Knack 2 is a third-person action-platformer developed by SIE Japan Studio and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment exclusively for the PlayStation 4.
Released on September 5, 2017, the game picks up a year after the events of the original Knack, with the titular hero and his human sidekick, Lucas, facing a new threat: an army of ancient robots unleashed by a High Goblin faction.
The narrative, while straightforward and reminiscent of a Saturday morning cartoon, provides a functional backdrop for the game’s primary focus: its gameplay.
At its heart, Knack 2 is a “beat ’em up” platformer. Players control Knack, a creature of a thousand parts, who has the unique ability to grow in size and power by collecting ancient relics. This core mechanic is central to both combat and puzzle-solving. When small, Knack is nimble and can fit into tight spaces.
When he gathers enough relics to become a giant, he can smash through enemies and obstacles with overwhelming force. This dynamic size-shifting is a cornerstone of the experience, constantly challenging players to switch between forms to progress through levels.
Unlike the first game, which was often criticized for its repetitive combat and high difficulty spikes, Knack 2 was designed with player feedback in mind. It introduced a vastly expanded moveset, a skill tree, and a seamless drop-in, drop-out local co-op mode.
The result was a game that felt polished, rewarding, and accessible to a broad audience, from casual players to seasoned veterans looking for a challenge on harder difficulty settings. It was a testament to the power of iteration and a clear example of a developer learning from past mistakes to create a genuinely enjoyable experience.
The Evolution of Gameplay: How Knack 2 Improved Everything
The single most important factor behind Knack 2‘s success is its revamped gameplay. While the first game felt like a simplistic button-masher, the sequel evolved into a deep and varied combat system. This transformation is what turned it from a meme into a well-regarded, if underappreciated, title.
Expanded Combat and the Skill Tree
Where the original Knack offered only a handful of attacks, Knack 2 introduced a robust arsenal of moves from the very beginning. Players could utilize a variety of punches, kicks, and a new parry system that allowed Knack to deflect projectiles back at enemies. The addition of a skill tree was a game-changer. By collecting Relic Energy from defeated enemies and treasure chests, players could unlock over 60 new abilities and upgrades, including:
Body Slam: A powerful ground-pound attack that stuns nearby enemies.
Whip Rush: A grappling move that pulls Knack towards enemies or across gaps.
Boomerang Punch: A ranged attack that sends one of Knack’s relics flying to hit distant targets.
Multi-Bomb: A powerful, AOE (Area of Effect) attack that creates an explosive blast.
This progressive unlocking of abilities kept the combat fresh and engaging throughout the game’s 12-15 hour campaign. Different enemies required different tactics, forcing players to think strategically rather than just mashing the same attack button.
Dynamic Size-Shifting and Elemental Powers
The core size-shifting mechanic was also greatly enhanced. While Knack still grew automatically by collecting relics, players could now manually shed relics with the press of a button, instantly shrinking down to his small, vulnerable form.
This allowed for intricate puzzle-solving and platforming sections that required players to alternate between large and small forms on the fly to navigate narrow corridors or activate pressure-sensitive switches.
Furthermore, Knack 2 introduced elemental variants for Knack, providing unique temporary powers. By absorbing specific materials, Knack could transform into:
Ice Knack: Able to freeze enemies and machinery with a frigid blast.
Metal Knack: Heavily armored and able to weigh down switches.
Stealth Knack: Translucent and able to pass through previously impassable laser grids.
These temporary abilities added a layer of variety to both combat and environmental puzzles, ensuring that the gameplay never became stale.
The Celebrated Co-op Experience
Perhaps the most universally praised feature of Knack 2 is its local co-op mode. A second player can drop in or out at any time, taking control of a second, solid-relic Knack. The co-op experience isn’t just a simple repeat of the single-player game; it introduces a series of new, cooperative moves that are both functional and incredibly fun. Examples include:
Body Slamming a Partner: One Knack can perform a body slam on the other, launching the second player high into the air to reach new platforms or land on enemies.
Punching a Partner: Punching your co-op partner with the right timing can turn them into a projectile, allowing them to shoot across gaps or into enemies.
Combo Attacks: Both players can perform synchronized attacks that create powerful shockwaves or relic storms, clearing out groups of enemies.
This seamless and collaborative gameplay made Knack 2 a perfect “couch co-op” game for families and friends. It was a significant step up from the first game’s co-op, which was more of an afterthought, and became the definitive way to experience the title. According to user reviews on platforms like Metacritic and HowLongToBeat, the co-op is consistently cited as the game’s strongest asset.
Mastering Knack’s Moveset: A Step-by-Step Guide
For new players jumping into Knack 2 or for those returning for a replay, understanding the core moves and how to combine them is key to success. Here is a step-by-step guide to mastering Knack’s formidable combat.
Learn the Basic Moves and Combos
Begin by familiarizing yourself with the core attacks:
Square: Standard punch.
Triangle: Heavy kick (breaks enemy shields).
Circle: Body slam.
Right Stick: Dodge.
Practice stringing these together. A common and effective combo is Square, Square, Triangle, which ends with a heavy kick that is great for armored enemies. Remember that holding the button down often charges the attack, making it more powerful.
Utilize the Parry and Deflect System
Knack’s new parry mechanic is essential for survival, especially on higher difficulties.
Press R1 to put up Knack’s shield.
Just as an enemy projectile is about to hit, press R1 again to deflect it back at them. This can be used on everything from goblin arrows to robot lasers.
Mastering this skill turns Knack from a tank into a nimble counter-attacker.
Strategize with Size-Shifting
Don’t just grow and stay big. The ability to manually shrink down with R1 is your most versatile tool.
Puzzles: Use small Knack to navigate tight areas and activate switches.
Combat: In a pinch, shrinking down can help you dodge a large enemy’s attack, and then you can quickly grow back to continue the fight.
Environmental Advantage: Look for small holes or vents to access hidden treasure chests and collectibles.
Unlock and Master the Skill Tree
The skill tree is your roadmap to a more powerful Knack. Prioritize unlocking abilities that complement your playstyle.
For a combat-focused approach, invest in the “Punch” and “Relic” trees early on to unlock moves like the Boomerang Punch and the Multi-Bomb.
For a more defensive or puzzle-solving approach, focus on the “Shield” and “Dash” trees to enhance your dodging and parrying abilities.
Experiment with different moves as you unlock them to find powerful combinations.
Embrace Co-op and Partner Moves
If you are playing with a friend, communication is key. The partner-specific moves are not just for fun—they are often the most efficient way to deal with certain challenges.
For tough enemies, use the partner punch to shoot one Knack across the screen for a surprise attack.
For large groups, coordinate a tandem body slam to stun and damage multiple enemies at once.
Remember that Knack 2’s co-op is incredibly forgiving. If one player falls, they respawn almost instantly near their partner, making it a great way to play with someone who may not have a lot of gaming experience.
Practical Tips for New and Returning Players
Even with a comprehensive guide, there are a few practical tips that can make your time with Knack 2 even more enjoyable.
Re-visit Levels for Collectibles: Knack 2 has a wealth of hidden treasure chests that contain rare Crystal Parts, which permanently upgrade Knack’s stats (e.g., increased health, stronger attacks). Many of these require abilities you may not have on your first playthrough. Use New Game Plus to go back and find them all.
Adjust Difficulty Levels: The game offers a range of difficulties. If you find Normal too easy, don’t hesitate to bump it up to Hard. The combat on Hard mode requires a much greater emphasis on strategic use of your moveset and the parry ability. On the other hand, the easy mode is perfect for younger players.
Save Your Sunstones: Sunstones are the game’s energy source for Knack’s most powerful, ultimate abilities. Don’t be afraid to use them during boss battles or large, challenging encounters, but don’t waste them on standard enemies. They recharge over time.
Listen for Audio Cues: Certain enemies, especially those with shields or ranged attacks, will have distinct audio cues just before they attack. Learning these sounds can give you a precious half-second to react and parry or dodge, turning a difficult fight into a breeze.
The Enduring Appeal: Knack 2 in 2025 and Beyond
While Knack 2 may be a title from the mid-PS4 era, its legacy as a solid, family-friendly platformer has endured into 2025. It is no longer a major headline, but its status has evolved into that of a beloved cult classic, a “hidden gem” for those who missed it the first time around.
A Showcase of Iterative Design
In a gaming industry often focused on sprawling open worlds and live-service models, Knack 2 stands as a powerful example of a sequel that simply and effectively refined its core concept. Its improvements were not groundbreaking innovations, but rather meticulously implemented solutions to its predecessor’s flaws.
The game is a case study in how a developer, in this case, SIE Japan Studio, can take a franchise with a rocky start and deliver a product that is, by all metrics, a significant improvement.
A Niche, but Dedicated, Community
In 2025, the Knack 2 community is not massive, but it is deeply committed. Its appeal is now primarily for two distinct groups:
Speedrunners: The game’s straightforward, linear design, and a series of glitches and skips, have made it a popular choice for speedrunning. Competitions for “Any%” or “All Relics” are still tracked on platforms like Speedrun.com, with a small but passionate group of runners constantly refining their techniques.
Local Co-op Enthusiasts: As a top-tier local co-op game, Knack 2 has become a staple for anyone looking for a fun and accessible two-player experience. Its forgiving mechanics and cooperative puzzles make it an ideal choice for a night of gaming with friends or family. It often appears on “best co-op games” lists on gaming blogs and forums even years after its release.
The Question of Knack 3
The question of a Knack 3 continues to linger in the minds of fans. In March 2022, a trademark filing for the Knack series reignited speculation, but as of late 2025, there has been no official announcement or concrete news.
The game’s original developer, SIE Japan Studio, was largely merged with Team Asobi in 2021, and the team is now primarily focused on the wildly successful Astro Bot franchise. While this makes a direct sequel seem unlikely, the enduring fan interest and the franchise’s name recognition mean that a potential remaster or a new installment by a different studio is not an impossibility. Regardless, the legacy of Knack 2 is secure as a surprise sequel that far exceeded expectations.
FAQs
Is Knack 2 a good game?
Yes, Knack 2 is widely considered a significant improvement over the first game and a solid, enjoyable platformer in its own right. While the story and characters are often criticized as being unmemorable, the game’s polished, deep combat system, varied platforming, and excellent local co-op mode received high praise from critics and players alike. It is a well-designed and fun experience, especially when played with a friend.
Is Knack 2 better than Knack?
Absolutely. Knack 2 is better than the original Knack in almost every conceivable way. It addresses the first game’s most significant flaws, including the repetitive combat and unforgiving difficulty, by introducing an expanded moveset, a skill tree, and a more accessible design. The addition of a seamless, cooperative multiplayer mode alone makes it a superior and more enjoyable experience.
Does Knack 2 have online multiplayer?
No, Knack 2 does not feature online multiplayer. It is a strictly local co-op game, supporting two players on a single console. This focus on “couch co-op” is one of the game’s most celebrated features, allowing players to work together and perform unique cooperative moves on the same screen.
How long does it take to beat Knack 2?
According to data from HowLongToBeat.com and various user reviews, the main story of Knack 2 takes approximately 12-15 hours to complete. For players who want to find all the collectibles, complete all challenges, and fully explore the game, the total playtime can extend to 20 hours or more. The game also includes a New Game Plus mode for players who want to start a new playthrough with all of their unlocked abilities.
Is there a Knack 3 in development?
As of September 2025, there has been no official announcement regarding a Knack 3. While a trademark for the Knack series was filed by Sony in 2022, which sparked some speculation, the original development studio, SIE Japan Studio, has been restructured and is now primarily focused on the Astro Bot franchise. This makes the possibility of a direct sequel seem unlikely in the near future, but the enduring popularity of the series means that a potential return is not entirely out of the question.
Key Takeaways
In a world of blockbusters and gaming trends that come and go, Knack 2 remains a fascinating and highly relevant title. It is a powerful example of a sequel that listened to its audience, learned from its mistakes, and delivered a product that was not only better but truly great in its own niche.
While the “Knack’s back, baby!” meme may have been born of irony, the truth is that Knack 2 justified its existence and then some. It stands as a testament to the fact that solid gameplay, smart design, and a focus on pure fun can create a lasting and beloved legacy.
For anyone who owns a PlayStation 4 or 5 and is looking for a rewarding, family-friendly platformer, Knack 2 is a title that should not be overlooked. It’s a fun, fact-checked, and worthy adventure that proves a good game can always find its place.
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