All ‘Devil May Cry’ Games in Chronological Order

If you enjoy high-speed action and battling demons, then the ‘Devil May Cry’ series is likely on your list. This series offers an exhilarating blend of fashionable combat with a narrative about Dante, a half-demon protagonist facing various demonic adversaries. For those who wish to immerse themselves, understanding the sequence of the games can be confusing – should you follow the release order or the chronological storyline? I’ve prepared a helpful guide to help you navigate this thrilling tale, so you can start your adventure in the way that feels best for you.

This franchise was established more than two decades back and has since become a significant player in the gaming world. It’s not just your typical hack-and-slash game; it offers a unique narrative structure that leaps through time, making it engaging to follow its sequence of events. Regardless if you’re a newcomer or returning fan, knowing how many games are available and where they fit in the grand scheme is crucial for an enjoyable experience. So, let’s delve into both the timeline of releases and the story’s chronological order, enabling you to play or replay these iconic titles with assurance.

How Many Devil May Cry Games Are There?

As a dedicated gamer immersed in the captivating world of Devil May Cry, let me share some insights about the heart of this series. You see, we’ve got five primary games that form the core of this epic tale. Now, don’t forget to count ‘DmC: Devil May Cry,’ the reboot, which carves its own unique path in a distinct universe. But there’s more to this story than just these games – novels, manga, and anime expand on the lore. However, for the purpose of this discussion, I’ll be focusing on those five main titles. Five is a significant number here, as it shapes the central narrative, and each game introduces something new to Dante’s thrilling demon-hunting journey.

Devil May Cry Games in Order by Release Date

If you’d like to play this series in the order it was originally released, here’s where it all began. The initial installment came out way back in 2001, marking the start of a consistent flow of thrilling games. For a true appreciation of how the gameplay and graphics have progressed over time, I’ve arranged them below by their release dates. Enjoy!

‘Devil May Cry’ – August 23, 2001
‘Devil May Cry 2’ – January 25, 2003
‘Devil May Cry 3: Dante’s Awakening’ – February 17, 2005
‘Devil May Cry 4’ – January 31, 2008
‘Devil May Cry 5’ – March 8, 2019

Devil May Cry Games in Chronological Order

If you’re interested in following Dante’s narrative as it progresses, it is advisable to stick with chronological sequence. The timeline jumps around, beginning with a prequel and moving through his life as a demon hunter. It’s important to note that the reboot stands alone – it’s not part of this discussion, as we’re focusing on the primary five games. Let’s examine each game individually, understanding their plotlines and positions within the series.

‘Devil May Cry 3: Dante’s Awakening’

This is where the story originates. Released in 2005, ‘Devil May Cry 3: Dante’s Awakening’ takes us back to the early days of a young Dante. He’s headstrong, arrogant, and new to the demon hunting business. The game sets him against his twin brother Vergil, who has an audacious scheme to blend the human and demon realms by ascending a towering structure teeming with dangerous creatures.

To begin with, this serves as the initial point in the series timeline. It’s positioned prior to the initial game, offering a glimpse of Dante before he became the accomplished, battle-hardened figure we later recognize. His confrontation with Vergil lays the foundation for their strained familial bonds and initiates their demon-hunting adventure.

‘Devil May Cry’

In 2001, I found myself diving into the world of ‘Devil May Cry’ once more, stepping back into the boots of the legendary Dante. This time around, he’s a bit older and has taken over his own shop, but still can’t resist taking on odd jobs that come his way.

A shady woman named Trish somehow manages to lure him to an island where it seems the demon emperor Mundus is making a return. You see, Dante has unfinished business with Mundus – he took out Dante’s mom and left his family in ruins. So, it’s personal for Dante, and he’s determined to settle the score.

In relation to the timeline, it occurs following ‘Devil May Cry 3.’ Approximately a decade has passed, allowing Dante to gain confidence in himself and his abilities. The game delves deeper into his past, referencing the confrontation with Vergil and illustrating how he evolved into the witty protagonist we admire.

‘Devil May Cry 2’

2003 saw the release of ‘Devil May Cry 2,’ where protagonist Dante joins forces with a fresh character named Lucia to thwart a businessman intent on resurrecting an ancient demon, Argosax. This time around, Dante exhibits a more somber and subdued demeanor, and the narrative unfolds across a vast urban landscape and chilling settings.

In narrative terms, this unfolds subsequent to ‘Devil May Cry.’ Over time, Dante has grown more seasoned yet somewhat aloof. Later on, he sets off on a journey into the underworld, leading to some initial perplexity regarding the sequence of events until later installments clarified the timeline.

‘Devil May Cry 4’

In 2008, ‘Devil May Cry 4’ introduced Nero, a new prodigious demon hunter. He wields an extraordinary arm known as the Devil Bringer and initially pursues Dante, who stands falsely accused of slaying a sacred leader. Later on, they join forces to thwart a sinister cult with nefarious intentions.

Following the events of ‘Devil May Cry 2’, the storyline continues with Dante having returned from his journey to the underworld. The specifics of his escape are unspecified, but he has aged, grown wiser, and sported a more rugged appearance. Furthermore, hints about Nero’s connections to the Dante family begin to surface, paving the way for future revelations.

‘Devil May Cry 5’

2019 saw the arrival of ‘Devil May Cry 5’. In this game, characters Dante, Nero, and a fresh face, V, join forces to battle a demon king named Urizen who’s growing a colossal tree in Red Grave City. The action is smooth, and the tension mounts as family mysteries unfold, reaching astronomical heights.

This is currently the latest instalment, taking place long after ‘Devil May Cry 4.’ Now in his forties, Dante finds himself overshadowed by Nero who’s taken the spotlight. It ties up many loose ends, such as Vergil’s reappearance, and once more leaves Dante and his sibling stranded in the underworld, until another adventure potentially arises!

2025-04-05 10:14