Clicking Vergil First in Devil May Cry 5? Should You Start With Vergil or Nero? (Switch 2 2026 Beginner Trap Guide)
If you just launched Devil May Cry 5: Devil Hunter Edition on Switch 2, there’s one moment that confuses almost every new player:
You open the main menu…
And see Vergil sitting there as a fully playable option.
Naturally, you wonder:
“Should I start with Vergil or Nero first?”
⚠️ Quick Answer: Should You Start Devil May Cry 5 With Vergil?
Can you start Devil May Cry 5 with Vergil?
Yes — but it is not recommended.
Vergil is designed as a bonus mastery character, not a starting tutorial character, and he skips the game’s natural learning progression.
⚠️ The Main Menu Trap (Why Players Click Vergil First)
Vergil is not hidden or locked.
He is available immediately, which creates a strong illusion:
- He looks faster than Nero
- He looks stronger than Dante
- He looks like a “main character upgrade”
- He is instantly selectable
So many beginners assume he is the correct starting point.
But Devil May Cry 5 is not structured like a traditional character-select game.
Vergil is a post-game mastery character, not a tutorial entry point.
🧠 Why Vergil Feels Overpowered (But Punishes Beginners)
Vergil is built around speed, precision, and control.
He has:
- Extremely fast mobility
- Teleport-based attacks
- High burst damage output
- Precision-heavy combo system
⚙️ Hidden Mechanic: Concentration Gauge
Vergil’s power is governed by the Concentration Gauge.
- Staying calm increases damage
- Moving recklessly lowers performance
- Getting hit reduces overall power output
This makes Vergil fundamentally anti-button-mashing.
Without understanding this system, beginners often feel:
“Why am I getting punished so hard?”
⚔️ How Vergil Mode Actually Works (Important Reality Check)
Vergil does not have a full separate campaign.
Instead:
- He replays main story missions
- He replaces character switching with solo gameplay
- Cutscenes are reduced or altered
- Story context is limited
What this means:
- You lose story buildup
- You skip gradual learning systems
- You jump straight into advanced pacing
This is a major reason beginners struggle.
📉 Why Starting With Vergil Breaks the Learning Curve
Devil May Cry 5 is built around structured progression.
Skipping it removes the foundation entirely.
🧠 The Canonical 4-Stage Mastery Path (CORE SYSTEM)
Stage 1: Nero (The Foundation)
Teaches:
- Basic movement
- Core melee timing
- Enemy attack patterns
👉 This is your combat baseline.
Stage 2: V (The Macro-Tactician)
Teaches:
- Distance control
- Positioning awareness
- Multi-target management
👉 You learn battlefield control.
Stage 3: Dante (The Ceiling)
Teaches:
- Weapon switching systems
- Style flexibility
- Advanced mechanics mastery
👉 This is full system complexity.
Stage 4: Vergil (The Reward)
Now everything clicks.
You finally have:
- Reaction speed
- Enemy pattern understanding
- Mechanical discipline
👉 Vergil is designed for mastery, not learning.
📉 The Beginner Burnout Pattern (Very Common on Switch 2)
Many new players follow this loop:
- Pick Vergil because he looks coolest
- Get overwhelmed by mechanics
- Assume the game is too hard
- Restart as Nero anyway
👉 This is one of the most common beginner mistakes.
🎮 Switch 2 Reality Check (Handheld Impact)
Vergil feels even more demanding on Switch 2 due to:
- Smaller input precision window
- Faster reaction requirements
- Handheld fatigue over long sessions
Practical tip:
If you test him early:
- Remap ranged/summon inputs to shoulder buttons
- Avoid multi-input combos while learning
- Keep sessions short
🧭 What You SHOULD Do Instead (Recommended Start Path)
If you’re new:
Step 1 — Nero
Learn:
- Movement
- Combat timing
- Survival basics
Step 2 — V
Learn:
- Positioning
- Awareness
- Indirect combat control
Step 3 — Dante
Learn:
- Full system mechanics
- Weapon switching
- Style adaptability
Step 4 — Vergil
Now everything clicks.
👉 Vergil becomes a reward, not a roadblock.
🧠 Why Vergil Exists (And Why It Confuses New Players)
Vergil is designed as:
- Post-game reward character
- Replay challenge mode
- Mechanical skill test
He is not meant to guide you.
He is meant to test whether you already understand the game.
🧭 Should You Ever Start With Vergil?
Only if you:
- Already play fast-paced action games
- Understand dodge timing systems
- Don’t rely heavily on tutorials
- Want pure mechanical challenge
Otherwise → start with Nero.
🧭 Final Verdict
If you’re about to click Vergil first on Switch 2:
👉 Don’t start with him.
Not because he is bad.
But because he removes the learning structure that makes the game satisfying.
Best 2026 beginner path:
Start with Nero → Learn systems gradually → Progress through characters → Unlock Vergil as a reward
Because Vergil is not your beginning.
He is your mastery checkpoint.
❓ FAQ
Should I start Devil May Cry 5 with Vergil?
No. He is designed for experienced players and skips core learning systems.
Is Vergil harder than Nero?
Yes. He requires more precision and system knowledge.
Does Vergil have a full story campaign?
No. He replays missions with reduced cutscenes and limited story context.
Why is Vergil selectable from the start?
He is a bonus mastery character, not a tutorial unlock.
When should I play Vergil?
After completing at least one full campaign playthrough.
🧭 Complete Your Switch 2 DMC5 Journey
🛒 Still deciding whether to buy Devil May Cry 5: Devil Hunter Edition?
Read our full breakdown of performance, value, and content updates:
Is Devil May Cry 5 Devil Hunter Edition Worth It? (Switch 2 2026 Performance & Value Guide)
🎮 Already started your journey?
Learn the best settings, difficulty choice, and combat fundamentals to improve fast:
Devil May Cry 5 Beginner Guide (Switch 2 2026): How to Start, Best Difficulty & Core Combat Tips
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