Do I need to play all of the Devil May Cry games?
The short answer is: No, you do not need to play every Devil May Cry game to understand and enjoy the latest DMC5. But playing a select few, especially DMC3 and DMC4, will provide useful background and context that enriches your experience.
Let me explain in more detail as an avid DMC fan.
The Devil May Cry series currently consists of 7 mainline games, ranging from the 2001 original to 2019‘s DMC5. There are also mobile games and an anime series, but we‘re focusing just on the core entries here.
These stylish action games are mostly standalone when it comes to their plots and characters. DMC5 even provides a quick recap of previous events to get new players up to speed.
However, I always recommend playing DMC3 and DMC4 before jumping into later sequels. Here‘s why:
Why Devil May Cry 3 matters
DMC3 serves as an origin story for Dante and takes place before the first game chronologically. Released in 2005, it‘s often considered the best DMC game for its incredibly deep combat system and difficulty.
This prequel establishes key characters like Dante‘s brother Vergil. It also introduces Dante‘s signature fighting styles like Trickster and Royalguard.
Gameplay-wise, DMC3 lays the groundwork for future titles. Story-wise, it provides important lore and context about Dante‘s demonic roots. You‘ll appreciate later DMC games much more after experiencing Dante‘s early days in DMC3.
Why Devil May Cry 4 matters
DMC4 introduces newcomer Nero as a playable character and takes place between DMC2 and DMC5. It‘s crucial for understanding who Nero is and why he replaces Dante as the protagonist in DMC5.
Released in 2008, DMC4 also improved on DMC3‘s combat with new mechanics like the Exceed system. It has the tightest gameplay in the series up until DMC5 thanks to its blazing 60fps performance.
While the story is lighter, seeing Nero‘s abilities and relationship with Dante makes their DMC5 team-up more impactful. DMC4‘s epilogue also directly sets the stage for DMC5.
The ideal DMC play order
Here is the ideal order to experience the story and evolution of the gameplay:
- Devil May Cry 3
- Devil May Cry
- Devil May Cry 2
- Devil May Cry 4
- DmC: Devil May Cry
- Devil May Cry 5
I recommend playing the original trilogy first, then DMC4 before diving into DMC5. DmC: Devil May Cry is a standalone reboot not connected to the main storyline.
Below is a quick summary of each game and why some are more important than others:
| Game | Release | Summary | Importance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Devil May Cry 3 | 2005 | Dante‘s origin story and best combat | Extremely important |
| Devil May Cry | 2001 | The original game | Foundational lore |
| Devil May Cry 2 | 2003 | Weakest entry, skippable | Not important |
| Devil May Cry 4 | 2008 | Introduces Nero | Very important |
| DmC: Devil May Cry | 2013 | Non-canon reboot | Standalone |
| Devil May Cry 5 | 2019 | Stars Nero and Dante | Must-play |
Should you skip Devil May Cry 2?
DMC2 is often considered the black sheep of the franchise. Even many hardcore fans recommend skipping it entirely.
Released in 2003, DMC2 faced a rushed development cycle and it unfortunately shows. The level design is repetitive, missions lack variety, and the combat is far too easy.
The story and characters are also very thinly written, adding little to the series lore. It feels disconnected from other entries.
I advise playing DMC2 only if you must experience every DMC game or don‘t mind repetitive hack-and-slash gameplay. It provides more mindless demon-slaying action, but falls short of the quality and care put into other titles.
In summary
You don‘t need to marathon the whole series, but here are my key tips as a DMC expert:
- Play DMC3 to better understand Dante‘s background
- It has the best combat and establishes series lore
- Play DMC4 to learn more about Nero
- Directly sets up the story and characters of DMC5
- Feel free to skip DMC2 as it‘s not referenced much later on
- Play DMC games in release order for the full evolution of gameplay
- Have fun slaying demons stylishly!
Let me know if you have any other DMC questions! I‘m always happy to share my knowledge with fellow fans and help new players discover the joys of stylish demon-hunting action.