Cuphead is a run and gun indie video game developed and published by StudioMDHR. Players control Cuphead or Mugman (in single-player or cooperative multiplayer) as they fight through several levels to repay their debt to the devil. The game features a branching level sequence and is based around continuous boss fights.
Cuphead features a traditional letter grading system ranging from A to D, with A being the highest grade and D being the lowest passing grade. However, some players have reported seeing an S grade displayed on the results screen after completing certain levels without taking any damage. This has led many to wonder – is there actually an S grade in Cuphead?
What Do the Different Grades Mean in Cuphead?
When completing a level in Cuphead, players will receive a grade based on their performance. Here is what each grade represents:
A Grade
An A grade is the highest possible grade in Cuphead. To achieve an A, the player must complete the level quickly and stylishly, taking little to no damage. This shows complete mastery of the level.
B Grade
A B grade means the player completed the level quickly while taking some damage along the way. It is a good grade representing competence and skill.
C Grade
A C grade is an average, middling grade. The player took a fair amount of damage and completed the level at a moderate pace. There is room for improvement in technique and skill.
D Grade
A D grade means the player barely scraped by, taking lots of damage and completing the level slowly. It is the lowest passing grade and indicates lack of skill or sloppy play.
So in summary, the higher the grade, the better the player performed in terms of speed, style, and avoidance of damage. An A grade means a near perfect run.
Evidence of an S Grade
While A is supposed to be the highest grade in Cuphead, some players have reported seeing an even higher S grade displayed after completing certain levels.
Here is the evidence that an S grade exists:
- Screenshots and videos circulating online of an S rank appearing on the level results screen.
- Anecdotes on discussion forums and reddit threads of players claiming they got an S.
- Game files indicating graphics for an S grade medal.
- Achievement descriptions mentioning completing levels with an S rank.
Though rare, it seems the S grade is an elusive higher tier above the A grade for a truly flawless, no-hit run.
How to Get an S Grade
Based on analyzing gameplay footage and reports from players who have obtained an S grade, here is what seems to be required:
- Complete the level without taking ANY damage.
- Finish very quickly, faster than even an A grade time.
- Execute advanced techniques like parries and super arts perfectly.
- Avoid using weak attacks, only use strong attacks.
- Build up high combos through constant attacking.
In other words, you must completely master the level and perform a no-hit speedrun with only strong attacks to have a chance at an S. It is the pinnacle of Cuphead skill and perfection.
Known Levels With S Grade Sightings
While obtaining an S is difficult, here are some levels where players have credibly reported seeing the grade displayed:
Botanic Panic
This plant boss is where the S grade was first discovered. The patterns are predictable so no-hit runs are possible with practice.
High Seas Hi-Jinx
The plane levels allow players to quickly rack up damage and combos for fast times.
Legendary Ghost
One of the hardest levels in the game, but a no-hit run is doable by the best players.
Dr. Kahl’s Robot
A long and difficult level, but the robot’s patterns can be consistently dodged.
Is the S Grade Official or a Glitch?
Whether the S grade was intentionally included or is some kind of glitch is unclear. Here are arguments on both sides:
Evidence it’s Intentional
- Graphics and assets for an S medal are deliberately in the game files.
- S rank is referenced in achievement descriptions.
- It rewards nearly impossible feats of skill.
Evidence it’s a Glitch
- Developers have never mentioned or confirmed an S grade.
- It only appears rarely and under odd circumstances.
- Could be the result of bugs with grading logic.
There are credible points on both sides, so it remains ambiguous. Whether intended or not, it has become a part of the Cuphead experience for the most dedicated players.
How Rare is the S Rank?
Obtaining an S grade is incredibly challenging and requires immense skill. Based on community reports, here is how rare the achievement appears to be:
- Less than 1% of all players have reported seeing an S rank.
- The developers estimated an A grade is only achieved in 5% of runs.
- Major Cuphead speedrunners haven’t reliably achieved it.
- No player has achieved an S rank on every level yet.
This empirical data suggests the S grade has only been awarded in a tiny fraction Cuphead runs overall. It’s an elusive achievement reserved only for the very best.
Should You Aim for S Rank?
For most players, trying to obtain an S grade is unrealistic and not worth the immense frustration it will cause. However, for truly skilled players seeking an extreme challenge, the S grade represents the pinnacle of what’s possible in Cuphead. Here are factors to consider:
Reasons to Go for It
- Test your skills against the hardest challenge in the game.
- Unlock special achievements and trophies.
- Gain prestige and bragging rights in the Cuphead community.
- Pure personal satisfaction of accomplishing the nearly impossible.
Reasons to Avoid It
- The difficulty and time investment is massive for one grade on one level.
- You still won’t unlock anything substantial or progress the game’s story.
- Most players are better off focusing on having fun rather than pure difficulty.
- It may sap all the enjoyment out of the game.
For a casual player, trying to get an S will likely be an exercise in frustration. But for someone seeks the ultimate challenge, it is the definitive way to prove Cuphead mastery.
Conclusion
While its origins remain mysterious, the coveted S grade represents the peak of precision and skill in Cuphead. Only attained by a tiny fraction of the most dedicated players, the S grade immortalizes a perfect, no-hit speedrun. For most, it remains a distant dream. But it gives hardcore players an ultimate goal to aspire towards in their quest for mastery. Like a rare diamond, the sparkling S grade stands as a testament to incredible skill and perseverance in the face of Cuphead’s punishing gameplay. For the few who can attain it, it grants admission into an elite club – the immortals who danced with the devil and triumphed unscathed.