of Spider-Man was responsible for killing several of his long-time villains, including Kraven the Hunter and Doctor Octopus.
Spider-Armor Mark II
First Appearance: Amazing Spider-Man #656 (2011)
Spider-Sense is easily one of Peter Parker's most useful abilities, and the only reason he's still alive after all these years. So when his Spider-Sense temporarily shorted out, Peter was forced to design a new suit of armor to compensate for his diminished reflexes. This costume was designed by artist Marcos Martin.
Trivia: Peter also compensated for his lost Spider-Sense by training with Shang-Chi and developing a new form of martial arts called “Spider-Fu.”
Spider-Armor Mark III
First Appearance: Amazing Spider-Man #682 (2012)
This incarnation of the Spider-armor (designed by artist Stefano Caselli) came at the tail-end of Peter's career at Horizon Labs. His most advanced creation to date, this armor was designed to counteract the abilities of each member of the Sinister Six. It became a critical tool during a 2012 storyline called “Ends of the Earth,” as Doctor Octopus tired to rally the Six to help him destroy the world via global warming.
Trivia: One of this suit's unique tools is a heartbeat sensor that allows Spidey to detect Chameleon no matter what disguise he might be using.
Spider-Armor Mark IV
First Appearance: Amazing Spider-Man Vol. 4 #1 (2015)
For a brief period, Peter Parker was on top of the world when he opened his own company, Parker Industries, and became one of the most powerful business tycoons in the world. That allowed him to create a sleek new costume (designed by artist Alex Ross) made of liquid metal nano-tech. With an advanced HUD and access to drones and other high-tech gadgets, Spider-Man's reach extended farther than ever.
Trivia: This suit, along with Parker Industries as a whole, was destroyed during the events of 2017's Secret Empire.
Negative Spider-Man
First Appearance: Spider-Man #90 (1998)
Normally, the Negative Zone is part of the Fantastic Four's jurisdiction, but Spider-Man found himself traveling to this otherworldly dimension in order to save a group of stranded New Yorkers. In the process, his costume transformed from its usual red and blue color scheme to a distorted black and white look (one designed by artist John Romita, Jr.).
Trivia: Despite its name and appearance, this costume has no connection to the villain Mister Negative, as it predated his debut by about a decade.
Spider-Man Noir
First Appearance: Spider-Man Noir #1 (2009)
The Spider-Man of Earth-90214 is a very different character from his traditional counterpart. This world gives the Marvel Universe a dark, pulpy makeover. Accordingly, this Spider-Man (designed by artist Carmine Di Giandomenico) eschews brightly colored spandex in favor of a rugged grey suit. This is a Spider-Man who prefers to stick to the shadows, not unlike a certain Caped Crusader.
Trivia: This is one of the few Spider-Men in all the multiverse who wields guns in battle.
Scarlet Spider
First Appearance: Web of Spider-Man #118 (1994)
The Scarlet Spider is actually Ben Reilly, a clone of Peter Parker created by the Jackal. Ben's return kicked off the infamous Clone Saga storyline, as Peter and Ben alike struggled to figure out which of them was the original Spider-Man. This costume (designed by artist Tom Lyle) reflects Ben's status as a lonely, wandering hero with few resources.
Trivia: Though Ben Reilly's Scarlet Spider persona debuted in 1994, his very first appearance as a Peter Parker clone dates back to 1975's Amazing Spider-Man #149.
The Secret War Suit
First Appearance: Secret War #1 (2004)
In Secret War, Nick Fury recruited a group of heroes to travel to Latveria and attempt to overthrow its new ruler, Lucia von Bardas. Clandestine missions like that require clothing to match, so Spider-Man was given a stealthy new costume (designed by artist Gabrielle Dell'Otto) with only hints of his traditional webbed look.
Trivia: Other than Captain America (who has top-level SHIELD clearance), every hero who participated in Fury's mission had their memories of the mission wiped afterward.
Spider-Punk
First Appearance: Amazing Spider-Man Vol. 3 #10 (2014)
On Earth-138, Hobie Brown has taken up the mantle of Spider-Man rather than Peter Parker. His punk rock-influenced version of the classic Spider-Man costume (designed by artist Olivier Coipel) reflects the general tone of his universe. Hobie is a revolutionary leading the people of New York in revolution against President Osborn's oppressive regime.
Trivia: Spider-Punk briefly served as one of the Web Warriors, a team of Spider-heroes tasked with defending the Marvel multiverse.
Spirit Spider
First Appearance: Amazing Spider-Man Annual #38 (2011)
Earth-11638's Spider-Man is a version of Peter Parker who didn't learn the lesson about power and responsibility until much too late. It was only after his death that he was given a second chance to be a true hero, becoming an avenging spirit and rising from the grave. This character design (from artist Lee Garbett) combines the classic Spider-man look with a healthy dose of Ghost Rider.
Trivia: This character was known as Ghost Spider in the comics, but that codename now belongs to the Gwen Stacy of the Spider-Gwen universe.
The Stark Suit
First Appearance: Captain America – Civil War (2016)
The MCU broke with Spider-Man movie tradition by having Tony Stark be the designer of Peter Parker's regular Spider-Man suit. While modeled closely after the classic costume, this suit features a few added black elements and a wealth of new gadgets to help Peter in his day-to-day life as Queens' Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man.
Trivia: Roughly 1500 actors were considered before Marvel Studios finally chose Tom Holland to play the MCU's Peter Parker.
Spider-Undies
First Appearance: Marvel's Spider-Man (2018)
This costume isn't based on any particular Spider-Man story. It's more a humorous alternative to the game's many comic-accurate costumes. That said, Peter is no stranger to superhero wardrobe malfunctions. It's part of dealing with the dreaded Parker Luck day after day.
Trivia: Some of Peter's more advanced costumes, such as the Iron Spider armor and the Symbiote costume, can mimic civilian clothing when needed.
The Velocity Armor
First Appearance: Marvel's Spider-Man (2018)
This slick-looking armor (designed by artist Adi Granov) is another of the major suits designed specifically for the Insomniac game. As the name suggests, this suit boosts Spidey's speed and allows him to use his momentum as a weapon.
Trivia: Granov also helped design the Mark III armor in 2008's Iron Man.
Vintage Spider-Man
First Appearance: Amazing Spider-Man #15 (1962)
Technically, this comics-inspired costume is the same as the Classic Suit, albeit with a much different sense of style. The cel-shaded approach to this costume aims to replicate the feel of old-school Spider-Man comics and the work of seminal artists like Steve Ditko and John Romita, Sr.
Trivia: Early on in the character's development, Spider-Man's origin story was intended to center around a magic ring rather than a radioactive spider.
Wrestler Spider-Man
First Appearance: Ultimate Spider-Man #3 (2000)
In many versions of the Spider-Man mythos, Peter Parker has a short-lived career as an professional wrestler before the murder of Uncle Ben overturns his world. His crude wrestling outfit is constructed from random articles of clothing, offering a hint of the superhero costume Peter will eventually don. The wrestler costume in the game is specifically modeled after the one designed by artist Mark Bagley in Ultimate Spider-Man.
Trivia: The Peter Parker of Ultimate Spider-Man was eventually killed off, paving the way for Miles Morales to take his place.
For more on the characters that appear (and are hinted at) in the game, check out our growing list of Easter eggs in Spider-Man on PS4.
Jesse is a mild-mannered writer for Tech. Allow him to lend a machete to your intellectual thicket by following @jschedeen on Twitter, or Kicksplode on MyIGN.