DMC4 Beginner's FAQ

Learning new games or genres can be a little intimidating. This guide clears up details for those unfamiliar with Devil May Cry 4 or the Devil May Cry series as a whole and aims to let them start out on the right foot.

About

This guide is for helping those new to or on the fence on playing Devil May Cry 4, especially those that might be new to the franchise as a whole. Ideally, this guide should help make sure new players start out on the right foot.


This guide does not include walkthrough or combat tips. I will be covering those topics in future guides.

The Basics and Essentials

What is Devil May Cry 4?

Devil May Cry 4 is the fourth entry in Capcom's Devil May Cry series. The title was originally released in 2008. DMC4 is an action-adventure game.

How does Devil May Cry 4 play?

Devil May Cry 4 revolves around combat. As players progress, they gain access to more weapons and abilities. The game encourages players to think creatively and rewards variety and creative play.

What about the story?

Devil May Cry 4's story can be best described as an adventure-comedy.

Is there a level select?

Yes. Levels can be replayed any time after completing them at least once.

Can I upgrade or customize my characters?

Devil May Cry 4 starts the player out with one character and a limited moveset.

• Progress in the single player leads to unlocking the second playable character.
  
  
• Playing any game mode allows the player to acquire the game's two forms of currency, red orbs and proud souls. Red orbs are spent on items. Proud souls are spent on new combat techniques.

Cosmetic changes are possible, but not without the use of mods.

Who is playable in DMC4?

Nero by default. Dante is unlockable by progressing through the single player.

Is there any multiplayer?

No.

I don't have a controller. Can I play this with a keyboard?

Yes, but a controller is recommended.

What is Bloody Palace?

Bloody Palace is a survival mode unlocked by completing the main game on Devil Hunter difficulty. Nero or Dante may be used.

Players are tasked with clearing 101 Floors (levels). There are no cutscenes or puzzles in this mode, meaning players can experience an environment of pure combat. However, there is a time limit, but clearing Floors and achieving feats (such clearing a Floor without taking damage) adds time to clock. Bloody Palace also provides a few scenarios not normally possible in the main game.

Unlike the main game, there is no ability to choose a specific floor. (Being able to select floors is possible through the modding or using the debug mode.)

I know Capcom likes to re-release games in updated editions. Should I wait and hold out for that?

If Capcom was going to do a Special Edition for Devil May Cry 4 the company would have done so a long time ago.

And true to form, Capcom has decided to re-release DMC4. Devil May Cry 4: Special Edition will be available for PC, PS4, and Xbox One on June 23, 2015. DMC4:SE will add Trish, Lady, and Vergil as playable characters, new alternate costumes and colors for all five characters, new cinematics, a new Japanese language track, and perhaps more. Access Games, the team behind Deadly Premonition, assisted Capcom in developing Devil May Cry 4: Special Edition.

Jumping In

Where does this take place in the Devil May Cry timeline?

Despite what number conventions would leave you to believe, Devil May Cry 4 takes place after DMC3 and the original DMC. Devil May Cry 2 takes place after all of those.

DMC3 → DMC → DMC4 → DMC2

However, due to negative backlash to DMC2 and Capcom's general reluctance to even acknowledge it, it's possible DMC2 may no longer even be considered “canon” by Capcom.

DmC takes place in a differetnt timeline. It has no bearing on the original series.

Can I enjoy DMC4 even if I've never played another Devil May Cry before? Or will I be lost in the story?

Previous familiarity with other titles in the series is not necessary to enjoy DMC4. Devil May Cry 4 is actually geared towards franchise newcomers in a number of ways.

On a gameplay level, Nero is simpler and more straightforward in combat than Dante. Many of his “Buster” attacks (neutral B on vulnerable enemies) are highly stylized animations reminiscent of QTE attacks in God of War and Bayonetta but without the mashing of a single button to determine success (once the Buster connects it plays out unless interrupted by another enemy).

Nero can be thought of as training wheels for those unfamiliar to the series and would be overwhelmed by Dante's larger arsenal of weapons, moves, and strategies.

Those worried about being lost from the story don't have anything to worry about either. From a narrative perspective, every Devil May Cry has a self-contained conflict; there is no larger, overarching plot that they are all working to build. On top of that, Nero is discovering the world around him for the first time, just like those who have never played a DMC before.

What should I do if I really want to play through the others first? Or at least Devil May Cry 3?

The PC version of Devil May Cry 3 is passable but isn't well optimized and has inferior controller support than DMC4.

If you want to play through DMC3 first without hassle (or go through the other titles in the series), it's recommended to experience them on the console exclusive Devil May Cry HD Collection.

I'm aware of the franchise's reputation for being difficult. What if it's too tough?

Play on a lower difficulty level.

If that is still not enough, dying unlocks access to Automatic Mode. In this mode, gameplay is easier and inputs are simplified. However, because of the simplified inputs, players will not be able to access a character's full range of moves.

Additionally, Devil May Cry 4 will make the game temporarily easier should a player select the “Continue” option after dying repeatedly in the same level. In an interesting (and somewhat questionable design decision), the game will not tell the player this is in effect (or give him or her the option to decline). The only way to know it was is in effect is by a notification (and points reduction) on the score screen upon completing the level.

Technical Questions

The PC port of Devil May Cry 3 isn't very good. Why should I play DMC4 on PC?

The PC version of Devil May Cry 4 isn't just good, but formerly the definitive version of DMC4. (Should Devil May Cry 4: Special Edition run without any technical problems, it will assuredly become the new definitive edition of DMC4)

How is the PC version different from the console version?

Devil May Cry 4 on PC runs at a higher resolution, sports a better framerate, can be modded, has Turbo Mode, and includes a new difficulty level: Legendary Dark Knight. Devil May Cry 4: Special Edition also includes these features even on PS4 and Xbox One.

What is Legendary Dark Knight mode?

Legendary Dark Knight is a new difficulty level added to the PC version. It is based on DMC4's “Son of Sparda” difficulty but adds a unique challenge by spawning up to dozens of enemies at once. The rendering power it requires is beyond the PlayStation 3 or Xbox 360, hence it's PC-only status.

Beat the game on Human or Devil Hunter difficulty to unlock Legendary Dark Knight.

What is Turbo Mode?

Turbo mode runs the game at 120% speed. Because of the way the game is programmed, the game's timer will also run at 120% its normal speed.

Why was the PC version of Devil May Cry 3 so bad?

The PC version of Devil May Cry 3 wasn't handled by Capcom but Ubisoft. Additionally, the PC market was not a priority with Capcom at the time. Devil May Cry 4 was also developed on the MT Framework engine, which isn't only impressive tech, but allows for fairly easy ports between consoles and PC.

There are mods that address some of these issues, but having no experience with them myself, I am unable to endorse nor oppose using them.

Does DMC4 work with controllers?

Yes. Although the Steam Store Page doesn't list it, DMC4 has native support with the Xbox 360 controller. It will also work with the Xbox One controller.

What about other controllers?

DMC4 will automatically work with any controller that your computer recognizes as an Xbox 360 controller.

With tinkering (outside DMC4) you can even use a PS3 controller.

Others will work but may not run as smoothly.

Does Devil May Cry 4 require Games For Windows Live?

No. Although the retail box art sports the Games For Windows mark, Devil May Cry 4 does not require any connection to GFWL.

What versions of DirectX does Devil May Cry 4 use?

Devil May Cry 4 uses DX9 by default but also supports DX10.

Does Devil May Cry 4 have achievements?

Yes and no. Although the console achievements of Devil May Cry 4 are still present and viewable in the form of the game's “My History” tab, Steam does not track this data.

Why won't the game display at my monitor's resolution?

Go to PC Settings and set the refresh rate to 59hz.

Closing Remarks

Sometimes it can be intimidating to jump into a game completely blind. That's why I created this guide, and I hope it has cleared up any and all questions that any person can go into Devil May Cry 4 knowing what's what.

I am a huge fan of Devil May Cry and I hope after playing through Devil May Cry 4 you will be too after playing it.


For those who want more information about the game, I'm not sure if I'll be making a complete walkthrough for the game, but I will be adding a combat guide in the future for certain.


In the mean time, rev up those swords and go be absolutely crazy.

[Tarc]

"If Capcom was going to do a Special Edition for Devil May Cry 4 the company would have done so a long time ago. "
It pleases me greatly to drop in here two years after you posted your guide and call you wrong.

No offense meant ofc.

[demoman enjoyer]

This is more of a technical review than a game guide, but thanks for posting.

[guidy]

Good guide +1

[Trololo syka bleat]

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[Potitoman]

Great guide you did there!

[Petitecreme]

Excellent guide. I have DMC4 for the PS3 and knowing the framerate is going to be smooth as Dante's abs tickles me pleased.

[Sonder]

yes yes, this is the a quality guide!

fav and thumbs up.

[Snuggynice]

Thanks for the info, you answered the most important question and doubt that i had, can I use my xbox controller with this game? It did not list it in the steam product page.

[Chubs]

Great man, thanks a lot ;D

[cozy]

GOOD !! :D