Conquer Inkwell Isle: Your Guide to 100% Cuphead Completion
So, you’re aiming for 100% completion in Cuphead? Prepare for a challenging but rewarding journey through Inkwell Isle! To achieve this coveted status, you must accomplish the following tasks:
- Defeat all bosses with at least an A- rank on Regular Difficulty.
- Beat the main game on Expert Difficulty. This unlocks after completing the game on Regular.
- Unlock and purchase all items from Porkrind’s Emporium.
- Acquire a Pacifist rank (P-Rank) on every Run ‘n’ Gun level.
- Collect all coins in the game.
- Complete all Mausoleum stages.
Essentially, you need to master every aspect of the game. Patience, skill, and a good dose of determination are your allies on this quest!
Achieving Total Completion: A Detailed Breakdown
1. Boss Battles: Regular and Expert Domination
Your first major hurdle is conquering all the bosses. On Regular difficulty, aim for at least an A- rank on each. This requires a near-flawless performance, minimizing damage taken and maximizing your parries and Super usage. Learn boss attack patterns, identify safe zones, and practice, practice, practice!
Once you’ve beaten the game on Regular, Expert difficulty unlocks. Now, you’ll face enhanced boss attacks and reduced grace periods. This is where your mastery is truly tested. Achieving victory on Expert is crucial for that 100% mark.
2. Porkrind’s Emporium: The Completionist’s Shopping Spree
Throughout your adventures, you’ll collect coins. These are used at Porkrind’s Emporium to purchase weapons and charms. To 100% the game, you need to buy every single item available. This means meticulously exploring levels for hidden coins and maximizing your coin earnings from boss rematches.
3. Run ‘n’ Gun Pacifism: A Test of Restraint
The Run ‘n’ Gun levels are platforming challenges where you typically blast through enemies. However, for 100% completion, you must achieve a P-Rank on each level. This means completing the level without firing a single shot. Your only tools are your jumping and parrying skills. Memorize enemy placements and movement patterns, and master the art of dodging and weaving.
4. Coin Collection: Every Penny Counts
Coins are scattered throughout the levels, often hidden in tricky locations. You need to find them all to purchase everything from Porkrind’s Emporium. Explore every nook and cranny, and don’t be afraid to consult online guides or videos if you’re stuck. Remember, completing Run ‘n’ Guns contributes to your overall coin total.
5. Mausoleum Mayhem: Showing Those Ghosts Who’s Boss
The Mausoleum stages require you to parry ghosts to protect the chalice. Completing these unlocks Super Arts that are valuable in boss battles. These must be completed to achieve full completion of the game.
Useful Tips for 100% Completion
- Master the Parry: Parrying is essential for survival and can trigger powerful abilities.
- Experiment with Weapons and Charms: Find the combinations that suit your playstyle and the specific boss you’re facing.
- Use Super Arts Strategically: Super Arts can turn the tide of battle if used wisely.
- Learn Boss Patterns: Memorizing boss attack patterns is crucial for dodging and countering.
- Don’t Give Up: Cuphead is a challenging game. Embrace the difficulty, learn from your mistakes, and keep trying!
- Consult Online Resources: There are plenty of guides and videos available to help you overcome difficult challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How long does it take to 100% Cuphead?
The time required to 100% Cuphead varies depending on your skill level and familiarity with the game. On average, it takes around 25-30 hours. Some players may complete it faster, while others may take longer.
2. Does the Delicious Last Course DLC count towards the main game’s 100%?
No, the Delicious Last Course DLC has its own separate completion percentage. To achieve 100% in the DLC, you need to beat it on Expert mode and find all secrets. However, completing the DLC can make the main game easier due to the new character Ms. Chalice and the new weapons.
3. What is the hardest achievement to get in Cuphead?
Many players consider the “Pacifist” achievement the hardest, requiring you to P-Rank all Run ‘n’ Gun levels. Beating The Devil At His Own Game is also difficult as you have to beat the game on expert. These require patience, precise platforming skills, and perfect memorization of enemy patterns.
4. Do I need an S-Rank on every boss to get 100%?
No, you don’t need S-Ranks. You only need to beat all bosses on Expert difficulty and achieve at least an A-Rank on Regular difficulty. S-Ranks are more for bragging rights and personal satisfaction.
5. Are there any missable items or collectibles?
No, there are no missable items or collectibles in Cuphead. You can always revisit levels to collect coins or attempt P-Ranks.
6. What is the best weapon in Cuphead?
The “best” weapon is subjective and depends on your playstyle and the boss you’re fighting. However, the Spread shot is generally considered powerful for close-range damage, while the Roundabout is excellent for hitting enemies from a distance. Experiment with different weapons to find what works best for you.
7. Can I use Ms. Chalice to get 100% in the main game?
Yes, you can use Ms. Chalice in the main game after unlocking her in the Delicious Last Course DLC. She has unique abilities that can make some challenges easier.
8. How many coins are in the game?
There are 40 coins in the game. You need to collect all of them to purchase all the items from Porkrind’s Emporium.
9. What happens after I beat Cuphead?
After beating Cuphead, you unlock Expert difficulty. This allows you to replay the entire game with increased difficulty, a necessary step for 100% completion. You can also access the Delicious Last Course DLC if you own it.
10. Is Cuphead easier with DLC?
The DLC can indirectly make the main game easier because you can use Ms. Chalice and the new weapons in the main game after unlocking them in the DLC. These additions can provide an edge, especially on Expert difficulty.
11. What does the cactus girl do in Cuphead DLC?
The cactus girl in the DLC keeps track of your progress by counting the defeated bosses. Talking to her after defeating all the bosses unlocks a new skin for Ms. Chalice.
12. What’s the difference between Regular and Simple difficulty?
On Simple difficulty, only the first phases of the boss fights are available which makes it impossible to complete the game as it does not allow you to progress through the full story. You must beat the bosses on Regular difficulty to progress further into the game and unlocks the Expert mode.
13. What happens if I don’t fight the onion in Cuphead?
The Onion is part of the Root Pack boss fight. You have to fight it to progress.
14. Where can I find more information about game design and learning?
You can explore the Games Learning Society to discover how games contribute to education. Check out GamesLearningSociety.org for insights into the intersection of games and learning. The Games Learning Society provides resources and research on how video games can improve learning.
15. Is Cuphead the hardest video game?
While difficulty is subjective, Cuphead is widely considered one of the most challenging video games. Its demanding platforming, intricate boss battles, and emphasis on precision make it a true test of skill and patience. Games like Dark Souls and Ghosts ‘n Goblins are also known for their high difficulty.
Good luck on your journey to 100% completion in Cuphead! Remember to stay patient, practice diligently, and have fun!