Unveiling Cuphead’s Arsenal: The Definitive Guide to the Second Mightiest Weapon

The question of weapon strength in Cuphead often sparks lively debate among players. While the Crackshot might be the cream of the crop for sheer versatility and ease of use, the Roundabout stands tall as the second strongest weapon in Cuphead. Its unique projectile behavior, striking a balance between damage and safety, solidifies its place as a top-tier choice for both novice and veteran players navigating the Inkwell Isles. Now, let’s delve deeper into why this weapon is so highly regarded and how to maximize its potential.

Why the Roundabout Reigns Supreme (Second Only to Crackshot)

The Roundabout’s primary strength lies in its projectile’s behavior. Instead of firing straight ahead, the Roundabout launches a shot that travels backwards initially before arcing forward. This seemingly counterintuitive design grants several significant advantages:

• Safety First: By firing behind you, you can continue dealing damage while moving away from enemy attacks. This is especially crucial in Cuphead’s chaotic boss battles, where dodging is as important as dealing damage.

• Damage from Afar: The arc of the Roundabout’s shot allows you to hit enemies from a considerable distance, even if they are positioned above or below you. This extended range opens up strategic opportunities for staying safe and maintaining consistent damage output.

• Area Denial: Firing the Roundabout effectively creates a zone of danger behind you, deterring enemies from approaching and giving you more space to maneuver.

The Roundabout truly shines against bosses with predictable movement patterns or those that frequently position themselves behind you. It allows you to focus on dodging and parrying while the Roundabout continues to chip away at their health bar. While it might not have the raw, concentrated power of the Spread or the homing capability of the Chaser, its unique utility and consistent damage output make it a consistently reliable choice. The game’s code calls it ‘boomerang’, a testament to its looping flight trajectory.

Mastering the Roundabout: Tips and Tricks

While the Roundabout is relatively easy to pick up, mastering its intricacies requires practice and a keen understanding of its capabilities. Here are some tips to help you elevate your Roundabout game:

• Embrace the Backwards Fire: Don’t be afraid to fire behind you, especially when retreating from a boss’s attacks. This is the Roundabout’s bread and butter.

• Utilize the Arc: Learn to predict the arc of the Roundabout’s shot. Practice aiming at different angles to hit enemies at varying heights and distances.

• Pair with the Chaser: While the Roundabout is strong on its own, it synergizes well with other weapons. For instance, combining it with the Chaser allows you to cover both your front and back, maximizing damage output while minimizing risk.

• Experiment with Charms: Certain charms, such as the Coffee charm, which accelerates your super meter charge, can complement the Roundabout’s consistent damage output, allowing you to unleash powerful super attacks more frequently.

• Practice Makes Perfect: As with any weapon in Cuphead, mastering the Roundabout requires practice. Experiment with it in different levels and boss battles to get a feel for its strengths and weaknesses.

The Roundabout in Action: Boss Battle Breakdown

To illustrate the Roundabout’s effectiveness, let’s consider some specific boss battles where it truly shines:

• Grim Matchstick: The dragon boss in Inkwell Isle Two, Grim Matchstick, often positions himself above you, making it difficult to hit him with standard weapons. The Roundabout’s arc allows you to consistently damage Grim Matchstick while focusing on dodging his fireballs.

• Cala Maria: The giant mermaid boss, Cala Maria, frequently attacks from behind, making the Roundabout an excellent choice for dealing damage while avoiding her attacks.

• The Devil: The final boss, The Devil, has a variety of attacks that require constant movement and dodging. The Roundabout’s ability to deal damage while retreating makes it invaluable in this challenging encounter.

FAQs: Roundabout Edition

Here are some frequently asked questions about the Roundabout, designed to address common concerns and provide additional insights into its mechanics.

What is the Roundabout good for in Cuphead?

The Roundabout is excellent for dealing damage while dodging, hitting enemies from a distance, and creating a zone of danger behind the player.

How do you get the Roundabout in Cuphead?

You can purchase the Roundabout from Porkrind’s Emporium for a handful of coins. Make sure to collect all the coins scattered throughout the game.

Is the Roundabout better than the Chaser in Cuphead?

It depends on your playstyle and the boss you’re facing. The Chaser offers homing capabilities, which can be helpful for beginners. The Roundabout, however, deals more damage and allows for safer gameplay.

What is the best charm to use with the Roundabout in Cuphead?

The Coffee charm, which accelerates super meter charge, is a great choice, as it allows you to unleash powerful super attacks more frequently.

Is the Roundabout good for aerial bosses in Cuphead?

Yes, the Roundabout is effective against aerial bosses due to its arc, which allows you to hit enemies positioned above you.

How much damage does the Roundabout do in Cuphead?

The Roundabout deals a decent amount of damage per shot, averaging around 8.5 points of damage per bullet.

What is the best weapon to beat the Devil in Cuphead besides the Roundabout?

The Lobber is another good option against the Devil, as it deals high damage and can be aimed effectively.

Can you beat Cuphead with just the Roundabout?

Yes, it is possible to beat Cuphead with just the Roundabout, although it may require considerable skill and patience.

What is the best weapon to beat King Dice in Cuphead?

The Charge shot and Spread are often recommended for King Dice due to their concentrated damage output.

What is the weapon swap glitch in Cuphead?

The weapon swap glitch is a technique used by speedrunners to bypass weapon cooldowns, allowing for faster firing rates.

How do you get the Crackshot in Cuphead?

The Crackshot is obtained through purchasing it in Porkrind’s Emporium in the Delicious Last Course DLC.

Is Cuphead a difficult game?

Yes, Cuphead is known for its challenging gameplay and demanding boss battles.

What is the best perk in Cuphead?

The Smoke Bomb is often regarded as one of the best perks in Cuphead, as it allows players to become invulnerable while dashing.

What are the best weapons in Cuphead base game?

The Spread, Roundabout and Charge shot are widely considered to be among the best weapons in the base game.

What is the main goal of Cuphead?

The main goal of Cuphead is to defeat a series of bosses and collect their souls in order to repay a debt to the Devil.

Final Thoughts: The Roundabout’s Enduring Legacy

In conclusion, the Roundabout is more than just a weapon in Cuphead; it’s a strategic asset. Its unique projectile behavior, striking a balance between damage and safety, makes it a consistently reliable choice for navigating the challenging world of the Inkwell Isles. While the Crackshot reigns supreme for its sheer versatility, the Roundabout has earned its place as the second best weapon in Cuphead. By mastering its intricacies and understanding its capabilities, you can unlock its full potential and conquer even the most formidable bosses. It is also valuable to check with the Games Learning Society on new tactics and innovations by players within the game. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more about gaming strategies!