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?”

A detailed gaming infographic dashboard optimized for the 2026 Switch 2 launch of Devil May Cry 5: Devil Hunter Edition. The top section shows a Nintendo Switch 2 screen flashing the Vergil option alongside a "QUICK ANSWER: CAN YOU START WITH VERGIL? YES—BUT IT IS NOT RECOMMENDED." It lists bullet points warning that it is a bonus mastery character that skips learning systems and spoils the story early. The bottom section compares two distinct paths side-by-side under the banner "THE MAIN MENU TRAP": a green-coded column for "START WITH NERO (THE FOUNDATION)" detailing core mechanics and gradual progression, and a red-coded column for "STARTING WITH VERGIL (THE TRAP)" detailing the lack of cutscenes, advanced solo pacing, and the complex Concentration Gauge. The bottom footer outlines the recommended step-by-step pathway from Nero to Vergil.


⚠️ 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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