Capcom shipped Devil May Cry 5 on 8 March 2019 on the RE Engine, eleven years after Devil May Cry 4. The campaign is a prologue plus 20 missions that rotate between three playable characters: Nero with the Red Queen and single-use Devil Breaker arms, the physically useless summoner V, and Dante with four switchable styles and six Devil Arms. Vergil came to the PC version as a separate 4.99 dollar character on 15 December 2020, playable in story missions, the Void and Bloody Palace.
Choosing the right role shapes your entire experience. This guide breaks down every option: what they're good at, what they struggle with, and which one matches your playstyle. For optimized builds with full gear sets, see our builds guide.
Quick Comparison
| Role | Tier | Playstyle | Best Weapons | Beginner Friendly? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nero | A | Balanced | Red Queen | Yes |
| V | A | Balanced | Gerbera | Yes |
| Dante | A | Balanced | Balrog | Yes |
| Vergil | A | Balanced | Dr. Faust | Yes |
| Dante's four combat styles | A | Balanced | Yamato | Yes |
New player? Start with V. See our beginner's guide for why.
Nero
Nero is a strong option in Devil May Cry 5.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Weapons | Red Queen |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Style rank from D to SSS |
Strengths
- Highest overall performance across all content types
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Red Queen
Weaknesses
- Popular choice, competition for resources
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Mission 2: Qliphoth to learn Nero-specific mechanics
- Focus on Style rank from D to SSS. It's this role's primary system
- Prioritize Red Queen as your first major upgrade
- See our full Nero build guide for the optimal gear progression
V
V is a strong option in Devil May Cry 5.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Weapons | Gerbera |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Nero's Exceed and Devil Breakers |
Strengths
- Most versatile, adapts to any situation
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Gerbera
Weaknesses
- Lower peak damage than S-tier options
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Mission 2: Qliphoth to learn V-specific mechanics
- Focus on Nero's Exceed and Devil Breakers. It's this role's primary system
- Prioritize Gerbera as your first major upgrade
- See our full V build guide for the optimal gear progression
Dante
Dante is a strong option in Devil May Cry 5.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Weapons | Balrog |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Dante's four switchable styles |
Strengths
- Best survivability for learning hard content
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Balrog
Weaknesses
- Slower progression speed
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Mission 2: Qliphoth to learn Dante-specific mechanics
- Focus on Dante's four switchable styles. It's this role's primary system
- Prioritize Balrog as your first major upgrade
- See our full Dante build guide for the optimal gear progression
Vergil
Vergil is a strong option in Devil May Cry 5.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Weapons | Dr. Faust |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | V fighting through familiars |
Strengths
- Excellent in group and cooperative content
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Dr. Faust
Weaknesses
- Less effective solo
- Requires deep game knowledge to use effectively
Recommended Progression
- Start in Mission 2: Qliphoth to learn Vergil-specific mechanics
- Focus on V fighting through familiars. It's this role's primary system
- Prioritize Dr. Faust as your first major upgrade
- See our full Vergil build guide for the optimal gear progression
Dante's four combat styles
Dante's four combat styles is a strong option in Devil May Cry 5.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Weapons | Yamato |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Devil Trigger and Sin Devil Trigger |
Strengths
- Highest skill ceiling with unique mechanics
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Yamato
Weaknesses
- Steep learning curve, punishing mistakes
- Requires deep game knowledge to use effectively
Recommended Progression
- Start in Mission 2: Qliphoth to learn Dante's four combat styles-specific mechanics
- Focus on Devil Trigger and Sin Devil Trigger. It's this role's primary system
- Prioritize Yamato as your first major upgrade
- See our full Dante's four combat styles build guide for the optimal gear progression
Which Role Should You Pick?
For Beginners
V is the clear winner. It's forgiving, teaches core mechanics, and remains competitive into endgame. Follow our beginner's guide for the best first-session experience.
For Maximum Performance
Nero is the top pick once you understand the game's mechanics. Pair it with Red Queen for the strongest overall setup.
For a Challenge
Dante's four combat styles offers the highest skill ceiling. It's punishing when misplayed but incredibly rewarding when mastered. Only recommended after you've completed the game with another role.
For Group Play
Vergil shines in cooperative content with utility and team support capabilities.
More Devil May Cry 5 Guides
- Devil May Cry 5 Devil May Cry 5 Overview
- Devil May Cry 5 Best Builds
- Devil May Cry 5 Tier List
- Devil May Cry 5 Walkthrough
- Devil May Cry 5 Beginner's Guide
- Devil May Cry 5 Tips & Tricks
- Devil May Cry 5 Weapons Guide
- Devil May Cry 5 Combat Guide
- Devil May Cry 5 Boss Guide
- Devil May Cry 5 Maps & Locations
- Devil May Cry 5 Crafting Guide
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