Devil May Cry 5: Beginner's Guide

Getting Started in Devil May Cry 5

The game starts with Nero in Red Grave City. Mission 1 is where you gain access to Nero's Devil Breakers. Human and Devil Hunter are available from the start; harder modes unlock after you finish the game. Aim for variety: Style Rank rises when you mix attacks and falls when you repeat moves.

Core Mechanics to Master

Style Rank runs from D to SSS. Combine melee, gun attacks, aerial combos and special moves. Dante has four Styles (Swordmaster, Gunslinger, Trickster, Royal Guard) that you can switch between. V commands his familiars Griffon, Shadow and Nightmare rather than attacking directly.

Tips

1. Switch weapons and moves to build Style Rank.
2. Use Royal Guard to block and release stored energy against enemies.
3. Avoid taking hits. Taking damage hurts your Style Rank, so learn enemy attack patterns.
4. Spend red orbs on abilities that extend your combos.

First Major Boss: Goliath (Mission 2, Nero)

Goliath is fought in Mission 2, “Qlipoth”, as Nero. Its basic attack is a paw swing, with an occasional big swing that slams a fist into the ground. After the bridge collapses and you move indoors, it lifts columns and attacks with them, tries to crush you with its paws and charges with its whole body. It sometimes opens the maw on its stomach to release a fire wave and pull itself inside; if you are caught, use your current prosthesis to break free. Near the end it powers up, becomes slightly faster and throws fireballs when you are at range. Dodge with Gerbera's help, attack from the air to avoid its blows, and use your Devil Bringer hand to jump to it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need to play DMC1-4 first?
A: No. DMC5 is playable on its own; earlier games add background.

Q: How is the Special Edition different?
A: It adds Vergil as a playable character, Turbo Mode (game speed +20%), Legendary Dark Knight mode, up to 120 fps and ray-tracing options. Vergil was paid DLC on PS4, PC and Xbox One.

Q: What are the hardest difficulties?
A: According to GamersDecide, Heaven or Hell (unlocked by beating Son of Sparda) makes one hit kill both you and enemies. Hell and Hell (also unlocked by clearing Son of Sparda) uses Son of Sparda enemy stats and toughness, but one hit still kills you. Dante Must Die reduces your damage to 50% and makes enemies far more aggressive. Unlock details come from a third-party guide.