Game · in order
Devil May Cry Games in Order
Every core Devil May Cry game in release order, plus the tangled chronological timeline (3, 1, 2, 4, 5) — with the DmC reboot called out as a separate continuity.
Devil May Cry Games in Order — complete list
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Why this order?
Devil May Cry is one of gaming's classic "the numbers lie" series, which is exactly why an order page is worth having. Released order is the simplest way in: start with the 2001 original, move through Devil May Cry 2, then the fan-favourite Devil May Cry 3: Dante's Awakening, then 4, the standalone DmC reboot, and finally Devil May Cry 5. This is how Capcom shipped them and how most players experienced the combat evolving, so it is our default.
The catch is the story. Devil May Cry 3 is a prequel set before the very first game — it shows a young Dante and the events that estrange him from his twin brother Vergil. So the in-universe order runs Devil May Cry 3, then Devil May Cry, then Devil May Cry 2 (which Capcom now places after the original), then Devil May Cry 4, where Nero is introduced, and finally Devil May Cry 5. Our chronological toggle follows that thread for anyone who wants Dante's life to make narrative sense.
The big gotcha: DmC: Devil May Cry (2013), made by Ninja Theory, is a complete reboot in a separate continuity with a reimagined Dante. It does not slot into the timeline at all, so it sits in release order but is excluded from the chronological story toggle. Treat it as its own thing.
One more note for newcomers: the Netflix series Devil May Cry, which premiered in April 2025, is an animated adaptation rather than a game, so it is not part of this list. Capcom's broader stylish-action lineage also includes spiritual cousins like Bayonetta, from former series director Hideki Kamiya. For playing the games themselves, though, release order or the 3-1-2-4-5 timeline are the two routes that matter.
Timeline 2001–2019
Every entry plotted by release year — see the gaps, clusters and revivals at a glance.
Where to play it today
Affiliate links (Bookshop.org for books, store links for games/films) slot in here.
Frequently asked questions
How many Devil May Cry games are there?
There are five core mainline Devil May Cry games — the 2001 original, Devil May Cry 2 (2003), Devil May Cry 3: Dante's Awakening (2005), Devil May Cry 4 (2008) and Devil May Cry 5 (2019) — plus the standalone DmC: Devil May Cry reboot (2013), which is set in a separate continuity. That makes six games in total.
What order should I play Devil May Cry in?
For most players, release order is best: the original Devil May Cry, then 2, 3, 4, DmC, then 5. If you want the story in chronological order instead, play Devil May Cry 3 first (it's a prequel), then the original, then 2, 4 and 5. DmC (2013) is a separate reboot and can be played anytime.
Why is Devil May Cry 3 a prequel?
Devil May Cry 3: Dante's Awakening is set before the original 2001 game. It depicts a younger Dante and the falling-out with his twin brother Vergil, so chronologically it comes first even though it released fourth.
Is DmC: Devil May Cry part of the main timeline?
No. DmC: Devil May Cry (2013), developed by Ninja Theory, is a full reboot in its own separate continuity with a reimagined Dante. It does not fit into the mainline story order.
Where does Devil May Cry 2 fit in the story?
Capcom currently places Devil May Cry 2 after the events of the first game. In chronological story order it sits between Devil May Cry and Devil May Cry 4.
Do I need to play the older games before Devil May Cry 5?
Not strictly, but DMC5 directly continues threads from Devil May Cry 4 and references DMC3. Playing 3, 4 and 5 in that sequence gives the fullest payoff for Dante, Vergil and Nero's arcs.
Last updated · Sources: en.wikipedia.org, Wikidata
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