The Definitive Guide to Playing the Devil May Cry Series

As a long-time fan and content creator focused on stylish action games, one question I get asked often is: what‘s the best way to play through the Devil May Cry games? With prequels, sequels and even reboots, the series‘ timeline can definitely confuse newcomers.

Well, after replaying these demon-slaying classics multiple times over the years, I‘ve figured out the ideal way to experience the compelling storylines and spectacular combat. So whether you‘re a new devil hunter or preparing your next replay marathon, this is the definitive guide to tackling the Devil May Cry games!

1. Start with the Prequel (Devil May Cry 3)

The best introduction to Dante‘s world is Devil May Cry 3: Dante‘s Awakening, released in 2005. Chronologically, this is the first title featuring everyone‘s favorite pizza-loving protagonist. Set years before the original game, you play as a cocky young Dante still coming into his powers.

DMC3 establishes key characters like Dante‘s brother Vergil and weapon-crafting ally Nell Goldstein. It also lays out much of the backstory about Dante‘s demonic heritage and feud with Vergil. For these reasons, I always advise playing DMC3 first despite coming after the debut game.

In terms of gameplay, DMC3 brings blistering sword and gunplay with over-the-top acrobatics. Dante can switch between multiple fighting styles and weapons on the fly for max combo potential. However, the game is also punishing difficult — especially the original western release.

Thankfully the HD Collection and Switch release include the easier Special Edition, letting newcomers enjoy Dante‘s origin story without controller-snapping frustration! Just be warned the boss fights still pack a punch no matter what.

2. Jump to the Debut Adventure (Devil May Cry)

With your appetite whet from DMC3’s prequel story, it’s finally time to experience 2001’s genre-defining Devil May Cry. This introduction shocked gamers with its cool protagonist, gothic environments, and deep satisfying combat.

Devil May Cry lays the groundwork for Dante‘s supernatural investigation agency. It also expands the games‘ mythos with revelations about Dante‘s father Sparda, the legendary demon knight. Overall it remains a short, sweet ride that‘s vital to appreciating later entries.

While certain areas in DMC1 feel a bit dated now, the core combat still shines. Dante‘s signature sword Rebellion and handguns Ebony & Ivory feel great to wield. Animations are smooth and environments react nicely to blows, making cleaning rooms of enemies supremely satisfying.

You‘ll also want to experience early confrontations with major villains like the demon emperor Mundus. These events directly set up clashes referenced throughout later DMC games.

3. Continue the Story with Devil May Cry: The Animated Series

Before jumping into Devil May Cry 2’s divisive direct sequel, I actually recommend watching 2007’s anime series. Animated by the legendary Studio Madhouse, The Animated Series directly continues storylines between the first two games.

Spanning 12 episodes at around 15 minutes each, the show sees Dante take jobs like bodyguarding a girl fleeing demons. Supporting stars also return like Trish and Dante’s ally Morrison. It provides nice connective tissue heading into DMC2‘s events.

While no game-changer, The Animated Series offers fun episodic monster battles for DMC fans. Best of all, the anime stays totally faithful to the gritty yet tongue-in-cheek tone of the games. Give the show a watch before jumping into part 2 for added backstory.

4. Strap In for Devil May Cry 2

Ah, Devil May Cry 2. The black sheep of the proudly over-the-top franchise…and unfortunately, the next stop on this play order guide. Released in 2003, DMC2 aimed to refine the original’s mechanics but fell short in many fans’ eyes.

Gone are the tight, rewarding combat and intricate environments that defined early DMC. Instead we get more open — yet monotonous — battle areas alongside main character Dante’s most wooden voice acting ever. It‘s by far Dante‘s least characteristic portrayal in the whole series.

Even DMC2‘s creators acknowledge failures in executing their vision properly. Yet while definitely the weakest classic DMC game, part 2 still moves the story forward. It introduces Lucia who aids Dante against new villains like Arius. Fans also get some payoff witnessing Dante‘s business and reputation growing.

So power through the rocky gameplay for essential plot and character groundwork. Just don‘t judge the whole franchise by DMC2‘s stale combat! The next two titles bounce back wonderfully…

5. The Fan Favorite Return – Devil May Cry 4

2008’s Devil May Cry 4 rocketed the series back to its usual SSStylish heights after DMC2’s missteps. Ditching the previous game’s open worlds for focused levels, DMC4 brings vastly improved combat depth and challenges.

Players take control of newcomer Nero sporting a demonic arm, though Dante remains playable later on. New acrobatics like Nero’s Snatch ability to grapple enemies add plenty flair alongside more intricately designed environments.

DMC4 also moves the Sparda family storyline forward with Nero’s mysterious demon powers. Could he have ties to Dante’s past? Fans speculated wildly about this new hero’s origins right up until…

6. The Latest Epic – Devil May Cry 5

After over a decade wait since DMC4, 2019 finally brought the big payoff fans craved with Devil May Cry 5. This sequel propels the series to even greater gameplay heights while delivering huge answers about Nero‘s past.

Set years after DMC4, an older Dante joins Nero and entirely new hero V to confront the return of non other than Vergil. The resulting rollercoaster storyline and phenomenal combat cements DMC5 as the best game since DMC3 for most fans.

Squaring off against familiar faces like Vergil alongside newcomer V provides an immensely satisfying experience for longtime fans. Yet DMC5 still works great for new players too thanks to it‘s easy-to-grasp gameplay fundamentals. Just expect the story to reference lots of past events!

DMC5 is everything fans could have wanted from a modern sequel and more. Once the epic credits roll, I guarantee you‘ll be itching replay this instant action combat classic again and again on higher difficulties.

To Reboot Or Not To Reboot?

Now at this point in the play order you face an intriguing question – should you check out 2013‘s DmC: Devil May Cry reboot? An alternate take on Dante‘s story developed by Ninja Theory, this reboot tears up the DMC rulebook for better or worse depending on who you ask.

With an all new take on Dante‘s cocky attitude plus reformat combat focusing on environmental kills, DmC certainly riled fans upon release. Yet time has softened criticisms somewhat and these days the game has its fair share of defenders.

My take? DmC brings fantastic visual flair and that signature DMC swagger, but loses impact with simpler weapon selections and button mashing combos. Check it out to judge the deviations yourself, but expect a wholly different tone and canon than the core series.

DmC also represents the end of the current timeline given its reboot nature. So while Capcom could always develop a brand new DMC6 some day, play this reboot last regardless since it exists separate from the core storyline.

Ranking the Devil May Cry Series

Now having played through all the canon Devil May Cry titles in order, how do fans view the series overall? What games stand out as highlights versus lowlights?

As a longtime fan myself, below is how I would rank the series from best to worst including key pros and cons based on story, characters and gameplay:

Yep, DMC3 and 5 still reign supreme to me. Their massive leap forwards in combat options and pacing make both incredible games even 15+ years later. DMC1 though still holds up surprisingly well given its age. Meanwhile DMC2‘s weak combat ensures it‘s often seen as an unfortunate low point.

Yet there’s enjoyment to be found across all the DMC games (yes, even 2!) for demon hunting fans. Following the play order above sets up the epic storylines with key background across the entries. So what are you waiting for? Grab your trusty sword and guns, then jump into Dante’s stylish supernatural world!