Devil May Cry 3: Dante's Awakening

Lore & Background

During this era, Dante operates without a formal business, fighting demons for personal reasons until he is drawn into Vergil's scheme. The human sorcerer Arkham manipulates events from behind the scenes, creating artificial demons to aid his own ambitions. By the story's conclusion, the tower collapses, and Dante decides to dedicate his life to hunting monsters professionally. He adopts the name suggested by his brother in mockery as a badge of honor.

In Their Own Story

Rain lashes against the stone balcony high above the city. Two figures stand silhouetted against the storm, separated only by the hum of energy between them. One wears red leather and wields a massive sword; the other is clad in blue, gripping a blade that seems to cut the very air. Thunder rolls overhead, masking the sound of their breathing as they prepare for a duel that will decide not just who lives, but what kind of man the demon hunter will become.

Reader's Guide

The narrative begins with Dante's twin brother, Vergil, seeking the power of their father, Sparda. He attempts to ascend the Temen-ni-gru tower to reach the Demon World, intending to kill Mundus and claim ultimate strength. Dante arrives at the entrance, refusing to let his sibling destroy the balance between realms. As the brothers clash atop the floating castle, they are joined by allies and enemies alike. Trish, a demon created by the human traitor Arkham, aids Dante in stopping Vergil's initial ascent. Later, Lucia of the Order of the Sword arrives to hunt demons but finds herself trapped within the tower alongside them. The conflict culminates in a betrayal by Arkham, who seeks power for himself rather than Mundus. After defeating both his brother and the Demon King, Dante survives the collapse of the tower. He establishes his demon-hunting business nearby, naming it Devil May Cry as a final nod to their rivalry. This entry chronologically precedes the original game and sets the stage for future conflicts with Vergil.

Did You Know?

• This title is chronologically the first story in the main series timeline.
• The Special Edition version introduced Vergil as a playable character.
• Trish was originally created by Arkham using magic to serve Mundus.
• Dante names his shop after an insult Vergil directed at him.