The Handcannon
A talking gun with a big ego and even bigger firepower.
The Handcannon is a legendary, sentient firearm of immense destructive power that serves as a central plot device in Enter the Gungeon. Originally forged by an unknown master gunsmith, it possesses a consciousness and a distinct personality, often speaking to its wielder with a mix of arrogance and camaraderie. Unlike standard weaponry found within the dungeon's depths, this weapon is not merely a tool but a character in its own right, capable of independent thought and emotional attachment.
- Type
- Sentient Legendary Weapon
- Affiliation
- The Gungeon (formerly), The Gunners
- Voice
- Distinctive, gruff male voice
- Status
- Active / Wielded by the Protagonist
- Key Ability
- Fires explosive rounds that chain between enemies
- Personality
- Boisterous, confident, and fiercely loyal
Lore & Background
What sets the Handcannon apart from other artifacts is its sentience. It does not simply fire bullets; it communicates with its user, offering commentary on their performance and occasionally berating them for poor aim. This bond suggests that the weapon chooses its master rather than the other way around. In the grand narrative of the Gungeon, the Handcannon represents a bridge between the inanimate objects of the dungeon and the living souls trapped within it, serving as both a guide and a weapon of last resort.
In Their Own Story
The dust settled over the cracked floor tiles as the Gunner raised their arm. The metal barrel hummed with a low, vibrating warmth that traveled up to the elbow. 'You're shaking,' the voice echoed directly into the mind, rough like gravel in a mixer. 'Pull yourself together, kid. This ain't a toy.' Before the Gunner could respond, the gun fired without being pulled, sending a jagged bolt of energy that shattered a wall of stone and bounced off three enemies before detonating. 'See?' the voice chuckled. 'I told you I got this covered.'
Reader's Guide
Scattered throughout the Gungeon, item descriptions hint at the existence of weapons with minds of their own. The Handcannon is frequently referenced in these fragmented texts as a relic that defies the usual laws of physics and magic. NPCs in the outer areas often whisper about a 'loud gun' that once roamed the halls before vanishing, suggesting it has a history of wandering between owners or perhaps hiding from its own power. The environmental storytelling implies that the weapon is drawn to those with a strong will to escape. Deep within the lore, there are mentions of a specific bond formed between the Gunner and this artifact. It is not merely an upgrade but a companion that shares the burden of the journey. The weapon's existence challenges the notion that all items in the Gungeon are cursed objects; some may simply be waiting for the right partner to unlock their full potential.
Did You Know?
- The Handcannon is one of the few weapons in the game capable of speaking directly to the player character.
- Its explosive rounds have a unique property where they can bounce off surfaces and hit multiple enemies.
- The weapon's design features a distinct, oversized barrel that dwarfs standard firearms found in the dungeon.
- It is often associated with the concept of 'breaking' the rules of the Gungeon through sheer force.
More in Lore & History
Elsewhere in the Enter the Gungeon universe
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