Download & Installation
Overview
Cuphead is a run-and-gun action game with hand-drawn 1930s-style animation, available on PC, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, and Mac. This guide covers official digital storefronts and platforms, step-by-step installation, system requirements, common errors, and post-installation checks.
Supported Platforms & Stores
| Platform | Store(s) | Region | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| PC (Windows) | Steam, GOG, Epic Games Store, Microsoft Store | Worldwide | GOG version is DRM-free. Microsoft Store version requires Xbox Game Pass or purchase. |
| PC (Mac) | Steam, GOG | Worldwide | Mac support via Steam or GOG. No Epic version on Mac. |
| **Xbox One / Series X\ | S** | Microsoft Store, Xbox Game Pass | Worldwide |
| PlayStation 4 | PlayStation Store | Worldwide | Disc version available. |
| Nintendo Switch | Nintendo eShop | Worldwide | Digital only (no physical release in most regions). |
| Mobile (iOS/Android) | Not available | N/A | Cuphead is not available on mobile devices. |
System Requirements (PC)
Windows
| Component | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| OS | Windows 7 (64-bit) | Windows 10 (64-bit) |
| Processor | Intel Core2 Duo E8400 / AMD Athlon 64 X2 6000+ | Intel Core i3-2100 / AMD FX-6300 |
| Memory | 2 GB RAM | 4 GB RAM |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce 9600 GT / AMD Radeon HD 3870 (512 MB VRAM) | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 470 / AMD Radeon HD 6870 (1 GB VRAM) |
| DirectX | Version 9.0c | Version 11 |
| Storage | 4 GB available space | 4 GB available space |
| Sound | DirectX-compatible | DirectX-compatible |
Mac
| Component | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| OS | macOS 10.12 Sierra (or later) | macOS 10.15 Catalina or newer |
| Processor | 2.0 GHz dual-core Intel Core i3 | 2.5 GHz quad-core Intel Core i7 or Apple Silicon (Rosetta 2) |
| Memory | 4 GB RAM | 8 GB RAM |
| Graphics | Intel HD Graphics 4000 | Dedicated GPU with 1 GB VRAM (e.g., AMD Radeon R9 M370X) |
| Storage | 4 GB available space | 4 GB available space |
Account Requirements
- Steam: Free Steam account required.
- GOG: Free GOG account required (optional for offline installation).
- Epic Games Store: Free Epic Games account required.
- Microsoft Store / Xbox: Free Microsoft account (or Xbox Live Gold/Game Pass Ultimate for online play on console).
- PlayStation Network: Free PSN account (PS Plus not required for single-player).
- Nintendo Account: Free Nintendo account required for eShop purchases.
- Controller support: Cuphead is designed for controllers. On PC, Xbox/PlayStation/Switch controllers work out-of-box. On Steam, you may need to enable Steam Input if using non-standard controllers.
- Language selection: The game detects system language; can be changed in the in-game settings menu (Options > Language).
- Resolution and graphics: Defaults to native resolution. Adjust from Options > Video.
- Volume and audio: Set in Options > Audio.
- Online components: Cuphead is primarily single-player. Local co-op only (no online multiplayer). No account login required to play.
Step-by-Step Installation Instructions
PC (Steam)
1. Download and install the Steam client from [steampowered.com](https://store.steampowered.com).
2. Create or log into your Steam account.
3. Go to the Store tab, search for "Cuphead".
4. Click Add to Cart and complete purchase.
5. The game will appear in your Library.
6. Click Install on the Cuphead page.
7. Choose installation location (default: `C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common`).
8. Wait for download (~2.5 GB) and automatic installation.
9. Click Play to launch.
PC (GOG)
1. Download and install the GOG Galaxy client from [gog.com](https://www.gog.com) (or use offline installer).
2. Log into GOG account.
3. Purchase Cuphead from the store.
4. In your Library, click Install.
5. Select installation directory.
6. Wait for download and installation.
7. Launch from GOG Galaxy or desktop shortcut.
Offline installer alternative: Download the offline backup installer from your GOG account and run it directly; no Galaxy client required.
PC (Epic Games Store)
1. Download and install the Epic Games Launcher from [epicgames.com](https://www.unrealengine.com/en-US/download).
2. Log into your Epic account.
3. Purchase Cuphead from the store.
4. Go to Library, find Cuphead, click Install.
5. Choose installation path.
6. Download and install automatically.
7. Launch from the launcher.
PC (Microsoft Store / Xbox Game Pass)
1. Ensure you have Windows 10/11 with latest updates.
2. Open the Microsoft Store app (or Xbox app).
3. Search for "Cuphead".
4. Purchase or subscribe to Game Pass (if available).
5. Click Install.
6. The game will download and appear in your Start menu and Xbox app.
7. Launch from Start or Xbox app.
Xbox One / Series X|S
1. Turn on console and connect to internet.
2. Go to Microsoft Store or My Games & Apps.
3. Search for "Cuphead".
4. Purchase or install via Game Pass.
5. Select Install.
6. The game downloads automatically; you can play once ready.
7. Insert disc (if physical): it will install automatically after disc detection.
PlayStation 4
1. Power on PS4 and connect to internet.
2. Go to PlayStation Store from the home screen.
3. Search for "Cuphead".
4. Purchase (if digital) or redeem code.
5. Click Download. The game will install automatically.
6. If physical disc: insert disc, system will prompt installation.
7. Launch from home screen or library.
Nintendo Switch
1. Turn on Switch and connect to internet.
2. Open Nintendo eShop from home menu.
3. Log into your Nintendo account.
4. Search for "Cuphead".
5. Purchase and download.
6. Game installs automatically (approx. 2.5 GB).
7. Launch from home screen.
> Note: Cuphead does not have a physical release on Switch (except in Japan/Asia as a limited edition). Digital only in most regions.
First Launch Setup
Common Installation Errors & Fixes
PC Errors
| Error | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| "Missing MSVCP140.dll" | No Visual C++ Redistributable installed. | Install the latest VC++ redistributable from Microsoft (x86 and x64). |
| "Cuphead.exe has stopped working" | Outdated graphics drivers or corrupted install. | Update GPU drivers (NVIDIA/AMD). Verify game files (Steam: right-click > Properties > Local Files > Verify Integrity). |
| "Failed to initialize Steam API" | Steam not running. | Launch Steam first, then start game. Also try running Steam as administrator. |
| Game not launching after purchase | Antivirus blocking. | Add Cuphead folder to antivirus exceptions. |
| Black screen at startup | Incorrect resolution or fullscreen mode. | Press Alt+Enter to toggle windowed mode, then adjust settings. |
| "An error occurred while installing" | Disk space or permission issues. | Free up space, run installer as admin, install to a different drive. |
| No sound | Audio device not selected. | Check Windows sound settings, set default device. In game, ensure audio output is correct. |
Console Errors
| Error | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Xbox: "Can't install game from disc" | Disc drive error or region mismatch. | Clean disc, restart console, check region compatibility. |
| PS4: "CE-30005-8" | Corrupted data or insufficient space. | Delete some saved data or free up storage. Rebuild database in Safe Mode (hold power button until beeps). |
| Switch: "Could not start software" | Corrupted download. | Archive and redownload from eShop. |
| All consoles: Slow download | Internet issue or server overload. | Pause/resume download, use wired connection, or wait. |
Mac Errors
- "Cuphead quit unexpectedly" on Apple Silicon: Ensure Rosetta 2 is installed (`softwareupdate --install-rosetta` in Terminal).
- Graphics glitches: Update macOS to latest version. Disable third-party overlays (Discord, etc.).
- Cannot install on older Macs: Cuphead requires at least macOS 10.12; if older, upgrade OS.
- Check file integrity: On Steam: Library > right-click Cuphead > Properties > Local Files > Verify integrity of game files. On GOG Galaxy: Cuphead > More > Manage Installation > Verify/Repair. On Epic: Library > Cuphead > three dots > Verify.
- Launch the game: Main menu should appear. Test basic controls (move, jump, shoot). If co-op, connect second controller.
- Check version number: In-game via Options > Help/About (if available) or on your store library page. Latest version (as of early 2025) is 1.3.4+.
- Test audio: Both music and sound effects should play. If not, try different audio output.
- Monitor performance: Play through the first level (Botanic Panic) to ensure smooth 60 FPS. On low-end hardware, reduce resolution or disable effects.
- Cloud saves: On Steam, GOG, EGS, and Xbox, cloud saves are automatic. Check cloud sync status in the launcher settings.
- Local co-op: Requires two controllers. On PC, you can mix controller + keyboard, but for both players, using two Xbox/PlayStation controllers is easiest.
- Save files location:
- Backup saves: For PC, copy the entire `Cuphead` folder in Documents. On consoles, use USB backup (PS4) or cloud (Switch with NSO).
- Running on low-end hardware: Lower resolution to 720p, disable shadows, and cap FPS at 30 via in-game settings or graphics card control panel.
- Cuphead requires a 64-bit operating system. 32-bit Windows/Mac is not supported.
- The game does not have an online multiplayer mode. Only local co-op for two players.
- All versions include the same content: original game + The Delicious Last Course DLC (purchased separately or as part of the Cuphead + DLC bundle).
- Cross-platform save transfer is not supported (except between PC stores using cloud saves via the same launcher).
Post-Installation Verification
Additional Tips
- Steam: `%USERPROFILE%\Documents\My Games\Cuphead\`
- GOG: `%USERPROFILE%\Documents\My Games\Cuphead\` (same as Steam)
- Xbox: Stored in cloud (no local access).
- Console: Stored on console hard drive or cloud (with subscription).
Important Notes
For the latest updates and support, visit the official Cuphead website: [cupheadgame.com](https://www.cupheadgame.com) or the respective store pages.