Skip to content
Unlocking Black & White Mode
Cuphead

Unlocking Black & White Mode

Want to give Cuphead that authentic 1930s cartoon look? Learn how to unlock the secret black and white mode and vintage audio filters in this quick guide.

By ···10 min read·Multi-source verified
1 reading this guide  

Want to give Cuphead that authentic 1930s cartoon look? Learn how to unlock the secret black and white mode and vintage audio filters in this quick guide.

So, you've been diving into the wild world of Cuphead and its crazy difficulty, huh? If you're one of the players who loves a good challenge and wants to experience the game with an extra layer of vintage flair, there's a cool secret mode waiting for you. This guide will walk you through how to unlock it, but fair warning, there are some minor spoilers ahead. If you're trying to find it all on your own, maybe bookmark this page and come back later!

The secret mode we're talking about is a black and white filter that gives Cuphead that genuine 1930s cartoon aesthetic. On top of the visual change, you'll also get access to a bunch of audio filters that really amp up the vintage vibe. It's a neat way to replay the game and get a feel for what those old cartoons were like.

To kick things off, you'll need to make your way to the World 3 hub. Once you're there, look for a turtle chilling out on the docks. This is your guy! Chat with him, and he'll mention something about pacifism. He'll also give you a pretty big hint: a special bonus is up for grabs if you can beat all the platforming levels without taking down a single enemy.

Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to tackle all six of Cuphead's platforming stages with a pacifist approach. These levels are:

  • Forest Follies
  • Treetop Trouble
  • Funfair Fever
  • Funhouse Frazzle
  • Perilous Piers
  • Rugged Ridge

When you successfully complete one of these levels without shooting any enemies, you'll notice the flag you raise at the end will have a 'P' on it. Keep this up for all six stages. Once you've managed to get that 'P' on all of them, head back to the turtle in the World 3 hub. He'll then reward you by unlocking the Black and White mode!

But wait, there's more! Don't forget to seek out the fork wearing a monocle. You'll find him hanging out near the world's shop. He's on the lookout for

100% Human-Written. AI Fact-Checked. Community Verified. Learn how AntMag verifies content