How to Unlock Inkwell Isle Four in Cuphead: The Delicious Last Course
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The Delicious Last Course DLC for Cuphead introduces a brand new island, Inkwell Isle Four, packed with challenging bosses and fresh content. But how do you actually gain access to this new area? The answer is relatively straightforward: you don’t need to beat the entire base game. Instead, you must complete a few key early-game objectives. You unlock access to Inkwell Isle Four by reaching the first mausoleum in the main game. These mausoleums are grey buildings on the overworld map. Completing the parry challenge within these mausoleums grants special abilities and, crucially, unlocks the path to the DLC island.
Unlocking the DLC Island: Step-by-Step
Locating the First Mausoleum
The first mausoleum in Cuphead is typically one of the earliest structures you encounter on the map. Once you are in the main game, progress through a few of the levels and you’ll see it soon enough. It’s easily recognizable by its unique grey stone structure.
Completing the Parry Challenge
Inside the mausoleum, you will encounter a series of ghosts. The objective is to parry the pink ghosts to push them upwards. This is a crucial ability in Cuphead, and this challenge acts as a tutorial. Successfully completing the parry challenge not only earns you a new special ability but also, and most importantly, unlocks Inkwell Isle Four on the overworld map.
Accessing Inkwell Isle Four
Once the first mausoleum parry challenge is completed, the new island, Inkwell Isle Four, will appear on the overworld map. It’s the island to the right of the first one on the map. You can then freely travel to this new area and begin your adventure with the Delicious Last Course.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What exactly is Inkwell Isle Four?
Inkwell Isle Four is the new island introduced in Cuphead: The Delicious Last Course DLC. It features twelve new bosses, each with unique designs, movesets, and challenges. The island also includes new NPCs, hidden secrets, and a variety of exciting content not found in the base game.
Can I play the DLC early in the game?
Yes, the DLC can be accessed relatively early in your playthrough. You do not need to complete the entire base game. Completing the first mausoleum’s parry challenge is the primary requirement to unlock Inkwell Isle Four.
Do I need to beat the base Cuphead game before starting the DLC?
While it’s not strictly required, it is highly recommended that you complete the base game before diving into the DLC. The bosses in The Delicious Last Course are generally more challenging and benefit from your accumulated experience from the main game.
Who is Ms. Chalice and how does she play in the DLC?
Ms. Chalice is a new playable character introduced in The Delicious Last Course. Once unlocked, she can be used throughout the entire game by equipping the Astral Cookie charm. She has unique abilities like an extra hit point, a dodge roll, and an invulnerable dash making her a viable alternative to Cuphead and Mugman, and is more forgiving to play as. Only one player can swap to play as Ms. Chalice at a time.
Is the Cuphead DLC harder than the base game?
Yes, most players find that the bosses and overall difficulty in The Delicious Last Course are noticeably higher than in the base game. Be prepared for a significant challenge and take time to learn enemy patterns.
What is the hardest boss in the Cuphead DLC?
The final boss of the DLC, Chef Saltbaker, is widely considered the most challenging boss in Cuphead: The Delicious Last Course. His fight features multiple phases and complex attack patterns. There is also a secret boss, if you can find them, that adds another tough fight to the mix.
What are some other difficult bosses in the DLC?
Besides Chef Saltbaker, other challenging bosses in the DLC include Glumstone The Giant, who is the first boss you will encounter, and The Howling Aces. Each fight in the DLC is a step up in difficulty compared to the main game.
How many new bosses are in the Cuphead DLC?
There are a total of 12 new bosses to encounter and conquer in Inkwell Isle Four. Each provides a unique and memorable fight, pushing your skills to the limit.
What are the requirements to get 100% completion in the Cuphead DLC?
To achieve 100% completion in the DLC, you must defeat every boss in Inkwell Isle IV, obtain an A-Rank or higher on all of them, and defeat at least 10 bosses using Ms. Chalice. There may be other minor challenges to complete.
Are there any secret bosses in the Cuphead DLC?
Yes, there is a secret boss in the Cuphead DLC. Unlocking this boss involves completing specific side quests within the DLC. This hidden boss provides an even greater challenge than the rest.
How many islands are there in total in Cuphead after the DLC?
After the release of The Delicious Last Course, there are four islands in the game. The original game featured three islands: Inkwell Isles One, Two, and Three, and the DLC adds Inkwell Isle Four.
Are there any Run and Gun levels in the Cuphead DLC?
No, there are no traditional Run and Gun levels in The Delicious Last Course. Instead, coins are obtained via a variety of new side quests, challenges and tasks scattered around the new island.
Does the Cuphead DLC support three players?
No, the DLC, like the base game, does not support three-player gameplay. It’s designed for one or two players only. Despite the introduction of Ms. Chalice, gameplay remains limited to a maximum of two players at a time.
Can Ms. Chalice make the game easier?
Yes, Ms. Chalice can make the game somewhat easier due to her unique abilities, including extra health, a dodge roll, and an invulnerable dash. While she doesn’t fundamentally alter the game’s difficulty, her additional survivability makes it more forgiving.
What is the deal with the cactus girl in the Cuphead DLC?
There is a cactus girl NPC on Inkwell Isle Four that, once interacted with, asks the player to defeat every boss in both the base game and the DLC using Ms. Chalice. This is a significant challenge, but is only an optional one for those looking for a tough task to complete.
By following these guidelines, you’ll be well on your way to unlocking Inkwell Isle Four and experiencing everything Cuphead: The Delicious Last Course has to offer. Prepare yourself for some intense, beautiful, and unforgettable boss battles!