Cuphead Cheats & Secrets guide screenshot

Cheats & Secrets

Overview



Cuphead does not contain traditional cheat codes, unlock codes, or console commands on any platform. There are no built-in invincibility, infinite lives, or level-select codes. However, the game is packed with hidden content, developer-intended secrets, and Easter eggs that reward exploration and persistence. This guide catalogs every known secret, hidden feature, and safe exploit, whether you're playing on PC, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, or Mac.

Known Cheat Codes



None. Cuphead has no official cheat codes. No sequence of button presses or text entry will enable god mode, unlock all weapons, or skip bosses. The game’s design philosophy emphasizes mastery through practice, not shortcuts.

Secret Commands



None. There are no secret commands or debug menus accessible to players. The only “command” is the simple control scheme (move, jump, shoot, dash, parry, lock). Any claims of hidden command are false.

Unlock Codes



No unlock codes exist. All unlockables (characters, weapons, charms, super arts) are earned through gameplay progress and purchases with coins. No alphanumeric code can be entered in any menu.

Hidden Features & Easter Eggs



While Cuphead lacks cheat codes, it is rich with intentional secrets. Here is every confirmed hidden feature, Easter egg, and developer-placed secret:

1. Hidden Coins (All 8 Locations)



Eight Secret Coins are hidden off the beaten path. They are not marked on the map and require exploration or specific actions to collect. Use them at Porkrind’s Emporium to buy weapons and charms.

  • Isle 1 (3 coins):

    • - Behind the large tree near the beginning of the overworld (smash the rock).
    - In the area after the first platforming stage (jump on a vine).
    - Inside the mausoleum (after defeating the ghost, the coin appears).
  • Isle 2 (3 coins):

    • - Behind the waterfall near the pirate ship (jump through).
    - In the railway section (hit a hidden button).
    - Behind the barrel near the Perilous Pier stage.
  • Isle 3 (2 coins):

    • - Inside a cave hidden behind a wall near the train boss.
    - On a small platform above the entrance to the Devil’s Casino.

    2. Secret Bosses



    There are no truly hidden bosses in the base game. All boss fights are visible on the overworld map. However, the The Delicious Last Course DLC adds two secret bosses:
  • The Howling Aces (hidden by interacting with a snowman head in the overworld).

  • The Moonshine Mob (hidden by playing a specific gramophone in the overworld).


    • 3. Hidden Playable Character: Ms. Chalice



    Ms. Chalice is not a cheat code but a hidden character you can unlock permanently. To get her:
  • Collect all 5 Astral Cookies from hidden “Secret Mausoleum” levels (marked as ?, but actually appear after collecting the cookies from specific locations).

  • After collecting all five, return to the main menu and select “The Delicious Last Course” campaign. Ms. Chalice becomes available in the “Chalice Select” option.

  • Note: In the base game, Ms. Chalice can be temporarily used via the “Chalice” charm (purchased from Porkrind after completing the DLC’s first boss).


    • 4. Secret Mausoleums & Super Arts



    The three Mausoleum levels are visible on the map but contain a hidden twist: if you parry the ghost’s head exactly three times without missing, you unlock an extra Super Art (these are not hidden but are useful to know).

    5. Easter Eggs



    Cuphead is stuffed with references and hidden details:
  • Fight Hidden (The Cuphead Show!) references: In the “Ribby and Croaks” fight, if you parry the slot machine handle many times, a special animation plays (a nod to a deleted scene).

  • The Devil’s mouth: On the map, clicking the Devil’s face does nothing, but turning the volume up reveals a faint laugh.

  • Porkrind’s Emporium: If you shoot the pig’s portrait multiple times, it winks.

  • Movie Theater: In the overworld, a small theater shows a clip of classic 1930s cartoon—this is purely cosmetic.

  • Mugman’s face: In the player select screen, rapidly switching between Cuphead and Mugman makes Mugman stick his tongue out.

  • Hidden messages: In the credits, the text scrolls with cartoon-style jokes and developer inside jokes.

  • Sound effect references: The parry sound is a sample from Steamboat Willie (Mickey Mouse’s first cartoon).


    • 6. Developer-Intended Secrets (Safe Exploits)



    The developers are aware of and have kept a few minor “exploits” because they add charm:
  • Parry glitch: If you parry the pink objects at the exact frame of impact, you can sometimes parry again instantly (this is actually the intended mechanic for chaining parries).

  • Speedrun skip: In the “Rugged Ridge” run-and-gun, you can jump over the finish line checkpoint to skip a segment; this is not patched and is used by speedruns.

  • Infinite dash: Using the Smoke Bomb charm, you can dash through enemies and projectiles; if you time it perfectly, you can skip certain obstacles (e.g., the train boss’s flame columns).

  • Warp glitch: On the overworld map, rapidly tapping the jump button while moving into a new area can occasionally cause a short warp. This is harmless and resets your position.


    • 7. “Simple” Mode Unlock



    Not a cheat, but often overlooked: after losing to any boss three times, the option to play on Simple difficulty appears. This is officially intended to help struggling players, but it prevents you from earning a Soul Contract (needed to face the Devil).

    8. Unlockable Filters & Skins



  • Black & White Filter: Beat the game on Normal difficulty (all bosses).

  • Nostalgic Filter: Beat the game on Expert difficulty (all bosses).

  • “Inkwell” cosmetic: After completing The Delicious Last Course, you can toggle a 1930s sepia filter.


    • 9. Secret Achievement/Trophy



    Several achievements require hidden actions:
  • “The Kitchen’s Closed” – Defeat the Devil in under 10 minutes? No, actually it’s for beating all bosses with no damage? Wait, the achievement system varies by platform. The most notable is “Pacifist” – complete an entire run-and-gun level without shooting (requires specific careful movement).

  • “Beat the Devil’s Offer” – In the final boss, when the Devil offers a deal, refuse by not hitting him for 30 seconds – this triggers a cutscene and unlocks a hidden ending.


Summary



Cuphead has no cheats, but its secrets are woven into the world. The true cheat code is practice and pattern memorization. Use the hidden coins to ease your journey, seek out secret mausoleums for extra abilities, and enjoy the countless Easter eggs that celebrate the golden age of animation. Exploits are minimal and considered harmless by the developers.