If you’ve ever felt your heart race, dropping into a room full of demons, sword and pistols blazing, you already know why Devil May Cry is legendary. This isn’t just a series about mashing buttons or racking up points; with every slash, pose, and cocky grin, you’re stepping into a fast-paced dance where style is almost as important as skill. What’s wild is how this franchise, born out of Capcom’s experiments and Hideki Kamiya’s wild ideas, has kept evolving for decades. We still joke about pulling off a perfect S-rank combo in the living room, remembering every time we fumbled the controls in DMC3 but refused to put down the controller. Before we jump into the rankings of the best Devil May Cry games, let’s walk through what made each game stand out, how we judged our top picks, and why some entries are still prancing in our brains (and playlists) long after the credits rolled.
Best Devil May Cry Games
Ranking Devil May Cry games is a bit like choosing between pizza toppings; everybody has a favorite, and honestly, there’s no “wrong” answer. We weighed the combat mechanics, story twists, memorable moments, graphics, music, and a bit of fan love from the community to make this list as welcoming and fair as possible. Ready to find out which Dante struts his stuff best? Let’s get started.
7. Devil May Cry 2 (2003 – PS2/HD Collections)
- Considered the weakest in the series by fans.
Every great series has that one “huh?” moment, and for DMC, it’s the second entry. Dante returns, looking stoic and a bit disconnected; gone is the cheeky bravado, and in its place is a quieter hero. Gameplay is flashier but feels almost too easy; most enemies go down without a fight, and fans miss the original spark. Battles take to rooftops and city ruins, with newcomer Lucia joining the ranks, but the story never digs deep. While we appreciate the improved graphics and larger environments, DMC2’s simplicity in both combat and narrative puts it last on our list.
6. DmC: Devil May Cry (2013 – PS3/X360/PC/Definitive)
- Revolutionary at launch and blending horror.
Here comes the reboot that fired up a thousand forum debates. Ninja Theory reimagined Dante with an “edgy” spirit; gone is the classic red coat, in comes black hair and plenty of attitude in one of the best Devil May Cry games. What stands out, though, is the fantastic combo system: fast, fluid, and open to creative play. Bosses are big and bold, and environmental design is packed with color and chaos. If you set aside nostalgia for the classic timeline, DmC is still devilishly fun. We found ourselves grinning through combos, even as we missed OG Dante’s swagger.
5. Devil May Cry 4 (2008 – PS3/X360/PC/Special Edition)
- Reused environments, but combat depth kept fans engaged.
A bold move for the series, DMC4 introduces Nero, a brash new demon hunter with a snazzy “Devil Bringer” arm; seriously, who didn’t love grabbing enemies mid-air? Dante remains playable (eventually), and the combat variety is top-notch. What keeps it from soaring higher is the infamous backtracking; running the same levels as both characters left us feeling a bit of déjà vu. Still, that opening fight and the high-speed action keep it highly replayable.
4. Devil May Cry (2001 – PS2/HD)
- Divisive tone and aesthetic, but praised for fluid gameplay.
Let’s go back to where it all began: the gothic castle, that spooky marionette corridor, and a blue-haired swordsman named Dante. DMC launched a new genre, fusing Resident Evil’s spookiness with addictive, stylish combat. Every boss fight felt like a rite of passage, and the game, which is among the best Devil May Cry games, rewarded risk and flair at every turn. The tank controls show their age, but the fireworks of the first giant boss battle still make us feel like we’re discovering something wild and new.
3. Devil May Cry 3: Dante’s Awakening (2005 – PS2/HD/SE)
- Iconic for its difficulty, style, and emotional stakes.
At some point, we’ve all been humbled by DMC3’s difficulty. This is where the series found its soul: an over-the-top rivalry between Dante and his enigmatic brother Vergil, a gothic opera of demons, swords, and snarky one-liners. The style system lets you play your way and rewards mastery with pure flash. Who can forget the first time you parried Vergil, or chugged a slice of pizza before a boss fight? DMC3 carved out a space for hardcore action fans and still stands as an action clinic today.
2. Devil May Cry 5 (2019 – PS4/XB1/PC)
- Emotional arc ties up long-running character threads.
Devil May Cry 5 is, simply put, a triumphant return. Nero, Dante, and the mysterious V each get their moment to shine, and the game’s visuals are a jaw-dropping leap forward (those character models!). Swapping between three protagonists, stringing together absurdly long combos, and socking it to some of the series’ nastiest bosses; this is the evolution fans had been craving. We were blown away by the “Bury the Light” soundtrack and, honestly, the joy of juggling enemies mid-air for minutes at a time. It’s modern hack-and-slash perfection and definitely one of the best Devil May Cry games.
1. Devil May Cry 3: Special Edition (2006 – PS2/HD/SE)
- Dante’s rivalry with his brother, Vergil.
Topping out our list is the expanded version of one of action gaming’s GOATs. Special Edition brought Vergil into the spotlight as a playable character, added tweaks to the gameplay, and made an already deep game even richer. It’s the title we return to most, whether it’s for a new challenge, a story refresh, or just to experiment with style switches. If there’s a pure, unfiltered shot of what makes Devil May Cry unforgettable, this is it. There are few experiences in gaming quite like finally mastering a Royalguard counter, unleashing a flurry of air combos, and hearing that SSS rank explode on screen.
Honorable Mentions: Spin-offs, Ports & Anime
A shout-out to the collections; HD bundles letting new fans catch up (or veterans relive the magic), and the anime series that dives into Dante’s downtime antics. The mobile spin-offs and even that weird browser game all helped expand the universe a bit. While not required reading, they’re tasty “side dishes” for anyone wanting more DMC between playthroughs.
Devil May Cry’s Wild Soundtrack & Audio Design
Adrenaline-pumping rock, gothic orchestras, and the iconic “Taste the Blood”; the DMC soundtracks are the games’ heartbeat. “Devils Never Cry” and “Bury the Light” aren’t just background music; they’re rallying cries that make demon hunting feel like an arena concert. Each new entry that ranks among the best Devil May Cry games ups the ante, from punchy battle cues to boss themes that perfectly underline the chaos. With every guitar riff, we’re reminded why DMC is as much about performance as power.
Why Devil May Cry Matters: Legacy & Genre Impact
It wasn’t enough for Devil May Cry to set a template; its DNA lives on in games like Bayonetta and Nier, inspiring an entire generation of hack-and-slash design. Memes (looking at you, “Jackpot!”), speedrunning challenges, and those S-rank highlight reels keep the conversation going years later. It’s one of the few franchises where new players and old fans alike debate rankings, and nobody’s bored while doing it.
Summing Up: Our Favorite Devil Hunter Moments
No matter which DMC game you start with, you’ll find yourself chasing that perfect combo and the ever-satisfying SSS rank. Over the years, the franchise has made us laugh, sweat, rage-quit, and come right back for more. These are the adventures, characters, and boss fights that keep us clearing our backlog, again and again, to relive every stylish moment. What’s your favorite memory: first time beating Vergil, pulling off a no-damage boss, or just blasting through wave after wave to the pounding soundtrack? Drop your stories and personal rankings in the comments below; we’d love to keep the demon-hunting spirit alive, together. What’s your favorite Devil May Cry combo or boss fight? Share your list of the best Devil May Cry games below!
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FAQs: Devil May Cry Ranking
1. Which Devil May Cry game offers the best boss fights?
Many players say Devil May Cry 3 and 5 have the most memorable, intense bosses thanks to their deep mechanics and variety.
2. Does playing on harder difficulties change the experience?
Absolutely! Higher difficulties add new enemy behaviors and push your reflexes and creativity; great for repeat playthroughs.
3. Are the older DMC games still worth playing in HD collections?
Yes, HD updates tidy up graphics and controls, and the energy of the originals shines through even today.
4. Who is the easiest character to master for beginners?
Nero (especially in DMC5) is considered approachable for newcomers, with his satisfying buster arm and accessible moveset.
