For a newcomer, Devil May Cry 5 is the strongest modern starting point; for the series’ full evolution, begin with Devil May Cry 3. This ranking covers the five numbered games and the distinct 2013 reboot, DmC: Devil May Cry. The order is an editorial judgment based on combat, pacing, story impact, and how well each game plays today—not an official or universal ranking.
How this ranking works
The franchise is built around stylish action: expressive combat, memorable characters, and movement that rewards precision. The positions below weigh the whole game, not just its best fights. Special Editions, collections, and ports are treated as versions of their original games, not as separate entries. This list does not attempt to rank every mobile, pachislot, or licensed spin-off.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Devil May Cry 5 Special Edition (PS5) | $27.90 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Devil May Cry 5 Special Edition - PlayStation 5 | $23.48 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Devil May Cry 5 (PS4) (PS4) | $23.33 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Devil May Cry - PlayStation 4 | $21.94 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Devil May Cry 5 | Devil Hunter Edition | Nintendo Switch 2 Digital Code | $39.99 | Buy on Amazon |
DmC: Devil May Cry is included because it is a full, separately titled reboot, rather than a numbered sequel. Its place reflects both its merits as an action game and its departure from the numbered series’ continuity.
6. Devil May Cry 2
Why it ranks last
Devil May Cry 2 has the series’ weakest overall balance of combat, pacing, and character impact. Its large environments and playable characters offer ideas the franchise would revisit, but the action often lacks the intensity and precision that make the other entries distinctive. Its story and presentation also leave less of a mark than the games around it.
#1 Best Overall
- Wield the Yamato - Take the stylish action to a new level as Vergil, Dante's long-time rival and twin brother. DmC5 players on PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC will also be able to access all Vergil content in the playable character: Vergil DLC at a later date.
- New Gameplay Modes - Test your skills against the unique challenges of the new legendary dark Knight mode and Turbo mode.Legendary dark Knight mode: fans seeking an added challenge can Pit their skills and style against a crazy amount of enemies in the perilous legendary dark Knight mode.Turbo mode: adrenaline Junkies can push their reaction times to the limit against the increased speed of Turbo mode, which ups the rate of gameplay by 20 percent to allow for even more rapid and fluid combo opportunities.
- Ascend the Bloody Palace - Tackle the increasingly difficult floors of the bloody palace challenge mode, originally introduced as free post-launch content for Devil May Cry 5. Only the most skilled demon hunters will make it to the top floor to face the ultimate challenge.
- High-Octane Stylized Action - Play as four different characters: Nero, Dante, V, and the newly-added Vergil. Cut a path through the ruins of redgrave city with each character using radically different play styles as they take on the teaming hordes of demons.
- Groundbreaking Graphics - Developed with Capcom in-house proprietary RE engine, DMC5SE brings the visual quality to new heights, with graphics that utilize photorealistic character designs, stunning lighting and environmental effects. These Superb visuals have been enhanced with Ray tracing technology**, 4K visuals, and increased framerates, all with minimal load times.**Ray tracing will be included in the Xbox series x and series S versions as part of a downloadable title update..Vivid 3D Audio - Maintain their smokin
Who might rank it higher
It may interest players who want to see the series’ early experiments or experience every mainline entry. For a first game, its uneven action makes it a poor introduction.
5. DmC: Devil May Cry
Why it ranks here
Ninja Theory’s 2013 reboot is a confident action game with fast combat and a distinct visual identity. It is easier to recommend on its own terms than as a continuation of the numbered games: its reimagined setting and characters make it a substantial break from the series’ established continuity. Players who want the original Dante and the mainline story may find that distance a drawback.
Who might rank it higher
Move it up if you value a self-contained reboot and polished action more than continuity or the classic cast. GameSpot’s listing displays a score of 9 and a Metacritic score of 86 for DmC; those are listing scores, not proof of a series-wide consensus or a ranking against the other entries. GameSpot’s review listing.
Rank #2
- Blood burns with a blue Flame as Vergil joins the fight!
- Powered up for the next-generation of gaming Hardware.
- New gameplay modes Made possible by the increased processing power
- Includes additional content released separately from the original version
4. Devil May Cry
Why it ranks here
The original Devil May Cry established the series’ action-horror atmosphere and its core identity: stylish combat built around a charismatic demon hunter. Its compact, focused design gives it a character the later games do not always share. The dated feel of its controls and structure, however, can make it less inviting today than the more fluid sequels.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Who might rank it higher
It deserves a higher place for players who prize atmosphere, the origins of the combat formula, and the tighter feel of its early environments. It is a worthwhile historical starting point, but not the easiest entry for someone seeking the most modern action.
3. Devil May Cry 4
Why it ranks here
Devil May Cry 4 brings a strong combat system and a new lead, Nero, whose Devil Bringer adds a distinctive tool to fights. Its biggest structural weakness is repetition: the game reuses areas and revisits encounters, which blunts the momentum of its later stretch. The combat remains rewarding, especially for players who enjoy learning character-specific techniques.
Rank #3
- The 16 million unit selling series is back with original Director Hideaki Itsuno at the helm of development
- A demonic invasion begins with the seeds of a "demon tree" taking root in Red Grave City
- Featuring three playable characters each with a radically different stylish combat play style
- Developed with Capcom's in-house proprietary RE engine, the series continues to achieve new heights in fidelity with graphics that utilize photorealistic character designs and stunning lighting and environmental effects
- Battle against epic bosses in adrenaline fueled fights across the over-run Red Grave City.Nero, one of the series main protagonists and a young demon hunter who has the blood of Sparda, heads to Red Grave City to face the hellish onslaught of demons, with weapons craftswoman and new partner-in-crime, Nico
Who might rank it higher
Raise it if you value mechanical depth and Nero’s debut more than a consistently fresh campaign. It works well for players who have already learned the series’ basic combat language.
2. Devil May Cry 3
Why it ranks near the top
Devil May Cry 3 is the series’ defining blend of demanding combat, memorable set pieces, and character-driven storytelling. Its style system encourages experimentation, and its story gives Dante a more substantial emotional arc. The difficulty can be punishing, especially for newcomers, but mastering its fights is a major part of the appeal.
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallWho might prefer it to the top pick
Choose it over Devil May Cry 5 if you want a tougher, more concentrated challenge and a foundational chapter in the numbered series. It is also a strong first choice for players who want to experience the franchise’s older design before moving to its modern form.
Rank #4
- High octane stylized action – Featuring three playable characters each with a radically different stylish combat play style as they take on the city overrun with demons
- Groundbreaking graphics – Developed with Capcom’s in-house proprietary RE engine, the series continues to achieve new heights in fidelity with graphics that utilize photorealistic character designs and stunning lighting and environmental effects
- Take down the demonic invasion – Battle against epic bosses in adrenaline fueled fights across the over-run Red Grave City all to the beat of a truly killer soundtrack
- Demon hunter - Nero, one of the series main protagonists and a young demon hunter who has the blood of Sparda, heads to Red Grave City to face the hellish onslaught of demons, with weapons craftswoman and new partner-in-crime, Nico
1. Devil May Cry 5
Why it takes the top spot
Devil May Cry 5 offers the most complete modern package: sharp combat, a high level of character variety, and a campaign that brings its playable leads into the same story. Switching among Dante, Nero, and V gives fights distinct rhythms and tools, while the game’s presentation makes its action especially easy to follow. Capcom reported that it won Best Action Game at The Game Awards 2019 and an Award for Excellence at the Japan Game Awards 2019; those honors support its standing, but do not determine this ranking.
Capcom announced on June 13, 2025, that Devil May Cry 5 had sold more than 10 million units worldwide. The company also reported more than 33 million cumulative series units as of March 31, 2025. Capcom’s sales announcement.
Who should start here
Start here if you want the most current-feeling entry and do not mind meeting characters and relationships established in earlier games. Its action is approachable to learn but offers plenty to master. For a newcomer who wants the series’ story to build in order, Devil May Cry 3 is the better first stop.
Recommended Free Tools
Best Value
- Devil May Cry 5 Devil Hunter Edition
Which Devil May Cry game should you play first?
- For modern combat and presentation: Start with Devil May Cry 5.
- For a strong story-led introduction to the numbered series: Start with Devil May Cry 3.
- For the original atmosphere and origins: Play Devil May Cry, then continue in release order.
- For a standalone reboot: Choose DmC: Devil May Cry if you are comfortable with a separate continuity.
The best starting point depends on whether you care most about current-feeling action, the series’ evolution, or continuity. The numbered games are not ranked here by their chronological story order.
Which Devil May Cry 5 edition should you choose?
Edition names can hide meaningful platform differences, so check the included modes rather than assuming every release contains the same features. PlayStation’s US listing describes the PS5 Special Edition as including playable Vergil, Legendary Dark Knight mode, Turbo mode, ray-tracing support, and a high-frame-rate mode. The same page lists Devil May Cry 5 + Vergil for PS4. PlayStation’s US game listing.
In its June 22, 2026 review, Creative Bloq rated the Switch 2 Devil May Cry 5 Devil Hunter Edition 8/10, noting that it includes Vergil and DLC but lacks Turbo Mode and Legendary Dark Knight Mode. That is a specific edition on a specific platform, not a description of every version. Creative Bloq’s Switch 2 review.
Why Devil May Cry 5’s position is not an official verdict
Capcom’s March 22, 2019 release described the series as “popular, stylish action games known for their unique characters and exhilarating movement.” Capcom’s 2019 release. That captures the franchise’s identity, but individual entries emphasize different strengths. Capcom’s December 19, 2019 announcement credited Devil May Cry 5 with Best Action Game at The Game Awards and an Award for Excellence at the Japan Game Awards. Awards and sales are useful context, not a substitute for deciding which game best fits your taste. Capcom’s awards announcement.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteQuick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
