Introduction

Mortimer Freeze is one of the more frustrating bosses in Cuphead, not necessarily due to his difficulty but because of the tricky S-Rank requirements—especially the parry requirement. Each phase technically has parry opportunities, but in practice, they are inconsistent and RNG-dependent. This guide will walk you through the best strategies, loadout recommendations, and tactics to defeat Mortimer Freeze efficiently.

Recommended Loadout

• Primary Weapon: Spread (high damage up close and effective in all phases)
• Secondary Weapon:
  • Roundabout – Consistent damage throughout the fight.
  • Charge – High damage per shot, making the first and second phases easier.
• Super: Invincibility (useful for the final phase and securing parries)
• Charm Options:
  • Coffee – Faster EX meter buildup.
  • Smoke Bomb – Useful for dodging tricky attacks.
  • Heart Ring – Provides additional health when parrying.

Phase 1: The Ice Wizard

Attacks:

1. Icicle Summon: Mortimer summons four icicles that fall and then slide across the ground.
2. Crystal Ball: He shoots two tarot cards toward the player.
3. Whale Slam: He slams a whale onto the ground, launching any icicles still present.

Strategy:

• Start the fight by dealing immediate damage using Spread or Charge.
• When icicles drop, destroy the ones closest to you with Spread to create space.
• Avoid jumping recklessly when dodging tarot cards or the whale slam.
• Stay patient—this phase is short if played safely.

Phase 2: The Snow Beast

Attacks:

1. Rolling Attack: Mortimer rolls across the screen, bouncing to the other side.
2. Ground Slam: Causes shockwaves and spikes to rise from the ground.
3. Refrigerator Attack: Spits out ice cubes and popsicle bats.

Strategy:

• For Rolling Attack: Jump over him and dash if needed; avoid jumping when he bounces.
• For Ground Slam: Move to the side and dash over the spikes.
• For Refrigerator Attack:
  • Stay close to him and make small movements to dodge ice cubes.
  • Avoid standing at the screen’s edges to minimize interference from popsicle bats.
• If you still need parries, farm them here from the pink popsicle bats.

Phase 3: The Giant Snowflake

Attacks:

1. Eyeball Laser: The floating eye fires five vertical laser beams.
2. Bucket Projectiles: Buckets split into three moon projectiles upon hitting the edge of the screen.
3. Snow Cone Spread: Five snow cones shoot outward in a star-like pattern.

Strategy:

• Positioning:
  • Use Mortimer’s hitbox to your advantage—stand on or inside him to deal consistent damage.
  • Use Invincibility Super to deal massive damage safely.
• For Eyeball Laser:
  • Dash over or under it after the first beam fires.
  • Stay inside Mortimer’s hitbox if needed.
• For Bucket Projectiles:
  • If farming parries, stay near the middle-bottom platform.
  • Otherwise, stay on the highest platform for better visibility.
• For Snow Cone Spread:
  • Stick to the top platforms to have the most space to dodge.

Conclusion

Mortimer Freeze may be tricky due to RNG-dependent parries, but with patience and the right strategy, you can defeat him and earn your S-Rank. Take your time, practice dodging, and maximize your damage output. If you found this guide helpful, share it with others and check out more boss guides!

Good luck, and happy gaming!