For almost twenty years, Dante and co. have been taking us on a journey to become the most stylish gamers of all in the best-selling Devil May Cry franchise. Wielding the best-looking and most outrageous weapons in video games, we’ve slaughtered hordes of demons and consumed countless red orbs, and with the announcement of Devil May Cry 5: Special Edition, we’ll soon be doing it all over again.
So, to commemorate the announcement, we’re looking back at ten of the best weapons Dante has wielded over the last two decades, and invite you to share your own selections with us.
10: Ebony and Ivory
From the eerie halls of Mallet Island to the Qliphoth-infested ruins of Red Grave City, Dante’s twin pistols, Ebony and Ivory, have been his constant companions. The trademark pair have been a key part of Dante’s kit since the beginning, helping him comically juggle enemies and, in a certain game’s case, outright lay waste to everything.
With their most recent iteration giving them unique functions in Gunslinger, Ebony and Ivory will ever remain the old faithful of Dante’s repertoire.
9: Rebellion
Rebellion is Dante’s most recognisable weapon and has been his starting sword since Devil May Cry 2. With its signature skull guard, Rebellion boasts a simple moveset that is both memorable and effective.
With High Time, Drive, Stinger, and other moves becoming available using Swordmaster, Rebellion’s combo potential is substantial; but it is merely a stepping stone to something greater.
8: Agni and Rudra
Two is often better than one, right? Such is the case with this pair of sentient, elemental blades that Dante acquires in Devil May Cry 3. Though quickly silenced, they make up for it with an explosive set of moves.
Whilst not as precise as Rebellion, Agni and Rudra make up for it with elemental damage and a wider attack arc and are increasingly effective against larger hordes of enemies. Flashy and fun, Agni and Rudra will keep that SSS shining across your playthrough.
7: Pandora
At a first glance, you might think “huh, it’s just a weird-looking briefcase” – and you’d have a point. With access to seven different forms, Pandora’s capacity for ranged destruction is high.
With forms ranging from a simple shuriken, to a laser cannon, to a flying fortress of rocket-based destruction, Pandora is a standout part of Dante’s range arsenal in Devil May Cry 4.
6: King Cerberus
It looks like you can teach an old dog new tricks after all. King Cerberus breathes new life into the Devil May Cry 3 classic with new forms and elements.
In Devil May Cry 5, this weapon boasts the speed of the original, while adopting some fresh looks in the forms of a fire-tipped bō staff and a three-section lightning staff. These new forms to help Dante sweeten those stylish combos by providing more damage and a farther-reaching range of attack.
5: Lucifer
At the halfway mark we find Lucifer, Devil May Cry 4’s standout weapon. Far from the traditional sword, Lucifer’s sheathes can materialise up to fifteen demonic blades, all supercharged with explosive demonic power that lets them hover where Dante summons them, able to explode at so much as a clap from Dante.
With arguably the most memorable introductory cutscene and several innuendo-ridden names for its attacks, laying the smackdown on demons with Lucifer promises to be a pleasurable experience.
4: Balrog
Dante often has a hand-to-hand combat weapon at his side, and Balrog – the most recent- kicks its predecessors to the curb. In addition to its revamped moveset, Balrog boasts two unique modes of attack, with “Blow Mode” and “Kick Mode” allowing you to switch between punches and kicks with ease, all while using “Ignition” to charge your attacks with fire damage.
Hand-to-hand combat with Balrog is a breath of fresh air due to these unique mechanics and ensures that punching demons never gets old.
3: Cavaliere
Competing for the title of “Dante’s weirdest weapon”, Cavaliere slowly builds up its power, with the “Gear Wheel” mechanic rewarding players for precision and patience with large damage buffs. Cavaliere’s slow handling means that its attacks are granted a heavy amount of “super armour” to keep your combos safe and stylish.
With moves that alternate between the full vehicle and twin buzzsaws, mastery of this weapon will make sure you really take those demons for a ride.
2: Dr. Faust
Feeling lucky, punk? Well you’re going to have to be if you want to enjoy this fancy hat. Dr. Faust is a high risk, high reward ranged weapon that uses the in-game currency, Red Orbs, as its ammo, while also allowing you to increase the amount of orbs dropped by enemies.
However, be careful not to get hit or you can kiss those orbs goodbye. This is a true gambler’s garb and greatly rewards competent playstyles, while punishing your lousy mistakes with just as much vigour.
1: Devil Sword Dante
The apex of Dante’s arsenal and the culmination of his journey. After absorbing the powers of Sparda, Dante’s new sword adds Prop Shredder and Aerial Rave to its basic moveset. Devil Sword Dante brings in a new Summoned Swords mechanic that, when used correctly, empowers Dante’s entire arsenal.
Even if you don’t use it, you’ll want it in your inventory just so when you use Devil Trigger, so your weapons get the buff. Finally, it takes the fan-favourite Majin Form from Devil May Cry 2 and rechristens it the Sin Devil Trigger, with its own gauge that makes it much easier to access and a mechanic that, later down the line, makes it the strongest part of Dante’s stylish setup.
Dante’s selection of Devil Arms is as vast as it is unique and while it appears he will be soon taking a back seat to Nero, it doesn’t mean we’ve seen the last of him.
What did you think of the list? Feel free to share your own opinions on Dante’s arsenal, and which weapons you consider his best, down below.