
CHARACTER DESCRIPTION
The Legendary Devil Hunter Dante. DMC5‘s deepest character and master of all trades. Dante is a very complex character with a ton of moves, mechanics and tools. He can be overwhelming, but is very strong and has answers to any situation if you have the knowledge and execution to keep up. He also lets you express yourself through your gameplay like no other character.
With 4 Melee Weapon types, 4 Ranged Weapon types, 4 Combat Styles and a powered up SDT mode, Dante boasts the largest movelist in DMC5. The kicker is that almost all of his moves serve meaningful purposes and are useful depending on the situation. Dante has an extremely steep learning curve and mastering him will demand a lot of effort, study and practice. But don’t let that deter you, Dante is an absolute blast to play and he will always have something you can get better at.
Also, BLESS ME WITH YOUR GIFT OF LIGHT.
Contents:
BUTTON LAYOUT


Dante’s default button layout serves him well. You do not need to change his buttons to get the most out of Dante. You could always change his layout to suit your needs since there are some situational tricky inputs with the default layout like Charge Shot into Gunstinger. But you should take into consideration how many actions Dante has and how changing his layout can affect your access to them.
But in any case, you should play with whichever button layout you are most comfortable with.
MOVELIST
Since the full movelist can be viewed at any point through the pause menu, the movelist here will aim to detail more practical uses and/or hidden properties for each move. Also, for the purpose of keeping this movelist concise, the red orb cost of moves and basic abilities that are available on all characters will not be listed here. Please view those in-game.
The damage values listed below are Dante Must Die difficulty Void Mode estimates tested on enemies with normal attack affinity. Lower difficulties increase player damage output and some enemies take more damage from different types of attacks, so please keep that in mind.
Dante’s Styles

Dante has 4 Combat Styles that change the functions of his Style Action button depending on which Style is active. Trickster for movement and evasion, Royal Guard for defense and countering, Gunslinger for additional ranged weapon attacks and Sword Master for additional melee weapon attacks.
You can change Styles at any time (Exception: not during SDT). A lot of beginner players tend to pick 1 Style and then stay with it and only change when they absolutely need to. But to get the most out of Dante, you need to be able to change Styles frequently and on the fly to pin-point any move out of his large movelist and use it immediately when needed. This is where Dante gets complicated.
For the purpose of this Overview page, Trickster and Royal Guard actions will have their own sections below, but Gunslinger and Swordmaster actions will instead be included in each of the corresponding ranged or melee weapons sections for better readability.
Special Abilities
Important skills that provide Dante with utility.
⮞Show/Hide Movelist
NAME | MOVE DESCRIPTION |
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Enemy Step | Command: Press the Jump Button when near an enemy while in the air.
Use enemies as a stepping stone to cancel any air move at any point. A fundamental component of combos. |
Air Hike | Command: Press the Jump Button while in the air
Performs a double jump. Dante gains a triple jump while in Devil Trigger |
Devil Trigger | Command: Devil Trigger button, with 3 or more DT blocks
Dante’s DT. Increases speed, power, defense, grants HP recovery, super armor and powers up some special moves. If you have Devil Sword Dante equipped on Dante’s loadout, the Swords Formation helper swords will also be deployed during DT to buff Styles and to add support to all melee attacks while Sword Master is active. |
Glider | Command: Hold the Jump Button in mid-air while Devil Trigger is active
Dante can glide while in DT to slow his descent. You can move around with the left stick. |
Irregular Full Custom | Unlock: Complete Son of Sparda difficulty
Passive ability that expands Dante’s weapon slots allowing you to equip all variations of all weapon types at once if you want to. Good luck. |
Trickster Style

A Combat Style geared towards movement and evasion. Primarily has tools to chase enemies down and invul tools to safely avoid damage while moving around. One of Dante’s most important Styles.
DSD Swords Formation/ Devil Trigger passive skill ‘Reactor‘ increases the use limit of single-use-per-jump air actions in Trickster. This includes Sky Star, Air Trick, Air Hike. It also reduces the delay between consecutive ground dashes. Stacks with Devil Trigger.
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NAME | MOVE DESCRIPTION |
---|---|
Dash | Command: [Trickster] LeftStick + Style Action button
Performs an invul ground dash in any direction to avoid attacks. Can be chained. What was that about DMC5 not having a dodge button again? |
Sky Star | Command: [Trickster] LeftStick + Style Action in mid-air
Performs a single invul air dash in any direction to avoid attacks. Maintains air time until completed. |
Flipper | Command: [Trickster] Style Action while being sent flying
An ukemi of sorts to allow Dante to tech out of being sent flying when he takes damage. |
Mustang & Mustang Air | Command: [Trickster] Hold Style Action after dashing into an enemy
While on the ground, Dash into an enemy and use them as a springboard to jump upwards. While in the air Sky Star air dash into an enemy to use them as a staircase back to the ground. Both variations are invul. Useful for creating space between Dante and the target quickly. |
Air Trick | Command: [Trickster] Lock-on + LeftStick Forward + Style Action
A long range teleport that places Dante right above the target. Has invul. Can only be performed once per jump, but leaves Dante at the perfect height to Enemy Step off an enemy and reset the air action count. DSD Swords Formation allows you to perform another Air Trick, Devil Trigger allows you to perform yet another Air Trick. |
Ground Trick | Command: [Trickster] Lock-on + LeftStick Back-to-Forward + Style Action
A long range teleport that places Dante on the ground below the target. Has invul. Very useful for quick access to ground moves during Air Combos. Bless Ground Trick. |
Royal Guard Style

A Combat Style geared towards defense and countering. Primarily used to negate damage of incoming attacks by Blocking which builds up the Royal Gauge. Then Releasing all of the built up stocks in the Royal Gauge in a powerful counter. All attacks in the game can be blocked and countered. Royal Guard can also be used to cancel certain actions. I am also reasonably sure that all of Royal Guard‘s actions have instant(1F) startup. One of Dante’s harder Styles to use effectively, but very rewarding and satisfying.
DSD Swords Formation/Devil Trigger’s passive skill ‘Escort‘ grants you additional Royal Gauges on successful blocks while in Royal Guard. It also has a kind of auto-shield that can mitigate some incoming damage to Dante even if you don’t Block. The Block during Swords Formation can also be used to recall your helper swords back to Dante regardless of what they were doing. Even if they were in the middle of Roundtrips or Four Handed.
⮞Show/Hide Movelist
NAME | MOVE DESCRIPTION |
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Block & Air Block | Command: [Royal Guard] Style Action button
Guard against incoming attacks. Also known as the failed Royal Block. You negate incoming damage and gain some Royal Gauge at the cost of DT gauge. You can move around on the ground while blocking If you try to block with no DT gauge to expend, you will be guard broken. |
Royal Block | Command: [Royal Guard] Style Action button with perfect timing
Perfectly guard against incoming attacks. You know the timing is correct when it sounds like a mini explosion. Block just as an attack is about to hit you to negate incoming damage, gain Royal Gauge and gain DT stocks per perfect guard. Also gains a lot of style points. |
Release & Air Release | Command: [Royal Guard] Lock-on + LeftStick Forward + Style Action
Release all of the stocks in the Royal Gauge to deal close-range damage to enemies. Will cause knockback if you have stocks. Also known as the failed Royal Release. Keep trying, man. |
Royal Release | Command: [Royal Guard] Lock-on + LeftStick Forward + Style Action with perfect timing
Release all of the stocks in the Royal Gauge in a perfectly timed counter-attack that negates damage, deals massive damage and launches enemies. You will know the timing is correct when it sounds like all of the planets align. |
Royal Revenge | Command: [Royal Guard] Lock-on + LeftStick Back + Style Action Requires at least 1 stock of Royal Gauge Enters a defensive stance that will negate the damage of the next attack and perform a long range counter attack that inflicts crumple stun on standing enemies. Continue holding down the button to stay in the stance. A stock is only consumed if an attack is absorbed. Cannot be used if no stocks. |
Devil Sword Dante

Also known as DSD. Dante’s new sword that serves as a core to his combat style sort of in the same way Yamato serves as a core for Vergil’s combat style. Inflicts Slash Damage and has tools to launch and juggle enemies, cover distance on the ground and pin enemies down. A straightforward and easy to use weapon with no glaring downsides outside of a lack of damage output compared to other weapons.
Even though Devil Sword Dante is an all-rounder and solid weapon, the main attraction is the ‘helper swords’. These are the red phantom blades that swing around with Sword Master Style actions. In particular, Four Handed, Stingers and High Times can be used without Dante performing any kind of animation. This means they can be used at any time regardless of what Dante is doing. This effectively allows you to use these skills to keep enemies propped up even if you’re using other melee weapons. You just need the execution to switch to DSD & Sword Master to input the command.
Another big draw is DSD’s Swords Formation ability. This consumes 2 blocks of DT to grants Dante meaningful buffs to all of his Styles and all of his melee attacks while in Sword Master. Being in Devil Trigger with DSD in your loadout will automatically deploy Swords Formation as well.
Overall, Devil Sword Dante provides a lot of fundamental utility that knits all of Dante’s kit together which makes it a must-have in your loadout.
⮞Show/Hide Movelist
NAME | DMG | MOVE DESCRIPTION |
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Swords Formation | – | Command: Hold Melee Attack, release when DSD glows. Consumes 2 blocks of DT. Summons Dante’s ‘helper swords’ which aide his Styles. Lasts about 25sec at max level (tested on Turbo Mode). Activating Devil Trigger while Swords Formation is already active will pause its timer for duration of DT. Chaser: Sword Master helper swords. Adds assisting swords to all melee attacks on all melee weapons while in Sword Master. The type of assisting swords depends on the attack but can range from shadowing swords to launcher swords to very useful lock-down type filler swords. Interceptor: Gunslinger helper swords. Auto-turrets that attack nearby non-lock-on targets and knock them back. Good for crowd control unless the enemies have shields or are Hell Antenora. Reactor: Trickster helper swords. Adds additional uses to certain single-use-per-jump actions like air dashes and double jumps. Stacks with Devil Trigger. Escort: Royal Guard helper swords. Gain more Royal Gauge per Block and an auto-shield to mitigate some incoming damage even when not blocking. |
DSD Combo A | 120 | Command: Melee Attack x3
Quick 3 hit combo that ends in knockback. |
DSD Combo B | 185 | Command: Melee Attack, delay, Melee Attack x2
Quick combo that has Dante swing the sword behind him offering a small area of effect damage, then causes knockback. The number of hits of the Million Stab portion of the attack can be increased by pressing Melee Attack rapidly. |
DSD Combo C | 132+ | Command: Melee Attack 2x, delay, Melee Attack x2
The old Prop Shredder but now in the middle of a ground combo. The Prop launches enemies and the Shredder juggles airborne enemies. The final hit can be held down. Each have large cancel windows, making these safe attacks. |
Aerial Rave | 120 | Command: Melee Attack x4 while in the air
Swift 4 hit combo in the air. Your bread and butter to Jump Cancel(Enemy Step) with. Final hit sends enemies diagonally downwards in front of Dante. |
Helm Breaker | 75 | Command: Lock-on + LeftStick Back + Melee Attack while in the air
Sends Dante and enemies in front of him downwards with a falling strike. Will knockback on the landing portion of the attack. |
High Time | 50 | Command: Lock-on + LeftStick Back + Melee Attack
A fast launcher. Hold the attack button to follow into the air. |
Stinger | 65 225 |
Command: Lock-on + LeftStick Forward + Melee Attack
Rushes forward and skewers enemies causing knockback. In Devil Trigger, Stinger consumes 1 block of DT to gain additional hits and increased power which sends enemies flying. The DT version also becomes a hard knockdown and gains some guard break properties. |
Million Stab | 95+ | Command: During a Stinger, continue to Hold the Melee Attack button, but release a direction. Repeatedly press the Melee Attack button for more strikes
Violently stabs the target before ending in a blow that causes knockback. The stabs can be Jump, Side Roll, or Block canceled easily making this a fairly safe attack. Does not inflict lethal damage until the final hit. |
Drive | 100 175 350 |
Command: Lock-on + LeftStick Back-to-Forward + Melee Attack
Getsuga Tensho. A very long range shockwave that launches enemies on hit. Has 3 levels of charge with each level increasing damage. |
Over Drive | 100 150 200 |
Command: Melee Attack immediately after Drive.
Sends 2 more shockwaves that also launch enemies on hit. Follow-up damage is dictated by the charge level of the initial wave. |
Four Handed | 25 | Command: [Sword Master] Style Action button
Spins the phantom swords in front of Dante akin to his Combo B. Very good for catching light weight enemies out of knockback moves. Won’t juggle heavier enemies. |
High Times | 25 | Command: [Sword Master] Lock-on + LeftStick Back+ Style Action
A launcher than can be performed regardless of what Dante is doing. Very useful. |
Stingers | 35 | Command: [Sword Master] Lock-on + LeftStick Forward+ Style Action
A knockback move than can be performed regardless of what Dante is doing. |
Round Trips | 185+ | Command: [Sword Master] Hold Style Action button until the swords spin at Dante’s back, then release
Sends the spinning phantom swords at an enemy pinning them down or keeping airborne enemies juggled. Very good for big setups. This move can’t be activated while using other melee weapons. |
Dance Macabre | 555 | Command: [Sword Master] Lock-on + LeftStick Back-to-Forward+ Style Action repeatedly
Dante’s long ground combo action. Does not inflict lethal damage until the final hit meaning you can setup very stylish battle enders with this. The second last hit launches enemies and the final hit ends in knockback. The first hit of Dance Macabre is very useful for parrying incoming attacks. |
Balrog

The blazing greaves and gauntlets. Balrog inflicts Blunt Damage and has 2 modes of attacking: Blow Mode for boxing style hand-to-hand combat featuring heavy stun building jabs, uppercuts and evasive weaves; Kick Mode for kick boxing style martial arts with wide swinging kicks and launchers. You can switch between modes by using the Mode Change action with Balrog equipped.
Balrog has a unique mechanic called ‘Ignition‘ where it heats up and deals additional damage as well as added Fire Elemental Damage. Ignition holds between modes but wears off after a certain amount of time. The Ignition state also gives you access to Balrog’s most powerful moves.
Overall, Balrog has tools for dealing high damage, launching enemies, covering distance, parrying enemies, invul skills, inflicting heavy stun and guard break. It’s a close range weapon with stubby reach but it offers damage and utility that make it quite fun to use and is recommended to add to your loadout.
*The 2 damage values in each entry in the table refer to base state(top) and ignition state(bottom, red).
⮞Show/Hide Movelist
NAME | DMG | MOVE DESCRIPTION |
---|---|---|
Mode Change | 25 40 |
Command: Lock-on + LeftStick Back + Melee Attack
Switches between Blow Mode and Kick Mode. |
Rolling Blaze | 25 35 |
Command: Jump button
Adds a hitbox to jumping while Balrog is equipped. |
[Blow Mode] 10 Counts |
– | Command: Land 10 strikes while in Blow Mode
Triggers Ignition state. Any strikes with Balrog in Blow Mode count. |
[Blow Mode] Light Blow |
10 12 |
Command: Melee Attack button
Quick jabs that can be chained. Primarily used in between Welter Move and to build up 10 Counts. Builds up heavy stun slowly. |
[Blow Mode] Feather Combo |
110 145 |
Command: Melee Attack x2 in the air
Aerial 1-2 punch followed by a finisher that sends enemies directly downwards below Dante. |
[Blow Mode] Heavy Jolt, Fly Dragon |
50,37 65,50 |
Command: Lock-on + LeftStick Forward + Melee Attack
Tucks in and dashes close to deliver a right hook. The dashing portion has a little bit of invul. Input the command again to execute an uppercut follow-up called Fly Dragon, which causes rising knockback. |
[Blow Mode] Welter Move |
– | Command: Hold Melee Attack after an attack, move the LeftStick Left or Right to sway
Bob and weave after an attack. The initial duck after activating this action has invul. Swaying left or right while bobbing also has invul. |
[Blow Mode] Bantam Revenge |
50 75 |
Command: During a Welter Move’s left/right sway, press Melee Attack
Strike after Welter Move. If you swayed to the left, deliver a left hook. If you swayed right, deliver a hard gut punch. The right side gut punch version inflicts crumple stun (left side follow-up doesn’t). Good at building up heavy stun. |
[Blow Mode] Middle Break |
32 60 |
Command: [Sword Master] Style Action button
Left corkscrew that creates a multi hitting cyclone. Very good for locking enemies down and building up heavy stun. |
[Blow Mode] Cruiser Dive |
85 110 |
Command: [Sword Master] Style Action in the air
Falls out the sky and strikes the ground in a mini explosion. Blow Mode’s area of effect attack. |
[Blow Mode] Minimum Dragon |
50 75 |
Command: [Sword Master] Lock-on + LeftStick Forward + Style Action
A swift uppercut that launches enemies. Simple and straightforward. |
[Blow Mode] Rising Dragon, Divine Dragon |
100,300 125,525 |
Command: [Sword Master] During Minimum Dragon, press Style Action repeatedly
Dante’s Shoryuken. Leaping uppercut that rises into the air, launching enemies. Tap the button all the way while charging to unleash Divine Dragon, a powerful rising uppercut with a furious spin on it. |
[Blow Mode] Real Impact |
750 | Command: [Sword Master] Lock-on + LeftStick Back + Style Action *Requires Ignition to be active Charges up a powerful 3 hit uppercut that launches enemies. Inflicts guard break. Long startup but very damaging. One of Dante’s go-to tools for damage. |
[Kick Mode] Heat Up |
30 | Command: Hold Melee Attack button
Ignite the flame… now! Dante performs a dance that triggers Ignition state. |
[Kick Mode] Balrog Combo A |
200 225 |
Command: Melee Attack x3
3 hit wide swinging kick combo. Finisher causes knockback. |
[Kick Mode] Balrog Combo B |
285 345 |
Command: Melee Attack x2, delay, then Melee Attack repeatedly
Rapid flamingo kick flurry ending in a finisher that causes rising knockback. |
[Kick Mode] Friction |
60 100 |
Command: Melee Attack in the air
Divekick. It has a maximum angle limit, but it can also go straight downwards. Lands very consistently on airborne enemies below Dante when used right after an E&I shot. |
[Kick Mode] Updraft |
75 100 |
Command: Lock-on + LeftStick Forward + Melee Attack
Backflipping kick that launches enemies. Hitbox is deceptively short on grounded enemies. |
[Kick Mode] Break Spiral |
127+ 195+ |
Command: [Sword Master] Style Action button
A breakdance barrage of kicks followed by backflipping launcher. Useful for crowd control to some extent. You can steer Dante a little bit during the attack. You can also continue pressing the button to extent the breakdance. |
[Kick Mode] Firestorm |
90 110 |
Command: [Sword Master] Style Action in the air
Swift double kicks while airborne that launches enemies. Very useful move that you should work into your gameplay if you haven’t already. |
[Kick Mode] Flint Wheel |
55 80 |
Command: [Sword Master] Lock-on + LeftStick Back + Style Action
Creates space by cartwheeling backwards. Has a lot of invul time. A very good move for parrying incoming attacks. |
[Kick Mode] Pyromania |
650 | Command: [Sword Master] Lock-on + LeftStick Forward + Style Action *Requires Ignition to be active That one kick combo. Looks stylish, inflicts guard break and ends in knockback. Offers good damage, but this attack is not all that great for being an Ignition exclusive, unfortunately. It’s a hell of a dedication, and likes to drop on airborne enemies outside of DT. |
Cavaliere

The motorcycle that becomes a pair of dual chainsaws. An unorthodox weapon that deals Slash Damage and has tools for launching & juggling enemies, inflicting guard break, crowd control and dealing damage. Cavaliere also satisfies more specialized uses like being an attack buffer, burning through enemy super armor or launching heavier enemies more consistently. It has moves that have invul on startup and provides Dante with super armor on almost all of its attacks.
Cavaliere has a gear system mechanic with Low Gear, Top Gear and Overtop Gear. The Gear tier affects the speed at which the following attack will come out. Low Gear is the default setting, press the following attack button while the chainsaw is digging into enemies to start the next attack with Top Gear. Do this right as the previous attack ends to start the next attack with Overtop Gear which also gets additional damage. You can tell which gear level you’re at by looking at the aura around the wheels.
A lot of beginners seem to shy away from the bike weapon since it has lengthy attacks that can get you killed if you use them recklessly. But you can jump, trick out of, or block cancel any of the lengthy chainsaw attacks if they make contact. This weapon is recommended and is pretty good if you know how to use it.
Cavaliere also has a DLC exclusive version called Cavaliere R. This is the same weapon in a red color pallet, but it has access to a unique move called ‘Redline’ which is extremely fun to use.
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NAME | DMG | MOVE DESCRIPTION |
---|---|---|
Cavaliere Combo A | 500+ 877+ |
Command: Melee Attack x3
Swing wide and dig the saw into enemies. The finale is a spinning finish that causes knockback. Good for crowd control. |
Air Cavaliere Combo A | 247+ | Command: Melee Attack x2 in the air
Dig the saws into enemies while airborne. Since this string doesn’t have a finisher it can be chained into itself indefinitely. Kind of slow to be used as air combo filler without a setup. |
Idling | 250+ | Command: Lock-on + LeftStick Back+ Melee Attack
Do you like juggling? Flips in and then uses the saws to juggle enemies finishing in a big knockback swing. You can tap the attack button to perform more juggles and each one launching enemies. |
Cross Line | 215+ | Command: Lock-on + LeftStick Forward + Melee Attack
Slides forward then crosses both hands to dig the twin saws into enemies. If you let the whole move play out, it causes hard knockdown. This attack’s main use is to reset the ground Cavalier Combo A & B trees so that you can continue attacking in Top Gear or higher. |
Slipstream | 325+ | Command: Lock-on + LeftStick Back-to- Forward + Melee Attack
Does a mini backflip and then uses both bike wheels to propagate Dante forward a long distance before criss-crossing the saws over enemies. Inflicts crumple stun if you let the whole attack play out. The backflip startup has invul. |
Highside | 200+ | Command: Lock-on + LeftStick Back+ Melee Attack in the air
Jumps up backwards with both saws at Dante’s back, launching enemies. Works very well as a buffer in air combos so that you can switch weapons, transition to the ground or think about what to do next. Be careful when using this in Sword Master during DT or with Swords Formation since the helper swords can make the attack miss if the target is small size and the same aerial height as dante. |
Braking | 200+ | Command: Lock-on + LeftStick Forward + Melee Attack in the air
Brings down both saws straight to the ground on top of the enemy. Causes a hard knockdown if it hits properly. Use this to transition from the air straight into ground attacks in a higher gear. |
Cavaliere Combo B | 615+ | Command: [Sword Master] Style Action x3
Dante rides the bike over enemies in a large area. The 1st hit causes crumple stun if you let the whole attack play out. The 2nd attack can restand grounded enemies. |
Air Cavaliere Combo B | 685+ | Command: [Sword Master] Style Action x3 in the air
Launches enemies on the ground and picks them up into the air to drag the bike wheels over them. The finale throws the entire bike at the target dealing a lot of damage and sending them flying. |
Full Throttle | 175 432 |
Command: [Sword Master] Lock-on + LeftStick Forward + Style Action
Flips onto the bike and then drives straight over enemies causing knockback. The flip startup has invul. |
Wheelie Jump | 100 | Command: [Sword Master] Lock-on + LeftStick Back + Style Action
Backflips onto the bike then does a huge wheelie flip launching enemies very high into the air. A strong launcher for heavier enemies. The backflip startup has invul. |
Redline *Cavaliere R Only |
162 | Command: [Sword Master] Lock-on + LeftStick Back-to-Forward + Style Action
Ramps up with the bike fast and far. Can launch enemies if you jump cancel it partway through otherwise it will cause knockback. One of Dante’s primary tools to cover large horizontal distances in the air. Making this move DLC only is a sin. |
King Cerberus

The triple threat elemental weapon. Inflicts Blunt Damage and has 3 different forms: a Nunchaku that deals Ice Elemental Damage, a Rod that deals Fire Elemental Damage, and a Three-Section Staff that deals Lighting Elemental Damage. Which version of the weapon you’ll use is differentiated by its inputs. Melee Attack button inputs are Ice Nunchaku form, Sword Master Style Action button inputs are Fire Rod form, and Hold-and-Release inputs with either attack button are Lightning Staff form.
King Cerberus is an all-rounder weapon with tools to launch & juggle enemies, cover distance on the ground, handle crowd control, inflict heavy stun, hard knockdown and has a very good fully invul move that excels at parrying. It has a lot of abilities, but in turn provides Dante with a ton of utility and is overall a really fun weapon to use. Recommended to add to your weapon loadout.
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NAME | DMG | MOVE DESCRIPTION |
---|---|---|
Cerberus Combo A | 175 | Command: Melee Attack x5
Long nunchaku combo that ends in rising knockback. Rate of attacks is enough to keep medium and lighter weights juggled in place. |
Cerberus Combo B | 270 | Command: Melee Attack x2, delay, then Melee Attack x2
Spins the nunchaku on Dante’s wrist kind of like a shield. Quite good for parrying attacks, but very deep into this attack string. |
Swing | 50 | Command: Melee Attack in the air
A single vertical swing with the nunchaku in the air. Excellent air combo filler. |
Crystal | 70 | Command: Lock-on + LeftStick Back+ Melee Attack
Creates icicles on the ground that launch enemies upwards. Great for catching airborne enemies out of air comes at varying heights. Also good for buffering lightning staff attacks. |
Revolver | 115 | Command: Lock-on + LeftStick Forward + Melee Attack
A furious vertical spinning attack with the nunchaku. The final hit causes knockback. Great for parrying and good combo filler since it’s easy to jump cancel and the many hits can work as a buffer. |
Ice Age | 60+ | Command: Lock-on + LeftStick Back-to-Forward + Melee Attack
Dante creates an ice shield around himself. Fully invul, has a constantly active parrying hitbox and can be jump canceled at any time. |
Cerberus Combo C | 240 | Command: [Sword Master] Style Action x3
3 hit combo with the rod ending in an overhead slam. Deals more damage if you space yourself to hit with the very tip of the attacks. Final hit grounds enemies if spaced properly. |
Cerberus Combo D | 505 | Command: [Sword Master] Style Action, delay, then Style Action x4
A multi hit stabbing string with the rod. Final hit causes knockback. Deals more damage if you space yourself to hit with the very tip of the attacks. |
Pole Play | 170 | Command: [Sword Master] Style Action in the air
Spins in the air all the way down to the ground then performs a knockback swing. The attack can be canceled into other ground actions upon landing. Good for parrying. |
Rock Back | 50 | Command: [Sword Master] Lock-on + LeftStick Forward + Style Action
Vaults off the rod to deliver a flying kick. One of the few rushing attacks that doesn’t knock enemies away making this a decent chase tool. |
Hot Stuff | 430 559 |
Command: [Sword Master] Lock-on + LeftStick Back + Style Action
Spins the rod and then releases a wide wave of flame. One of Dante’s damage dealing attacks. |
Long Barrel | 125 | Command: Hold Melee Attack button, release when the weapon is electrified
A long range lightning strike with the staff that causes knockback. Air OK and can track upwards or downwards. Good for parrying. |
Thunder Clap | 210 | Command: Hold Melee Attack until electrified, then press Lock-on + LeftStick Back + release Melee Attack
Gotta move fast! Releases 4 lightning balls that slowly home in on the nearest enemy (not always the lock-on target). Great for locking enemies down after Crystal for bigger setups. |
Long Revolver | 230 | Command: Hold Melee Attack until electrified, then press Lock-on + LeftStick Forward + release Melee Attack
Lightning version of Revolver. The final hit causes hard knockdown. Great for parrying and good combo filler since it’s easy to jump cancel and the many hits can work as a buffer. |
Revolution | 135 | Command: [Sword Master] Hold Style Action, release when the weapon is electrified
Swings the three-section staff over a wide area causing knockback. Good for crowd control and parrying. Very simple but solid move. |
Turbulence | 135 | Command: [Sword Master] Hold Style Action until electrified, release in the air
Swings the three-section staff over a wide area causing knockback. Good for crowd control and parrying. The air version of Revolution. |
King Slayer | 347 | Command: [Sword Master] Hold Style Action until electrified, then press Lock-on + LeftStick Forward + release Style Action
Lengthy ground combo with the three-section staff that ends in a knockback. Attack rate is enough to keep airborne enemies juggled. Can be canceled with Jumps, Blocks or Tricks at any time making this move a lot more useful than it may initially seem. Good for building up heavy stun. |
Percussion | 100 239 |
Command: [Sword Master] Hold Style Action until electrified, then press Lock-on + LeftStick Back + release Style Action
Lightning! Dante calls down lightning all around him. The lightning inflicts crumple stun and is great for building up heavy stun. A strong tool for crowd control. |
Rebellion / Sparda

Dante’s classic sword(s). Inflicts Slash Damage and has tools to launch and juggle enemies, pin enemies down and cover distance on the ground. Rebellion and Sparda function the same, with Sparda having a bit more extended reach and damage on Stinger, Prop Shredder and Dance Macabre.
Devil Sword Dante serves to replace Rebellion/Sparda since it has almost all of the Sparbellion moveset, albeit some moves(Prop Shredder) are less accessible. However, Sparbellion has access to a Roundtrip that doesn’t use DSD’s helper swords, as well as the classic Dante feel. Equipping the Rebellion or Sparda swords into Dante’s loadout is optional since DSD functions better as an all-rounder type foundation weapon.
*The DMG values in the table below are tested on Sparda
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NAME | DMG | MOVE DESCRIPTION |
---|---|---|
Combo A | 120 | Command: Melee Attack x3
Quick 3 hit combo that ends in knockback. |
Combo B | 200+ | Command: Melee Attack, delay, Melee Attack x2
Quick combo that has Dante swing the sword behind him offering a small area of effect damage, then causes knockback. The number of hits of the Million Stab portion of the attack can be increased by pressing Melee Attack rapidly. |
Helm Breaker | 75 | Command: Melee Attack while in the air
Sends Dante and enemies in front of him downwards with a falling strike. Will knockback on the landing portion of the attack. |
High Time | 55 | Command: Lock-on + LeftStick Back + Melee Attack
A fast launcher. Hold the attack button to follow into the air. |
Stinger | 65 225 |
Command: Lock-on + LeftStick Forward + Melee Attack
Rushes forward and skewers enemies causing knockback. In Devil Trigger, Stinger consumes 1 block of DT to gain additional hits and increased power which sends enemies flying. Also gains guard break properties. |
Million Stab | 110+ | Command: During a Stinger, continue to Hold the Melee Attack button, but release a direction. Repeatedly press the Melee Attack button for more strikes
Violently stabs the target before ending in a blow that causes knockback. The stabs can be Jump, Side Roll, or Block canceled easily making this a fairly safe attack. Does not inflict lethal damage until the final hit. |
Prop | 33 | Command: [Sword Master] Style Action button
Spins the sword and launches enemies upwards. Fast, active and has a wide cancel window. Very good for parrying incoming attacks. Quite an underrated move. |
Shredder | 59+ | Command: [Sword Master] During a Prop, press and Hold the Style Action button
Follows up the Prop with the Shredder. Juggles airborne enemies. Also has a big cancel window. You can hold down the button to extend its duration. |
Aerial Rave | 120 | Command: [Sword Master] Style Action x4 while in the air
Swift 4 hit combo in the air. Your bread and butter to Jump Cancel(Enemy Step) with. Final hit sends enemies diagonally downwards in front of Dante. |
Round Trip | 240 | Command: [Sword Master] Lock-on + LeftStick Back + Style Action
Chop it up! Throws the spinning sword at an enemy which will pin them down or juggle airborne enemies. Very good for setups. Using the Melee or Style Action buttons while Round Trip is active will call the sword back. |
Dance Macabre | 555 | Command: [Sword Master] Lock-on + LeftStick Forward+ Style Action repeatedly
Unfortunately he doesn’t swing on the sword anymore, but this is Dante’s long ground combo action. Does not inflict lethal damage until the final hit meaning you can setup very stylish battle enders with this. The second last hit launches enemies and the final hit ends in knockback. The first hit of Dance Macabre is very useful for parrying incoming attacks. |
Ebony & Ivory

Also known as E&I. Dante’s ironic dual pistols. Inflicts Piercing Damage and is mainly used to juggle enemies and slow the decent of falling enemies. Has tools for crumple stun and crowd control. Its fast, rapid firing and accurate nature make is a valued tool for combo filler and in some instances, buffering hold-down-the-button type inputs on other weapons.
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NAME | DMG | MOVE DESCRIPTION |
---|---|---|
Normal Shot | 5 | Command: Gun Attack button
Alternates between E&I on button presses. Standard shot. |
Charge Shot | 7 | Command: Hold Gun Attack, release when Dante’s arms start to glow. *Being in the Gunslinger Style automatically charges E&I. Increases the damage of E&I for a set time following the charge. Affects all variations of attacks with Ebony & Ivory. Fires Charge Shots automatically in Devil Trigger. |
Ebony Shot | 15 | Command: [Gunslinger] Style Action button
Uses Ebony to fire a slow but heavy shot that causes medium to lighter weight enemies to stagger, and chews through super armor on heavier enemies. Hits twice in charge up state. |
Ivory Shot | 15 | Command: [Gunslinger] Gun Attack button
Use Ivory to fire a fast triple burst fire barrage of bullets. Very good for keeping medium to lighter weight airborne enemies juggled. Can be used in the air as well. |
Rainstorm | 20+ | Command: [Gunslinger] Style Action while in the air
Dante rains gunfire upside-down. A very stylish looking move. You can continue to hold down the attack button to have Dante continue his decent while firing. You can also steer Dante to some degree. Inflicts crumple stun on standing demons making this very solid for crowd control on weaker enemy types. |
Twosome Time | 24+ | Command: [Gunslinger] Fire with Gun Attack then quickly press Style Action, or fire with Style Action the quickly press Gun Attack.
Dante fires rapidly with the twin pistols. You can move the left stick to aim in different directions, but he will always keep one gun aiming forward. Useful for keeping even heavier enemies juggled, crowd control for weaker enemies and builds a decent bit of style points. The input sucks though. |
Honeycomb Fire | 39+ | Command: [Gunslinger] Lock-on + LeftStick Back-to-Forward + Style Action repeatedly
It’s your lucky day. Dante crosses the pistols and tears up enemies with a very high rate of fire from the pistols. Gains a decent bit of style and can be used to keep even heavier enemies juggled. |
Coyote-A

Dante’s powerful boomstick. Inflicts Pierce Damage (apparently also Blunt damage according to the official JP strategy guide). It deals more damage the closer you are to an enemy and has tools for knockback, covering distance on the ground, crowd control and invul movement. Its primary knockback feature can be alleviated by using DSD helper swords to catch enemies that were sent flying (Not as effective on some heavies). This weapon can also be used to burn through super armor on heavier demons or demons in devil trigger.
*Damage values in the table below are from pointblank range
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NAME | DMG | MOVE DESCRIPTION |
---|---|---|
Shot Shell | 75 | Command: Gun Attack button
Fires the shotgun. Causes knockback at close range. |
Charge Shell | 100 |
Command: Hold Gun Attack button Fires powerful shells infused with demonic power. Causes knockback at close range. Affects all variations of attacks with Coyote-A. Fires Charge Shells automatically in Devil Trigger. |
Fireworks | 60+ | Command: [Gunslinger] Style Action button
Twirls the shotgun like nunchuku around Dante’s body firing in multiple directions causing knockback to enemies that are close. Good crowd control unless the enemies have shields or are Hell Antenora. Also possible while in mid-air. |
Backslide | 50 | Command: [Gunslinger] Lock-on + LeftStick Back + Style Action
Fires the shotgun under-arm directly below Dante. A situational move that’s used to cause knockback to enemies creeping up on you. Can be used to fire in any direction with a setup. |
Gunstinger | 100 | Command: [Gunslinger] Lock-on + LeftStick Forward + Style Action
Rushes forward and digs the shotgun into the enemy before blasting them away. Causes knockback. |
Gunstinger Cut-ins | – | Command: [Gunslinger] During Gunstinger, input Lock-on + LeftStick + Forward or Left/Right or Back + Style Action
Stylish movement options that can be performed during Gunstinger that have invul. These cut-ins can be chained into each other to continue firing the Shotgun punctuated by invulnerable repositioning. Also, all of these movement options can be canceled with jumps, side rolls, tricks or blocks before the shotgun blast. Cut-in Front: Slide forward and then roll during the Gunstinger. You can press the Jump button during the slide to flip backwards out of it and fire in mid air. Cut-in Back: Roll backwards during the Gunstinger to break your momentum and put some distance between the target. Cut-in Side: Roll either left or right and fire from a crouched position |
Double Kalina Ann

Double rocket launchers with homing capabilities. Inflicts Pierce Damage and has tools to launch enemies, inflict guard break and deal high damage. A bit of a specialized ranged weapon, but has some very useful moves which makes it warrant a place in your loadout.
If you hold down the Gunslinger Style button while Double Kalina Ann is equipped, Dante will stick one of them into the ground and you can use a single Kalina Ann. Walk over it again to pick it up and equip it.
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NAME | DMG | MOVE DESCRIPTION |
---|---|---|
Twin Howitzer | 75 | Command: Gun Attack button
Fires a rocket that explodes on impact. Causes knockback. |
Cascade | 300 | Command: Hold Gun Attack then release when the twins couple
Fires a long range high powered laser beam that causes knockback to enemies caught in its blast. Also has Guard Break properties. has a long recovery that can’t be canceled so it’s a bit risky. |
Multiple Twins | 270 | Command: [Gunslinger] Style Action button
Fires a barrage of homing rockets that track the target and launch them on hit. A useful tool when used in conjunction with a setup. Also gives you time to charge Round Trips or DSD Swords Formation. |
Blaster Twins | 50 each |
Command: [Gunslinger] Style Action in the air
Fires rockets both upwards and downwards that launches enemies upwards on hit. Very useful. |
Hysteric Twins | 155+ | Command: [Gunslinger] Lock-on + LeftStick Back+ Style Action
Plants the twins into the ground and starts a fireworks show. You can continue to tap the Style Action button to fire more barrages of rockets. One of Dante’s most useless moves. |
Mega Cascade | 775+ | Command: [Gunslinger] Lock-on + LeftStick Forward+ Style Action
Combines the twins to fire what is practically a rail gun. Extremely powerful, inflicts Guard Break and only causes knockback on the final hit. You can continue holding down the Style Action button to extend the duration of this attack. It can also be steered to some degree. Long startup and long recovery. |
Dr. Faust

The high-roller hat & scarf. Inflicts Pierce damage and has tools to juggle enemies, bring enemies to you and deal high damage at the cost of red orbs. Dr. Faust can set hats on all enemies including bosses which causes them to bleed orbs when you attack them with any weapon. However, if they attack you while they have a hat active, you will bleed red orbs instead making this a gambler’s weapon. Fortunately, after you have purchased all of the moves, taunts and health/DT increasing orbs in the shop, money doesn’t really have much use.
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NAME | DMG | MOVE DESCRIPTION |
---|---|---|
Red Shot | 10+ per tick |
Command: Hold Gun Attack button
Fires a stream of red orbs that deals quite a fair bit of damage. Beam increases attack power after being held for about 2 seconds. Air OK. |
Man In The Red | 10+ per tick |
Command: Lock-on + LeftStick Back + Gun Attack
Deploys a red orb shield around Dante that can keep Medium weights and below juggled. If you input the move again while the shield is active you can send the orbs out at the target causing knockback. If you take damage while the shield is active, this triggers automatically. Changing ranged weapons or SDT activation removes the shield. Air OK |
Set Hat | 25+ | Command: Lock-on + LeftStick Forward + Gun Attack
Throws Dr. Faust straight at the target. Any enemies caught in the trajectory will have a Hat set on them. Air OK. |
Hat Trick | 100 | Command: During Set Hat or Mad Hatter, press Gun Attack right as Dr. Faust returns to Dante.
All enemies that have hats on will be popped towards Dante. If they are on the same level as Dante, they will be knocked towards him. If Dante is above them, they will be launched towards him. |
Mad Hatter | 25+ | Command: [Gunslinger] Style Action button
Flings Dr. Faust in a spiral around Dante. Any enemies caught in the trajectory will have a Hat set on them. The hitbox is a lot less reliable than it looks visually, but this can still be used for some crowd control. Air OK. |
Magic Hat | 10+ per tick |
Command: [Gunslinger] Lock-on + LeftStick Back + Style Action
Spawns a familiar that resembles the weapon’s namesake. This allows Dr. Faust to fire a Red Shot stream regardless of Dante’s actions. This means that you can attack with Melee Weapons and use Red Shots at the same time to keep enemies propped up if you have the execution. |
Red Hot Night | 2050+, 5456+, 10400+ |
Command: [Gunslinger] Lock-on + LeftStick Forward + Style Action
Charges up a meteor shower to annihilate all enemies caught in the blast. Has 3 Levels of charge with each level consuming more red orbs to be more devastating. Very high attack damage that can delete most enemies and some bosses at full charge. |
Kalina Ann

Lady’s armament named after her mother. A rocket launcher that inflicts Pierce Damage with rapid fire and homing capabilities. Kalina Ann and Kalina Ann II function the same. Equipping Kalina Ann in Dante’s loadout if you already have Double Kalina Ann is optional. Solo Kalina Ann only offers the High Explosive as a unique move Double Kalina Ann cannot do.
But above all else, you can access Kalina Ann from Double Kalina Ann during gameplay. This can be done by holding down the Gunslinger Style button for 3+ seconds while Double Kalina Ann is equipped.
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NAME | DMG | MOVE DESCRIPTION |
---|---|---|
Howitzer Shot | 75 | Command: Gun Attack button
Fires a rocket that explodes on impact. Causes knockback. |
High Explosive | 175 | Command: Hold Gun Attack then release when the gun sparks
Fires a powered rocket that creates a large explosion causing knockback to enemies caught in its blast. |
Blaster | 50 | Command: [Gunslinger] Style Action in the air
Fires a rocket downwards that launches enemies upwards. Very useful. |
Hysteric | 120+ | Command: [Gunslinger] Lock-on + LeftStick Back+ Style Action
Plants Kalina Ann into the ground and causes fireworks. You can continue to tap the Style Action button to fire more barrages of rockets. One of Dante’s most useless moves. |
Paranoia | 150 | Command: [Gunslinger] Style Action button
Fires a barrage of homing rockets that track the target and launch them on it. A useful tool when used in conjunction with a setup. Also gives you time to charge Round Trips or DSD Swords Formation. |
Sin Devil Trigger

Also known as SDT. A powerful install that has it’s own separate Sin Devil Trigger gauge. Sin Devil Trigger has tools to inflict high damage, guard break, 100% heavy stun, inflict crumple stun, instantly kill a non-boss enemy and move around with invulnerability. As expected of Dante’s final form; this shit is OP.
Hold down the Devil Trigger button to Accumulate and convert DT blocks into SDT gauge. Once the gauge is filled, hold the Devil Trigger button and then release when the gauge glows to unleash Dante’s Sin Devil Trigger. Unless you use SDT under the Quadruple S conditions, once you are in SDT you cannot leave the form until the gauge empties completely.
If you are holding down the Devil Trigger button to ready SDT, but want to release the button without activating SDT, you can pause the game with the button held, release the button, unpause and SDT will not be activated. Useful for when you are trying to use SDT with Quadruple S, but take damage.
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NAME | DMG | MOVE DESCRIPTION |
---|---|---|
Quadruple S | 50 | Command: Use SDT while at SSS Style Rank.
Gives you access to SDT for a short time without consuming the gauge. In addition to skipping the Sin Devil Trigger sword stab animation, Quad S also functions as an Omnicancel. This means that SDT activation under Quad S conditions will cancel any and all actions Dante is currently doing and enter SDT. Useful for moves with long recovery or if you’re reacting to an incoming attack. |
SDT Combo | 725 | Command: [Sin Devil Trigger] Melee Attack x3
A swift but heavy 3 hit strike with DSD. Each hit guard breaks. The final hit sends enemies flying. |
The Ombra | 75 | Command: [Sin Devil Trigger] Gun Attack button
Fires powerful high speed fireballs that detonate on impact causing knockback. Fireballs inflict guard break. Can be chained. |
Air Raid | 25 | Command: [Sin Devil Trigger] Jump button while in the air
Allows Dante to hover in the air during SDT. Press the Jump button again to fall to the ground. |
Advent | – | Command: [Sin Devil Trigger] Style Action button
High speed fully invul movement towards the target. Goes further than Trickster’s Air Trick or Ground Trick. |
Sin Trick | – | Command: [Sin Devil Trigger] Lock-on + LeftStick Left or Right + Jump
Augmented Side Roll that teleports a short distance to the left or right. Fully invul. Can be chained for continuous invulnerability. |
Sin Inferno | 250 | Command: [Sin Devil Trigger] Lock-on + LeftStick Back + Melee Attack
Wide range area of effect attack that launches enemies caught in the blast. Exceptional for crowd control. Inflicts heavy stun 100% of the time. Spam this in your runs to show me that you don’t actually know how to play the game. |
Sin Stinger | 45+ per tick |
Command: [Sin Devil Trigger] Lock-on + LeftStick Forward+ Melee Attack
Dante becomes the stinger. Continue to hold the button down to extend the attack. You can steer around if you release lock on. Inflicts crumple stun if you cancel it before the knockback ender. Every hit guard breaks. |
Demolition | IK | Command: [Sin Devil Trigger] Change Gun button
An Instant Kill on non-boss enemies. On boss enemies, the attack inflicts a lot of damage instead (1000?). The attack duration extends well beyond the time limit of Quadruple S meaning you need to dedicate to the SDT form if you want to use this. Good way to balance a literal IK, I guess. An exception to this would be if you used it on the last enemy on a Bloody Palace floor, since your DT or SDT is forcibly disengaged after the wave is complete. |
The Luce | 450++ | Command: [Sin Devil Trigger] Change Sword button
Fires a barrage of lasers that track the target. Hold the button to continue firing. Inflicts crumple stun. Has a long startup so be careful of the time limit if you want to use this with Quadruple S. |
Judgement | 1000 | Command: [Sin Devil Trigger] Melee Attack + Gun Attack *Expends all of the SDT gauge The Sin Devil Trigger form’s finisher. A large scale massacre with DSD ending in an explosion. Good for crowd control albeit expensive. Does not deal lethal damage until the final hit. Can even make bosses flinch on every hit. |
Taunts
Gain Devil Trigger gauge while provoking nearby enemies.
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NAME | DMG | MOVE DESCRIPTION |
---|---|---|
Provocation | – | Command: Taunt Button
Performs a taunt depending on your current style ranking. Dante’s ground Lock-on Taunt from S rank and above throws a rose that launches enemies. |
Air Provocation | 10 | Command: Taunt Button while in Air
Throws a rose that launches enemies on it. Use this. |
EX Provocation | – | Command: Hold L3+Taunt Button
Taunt awarded for wasting money. The meme dance taunt. Extremely long but gains a fair bit of style. |
Special Provocation | – | Command: Press L3+Taunt Button
Taunt awarded for clearing Bloody Palace with Dante. Slicks his hair back like his older brother. This taunt increases melee attack damage per block of Devil Trigger. Cannot be used during DT. Hair returns to normal when you get hit or activate DT/SDT. |
STANDOUT MOVES
Dante’s Unique Abilities
Special functions that only Dante can do.
- 4 Combat Styles. Transform the Style Action button into whatever the situation needs .
- Royal Guard. Dante is the only character in the game who can guard attacks consistently.
- 8 unique weapon types. Each with their own meaningful uses. 10 if you really wanna split hairs.
- Sin Devil Trigger. A special install with its own moveset.
- Devil Sword Dante’s helper swords. Prop enemies up regardless of Dante’s actions.
- Spend Red Orbs to deal damage.
- Hit enemies with a fuckin’ motorcycle.
Invulnerability Skills
Abilities and moves that have invul frames on them allowing you to avoid damage.
- Jump
- Side Roll
- Each and every Trickster ability
- Royal Guard’s Block, Royal Block, Release Royal Release negates damage if you have DT stocks
- Royal Guard’s Royal Revenge negates damage if you have Royal gauge
- Balrog – [Blow Mode] Heavy Jolt
- Balrog – [Blow Mode] Welter Move
- Balrog – [Kick Mode] Flint Wheel
- Cavaliere – Idling flip
- Cavaliere – Slipstream flip
- Cavaliere – Full Throttle flip
- Cavaliere – Wheelie Jump flip
- King Cerberus – Ice Age
- Coyote-A – Gunstinger Cut-ins
- Sin Devil Trigger Activation, including the Quadruple S SDT activation
- Sin Devil Trigger – Advent
- Sin Devil Trigger – Sin Trick
Parrying
You can use many moves to parry but the list below highlights ones that have the most ease of use. This depends on your playstyle and how well you can learn the timing of attacks.
- Devil Sword Dante – Combo A
- Devil Sword Dante – Helm Breaker
- Devil Sword Dante – Million Stab
- Devil Sword Dante – Dance Macabre
- Devil Sword Dante – Combo C
- Rebellion / Sparda – Prop & Shredder
- Balrog – [Blow Mode] Light blow
- Balrog – [Kick Mode] Updraft
- Balrog – [Kick Mode] Firestorm
- *Balrog – [Kick Mode] Flint Wheel
- Cavaliere – Air Combo A
- Cavaliere – Cross Line
- Cavaliere – Highside
- Cavaliere R – Redline if you can cancel it
- King Cerberus – Combo B ender, if you know what you’re doing
- King Cerberus – Swing
- *King Cerberus – Revolver
- *King Cerberus – Ice Age
- King Cerberus – Pole Play
- King Cerberus – Long Barrel
- King Cerberus – Long Revolver
- King Cerberus – Revolution
- King Cerberus – Turbulence
Heavy Stun
Moves that build up the Heavy Stun gauge on enemies. When they get inflicted with Heavy Stun, they are unable to act for a while. It’s indicated by a blue bubble-like effect on the enemy’s head.
- All of Balrog’s Blow Mode attacks build up heavy stun
- Balrog – [Blow Mode] Bantam Revenge
- Balrog – [Blow Mode] Middle Break
- All of King Cerberus Lightning attacks build up heavy stun
- King Cerberus – King Slayer
- King Cerberus – Percussion, especially in DT
- Sin Devil Trigger – Sin Inferno
Hard Knockdown
Moves that ground enemies. This is a special knockdown for specific enemies like Hell Judecca that teleports out of other knockdowns.
- Devil Sword Dante – DT Stinger
- Cavaliere – Cross Line
- Cavaliere – Braking
- King Cerberus – Long Revolver
Crumple Stun
Moves that make standing enemies shudder, and then crumple to the floor. Useful for crowd control or ground time on some Heavier demons.
- Royal Guard – Royal Revenge
- Balrog – [Blow Mode] Bantam Revenge right side gut punch
- Cavaliere – Slipstream
- Cavaliere – Combo B first hit only
- King Cerberus – Percussion
- Ebony & Ivory – Rainstorm
- Sin Devil Trigger – The Luce
- Sin Devil Trigger – Sin Stinger
Guard Break
Moves that break shields, and break through blocking enemies defenses.
- Devil Sword Dante – DT Stinger
- Balrog – [Blow Mode] Real Impact
- Balrog – [Kick Mode] Pyromania
- Cavaliere – Combo A finisher while in DT
- Cavaliere – DT Full Throttle
- Double Kalina Ann – Cascade
- Double Kalina Ann – Mega Cascade
- Dr. Faust – Red Shot when held down
- Sin Devil Trigger – SDT Combo every hit
- Sin Devil Trigger – The Ombra
- Sin Devil Trigger – Sin Stinger
- Sin Devil Trigger – Judgement
Super Armor
Moves that allows you to power through incoming attacks uninterrupted. You still take damage though.
- Devil Trigger state gives Dante some super armor
- Sin Devil Trigger state gives Dante full super armor
- All Cavaliere Attacks
Launchers
Moves that launch enemies upwards and let you combo them in the air.
- Royal Guard – Royale Release
- Devil Sword Dante – DSD Combo C
- Devil Sword Dante – High Time
- Devil Sword Dante – Drive
- Devil Sword Dante – Over Drive
- Devil Sword Dante – High Times
- Rebellion / Sparda – Prop
- Balrog – [Blow Mode] Minimum Dragon
- Balrog – [Blow Mode] Rising Dragon
- Balrog – [Blow Mode] Divine Dragon
- Balrog – [Blow Mode] Real Impact
- Balrog – [Kick Mode] Friction during Ignition
- Balrog – [Kick Mode] Updraft
- Balrog – [Kick Mode] Break Spiral
- Balrog – [Kick Mode] Firestorm
- Balrog – [Kick Mode] Flint Wheel during Ignition
- Cavaliere – Idling
- Cavaliere – Highside
- Cavaliere – Combo B finale
- Cavaliere – Air Combo B first hit
- Cavaliere – Wheelie Jump
- Cavaliere R – Redline if canceled partway
- King Cerberus – Crystal
- Double Kalina Ann – Multiple Twins
- Double Kalina Ann – Blaster Twins
- Dr. Faust – Hat Trick if Dante is above the enemy
- Kalina Ann – Blaster
- Kalina Ann – Paranoia
- Sin Devil Trigger – Sin Inferno
- Air Taunt
Ground Bounce
Moves that hit enemies downwards and they bounce into the air off the floor. Less useful on Heavier enemies or when enemies are in Devil Trigger.
- Balrog – [Blow Mode] Feather Combo during Ignition
- Balrog – [Blow Mode] Cruiser Dive during Ignition
- Cavaliere – Idling’s helper swords in Swords Formation
Crowd Control
Useful knowledge for Legendary Dark Knight difficulty.
- Swords Formation’s Interceptor (The Gunslinger helper sword auto fire)
- Devil Sword Dante – Round Trips
- Rebellion / Sparda – Round Trip
- Balrog – [Blow Mode] Cruiser Dive
- Balrog – [Kick Mode] Break Spiral
- Cavaliere – Combo A finisher
- Cavaliere – Combo B
- Cavaliere – Air Combo B
- King Cerberus – Revolution
- King Cerberus – Turbulence
- King Cerberus – Percussion
- King Cerberus – King Slayer
- Ebony & Ivory – Rainstorm
- Ebony & Ivory – Twosome Time
- Coyote-A – Fireworks
- Double Kalina Ann – Hysteric Twins
- Dr. Faust – Mad Hatter
- Kalina Ann – Hysteric
- Sin Devil Trigger – SDT Combo
- Sin Devil Trigger – The Luce
- Sin Devil Trigger – Sin Stinger
- Sin Devil Trigger – Sin Inferno
- Sin Devil Trigger – Judgement
High Damaging Attacks
Attacks that put up big damage in a relatively short space of time. What you should look for if you wanna deal damage to a boss when an opening arises.
- Royal Guard – Royal Release
- Devil Sword Dante – DT Stinger
- Devil Sword Dante – Fully Charged Drive & Overdrive
- Balrog – [Blow Mode] Divine Dragon
- Balrog – [Blow Mode] Real Impact
- Balrog – [Kick Mode] Pyromania
- Cavaliere – Combo A while in DT
- Cavaliere – Air Combo B
- Cavaliere – DT Full Throttle
- King Cerberus – Hot Stuff
- Double Kalina Ann – Mega Cascade
- Dr. Faust – Red Shot when held down
- Dr. Faust – Red Hot Night
- Sin Devil Trigger – SDT Combo
- Sin Devil Trigger – Sin Stinger
- Sin Devil Trigger – Demolition
- Sin Devil Trigger – The Luce
- Sin Devil Trigger – Judgement
DANTE’S DIFFICULTY
Dante is a very technical character with a boatload of abilities. It’s not hard to imagine how challenging this character can get just by looking at all the tools he has access to. But you can decide what you want to use and play the game your way. However, to get the most out of this character and to become able to use everything he has to offer, you will be in for a journey.
Overall, you need tons of practice, execution, creativity, study, planning and familiarity with his entire moveset to master Dante.
Below is a list of concepts that constitute to Dante’s difficulty:
- Weapons Switching
- Style Switching
- This character is high execution and keeping up can be hard
- Memorizing each move’s functions, hit properties and its corresponding inputs
- Stringing competent combos together requires a lot of practice
- Identifying effective ways to take down different enemies requires research
- Becoming able to effectively use his whole moveset will take a lot of time
- It’s too easy to stick to a few weapons or lock yourself into 1 style which can gimp you out of some tools
For more information on V enemy strategies or how to approach certain demons or bosses, please have a look at the DMC5 Demon DB or the DMC5 Boss DB.