With a remarkable visual style inthe spirit of 1930s cartoons,Cupheadbrings a wonderful and friendly charm to a harsh and unforgiving game. Many players ofCupheadhave praised it for its difficulty, and for the abundance of challenge that awaitsCuphead, Mugman, and now Ms. Chalice.
With the game being somewhat challenging, new players might want to know how to maximize their skill on a playthrough. The best way to achieve this is through the in-game upgrades. Knowing just which ones to prioritize first to ensureCupheadcan successfully repay his debt to the Devil.
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6Charge
For the price of 4 coins, players can obtain Charge from Porkrind’s Emporium. This upgrade provides the player with a high-damage, high-velocity shot. For maximum effect, the player should hold down the firing button when using this attack. Charge requires a lot of precision, and needs time to build up effectively, but when it does, it’s deadly to even the most challenging of bosses.
Charge is a typical upgrade of a game likeCuphead. Games likeMega ManandMetroidfeature similar charge shots, andCuphead’sversion is equally dangerous to foes. Players should pick this up as soon as possible to maximize their damage.
5Spread
Spread is also obtained from Porkrind’s Emporium. This weapon fires projectiles at short range, but with great damage. It’s like a shotgun in that it has powerful spread damage, as long as the target is close.
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Spread fires eight large spikes that deal high damage. They move slowly, which can be a bit of a burden against some quicker enemies. This is great for dealing with background bosses or bosses that are stationary, as it allows the player to get up close and personal for maximum damage.
4Roundabout
When the player obtains 4 coins, they can purchase Roundabout from Porkrind’s Emporium. This upgrade offers great coverage and does average damage of 8.5. To maximize the range, players will also need to fire backward, as it has a boomerang-like mechanic. This weapon can be a bit tricky to master, but is rewarding to do so.
When used, Roundabout travels briefly in the direction it was fired, before spinning backward. Don’t be fooled by its beauty, as it will greatly damage enemies at a distance. It’s fantastic against bosses with a lot of movement that require the player to dodge frequently, since they can just let Roundabout do its thing as they evade attacks.
3Chaser
No aiming is required for this weapon, which makes it perfect forplayers always on the move. Players can pick it up for 4 coins. Chaser has a long range and below-average damage, but the payoff is worth it, as players can prioritize dodging and jumping whilst firing blindly.
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Although it deals half damage compared to the Peashooter, it can be effective in fights where the player can’t focus too heavily on both dodging and shooting. The weapon itself also appears to be a reference to “Chaser,” something which makes drinks stronger. It’s a well-suited reference, considering the heads of the three protagonists,Cuphead, Mugman, and Ms. Chalice, all contain drinks.
2Extra HP
At the easy price of 3 coins, players can increase their health by purchasing a Heart from Porkrind’s Emporium. Players will receive an additional heart, but at the cost of 5% less attack power. It’s a good charm to use, as no player can have too much health.
The 5% damage debuff is worth it too. It’s better to have another heart to survive with, and a minuscule damage reduction, than to have to restart a level due to theintense difficultythatCupheadis known for. Extra HP best for players looking to survive rather than to prove themselves as experts.
1Smoke Bomb
Often regarded as one of the best upgrades in Cuphead, the Smoke Bomb allows players to become invulnerable while dashing. It’s essentially an evasion skill, and bolsters defense at the same time. It’s a great charm to have, and for the price of 3 coins at Porkrind’s Emporium, there’s no excuse not to grab it.
Smoke Bomb is one of the first upgrades the player can purchase, and is one that they should invest in. It’s an upgrade that fans hope to see ina potentialCuphead 2. It can be used to dodge projectiles and evade enemy attacks that may otherwise be fatal.
Cuphead: The Delicious Last Courseis available now, for Nintendo Switch, PC, PS4, and Xbox One.
