Presentation
Devil May Cry 5 continues the story after Devil May Cry 4 and structures its campaign around three playable characters with very different styles: Nero, V and Dante. The game retains the series’ spectacular combat philosophy while giving each character a distinct way to build combinations.
Nero returns with Red Queen and Blue Rose, but the loss of his Devil Bringer leads Nico to build the Devil Breakers for him. These mechanical arms each possess a specific ability, such as Gerbera, Punch Line or Overture, and can be sacrificed to unleash stronger attacks or escape from dangerous situations.
V takes a completely different approach. He fights primarily through his familiars Shadow and Griffon, while Nightmare can be summoned as much more powerful support. V himself remains physically fragile and must personally deliver the final blow to weakened enemies with his cane.
Dante retains the greatest mechanical variety. He can instantly switch between Trickster, Swordmaster, Gunslinger and Royalguard while alternating between multiple melee weapons and firearms. Rebellion evolves during the story into Devil Sword Dante, while Balrog, Cavaliere and King Cerberus notably expand his arsenal.
Devil Trigger remains central to Nero and Dante, with transformations connected to their respective progression. Dante also gains Sin Devil Trigger, a more powerful form tied to the evolution of his demonic heritage.
The style ranking continues to reward variety, rhythm and combat mastery. Each character nevertheless requires different habits, giving missions a distinct identity depending on who is being controlled. Red Orbs are used to gradually expand their available techniques.
Red Grave City and the interior of the Qliphoth form the main environments. The structure remains primarily mission-based and favors combat over free exploration. Capcom’s RE Engine combines more realistic characters, detailed animation and spectacular effects without abandoning the visual excess associated with the series.
The story primarily returns to Sparda’s family. Vergil’s separation into V and Urizen turns his internal conflict into two distinct characters, while the revelation of his connection to Nero gives a new dimension to the rivalry between Dante and his brother.
Nico provides a new perspective on the demon hunters. As the mechanic and designer of the Devil Breakers, she travels with Nero in her van and provides access to upgrades during several missions.
Overall, Devil May Cry 5 acts as a synthesis of the series’ evolution. Nero develops the foundations introduced in the fourth game, Dante reaches an especially high level of freedom and V offers an entirely new way to play without changing the central principle of style-based combat.
What to remember
- The story takes place several years after Devil May Cry 4 and brings Vergil back to the center of the conflict.
- Nero, Dante and V are the three main playable characters in the campaign.
- Nero uses Devil Breakers created by Nico to replace his lost arm.
- V fights indirectly through Shadow, Griffon and Nightmare before finishing weakened enemies himself.
- Dante combines four Styles, numerous weapons and Sin Devil Trigger.
- Urizen and V are respectively Vergil’s demonic and human halves.
- Nero discovers that Vergil is his father and fully awakens his own demonic power.
- The style system remains central and rewards variety rather than simple efficiency.
Conclusion
Devil May Cry 5 brings together the main ideas developed throughout the series around three characters who require very different approaches. Nero emphasizes adaptation through Devil Breakers, V introduces indirect combat management and Dante offers an enormous range of possibilities.
This variety does not weaken the style system. Rankings continue to encourage players to vary their techniques, while progression gradually expands their options without turning the characters into interchangeable versions of one another.
The story also uses Vergil’s return to resolve several elements left open by earlier games. His relationship with Dante remains essential, but the revelation involving Nero shifts the conflict toward a new generation of Sparda’s family.
The game therefore works as a synthesis of the series while continuing to evolve its formula. It retains the mechanical depth of Devil May Cry 3 and 4, develops Nero further and places Dante and Vergil back into a rivalry that now gives their heir a central role.
Good to know
- Devil May Cry 5 was developed and published by Capcom under the direction of Hideaki Itsuno.
- The game was released on March 8, 2019, for PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC.
- It uses Capcom’s RE Engine.
- Nero, Dante and V are the three main playable characters in the original campaign.
- Bloody Palace was added after release as an additional combat mode.
- Vergil later became playable and has his own combat system.
- Devil May Cry 5 Special Edition, released in November 2020 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, notably includes Vergil, Turbo Mode and Legendary Dark Knight.
- Special Edition also adds various technical improvements designed for the newer consoles.
