Chaser: Auto-Aim Utility

Master the Chaser weapon in Cuphead. Learn its auto-aim utility, when to use it for dodging, and its trade-offs in damage and speed.

The Chaser weapon in Cuphead offers a unique utility: auto-aiming projectiles. While it sacrifices raw damage for convenience, its ability to consistently track enemies makes it an invaluable tool for players who need to focus heavily on dodging and parrying. Understanding its strengths and weaknesses is key to leveraging its power.

What is the Chaser?

The Chaser is one of the primary weapons available in Cuphead. When equipped, it fires slow-moving projectiles that automatically home in on the nearest enemy. This means you don't need to aim precisely; the projectiles will find their target on their own.

How it Works

Upon firing, the Chaser weapon launches a series of small, ethereal projectiles. These projectiles have a moderate tracking ability, meaning they will curve and adjust their trajectory to follow the boss or enemy. The speed of these projectiles is significantly slower than most other weapons, and their damage output is also lower.

When to Use the Chaser

The Chaser is not a weapon for pure damage output, but rather for strategic advantage:

• Focus on Dodging: Its primary utility is allowing players to concentrate entirely on evading complex attack patterns and environmental hazards. With Chaser, you can focus on perfect parries and dodges without worrying about aiming.
• Learning New Bosses: When first encountering a difficult boss, using Chaser can help you learn their attack patterns without the added pressure of aiming. You can observe their movements and attacks more effectively.
• High-Mobility Bosses: For bosses that move erratically or are constantly repositioning, Chaser ensures you're still dealing consistent damage even when you can't get a clear shot.
• Completing Difficult Phases: During particularly hectic phases of a boss fight where survival is paramount, Chaser can maintain a steady stream of damage while you focus on staying alive.
• Ms. Chalice's Playstyle: Ms. Chalice's double jump and invincible roll can be used to get into aggressive positions, and Chaser ensures damage is dealt even if precise aiming isn't possible during those maneuvers.

The Trade-off: Damage and Speed

The main drawback of the Chaser is its significantly lower damage per projectile compared to weapons like Charge or Lobber. Additionally, the slow speed of its projectiles means it takes longer to hit the target, and it's less effective against fast-moving enemies or when you need to deal burst damage quickly.

EX Attack and Super Art

The Chaser's EX attack fires a volley of homing projectiles that deal more damage than the standard shots. It's useful for increasing your damage output when you have a safe window, but it still doesn't match the raw power of other weapons' EX moves. Its Super Art, "Dreaminess," creates a large, stationary orb that damages enemies within its radius. This can be useful for sustained damage in a specific area.

When NOT to Use the Chaser

• Speedruns: For players aiming for fast completion times, Chaser is generally too slow.
• Bosses with Small Weak Points: If a boss has a very small, precise weak point that requires accurate shots, Chaser might not be the best choice.
• Maximizing Damage Output: If your goal is to deal the highest possible damage in the shortest amount of time, weapons like Charge or Lobber are superior.

Feature	Description	Impact
Auto-Aim	Projectiles track enemies	Focus on dodging, easier for beginners
Projectile Speed	Slow	Takes longer to hit targets, less effective against fast enemies
Damage	Lower than most weapons	Less burst damage, requires sustained fire
EX Attack	Volley of homing projectiles	Increased damage, still auto-aimed
Super Art	Stationary damaging orb	Sustained area damage