The final boss of Cuphead, The Devil himself, is a true test of skill and precision, but with the right strategy, you can take him down—even without taking a single hit. This guide will walk you through each phase of the fight, breaking down attacks, dodging techniques, and weapon choices that will give you the upper hand. Whether you’re looking to simply defeat him or go for a flawless victory, this strategy will help you emerge victorious.

Phase One: The Devil’s Opening Moves

The fight begins with The Devil showcasing his shape-shifting abilities, launching a variety of attacks that will test your reaction time and spacing. Here’s what you need to watch for:

The Ram’s Clap Attack

One of the trickier moves to avoid is when The Devil’s head morphs into a ram. This signals a large clap attack aimed at the middle of the screen. The best way to dodge this is to anticipate the timing—jump just as he begins to move his hands, then dash either to the middle or the sides. However, keep in mind that little devil minions may be running around, limiting your movement options. A well-timed jump and dash will keep you safe.

The Staff’s Three Attacks

When The Devil twirls his staff, he has three possible attacks:

1. Bouncing blue balls – These ricochet unpredictably, making movement difficult. Avoid parrying during this attack, as the screen will be too chaotic.
2. One parryable object amidst chaos – This attack allows you to score a parry, but only go for it if it’s safe.
3. Multiple projectiles that create tight spaces – Watch their motion pattern and find an opening to escape.

The Spider Head Drop

The Devil’s head will transform into a spider and drop from above. This attack is deceptive because he aims for your current position. The trick is to avoid dodging too early—wait until you see his legs appear from the top of the screen, then move aside at the last second.

The Fireball Ring

This attack consists of a circular motion of flames, with a single parryable one in the center. The best strategy is to wait for the right moment, hit the parry if you can, and get out of the way as quickly as possible.

When the First Phase Ends

As you near the end of Phase One, your Super Meter will likely be at max. This is a good indicator that The Devil is about to transition. When he begins sinking into the ground, DO NOT stand in the middle, or you will get hit by the emerging skeleton. Move to the sides to stay safe.

Phase Two: The Devil’s Descent

The second phase takes place in an underground area where the battlefield consists of multiple platforms. Managing movement here is crucial, as bombs and projectiles take up much of the screen.

Positioning Strategy

• Stick to the left side. While you can go to the right, the bombs tend to appear there more frequently, making it more dangerous.
• The platforms offer 50/50 positioning for projectiles, but always be aware of where the next safe spot is.
• Equip the Spread Shot—it allows you to deal large amounts of damage up close.

Dodging the Bombs

The bombs take up a significant portion of the screen when they explode. If you see them appearing on one side, move to the opposite platforms. The key here is patience—don’t rush movement and get caught in an explosion.

The Flaming Orb Attack

One of The Devil’s most consistent attacks in this phase is a circling flame. The best approach is to jump to the furthest platform, wait for it to rotate once, then jump to the closest one to avoid getting hit.

Phase Three: The Devil Summons Minions

As you transition into the third phase, The Devil calls in smaller enemies to make dodging more difficult. This is where prioritizing targets comes into play.

How to Handle Minions

• Stick to the left platforms again.
• Immediately take out any minions before they become a problem.
• Continue dealing damage while staying on the move.
• Don’t rush between platforms—time your jumps and attacks carefully.

Phase Four: The Final Showdown

The last phase of the fight is arguably the easiest if you play it right. The Devil begins crying, and casino chips fall from the sky. Here’s how to end the fight quickly:

The Falling Chips and Parryable Tears

• The casino chips fall in a random order, and it can be difficult to predict where they will land. Staying aware of openings is key.
• The Devil also sheds large parryable tears. If you’re in a safe position and feel confident, go for the parries to charge your Super Meter.

Using Your Super to End the Fight Instantly

• If you have saved your Super from earlier phases, now is the time to use it.
• A well-timed Super attack will bypass most of the final phase, cutting it extremely short.

Final Thoughts: Achieving No-Damage Victory

Beating The Devil without taking damage is a tough but achievable challenge. Key takeaways include:

• Anticipate attack patterns and move only when necessary.
• Stick to the left side during Phase Two and Three to minimize bomb risks.
• Save your Super for the final phase to skip the difficult parts.
• React smartly to enemy movement rather than rushing dodges.

If you follow these steps, you’ll not only defeat The Devil but dominate the fight. Now go out there, take him down, and claim victory in Cuphead! If you found this guide helpful, feel free to leave a comment or request another boss guide. Good luck!