The run-and-gun adventures of Cuphead and Mugman across the Inkwell Isles was a massive hit that took 2017 by storm. Defeating boss after boss, collecting contracts and walloping your way to Inkwell Hell proved to be as exciting as it was challenging, and boy is it challenging. Countless rage compilation videos are a testament to this game’s difficulty, however there is one mechanic in the game that can make the various bosses much easier or harder depending on the combination, and that's the assortment of weapons.
Buying weapons from Porkrind can turn an extremely difficult boss into a cakewalk, but which ones can wreck bosses the best? Based on damage points, range, and overall usefulness across bosses, I’ve compiled this list of the best Cuphead weapons that really pack a punch. For simplicity’s sake I’m leaving out the plane level weapons because they can’t be switched out the same way the other weapons can so it isn’t fair to compare them.
5) Spread Shot (Best for Centered Bosses)
The game describes the spread shot as “Short range with great damage -- if you can keep close to your target” and that is exactly what it delivers on. This weapon is one of the first you can purchase from Porkrind’s Emporium and has the highest DPS of any other shot. It may do the most damage, but the reason why it’s at the bottom of the list is because of its short range. In order to use this shot to its fullest potential you have to be able to stay close to the boss’s hit box at any given point in time and focus your fire on it, which alone can make it difficult to use on a number of bosses. Trying to stay too close to a boss often results in being unable to dodge an oncoming attack, which can be detrimental with limited health and the fact that Cuphead’s bosses are notorious for having a lot to dodge. Despite this, when the boss is centered on the screen there is no better weapon than the Spread Shot to take them down a peg.
Stats
- Damage: 6.2 if all arrows hit
- DPS: 41.33
- EX Damage: 5 per arrow, MAX 40 if they all hit
Why It’s Awesome
- Highest damage
- Destroys 1-hit projectiles in bulk
- Minimal aiming with maximum damage
How to Get It
- Buy for 4 coins at Porkrind’s Emporium
4) Peashooter (Best for Stationary Bosses)
The classic Peashooter, the first weapon of the game, is given to you by the wise Elder Kettle and is the standard that all other weapons are compared to. Because this is the first weapon of the game it sets the standard for average damage and is very simplistic, that doesn’t mean it should be counted out however. It can still whip out a pretty substantial DPS and can bring bosses down quickly if you focus your fire, however that does bring up the one big drawback of the Peashooter: it requires precise aiming. While this isn’t a huge problem on Isle 1, if a boss has a small hitbox, constantly moves arounds the screen, or requires you to run away from them it’s very difficult to get in a hit. Overall a decent weapon, and when a boss is stationary this weapon gives an easy knockout.
Stats
- Damage: 4
- DPS: 30
- EX Damage: 8.33 per hit, MAX 25
Why It’s Awesome
- Easy to use
- Substantial DPS
- Good for most bosses
How to Get It
- Given automatically by Elder Kettle at the beginning of the game
3) Lobber (Best for Low Screen Bosses)
The Lobber is described in-game as “Medium range and good damage with a slower rate of fire” and that good damage is no joke, one shot doing almost 3x more damage than the Peashooter. While not having the best range, it is still wide enough to reach most bosses while keeping a safe distance. The Lobber would be a lot higher if it weren’t for the fact that shooting upwards is extremely ineffective due to the nature of the way this weapon shoots. Unlike the other shots the Lobber doesn’t shoot out straight, the shots fall down in a curve and/or bounce forward on the ground, so aiming upward and shooting only causes a Lobber ball to bounce on screen for a bit until it dies out. That being said, the amount of damage it does coupled with the fact that it is amazing at taking down pesky low screen bosses makes it a fearsome weapon that few can avoid.
Stats
- Damage: 11.6
- DPS: 33.14
- EX Damage: 28
Why It’s Awesome
- Great damage with good range
- Usefulness on tricky bosses
- Can be used on most bosses
How to Get It
- Buy one other weapon to unlock
- Buy for 4 coins at Porkrind’s Emporium
2) Charge Shot (Best for High Screen Bosses)
The Charge Shot is a peculiar weapon, which can range from being the most damaging weapon in the game to one of the least damaging. Unfortunately, being so powerful does come with a few drawbacks which are pointed out in the game’s description, reading: “Hold attack to increase damage. No rapid fire, so precision is key.” This shot is extremely slow and hard to use, but the massive damage more than makes up for that, one fully charged shot doing more than any EX move doesn’t use up a card from your Super Meter. Because there is no rapid fire it is difficult to use this weapon right off the bat, and in order to use it to its full potential you’ll need to train yourself for optimal charge and release time. Despite being difficult to control, once mastered it’ll be a cinch to show those hard-to-reach bosses a first class walloping.
Stats
- Damage: 6 (uncharged)/52 (charged)
- DPS: 22.50 (uncharged)/40 (charged with perfect timing)
- EX Damage: 27
Why It’s Awesome
- Incredible firepower
- Useful for hard-to-reach bosses
- When used efficiently it defeats bosses quickly
How to Get It
- Buy two other weapons to unlock
- Buy for 4 coins at Porkrind’s Emporium
1) Roundabout Shot (Best for Moving Bosses)
The Roundabout Shot might seem an odd pick for number one, not being the hardest hitter, but what makes it number one is its range and its ability to be useful for nearly every boss. The Roundabout Shot is described as “Great coverage with average damage. Aim backward for maximum range,” which may seem confusing but when put into action it’s extremely versatile and easy to use. Facing away from the boss gives you longer range, yes, but when running around avoiding attacks this weapon creates a barrage of shots all over the screen, hitting not only the boss but easily dealing with any smaller minions floating about. There is so little aiming needed and you’re almost guaranteed to be doing damage at any point in time, letting you focus on dodging attacks or running away. Its damage may be average, but with the consistency of shots landing you’ll be taking contracts and passing through the Isles so fast even the Devil will be impressed.
Stats
- Damage: 8.5
- DPS: 31.875
- EX Damage: 5 per hit, MAX 35
Why It’s Awesome
- Available from Porkrind immediately
- Constantly hitting bosses
- Almost no aiming required
How to Get It
- Buy for 4 coins at Porkrind’s Emporium
There you have it, the Top 5 Cuphead weapons that wreck hard. We hope you enjoyed it! Comment below and let us know your favorite Cuphead weapon and how you rank them.
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