We've ranked every run and gun level in Cuphead.

When Cuphead first launched for the Xbox in 2017, audiences quickly became enamored with its 1930s aesthetic, big band soundtrack, and a slew of challenging, yet memorable bosses. Sinche then, Cuphead has parried its way onto other platforms like the Switch and PS4, become a Netflix show, and most recently, released its triumphant new DLC - The Delicious Last Course.

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While the bosses deserve all the praise they can get, Cuphead also contains a few platforming levels that are often overlooked. Inspired by classic run and gun games like Contra and Sunset Riders, these precarious levels require you to dodge incoming obstacles and enemies to make it to the finish line. If you need a break between bouts with bosses. run and gun levels are a great palate cleanser - though some are certainly more fun to play than others.

Forest Follies is likely the first run and gun stage you will encounter, and it's definitely the easiest one to beat. It almost feels like a tutorial for these platforming levels, teaching you what to look out for, while also foreshadowing some of the challenges that await you.

The main thing to look out for while playing through Forest Follies is the overwhelming amount of enemies you might see on-screen at any given time. Deadly Daisies can spawn anywhere - including above you - and Toothy Terrors are unbeatable enemies that make jumping over gaps even more terrifying. Fortunately, pink Spike Bulbs are also found throughout and can help you build up your super meter quickly.

While Forest Follies ranks last for its simplicity and straightforward design, Rugged Ridge is almost the complete opposite. Rugged Ridge may be the most frustrating run and gun level in Cuphead, and it often feels overstuffed with ideas that may have done better as entirely separate stages.

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The first portion of the level requires you to sneak past invincible Pyro Heads while also avoiding the Mountain Lions that attempt to blow you off of the stage. You will then need to survive an elevator ride full of Clay Golems and Grim Jr.'s before eventually arriving at possibly the hardest platforming section in the entire game. Rugged Ridge may be the one stage that makes you want to rage-quit and face a boss instead.

Perilous Piers is found on the same Isle as Rugged Ridge and is a more focused and refined level. It's oddly reminiscent of the stage in Super Mario Bros. where Mario must cross a series of bridges while Cheep-Cheeps fly at him from every direction. Cuphead takes this idea and expands on it to create a thrilling adventure by the sea.

After dodging the Fishy Flyers in the opening section of the level, you will face a series of other water-dwelling creatures such as crabs with platforms on their backs, as well as the nefarious Kaptain Krustacean. The giant lobster swims towards you, occasionally shooting lightning from its claws to keep you on your toes. Perilous Piers is a challenging level, but it's also incredibly rewarding and full of fascinating ideas.

After clearing the relatively simple Forest Follies, you may think that every run and gun stage in Cuphead will be an easy endeavor. Treetop Trouble doesn't waste any time showcasing how difficult these stages can be and can easily send you to a game over screen within the first thirty seconds. Fortunately, many of the skills and tricks required to clear this stage will be essential for later battles, and Treetop Trouble does an excellent job teaching you what it takes to survive.

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Tight platforming sections, a plethora of intimidating foes, and a mini-boss may sound like a lot, but Treetop Trouble also provides a few calm areas for catching your breath. One of the major lessons this stage teaches you is how to gauge the distance of your dash attacks. You've likely been dashing to evade enemy attacks, but Treetop Trouble will improve your reflex time and show you how to dash over both short and long distances.

Both of the run and gun stages on Inkwell Isle Two are inspired by circuses and contain colorfully creative areas and enemies. Funfair Fever specifically has everything you would expect to see at a carnival including clowns, balloons, and of course, a sentient hot dog that throws ketchup and mustard at you. Wait, that didn't happen to you as a kid?

The entire aesthetic of Funfair Fever is reminiscent of the circus from Dumbo, while an incredibly jaunty tune plays in the background. As Cuphead navigates through the circus tent he will pass through five separate sections, each with its own enemies and obstacles. While five sounds like a lot, each one is not overly difficult and the variety of actions you will need to perform in each one prevents any one section from feeling stale or boring.

There is a multitude of reasons why people enjoy going to local fairs and carnivals. Incredible entertainment and delicious snacks may be motivation for some, but one thing that's been a staple of the industry since the early 1900s is the funhouse. Whether it contains a hall of mirrors or spinning tunnels, these short adventures are meant to disorient you, and Funhouse Frazzle replicates that perfectly.

Out of all the run and gun stages, Funhouse Frazzle offers the most creative and unique mechanics, allowing it to stand out from the rest. You will need to effectively manipulate gravity by parrying pink cards to protect yourself from the onslaught of projectiles and enemies. The vivid colors and slew of background animations may be a bit distracting, but there isn't a better feeling than making it out of a funhouse after successfully seeing through all its tricks and traps.

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Kyle has been playing video games for as long as he can remember. When he is not playing the latest Nintendo title, he can be found listening to music or watching shows like Survivor and Big Brother. He is also the proud companion of four cats and two gerbils.