If you are new to the franchise, you are probably wondering what devil may cry should i start with to fully understand the story. With multiple numbered entries, a reboot, and a timeline that is not entirely straightforward, it can feel overwhelming at first.
The Devil May Cry series blends high speed action combat with gothic storytelling, family drama, and stylish over the top characters. At the center of it all is Dante, a demon hunter with a sharp tongue and even sharper sword. Over time, the story expands to include his twin brother Vergil and other key figures that shape the fate of the human and demon worlds.
To answer what devil may cry should i start with, you need to decide whether you prefer chronological storytelling or release order progression. Both paths offer benefits, but one tends to work better for newcomers who want the clearest narrative experience.
Understanding the Timeline
Before deciding what devil may cry should I start with, it helps to understand how the timeline works. The chronological order of events does not perfectly match the release order of the games.
Devil May Cry 3 is actually a prequel to the original Devil May Cry. It explores Dante’s early years and his rivalry with Vergil. The first Devil May Cry game follows, then Devil May Cry 2, then Devil May Cry 4, and finally Devil May Cry 5.
However, just because Devil May Cry 3 takes place earliest in the timeline does not automatically mean it is the best starting point for every player. Gameplay evolution and design improvements also matter when deciding what devil may cry should i start with.
Starting With Devil May Cry 3
For many fans, Devil May Cry 3 is the ideal answer to what devil may cry should i start with. It serves as a narrative foundation for Dante’s character and establishes the emotional conflict between him and Vergil.
The story in Devil May Cry 3 is more character focused and dramatic compared to the original game. It dives into themes of family, power, and identity. Because it is a prequel, it naturally introduces the core motivations that drive later events.
From a gameplay standpoint, Devil May Cry 3 offers a deeper combat system than the original release from 2001. The style system allows players to tailor Dante’s abilities, which adds replay value and strategic depth.
If your main goal is understanding the story from its roots, then Devil May Cry 3 is often the strongest choice when asking what devil may cry should I start with.
Starting With the Original Devil May Cry
Some players argue that release order is the best approach. In that case, the answer to what devil may cry should I start with would be the original Devil May Cry.
This game introduces the core premise of demon hunting and establishes the tone of the series. It is more focused and smaller in scope compared to later entries, but it lays the groundwork for the franchise’s identity.
The downside is that its mechanics can feel dated compared to modern action games. Fixed camera angles and limited combat variety may take adjustment. If you are sensitive to older game design, starting here might feel rough.
However, beginning with the original allows you to experience the evolution of the series as intended. You see how mechanics, storytelling, and presentation grow over time. For players who value historical progression, this can shape their answer to what devil may cry should I start with.
Why Many Players Skip Devil May Cry 2
When discussing what devil may cry should i start with, Devil May Cry 2 rarely enters the conversation as a recommended entry point.
While it continues Dante’s journey, it is widely considered the weakest mainline installment. The story has minimal impact on the overarching narrative, and the combat system lacks the depth and personality of other entries.
If your goal is purely to understand the broader story, Devil May Cry 2 can technically be skipped without losing critical context. That is why it almost never serves as the answer to what devil may cry should i start with.
Devil May Cry 4 and Expanding the Cast
Devil May Cry 4 introduces Nero as a new protagonist alongside Dante. It expands the series’ scope and sets up key elements that become crucial in Devil May Cry 5.
While it is not usually the recommended starting point, some players who ask what devil may cry should I start with considering beginning here because it feels more modern than earlier entries.
The challenge is that Devil May Cry 4 assumes familiarity with Dante and the world’s demon politics. Without understanding the events of Devil May Cry 3 and the original game, some emotional context may be lost.
For a complete understanding of character relationships and motivations, it is better experienced after earlier titles.
Devil May Cry 5 as a Modern Entry Point
Devil May Cry 5 is the most polished and cinematic entry in the series. Its visuals, combat depth, and storytelling are refined to a high level. Because of this, some newcomers wonder if it can serve as the starting answer to what devil may cry should i start with.
While Devil May Cry 5 includes recap elements and flashbacks, much of its emotional impact relies on knowledge of previous games. The rivalry between Dante and Vergil reaches its peak here. Nero’s arc also builds directly on events from Devil May Cry 4.
If you start with Devil May Cry 5, you may enjoy the gameplay immensely, but certain story moments may not resonate as deeply. For players who care primarily about narrative cohesion, it is usually better not to begin here when asking what devil may cry should I start with.
What About the Reboot?
There is also DmC Devil May Cry, a reboot that reimagines the characters and setting. It exists separately from the main timeline and does not connect directly to the numbered entries.
If your focus is understanding the core story of the original saga, the reboot does not answer the question what devil may cry should i start with. It tells an alternate version of Dante’s origin and stands apart from the continuity that leads into Devil May Cry 5.
While it has its own merits, it is not required for understanding the main storyline.
The Best Order for Story Clarity
If your primary goal is understanding the story clearly and coherently, the strongest recommendation for what devil may cry should i start with is Devil May Cry 3, followed by the original Devil May Cry, then Devil May Cry 4, and finally Devil May Cry 5.
This order follows the internal timeline while still maintaining gameplay progression that feels relatively natural. Starting with Devil May Cry 3 gives you the emotional foundation. Moving to the original game shows Dante stepping into his demon hunting role. Continuing through 4 and 5 completes the larger family saga.
By approaching the series this way, you experience character growth in a logical sequence, making the dramatic moments in later entries more meaningful.
Final Answer to What Devil May Cry Should I Start With
So what devil may cry should I start with if you want to understand the story? For most newcomers, Devil May Cry 3 is the best starting point. It establishes the emotional core of the franchise and introduces key relationships that shape the rest of the series.
From there, playing the original Devil May Cry, then Devil May Cry 4, and finally Devil May Cry 5 will give you a full understanding of the overarching narrative. This approach balances story clarity with evolving gameplay systems.
No matter where you begin, the Devil May Cry series delivers stylish combat and dramatic storytelling. But if your goal is narrative comprehension above all else, starting with Devil May Cry 3 is the clearest and most rewarding path forward.
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