Recommended Playthrough Order

Follow Cuphead's recommended playthrough order. Master Inkwell Isles I-III, Inkwell Hell, and the DLC for a smooth and successful journey.

Navigating Cuphead's challenging world can be daunting, and a recommended playthrough order can significantly ease the learning curve. This guide suggests a progression that allows players to gradually build their skills, acquire essential upgrades, and tackle bosses in a manageable sequence, leading to a more enjoyable and successful experience.

Cuphead is structured into four main worlds: Inkwell Isle I, Inkwell Isle II, Inkwell Isle III, and Inkwell Hell. Each world contains a series of run-and-gun levels and boss encounters. The game also features DLC content, The Delicious Last Course, which introduces a fifth island, Inkwell Isle IV. Following a logical order ensures players are adequately prepared for the escalating difficulty.

Recommended Progression:

1. Tutorial: Begin with the tutorial level to familiarize yourself with the basic controls and mechanics.
2. Inkwell Isle I:
   • Focus on completing the run-and-gun levels first (Forest Follies, Clip Joint Calamity, Threatenin’ Zeppelin, Treetop Trouble). Collect all Gold Coins in these levels.
   • Use the collected coins to purchase the Spread shot and the Smoke Bomb charm from Porkrind's Emporium. These are invaluable early-game upgrades.
   • Tackle the bosses in the order they appear: The Root Pack, Goopy Le Grand, Ribby & Croaks, Hilda Berg, and Cagney Carnation.
3. Inkwell Isle II:
   • Continue completing run-and-gun levels and collecting coins. Consider purchasing the Chaser or Charge shot if you haven't already.
   • Progress through the bosses: Baroness Von Bon Bon, Djimmi the Great, Beppi the Clown, Grim Matchstick, and Wally Warbles.
4. Inkwell Isle III:
   • This world introduces more complex boss mechanics. Ensure you have a solid understanding of weapon switching and parrying.
   • Complete the run-and-gun levels and face the bosses: Rumor Honeybottoms, Captain Brineybeard, Dr. Kahl's Robot, Werner Werman, Cala Maria, Sally Stageplay, and Phantom Express.
5. Inkwell Hell:
   • This is the final gauntlet. Master King Dice's board game and prepare for the ultimate challenge against The Devil.
   • Ensure you have all essential upgrades and have practiced the mechanics thoroughly.
6. The Delicious Last Course (DLC):
   • This DLC can be played at any point after its installation, but it's recommended to have a good grasp of the base game's mechanics first.
   • It introduces Ms. Chalice as a playable character and adds Inkwell Isle IV with new bosses and challenges.

General Tips for Progression:

• Don't Rush: Cuphead is a game that rewards patience and learning. Take your time with each boss and level.
• Experiment: Try different weapon and charm combinations to find what works best for you and each specific encounter.
• Utilize Parry and EX: Mastering parrying for meter building and using EX attacks strategically can significantly shorten boss fights and save health.
• Seek Help: If you're stuck on a particular boss, don't hesitate to consult detailed boss guides for specific strategies.

Following this recommended order will help you build the necessary skills and confidence to conquer the entirety of Cuphead's challenging and rewarding world.