Alex Ruben
How To Set Up Cuphead for Two Players on PC Using a Controller
If you’re trying to get yourself and a friend into Cuphead’s chaotic run-and-gun chaos, you’ve probably hit a few walls with controller detection or just getting everything to work smoothly. It’s kind of weird, but setting up local co-op on PC isn’t always plug-and-play, especially if your controllers are finicky or Windows decides to throw a tantrum. The core idea is to get both controllers recognized properly, launch the game, and then have the second player join in seamlessly. Done right, it’s pretty straightforward, but on some setups, it can feel like wrangling cats. Hope this helps you skip some frustration. Here’s what to do.
How to Fix 2-Player Co-Op in Cuphead on PC
Method 1: Make sure both controllers are recognized by Windows
This step is crucial because Cuphead relies on Windows recognizing your controllers like any other input device. If Windows doesn’t see the second controller as a gamepad, you’re out of luck—Cuphead will just ignore it.
- Check Controllers & Devices in Settings (Start > Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices). You should see each controller listed under “Other devices” or “Connected devices.”
- For Wireless controllers (Xbox, PlayStation, or generic Bluetooth gamepads), switch on Bluetooth (Start > Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices), then put your controller into pairing mode. Usually, holding the sync button or the PlayStation button + Share/Share button on Xbox works.
- On a wired controller, just plugging it into a USB port should automatically detect it. If not, try different ports or restart Windows.
- In Device Manager (Right-click Start > Device Manager), look for your controllers under Human Interface Devices or Sound, video and game controllers. No error icons should be next to them.
On some machines, controllers kind of weirdly get recognized as keyboards or other devices, which can mess with detection. A quick driver reinstall or recalibrate in Steam’s controller settings sometimes helps.
Method 2: Use Steam’s controller configuration (if you’re running through Steam)
This is a little hacky, but Steam has pretty good controller support. If Cuphead is launched through Steam, setting up via Steam’s big picture mode can help Windows recognize controllers better.
- Open Steam and go into Big Picture Mode (click the controller icon in top right).
- Navigate to Library > Cuphead. Right-click on it and select Properties.
- In the Controller section, try setting Override for Cuphead to Enable Steam Input.
- Launch the game from Steam’s big picture mode and see if both controllers are now detected properly.
This often makes Cuphead recognize multiple controllers more reliably, especially if Windows is being stubborn.
Method 3: Launch Cuphead and get Player 2 in game
This part is kinda weird, but on one setup it worked, on another… not so much. Once your controllers are both recognized by Windows and Steam, start Cuphead:
- Launch the game via Steam or the Xbox app.
- Use Player 1’s controller to load up your save or start a new game.
- Walk into the overworld or the first level. Now, some say just pressing any button on the second controller should trigger Player 2 to join.
- Keep in mind, Cuphead expects Player 2 to be Mugman — and sometimes, it defaults to Player 2 connecting when you press a button on the second controller after loading in. If nothing happens, try quitting and restarting the game with both controllers already on, or reconnecting controllers mid-game.
Honestly, sometimes unplugging and re-plugging the second controller, then launching again, fixed detection for me.
Extra tips & troubleshooting: Fix common issues
- If the second controller isn’t detected, make sure it’s fully charged or properly connected. On wireless, Bluetooth sometimes just drops out.
- If it’s recognized in Windows but not in-game, try restarting both Steam and Cuphead.
- Check whether any controller drivers need updating—sometimes Windows Update or manufacturer apps fix detection bugs.
- Revisit Settings > Devices in Windows to verify both controllers are active and recognized as Gamepads.
- As a last resort, open Device Manager, right-click each controller, and choose Update driver or uninstall then reconnect.
Wrap-up
Getting two controllers working in Cuphead on a PC isn’t always smooth sailing, but once you nail the recognition part, the game’s local co-op is a blast. It’s kind of a pain sometimes, but if you troubleshoot systematically—checking drivers, controller bindings, and Steam’s configs—you’ll get there. Just tolerate some reconnects or restarts in the process. It’s worth it for those chaotic boss fights with a buddy.
Summary
- Check Windows detects both controllers correctly in Devices & Printers or Device Manager.
- Use Bluetooth pairing for wireless controllers, or just plug in wired ones.
- Configure Steam’s Big Picture Mode for better controller support if needed.
- Start the game, then press any button on the second controller, or replug mid-game if necessary.
- Restart, update drivers, and make sure controllers are fully working before launching.
Final notes
Hopefully, this shaves off a few hours for someone. Cuphead better support multiple controllers out of the box, but until then, a little troubleshooting can go a long way. Fingers crossed this helps make your co-op sessions smoother.