Devil May Cry 5 is a high-octane, stylish action game that brings back the legendary demon hunters for another round of stylish combat, intricate mechanics, and jaw-dropping action sequences. Whether you’re a franchise veteran or a newcomer stepping into this demonic world for the first time, these ten essential tips will help you sharpen your skills, maximize your combat efficiency, and ensure that you slay with style.

1. Know Your Devil May Cry History

If this is your first time diving into the series, understanding the backstory is crucial. Devil May Cry 5’s narrative is built on years of lore, recurring characters, and interwoven relationships that can leave new players feeling overwhelmed. Even if you’re a long-time fan, brushing up on the past events will enhance your experience. Thankfully, the game includes a “History of DMC” video on the main menu, which is a must-watch. This brief but comprehensive recap will ensure that the major story beats land with impact rather than confusion.

2. Explore Every Corner of the Levels

The developers at Capcom have a knack for hiding collectibles, resources, and power-ups in places you wouldn’t expect. Always take a moment to look around after a cutscene or major set-piece battle. Secret pathways often lead to red orbs, essential for upgrades, as well as hidden blue and purple orb fragments that permanently boost your health and Devil Trigger gauge. Secret missions also provide additional blue orb fragments, making exploration a worthwhile endeavor that enhances both survival and combat potential.

3. Prioritize Healing and Summoning Enemies

Combat in Devil May Cry 5 is relentless, and one of the best strategies is knowing which enemies to eliminate first. Any demon capable of healing or summoning reinforcements should be your top priority. For instance, early in the game, you’ll encounter empusa insects with glowing green rear ends—these creatures heal other enemies and should be taken out immediately. Later, you’ll face Eldritch Moors that summon lizard demons and skeletal summoners that continuously spawn reinforcements. By targeting these threats first, you prevent fights from spiraling out of control.

4. Don’t Hoard Devil Breakers—Use Them!

Nero’s Devil Breakers are one of his most powerful tools, and yet many players hesitate to use them out of fear of breaking them too soon. Each Devil Breaker has a unique ability, from launching Nero into the air to firing rocket-powered fists. While they can be destroyed upon taking damage or manually detonated for a high-damage attack, you’ll find plenty of replacements throughout the levels. Instead of conserving them too much, use them to your advantage—especially in tough fights where style rankings matter.

5. Train in the Void to Master Combat Mechanics

Even if you’re familiar with previous Devil May Cry games, the combat in DMC 5 has been fine-tuned and expanded. The Void is a training area where you can practice against different enemies, experiment with new combos, and sharpen your execution. This is especially useful for mastering advanced techniques like perfect dodges, aerial juggles, and combo chains that will boost your style ranking. Taking the time to train here will make the main game significantly smoother and more satisfying.

6. Study the Skill List and Experiment

Each character—Nero, Dante, and V—comes with a vast arsenal of skills, many of which are easy to forget if you don’t actively use them. Take the time to read through the skill list and familiarize yourself with the intricacies of each character’s combat style. For example, V’s Nightmare summon is rarely explained in-depth, yet it’s one of his most powerful abilities. Understanding these mechanics can give you a significant edge in combat, especially as you unlock new abilities that synergize with your preferred playstyle.

7. Prioritize Mobility Skills Early

One of the best investments you can make early in the game is purchasing mobility skills. Red orbs can be spent on essential upgrades like double jumps, faster running speeds, and the ability to bounce off enemies. These skills not only make combat more fluid but also help you evade enemy attacks and reposition yourself effectively. If you’re playing as Dante, investing in the Trickster skill tree will enhance your agility, making it easier to weave through enemy attacks and maintain offensive momentum.

8. Invest in Gold Orbs and Health Upgrades

Survival is key in Devil May Cry 5, and spending orbs wisely can make all the difference. Gold orbs function as extra lives, reviving you with full health and resources when you fall in battle. Blue and purple orb fragments increase your max health and Devil Trigger meter, respectively. While you can find these upgrades in the environment, they are also available for purchase in Nico’s shop. Prioritizing these upgrades early can give you a crucial edge, especially on higher difficulties where every bit of health matters.

9. Use the Left Stick to Find Your Objective

Devil May Cry 5’s levels can be labyrinthine, with shifting environments and multiple crossroads that make navigation tricky. If you ever find yourself unsure of where to go next, simply click the left stick, and the game will point you toward your objective. This small but invaluable feature helps prevent unnecessary wandering and keeps the action flowing.

10. Master Nero’s Exceed Ability for Devastating Attacks

One of Nero’s most overlooked but devastating mechanics is the Exceed system. By revving up his Red Queen sword (mapped to the left bumper), Nero can supercharge his attacks, dealing significantly increased damage. Exceed can be tricky to time but becomes incredibly powerful with practice. Upgrades allow you to trigger Exceed after an attack, causing an explosive aftershock that punishes enemies even further. Mastering this mechanic will make Nero one of the deadliest characters in your arsenal.

Conclusion

Devil May Cry 5 is a game that rewards precision, practice, and a willingness to experiment with its deep combat system. By following these tips—ranging from strategic enemy prioritization to skill mastery and resource management—you’ll be well on your way to conquering the battlefield with style. Whether you’re revving up Nero’s sword, switching between Dante’s myriad weapons, or summoning beasts with V, there’s always a way to refine your playstyle and make every encounter a spectacle of destruction. So go forth, hunter—slay demons, rack up those stylish ranks, and most importantly, have fun!