Explore Cave Story Weapons: Stats & Strategies

AntMag.NET

Cave Story features a unique weapon leveling system. Collecting energy crystals dropped by enemies grants experience to your current weapon. Filling the experience bar levels up the weapon, usually making it stronger. Taking damage can cause you to lose experience and potentially level down. All weapons start at level 1 and typically max out at level 3, with a "damage buffer" at MAX experience to prevent easy level-downs. However, the Blade, Spur, and Nemesis have different mechanics. Players can only carry a maximum of 5 weapons due to a trading system, making weapon choices crucial for later stages.

The following explains the stats provided for each weapon:

damage: Amount of damage dealt.
range: How far the weapon shoots.
speed: Speed of the projectile.
rate: Maximum number of shots on-screen simultaneously.
exp: Experience needed to reach the next level (or MAX for level 3).

Polar Star

Description: The most basic gun, bearing the mark of Polaris.

Location: Hermit Gunsmith, First Cave

Ammo: Infinite

Level	Damage	Range	Speed	Rate	Exp
1	1	short	fast	~	10
2	2	medium	fast	~	20
3	4	medium	fast	2	10

The Polar Star is the starting weapon, offering average damage and medium range at level 3. It's easy to use and level up, serving as a staple for the first half of the game. It can be upgraded into the Machine Gun, Snake, or Spur.

Missile Launcher

Description: Wide range and powerful damage, but with limited ammunition.

Location: Egg Observation Room, Egg Corridor

Ammo: Limited, does not self-recharge

Level	Damage	Range	Speed	Rate	Exp
1	8	long	slow	2	10
2	15	long	slow	2	20
3	8(x3)	long	slow	2	10

One of the best weapons, firing long-range missiles with high direct and splash damage. Its limited ammo capacity can be increased with Missile Expansions. Highly effective against bosses.

Fireball

Description: Bounces along the floor, powerful on gentle slopes.

Location: Santa's House, Grasstown

Ammo: Infinite

Level	Damage	Range	Speed	Rate	Exp
1	2	long	slow	2	10
2	6	long	slow	3	20
3	6	long	slow	4	20

The Fireball shoots bouncing projectiles that deal good damage, effective against ground enemies on flat or sloped terrain. It is less effective against airborne enemies and most useful in early game areas like Grasstown and Sand Zone.