How to Play the Devil May Cry Games in Order

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The “Devil May Cry” series, renowned for its longevity, might initially appear daunting to newcomers. However, with the debut of the “Devil May Cry” anime on Netflix and the consistent high sales of games like the “Devil May Cry HD Collection” and other installments, a significant number of individuals are now discovering the delight that “Devil May Cry” offers for the first time.

As a devoted fan diving back into the thrilling world of Devil May Cry, I’ve found myself pondering the optimal play order for this iconic series. The HD Collection might seem a bit vintage for newcomers, but it lays the groundwork for understanding the intricate backstory. Then, you have the action-packed Devil May Cry 4, the more recent Devil May Cry 5, and the somewhat contentious 2013 reboot, DmC: Devil May Cry, to select from. Each game boasts unique qualities, so which order should I tackle them in for a truly immersive experience?

Devil May Cry Playing Order

While each “Devil May Cry” game has its own storyline that can be enjoyed individually, the most immersive and satisfying way to follow the series’ narrative is by playing the games sequentially as they were released.

  1. Devil May Cry
  2. Devil May Cry 2
  3. Devil May Cry 3
  4. Devil May Cry 4
  5. Devil May Cry 5

The Devil May Cry HD Collection gives you entry to the initial series of games across all primary gaming platforms, and it’s an excellent starting point for newcomers. If the original Devil May Cry feels a bit challenging for players not familiar with the genre, diving right into Devil May Cry 3 as a beginning point is also a viable option. Since Devil May Cry 3 is a prequel, no prior knowledge is required to enjoy it.

Some gamers argue that Devil May Cry 2 can be overlooked without missing much. It’s often considered an outlier in the series, offering minimal story and character advancement when compared to the first and third games. Newcomers to the series may find the first and third installments more engaging and rewarding, so they should not be deterred from exploring the rest of the franchise based on their experience with Devil May Cry 2.

Playing Devil May Cry 4 prior to Devil May Cry 5 is suggested, mainly because the fourth installment introduces Nero, who is also the main character in the fifth game. Your understanding and appreciation of Nero’s development in Devil May Cry 5 will be much deeper if you’ve experienced his introduction in the fourth game’s storyline first.

For those considering a reboot, you can dive into the action-packed world of DmC: Devil May Cry whenever you’re ready. This independent installment offers a fresh take on the backstories of characters like Dante, Vergil, and other series mainstays. Developed by a new team, DmC plays differently from the traditional games in the series, but it retains that signature Devil May Cry feel overall.

Devil May Cry Games in Chronological Order

Starting with the latest installments in the Devil May Cry series first provides a contemporary viewpoint. This approach makes it simpler for players to get acquainted with the franchise and eases their return to the earlier games, should they wish to revisit them.

  1. Devil May Cry 3
  2. Devil May Cry
  3. Devil May Cry 2
  4. Devil May Cry 4
  5. Devil May Cry 5

Even if players opt to play the Devil May Cry series in order based on its timeline, the suggestions provided earlier largely remain valid. The third game serves as a prequel, making it suitable to start with, although transitioning from the third game to the original Devil May Cry might feel somewhat abrupt. Generally speaking, Devil May Cry 2 can be skipped without much consequence, as its crucial aspects are summarized in Devil May Cry 5’s story recap. In essence, Devil May Cry 2 receives only a brief acknowledgment in the grand scheme of things.

In the timeline of the “Devil May Cry” series, there aren’t many jumps, so for a chronological playthrough, all you need to do is place “Devil May Cry 3” at the beginning of the list. Following that, players can play the other games in their original release order. If time allows, they might also want to check out the 2013 reboot at some point.

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2025-04-12 10:54