A not-so-horrible evening to have a curse

One of many tough non-compulsory targets in Cuphead: The Scrumptious Final Course is to “receive nice energy,” and it’s tied to a mysterious Cursed Relic that places a tricky new spin on the boss-battling format. Whereas I struggled a bunch with this problem, ultimately, it ended up being one of many highlights of the DLC, and actually, all the base sport. It makes you work.

Earlier than I am going into too many specifics, it’s value taking a broader strategy for anybody who’s intrigued however will finally nonetheless need to determine issues out on their very own. I’ll ease you in.

The cursed problem

With an merchandise referred to as the Cursed Relic, you’ll solely have one HP once you enter a boss battle, and your weapons are randomized, so you need to be adaptable. Your aim is to beat a sure variety of bosses — both from the DLC, the bottom sport, or each — to improve the merchandise into one thing with much less… drawbacks. It’s a visit. A irritating, satisfying journey.

Very similar to how Ms. Chalice is a enjoyable (arguably overpowered) excuse to revisit the unique Cuphead content material, the Cursed Relic is a fittingly onerous shake-up for seasoned gamers.

It’s one factor to return to Isle I and make a idiot out of the Root Pack and Goopy Le Grande, and should you’ve earned S ranks in Cuphead earlier than, you already know that no-hit runs are inside your attain. However when you possibly can’t depend on your very best loadout, the stress is on — and it builds.

Regardless of having random weapons with the Cursed Relic, you’ll have some management — you possibly can let go of the “hearth” button to cycle by the checklist. As long as you retain capturing, your weapon will keep the identical; however should you ever let go, for any cause, together with a touch, the shot sort will shift to one thing else. With this setup, I usually frantically tapped the button till I landed on the homing Crackshot, my one true savior, after which refused to let go.

How nicely are you aware these bosses?

To carry the curse, you’ll need to take out extra than simply the newbie bosses — the larger the menace, the extra behind-the-scenes factors you’ll earn.

As you progress, the attention icon for the Cursed Relic will change, and it’ll get some new perks, together with a sooner Tremendous meter cost, extra constant Smoke Bomb dashes, and (oh thank goodness!) a better time regenerating some HP by parrying. A security web!

(The wiki has a breakdown of what number of curse-lifting factors every boss is value, and the way the Cursed Relic tiers differ, should you’re curious. Don’t play on Easy mode. It received’t rely.)

The payoff for the Paladin achievement

Ultimately, after clearing a handful of bosses, the Cursed Relic will develop into the Divine Relic. I needed to wipe out many of the Isle I and Isle II bosses on Common issue.

The Divine Relic is similar idea — randomized shot varieties which you can cycle by mid-fight— nevertheless it retains your well being pool at a way more comfy 3 HP.

It’s not precisely one thing I’ll use by selection, however in the correct fingers, it may be very highly effective and versatile. Greater than something, I valued this journey greater than the vacation spot.

Getting began with the Cursed Relic

You’ll be able to entry the Damaged Relic early into the Cuphead DLC — it solely prices one coin on the store. It’s finest saved till you’re sufficiently warmed up. With this merchandise outfitted, you’ll remedy a puzzle in a cemetery, conjuring a fierce secret boss battle. If you happen to beat it, the Damaged Relic will morph right into a Cursed Relic. And that’s the place the true enjoyable begins.

Cuphead: The Scrumptious Final Course is simply nice. It not solely has incredible bosses — a few of my favorites but — nevertheless it additionally freshens up the unique crew with new charms.

Even when this feels like a ache within the ass, I’d encourage you to offer it a shot. As dicey as issues received with the Cursed Relic, it was an exquisite last problem to finish Cuphead on.

I’m certain I’ll be again, however I’m so excited to see what’s subsequent for Studio MDHR.

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Jordan Devore

Jordan is a founding member of Destructoid and poster of seemingly random photos. They’re something however random.