Since its groundbreaking debut in 2001, the Devil May Cry series has defined and perfected the character action genre. Built around high-octane combat, intricate combo systems, and an unmistakable sense of swagger, Capcom's demon-slaying franchise introduced gamers to the legendary half-demon hero, Dante. Over two decades, the franchise has expanded across multiple entries, experiencing dramatic highs, experimental reboots, and triumphant comebacks.
Whether you are a veteran demon hunter or a newcomer eager to experience the origins of the hack-and-slash genre, here is the definitive ranking of every mainline Devil May Cry game, ordered from worst to best.
6. Devil May Cry 2 (2003)
Widely considered the black sheep of the entire franchise, Devil May Cry 2 suffered from a troubled development cycle that severely impacted the final product. Moving away from the Gothic horror atmosphere and tight gameplay of the original, this sequel introduced sprawling, empty environments and an astonishingly simplified combat system.
Dante's signature charismatic personality was replaced with a moody, quiet demeanor, stripping away much of the charm that made him an icon. Additionally, firearm weapons were vastly overpowered, allowing players to brainlessly clear encounters simply by holding down the shoot button. While the game introduced dual-character gameplay with Lucia and laid early structural groundwork for future mechanics like dodge rolls, Devil May Cry 2 remains the lowest point in the series.
5. DmC: Devil May Cry (2013)
Developed by Ninja Theory, DmC: Devil May Cry attempted to reboot the franchise with a modern, Westernized aesthetic. At launch, it proved immensely controversial among longtime fans due to dramatic redesigns of Dante and Vergil, along with a tonally different, crass narrative style.
However, beneath the polarizing presentation lies a surprisingly competent action game. DmC: Devil May Cry features excellent level design, imaginative shifting environments known as Limbo, and fluid combat transitions between Angel and Demon weapons. While the original release locked combo flexibility behind color-coded enemies and ran at 30 frames per second on consoles, the subsequent Definitive Edition addressed many mechanical flaws. It stands as a solid action title, even if it feels distant from the spirit of classic Dante.
4. Devil May Cry (2001)
The game that started it all. Originally conceived as an early prototype for Resident Evil 4, director Hideki Kamiya pivoted the project toward fast-paced action, establishing a brand-new subgenre. Devil May Cry introduced players to Mallet Island, atmospheric Gothic architecture, challenging enemy encounters, and the iconic Style Meter system that rewarded flashy combat efficiency.
By modern standards, the original game shows its age through rigid fixed camera angles, slightly stiff movement, and simple weapon sets. Nevertheless, its tight focus, incredible boss encounters against rivals like Nelo Angelo, and historic significance make Devil May Cry a classic that still holds up remarkably well today.
3. Devil May Cry 4 (2008)
Marking the franchise's jump to the HD era, Devil May Cry 4 introduced a brand-new protagonist, Nero, alongside his grappling arm mechanism known as the Devil Bringer. Nero's gameplay mechanics offered an accessible entry point for newcomers, while Dante's mid-game playable appearance delivered unprecedented depth by allowing real-time switching between his signature combat styles (Trickster, Swordmaster, Gunslinger, and Royalguard).
The primary drawback of Devil May Cry 4 stems from its back half, where Dante backtracks through Nero's previous levels and bosses in reverse order, revealing obvious budget and time constraints during development. Despite this repetition, the core combat design remains astonishingly deep and continues to be celebrated by high-level combo artists.
2. Devil May Cry 3: Dante's Awakening (2005)
After the disappointment of the second entry, Capcom delivered a masterpiece prequel with Devil May Cry 3: Dante's Awakening. This entry fundamentally reshaped the character action genre by introducing the Style System, giving players dedicated mechanics focused on mobility, swordplay, firearms, or defense.
Featuring a youthful, arrogant Dante, an unforgettable rivalry with his brother Vergil, and incredible weapon variety (such as the ice nunchucks Cerberus and guitar-blade Nevan), Devil May Cry 3: Dante's Awakening boasts one of the finest stories and combat systems in action gaming history. It restored the franchise to glory and defined the standard for everything that followed.
1. Devil May Cry 5 (2019)
Returning after an 11-year mainline hiatus, Devil May Cry 5 proved that the king of stylish action had officially returned to reclaim his throne. Powered by Capcom's state-of-the-art RE Engine, the game delivers breathtaking visual fidelity, ultra-smooth 60 FPS performance, and the most refined combat mechanics in the history of the genre.
The game seamlessly rotates between three distinct playable characters: Nero with his customizable Devil Breaker mechanical arms, V with his unique summon-based battle style, and Dante with an immense arsenal of weapons and instant style-switching. With unmatched combat complexity, fantastic soundtrack design, and a satisfying climax to the Sparda family saga, Devil May Cry 5 is the absolute peak of the franchise and the gold standard for stylish action games.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Devil May Cry game should beginners play first?
For modern players, Devil May Cry 5 is the best entry point due to its modern graphics, fluid controls, and accessible tutorial systems. However, if you prefer to experience the storyline in release order, starting with the HD Collection version of Devil May Cry or the prequel Devil May Cry 3: Dante's Awakening is highly recommended.
Is DmC: Devil May Cry connected to the main story?
No, DmC: Devil May Cry is set in an alternate reboot universe and is completely separate from the mainline storyline containing Devil May Cry through Devil May Cry 5.
Final Thoughts
The Devil May Cry series remains an iconic pillar of video game history. While entries like Devil May Cry 2 stumbled, Capcom's commitment to mechanical depth, memorable characters, and stylish expression enabled the franchise to achieve unmatched greatness. From the classic roots of Devil May Cry to the unmatched combat perfection of Devil May Cry 5, Dante's saga stands tall among the greatest action series ever created.
