The Hailey Side Quest in Spider-Man 2 Is One of the Most Beautifully Human Moments in the Game

There’s something special about the way side quests are handled in the Marvel’s Spider-Man series. Unlike other open-world games that treat side missions like repetitive errands, Spider-Man manages to make even the smallest neighborhood task feel deeply connected to the web-slinging hero’s world. From fighting symbiotes to chasing runaway cats, everything is rooted in the idea that Spider-Man is more than just a superhero—he’s your friendly neighborhood one.

Courtesy: Marvels Spider-Man 2

And that spirit of community is exactly what makes Hailey’s side quest in Spider-Man 2 stand out.

If you’ve played through Miles Morales’ arc, you already know Hailey—a smart, creative, deaf teen who’s not only one of Miles’ closest friends but also an incredibly talented artist. In Spider-Man 2, she finally gets a moment to shine on her own. Her mission? Repainting and reclaiming spaces across the city that have been vandalized, transforming them into vibrant pieces of art. It’s a mission grounded not in combat, but in care—and it’s one of the most emotionally resonant parts of the entire game.

According to Spider-Man 2’s Senior Creative Director Bryan Intihar, this quest wasn’t even part of the original roadmap. In fact, it was proposed late in the development process by team members who were passionate about giving Hailey her own moment. “It didn’t fit in the schedule,” Intihar told the PlayStation Blog, “but the team was really passionate about it, and they went for it.”

That last-minute addition paid off. The mission puts Hailey front and center, letting players experience New York through her perspective. There’s no traditional combat here—no stealth, no gadgets, no punching. Instead, the game uses simple mechanics and striking visuals to help you see the city through Hailey’s eyes. It even shifts the UI to accommodate her use of American Sign Language and emojis, offering a window into her world without ever feeling heavy-handed or performative.

And in a game filled with skyscraper-sized threats and symbiote battles, that’s what makes this mission so quietly powerful. It’s a reminder that heroism isn’t always about stopping the biggest villain—it’s also about reclaiming your space, uplifting your community, and making something beautiful out of what was once broken.

In a title that opens with an explosive Sandman battle and features some of the franchise’s most intense action yet, Hailey’s mission is a breath of fresh air—and proof that sometimes, the most unforgettable stories are the ones closest to home.

So shout out to the devs who fought to bring this moment to life. You didn’t just give us another side quest. You gave us a masterpiece.