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This article is about Devil Trigger transformation. You may be looking for the Devil Trigger song.

...And a voice echoed "Power...Give me more power!"

Devil Trigger (デビルトリガー, Debiru Torigā?), often abbreviated to DT, is a special power possessed by demons and hybrids which allows them to release their inner supernatural potential. While in Devil Trigger, some characters take on a demonic form. In this form, the character's physical and magical attributes are amplified, and the character may have access to upgrades or even additions to their normal abilities like flying or hovering. When playing on higher difficulties, enemies can enter Devil Trigger after a short period determined by the enemy type, typically making them more resilient and powerful.

Usage[]

Transformation[]

Most characters use Devil Trigger to transform into a demon, boosting the characters' various stats, such as speed and strength, while they continuously recuperate vitality. Characters also gain deeper and distorted voices. Additional effects are apparent, though these vary between games, and are usually determined by the equipped weapons or items of the character. For example, Dante will usually gain the ability to hover while in Devil Trigger with the ability usually called Air Raid, but this ability is only obtained by equipping the Alastor in Devil May Cry, the Aerial Heart in Devil May Cry 2, and Nevan in Devil May Cry 3. It is a basic feature of Dante's Devil Trigger in Devil May Cry 5, called Glider.

Devil Trigger is confirmed to be available to Dante, Sparda, Lucia, Trish, Vergil and Nero. Several other characters, specifically Arkham, Credo, Agnus and Sanctus have abilities resembling Devil Trigger, though it is not known if it is actually the same ability.

On the hardest mode in all games, Dante Must Die, enemies can use Devil Trigger. Usually, they do so after a fixed amount of time. When they enter Devil Trigger, they exude a dark fiery aura and their eyes turn red. In this state they deal more damage, take less damage, and have increased resistance to flinching from hits and being knocked down or launched. They do not, however, regenerate health.

Attacks & Techniques[]

Neros DT- explosion

Nero's DT-explosion in Devil May Cry 4

Devil Trigger can be used outside of demon form for attacks. Dante uses Devil Trigger to create sword formations with Devil Sword Dante and Vergil can conjure a large number of Summoned Swords at once, both expending a portion of Devil Trigger to do so.

In Devil May Cry 3, the Doppelganger and Quicksliver styles are powered by Devil Trigger. Also featured in this game is the Transformation Flux (more commonly known as Devil Trigger Explosion). Dante and Vergil can concentrate their Devil Trigger and release large amounts at once during transformation, dealing high damage to nearby enemies. The explosion is charged by holding the DT button until the chosen number of Devil Trigger runes glow.

Nero has a similar ability in Devil May Cry 4 & 5, although it cannot be charged and it only stuns, staggers or launches enemies. This also serves a defensive purpose as Nero is granted i-frames during the attack.

Common items that affect Devil Trigger[]

Across most games, Devil Trigger can be replenished by using a Devil Star or picking up a White Orb. Purple Orbs are used to expand the Devil Trigger Gauge.

Costumes[]

In all but the second game, it is possible to unlock "Super" costumes for the playable characters, whose most prominent feature is their unlimited Devil Trigger. This allows the character to stay in Devil form indefinitely, taking advantage of the power, defense, and speed boosts, but negates the Devil Trigger's ability to regenerate (an exception being to Super Dante in the original game, Super Legendary Dark Knight and Super Corrupt Vergil, which still retains all devil trigger abilities without losing any runes.) In Devil May Cry 4 and 5, the Super costume also reduces the mission rating by a certain percentage when used. In Devil May Cry 5, Super characters gain a red glow in their eyes.

Devil Trigger Gauge[]

The Devil Trigger Gauge, often abbreviated as DT Gauge, shows how much demonic energy the character has with each character having unique gauge designs. It acts as a power bank, storing demonic energy to be released later. The Devil Trigger Gauge can be seen below the Vitality Gauge, and is represented as a line of runes. In all games the gauge appears as separate symbols, except for Devil May Cry 2 where it is represented as a bar. Most of the time, the player starts with only the necessary three runes to power their demonic form, though at least one exception does exist. The player can extend the DT Gauge by buying Purple Orbs, allowing them to maintain their form for a longer period of time.

The primary purpose of the DT Gauge is to let the player know how much Devil Trigger is available for use. The amount of time the user can stay in Devil Trigger is determined by the length of the Devil Trigger Gauge. At least three runes must be filled in order to enter Devil Trigger. Once Devil Trigger is engaged, energy is drained from the gauge until the DT form is cancelled, either voluntarily or when the gauge runs out of energy.

The Devil Trigger Gauge is usually filled by attacking enemies, although it can also be filled by Taunting, raising the Stylish Rank, utilizing Devil Stars, or standing on special platforms appearing in select locations in Devil May Cry and Devil May Cry 2. It is also possible to increase the gauge by taking damage in most games, though this is much riskier.

Some techniques, weapons, items, and even enemies also deplete the gauge. The Bangle of Time and Quicksilver Style slow down time so that enemies move slower, but constantly reduce the DT gauge while in effect. Also, the Doppelganger Style slowly drains the gauge while in use. Using advanced Summoned Swords techniques as Vergil will also deplete the gauge. Some combat techniques, such as Stinger and Kick 13 in Devil May Cry 4 use part of the DT gauge to become more powerful. The Nightmare-β consumes Devil Trigger when fired. Certain enemies, such as Nightmare and Nobodies, possess an ability to drain the Devil Trigger Gauge.

Games[]

Devil May Cry[]

Dante & The Legendary Dark Knight[]

In Devil May Cry, Dante cannot use his Devil Trigger until he obtains Alastor. Unlike in other games, his demonic forms are based on the appearance of the demon whose power he is channeling; Alastor, Ifrit or Sparda. He is not able to use Devil Trigger with Sparda until he goes up against Mundus. Unlike in later games, Dante stays in human form, surrounded by the weapon's aura while in Devil Trigger mode, and only takes on a demonic form while attacking or using Air Raid.

When playing as Sparda in The Legendary Dark Knight mode, Devil Trigger works in much the same way, save that all Devil Arms use Sparda's demon form. They are still limited to their own DT attacks and abilities. Sparda's special Devil Arm Yamato is essentially a copy of Alastor, and inherits any DT abilities purchased for that weapon.

The DT Gauge fills very quickly in the first game, and all Devil Arms (save Force Edge, which never has access to DT) have abilities that can only be used while DT is active. Manually deactivating DT costs 1 rune of the DT gauge.

In Dante Must Die mode, Devil Trigger does not restore health.

DMC1 Alastor DT

Alastor's Devil Trigger.

While using Alastor, Dante transforms into a winged demonic form with electrical powers. His movement speed and attack speed are increased, and his sword attacks deal more damage. Gunfire from weapons other than Nightmare-β is charged with an electrical elemental boost as well.

Alastor's special attacks in DT form are related to flight: Air Raid allows Dante to hover in mid-air and unleash powerful lighting bolts, while Vortex is a twisting dive attack.

DT Ifrit

Ifrit's Devil Trigger.

While using Ifrit, Dante transforms into a demonic form with fire powers. Only his damage output increases: his movement and attack speeds remain the same. Gunfire from weapons other than Nightmare-β is charged with a fire elemental boost as well.

Ifrit's special attacks are varied: Inferno is an extremely powerful AoE ground slam which deducts 3 runes fron the DT gauge per use, Meteor a powerful projectile attack which can be charged, and the "super" version of Kick 13 a rapid automatic combo.

Dante-Sparda DMC1 artwork

Sparda's Devil Trigger.

Sparda has no Devil Trigger functionality at all outside of the Mundus 2 battle. During this battle, when DT is activated Dante takes on the form of his father, and gains several abilities: his guns change to hurling powerful bolts of demonic energy, his sword gains a demonic aura that makes it about three times larger, and he can use Ifrit's Meteor ability. He also gains Alastor's Air Hike ability.

In the aerial battle with Mundus, Dante has unlimited access to his father's demon form and fires red runic projectiles with a black aura, and uses Vortex for melee and evasion. He can also summon an enormous dragon at the expense of the energy in the Devil Trigger gauge.

Items affecting Devil Trigger[]

The Untouchable grants Dante unlimited DT along with invulnerability for a short period of time, if the currently equipped weapon is capable of it. The Bangle of Time is an item that prevents transformation, using Devil Trigger instead to slow down time. The Underworld-made firearm Nightmare-β uses the DT gauge to charge its shots.

Enemies[]

Enemies have the ability to enter Devil Trigger in Dante Must Die mode after a set period of time determined by the type of enemy: however, even if this time passes they can still only enter DT if they are in reasonably close proximity to Dante. Enemies also cannot DT if Dante is above them. In addition, some areas will cause a red countdown timer to appear on the left-hand side of the screen, just below Dante's DT Gauge. If all enemies assigned to the room are not defeated before the timer expires, all remaining enemies will enter DT, including those that have not spawned yet.

The precise boost enemies gain depends on the type of enemy. Most enemies gain a large boost to their damage output (sufficient to kill Dante in 1-2 hits), while Marionettes, Fetishes and Sin Scissors also gain a defense boost, though Sin Scissors are still just as vulnerable to critical hits. A Plasma in DT gains boosts to its damage, defense and speed.

There are a couple of enemies which have unique abilities in DT. If a normal human skull Sargasso enters DT it will transform into the larger cyclops "leader" Sargasso. The Shadow is the only enemy which changes its behavior in DT: outside of DT a Shadow will fire a white projectile at Dante if he strikes it with a melee attack outside of its core form, while in DT the Shadow gains the ability to use this attack any time Dante is near to it.

Bosses in Devil May Cry cannot enter Devil Trigger regardless of difficulty, with the exception of Nightmare. Nightmare's DT is unique in the series in that it can use it regardless of difficulty, but only after it has absorbed a specific amount of Dante's DT Gauge. If it succeeds in doing so, its DT is only active for a short period, during which its damage output is increased by about 250%.

Some enemies have similar powered-up states they can enter which are said to be due to absorbing "evil powers" but not explicitly described as Devil Trigger: these include the ground Beelzebub which can enter a powered-up state by devouring the corpse of another Beelzebub, and the Sin Scythe which can summon an umbrella-like structure to focus evil power.

Devil May Cry 2[]

Main articles: Amulet and Sin Devil Trigger

In Devil May Cry 2 Dante can transform into his Demonic form from the very beginning, and it is also unaffected by the weapon he has equipped. However, he can modify its abilities using the Amulet item. Although this demonic form has a more matured appearance compared to the one used in Devil May Cry 3, it has not quite reached its final state. However, Dante can sometimes access that state, his Majin Form, if he activates his Devil Trigger while at critical health. Dante's Majin Form strongly resembles his father's Demonic form, as well as his brother's "Nelo Angelo" form, but its wings are reptilian/chiropteran, rather than insectoid. While Dante is in this form, he possesses complete invulnerability.

DMC2 - Lucia Devil Trigger 02

Lucia's Devil Trigger in Devil May Cry 2

Lucia's demonic form is an angelic and dove-like form with a long white bang covering her right eye, two sets of bird wings and talons for feet. She possesses a teal-colored eye with black skin. Her melee weapons are replaced with glowing versions of Cutlasseer and are enhanced by Amulets. Her ranged weapons are replaced with her feathers.

Secretary Devil Trigger DMC2

The Secretary's Devil Trigger in Devil May Cry 2

Due to being a similar demon created by Arius, the Secretary's DT is similar in both appearance and function to Lucia's, with the biggest difference being that their feathers are a deep violet color giving it a crow-like appearance. They also have a feathered head crest, similar to the masks they wear. Finally, they have dense, plumed collars and their melee weapons glow yellow-orange as opposed to Lucia's blue.

Trish DT

Trish's Devil Trigger in Devil May Cry 2

Trish does not undergo physical changes in Devil Trigger, but rather gains a hazy, yellow aura which covers her entire body and she puts on her sunglasses. She gains access to Air Raid, during which she can use a Vortex-like technique and fire yellow lightning bolts.

Items affecting Devil Trigger[]

Devil May Cry 2 features Amulets, which enable Devil Trigger and add various abilities to it, including elemental enhancements and extra stat boosts.

Super Mode[]

Devil May Cry 2 lacks "Super" costumes, but the HD Collection release allows the player to input a code to grant them access to indefinite Devil Trigger. Once the "Must Die Mode" is completed for a specific character, Super Mode can be activated when selecting a mission or the Bloody Palace. Hold Button ps4 l2+Button ps4 r2 while selecting the game mode. While in Super Mode, Devil Trigger will not heal the player character if the Healing Heart isn't equipped, nor can Dante use his Majin Form.

Devil May Cry 3: Dante's Awakening[]

DMC3DevilTriggerDante

Dante enters his Demon form for the first time.

"I see a devil inside you has awakened as well."
―Vergil[src]

In Devil May Cry 3, Dante gains the ability to Devil Trigger after his first fight with Vergil. After losing to his brother, Dante is impaled with Rebellion. His blood awakens his demon power and he is able to transform, and becomes much more powerful. Dante's demonic forms are quite humanoid, though its exact features, its general facial structure, cranial crest and the fins on its back vary with the weapon he has equipped. When Dante uses Devil Trigger to use the abilities granted Doppelganger Style and Quicksilver Style.

DT Rebellion

Dante's Rebellion Devil Trigger in Devil May Cry 3: Dante's Awakening

Dante's Rebellion Devil Trigger is red and black, his chin-length, snowy hair turns into a tusk-like crest, and his body physique is much more bare. His coat tails either function like his trench coat or open up to spread out (the wings leave a black spot near Dante's torso) and give him flight. He also has his coat's "Lapel" changed into white-colored ones, his feet have clawed toe-nails and gains a red, foggy aura. While in this form, Dante gains a decent boost across all his stats making this Devil Trigger the most well-rounded one.

DT Cerberus

Cerberus Devil Trigger

Dante's Cerberus Devil Trigger is mainly red with a bright blue skeletal system, with his wings changing into a pair of vertical, strip-like wings, his cranial crest points up into two and gets a thinner design, and he has a cyan, foggy-like aura. While in this form, Dante gains augmented speed to his specific weapon compared to Dante's other demonic weapons.

DT AgniRudra

Agni & Rudra Devil Trigger

Dante's Agni & Rudra Devil Trigger has energy streams that glow orange on one half of his body and light blue on the other, representing the power of the twin demons and the twin swords. His coat is altered with two straps formed near the center of his front torso, spikes protrude from the red streaks on his legs, arms and back, and he has a spiked crest, giving him a serrated look similar to the blades. Dante gains enhanced physical strength and elemental properties and Dante takes on an orange foggy-like aura.

DT Nevan

Nevan Devil Trigger

Dante's Nevan Devil Trigger is red and purple with many features, including pointed sleeves, a Y-shaped imprint along his chest, and a facial structure that resembles a horned/bladed helmet. He gains a greater regeneration ability and has a purple, foggy-like aura, and keeps the wings from the Rebellion DT, which in this form allows him to exclusively perform Air Raid.

DT Beowulf

Beowulf Devil Trigger

Dante's Beowulf Devil Trigger is red and white, it has a look resembling the Cerberus DT, however, much different in its cranial structure. The Beowulf Devil Trigger gives Dante a white, foggy-like aura and improved defense.

Vergil can use Devil Trigger to transform into his demon form much like Dante. He gains a boost in strength, speed, and defense. He can also use his Devil Trigger to create large number of Summoned Swords at once.

VDT Yamato

Vergil's primary Yamato Devil Trigger in Devil May Cry 3: Dante's Awakening

Vergil's Devil Trigger is first seen during his second battle with Dante, in the Lair of Judgment, although in the Special Edition, it can be used from the beginning when playing as him. Like Dante, Vergil's demonic form keeps the design of a blue, humanoid creature, and the design varies with each weapon, excluding Force Edge. Also, in the Yamato demonic form, Vergil possesses traits that are similar to Dante's Rebellion form, but it has several white imprints detailed on the trench coat with the three coat tails separating into four (with its design when airborne being bat-esque wings), his spiky hair changes into a crest that has a fin shape at the top, his neck gains a membrane that curves inwards, the spine merges with two dark-colored bones exposed at the top as well, his sheathe alters and attaches to his sleeve while becoming a clawed appendage, and his vest changes to a undercoat. Also, Vergil's feet are unchanged but darkened, he obtains a bright blue aura and his teeth are fangs that show.

VDT Beowulf

Vergil's Beowulf Devil Trigger

Vergil's Beowulf Devil Trigger is mainly blue and glows white. Vergil gains new features that Dante's Beowulf demon form has, such as vertical strip-like wings, but has an additional pair to them, he keeps his blue "coat" and his cranial crest flats to a thinner crest. Also, if Vergil activates DT, the sound will be identical to a basic enemy Devil Triggering in DMC3's Dante Must Die mode.

Items affecting Devil Trigger[]

The Haywire Neo-Generator from Devil May Cry 3 causes Dante to constantly lose his Vitality in exchange for an infinite Devil Trigger that cannot be turned off.

Enemies[]

In Devil May Cry 3 the aim in Mission 6 is to overcome three trials of the Temen-ni-gru, the Trial of Wisdom, the Trial of Skill, and the Trial of the Warrior. The Trial of the Warrior will consist of a long fight with demons in their Devil Trigger state, no matter the mode. However, their Devil Trigger can be temporarily disabled by unlocking seals on the walls. In Dante Must Die mode, enemies gain Devil Trigger after a short period of time.

Devil May Cry: The Animated Series[]

In the anime, Dante initially never used the power of his demonic side. However, during the final battle with the demon Abigail, these two went toe-to-toe airborne and Dante unleashes his full power, thus gave him glowing red eyes and gaining a deeper voice (a recurring effect of Devil Trigger). The showcase of power induced an explosion, which stripped Sid of his demon form, leaving him vulnerable for Dante to later shoot.

Devil May Cry 4[]

DT DMC4

Dante's Devil Trigger in Devil May Cry 4.

In Devil May Cry 4, Dante is able to transform into his demonic form in his very first appearance, in which he is attacked by Nero, and it is unaffected by the weapon he has equipped. This demonic form is very reptilian; it gives a reptile-looking appearance to Dante's arms and legs, his head seems to produce spiky edges, there are cracks on his chest, and his "coat" is a pair of curled up semi-chiropteran wings with each divided into three segments. He is much more powerful in this form, attacking with greater force and speed, firing magically charged shots from his guns, infusing some of his attacks with extra demonic energy to enhance the move at the cost of instantly consuming part of his DT gauge: namely, Stinger (which covers a greater area and drills through enemies), Kick 13 (which gains additional kicks and ends with two rising kicks) and Pin-up (which pulls twice as many blades). Dante also becomes able to use Air Hike and Sky Star twice in one jump to gain greater altitude and aerial distance before falling. He also becomes extremely resistant to stun, and receives much less damage from attacks. In other words, most attacks that hit him will not interrupt his attacks; therefore any skills that require charging (particularly Gilgamesh) will be constant despite his taking damage. However, some stronger moves (like Berial's flame pillar attack) can still knock him off balance.

NDT DMC4

Nero's Yamato Devil Trigger in Devil May Cry 4.

Nero, the main protagonist of Devil May Cry 4, also receives a Devil Trigger. He gains his Devil Trigger in Mission 6 after defeating Agnus. While Nero demands answers from the scientist, Agnus’s servants, the Bianco Angelos, catch him unaware and impale him with their lances. Agnus then tells Nero of his plans, and stabs him once more with a Gladius. Nero almost fades away, but suddenly remembers a moment from his past. Kyrie was endangered, and Nero, in despair, cried out to her. He awaken and resurrects subsequently restoring and claims Yamato then proceeds to evoke his Devil Trigger.

When activated, it seems to resemble a translucent shadow of a demon that floats behind Nero. The demon has "sheath" attached to its left arm, which holds in Yamato when not in use. Nero himself, gains burning red eyes, and a deeper, echoing voice. He also gains a hazy, blue aura that pulsates with an intensity relevant to the amount of Exceed Nero has charged. At a full charge, each pulse releases a small, black hazy aura.

In terms of combat, Nero's Red Queen attack will be accompanied by the demon using a right-handed version of the attack, his Buster will have more gruesome animations and will deal more damage, he will also use convene Summoned Swords every time he fires his pistol. While in his Devil Trigger state he is also granted limited use to the Yamato while in combat. Unfortunately (and unlike Dante), while in Devil Trigger, Nero can and will still be stunned by any attack, even those from weak demons such as a Scarecrow.

At first, the creators of the game were going to give Nero an actual demon form, closely resembling the ghostly blue demon behind him when he uses his Devil Trigger, but decided to stay with the translucent form. When the game was released, they included a book filled with character references, one of them being Nero's original Devil Trigger.

DevilTriggerTrish

Trish's Devil Trigger in Devil May Cry 4: Special Edition

Trish is capable of using Devil Trigger. She only gains a golden aura while donning her sunglasses, much like her Devil May Cry 2 incarnation. When in this state she gains access to faster attack speed, heightened attack strength, and her health slowly regenerates. During usage of Devil Trigger bullets from Luce & Ombra will generate electric field after hitting the target.

Vergil's Devil Trigger is similar in appearance and function to the one in Devil May Cry 3: Special Edition. It also retains the function from Devil May Cry 3 that allows his Devil Trigger to change forms depending on the Devil Arm he is using. While in Devil Trigger, Vergil's power and speed are drastically increased and his attacks gain additional properties that make them stronger (like Rapid Slash, which can be canceled into itself and embeds Summoned Swords into enemies that explode after Vergil sheathes Yamato), while having slow health regeneration. Some of his moves are only accessible while in Devil Trigger, like Judgement Cut End and two additional hits at the end of Yamato Combo A. Like Dante, he can spend part of his Devil Trigger Gauge to increase the power of some of his moves, namely Stinger (which covers a far greater area and drills through enemies) and Lunar Phase (which ends with a Rising Sun-esque pair of kicks if used in the ground, and has far more spins if used in the air).

Enemies[]

In Devil May Cry 4, demonic bosses have a "desperation mode", similar to Devil Trigger, when they are low on health. However, it seems to be something separate from normal enemy Devil Trigger, as it appears on all modes. Effects of it vary for each boss;

  • Echidna starts to glow a bright gold aura, her "dragon phase" becomes vulnerable for a timed Buster and she starts throwing her seeds around during several moves.
  • Bael turns purple-red, his ice starts to regenerate faster when destroyed, and his tongue will be immune to firearm shots.
  • Dagon has the same effects as Bael.
  • Berial glows purple-red flames which are difficult to disperse and his attacks will be imbued with fire.

Devil May Cry 5[]

Main article: Sin Devil Trigger

In the first-half of Devil May Cry 5, Dante's demonic form is largely identical to his form in Devil May Cry 4, with some minor stylistic changes. Just like in the previous installments of the series, Dante is capable of restoring his health points while using it. Devil Trigger also enchants all of his attacks with an additional damage output and allows him to fly around with the wings. Using various buttons during the flight will give Dante completely different attacks as well as attack combinations. Additionally the flight enhances Dante's movement speed. After absorbing the broken hilt of the Rebellion along with the Sparda, Dante's full hidden power is awakened and he obtains his Sin Devil Trigger form, which takes inspiration from Devil May Cry 4 unused Ultimate Devil Trigger concept.

Dante's appearance in his demonic form will stay the same no matter which weapon he will equip. He does gain his own unique Devil Arm, the Devil Sword Dante, upon unlocking his Sin Devil Trigger.

Image00127

Vergil's Sin Devil Trigger in Devil May Cry 5

Main article: Sin Devil Trigger

After reforming, Vergil's new Devil Form transforms him into a demon, greatly enhanced to the point of him being able to match Dante's Sin Devil Trigger. It has four wings folded down in a similar manner to the tails of Vergil's coat in his original Devil Trigger, blue arm-mounted energy blades, and a thick reptilian tail with a barbed tip that extends from between his shoulders. While the head appears to be shaped like his form in Devil May Cry 4, Vergil's new Devil Trigger resembles a traditional samurai helmet more, with the horns assuming hollowed and tube-like shapes, venting demonic energy in a manner resembling exhausts.

In addition to developing a few air techniques, the ability to regenerate health, and the ability to create an energy construct of himself in a similar manner to Vergil from the reboot, Vergil's overall attacks and defense are increased as well.

In Devil May Cry 5: Special Edition, Vergil's Devil Trigger now has him use Doppelganger, forming a spectral copy of his Devil Form to attack in unison with him. His new Demon Form is now officially recognized as his own Sin Devil Trigger form, having the same activation requirements as Dante's, albeit still retaining the healing ability plus the ability to deactivate at any time before the Sin Devil Trigger runs out. While in this form, Vergil gains new follow-up strikes to many of his combo attacks and enhancements to his other moves, along with the ability to use exceptionally powerful moves that would normally deplete his entire Sin Devil Trigger gauge for only a portion of his remaining meter.

Devil May Cry 5 Official Art Works - Page 017

Nero's Devil Trigger in Devil May Cry 5.

After Nero discovers the truth behind his heritage and remembering how he lacked the power to save Credo, Nero becomes determined in saving his family from themselves, enabling him to unlock his full Devil Trigger transformation. In the process, he grows a human-looking arm that he can convert to energy when using the Devil Breaker. Unlike the others, it can partially activate when Nero is in human form, giving him arm-like wings called Bringer Claws which restore his Devil Bringer powers. His full DT is much more human looking than his uncle or father's; his face is largely human rather than the reptilian look his two relatives gain, his skin lacks the jagged armor-like scales that cover them, and he lacks physical wings. He also grows short horns similar to his original DT and his arms are now identical to the Devil Bringer. In his DT form, Nero gains demonic yellow pupils with sharp irises and the sclera within his eyes turn black.

Unlike in the previous game, Nero no longer gains the shadow-like demon which replicates his attacks in the opposing direction for extra hits. Instead, he uses his Bringer Claws for claw attacks which attack in the same direction as each of Nero's attacks, with some attacks using both claws to slash through enemies. With his restored arm, he also regains the use of Buster while no longer needing to use the Buster Arm Devil Breaker.

Enemies[]

In Devil May Cry 5, lesser demons and bosses enter Devil Trigger after hitting a certain hit point and after certain period of a time. Unlike Devil May Cry 4, lesser demons and bosses are engulfed in a black aura when they enter Devil Trigger.

Movesets[]

Devil May Cry 2 – Dante
Action Command Description
Devil Trigger Button ps4 l1 Gain power by releasing secret demon power.
Air Raid Button ps4 cross (in DT, mid-air, Aerial Heart)
Button ps4 l1 (mid-air, Aerial Heart)
Fly in the air with demon power.
Round Trip Button ps4 triangle (Air Raid) Throw the sword at enemies.
Caligula Button ps4 square Fire bullets infused with demonic power from palms.

Devil May Cry 2 – Lucia
Action Command Description
Devil Trigger Button ps4 l1 Gain power by releasing secret demon power.
Air Raid Button ps4 cross (in DT, mid-air, Aerial Heart)
Button ps4 l1 (mid-air, Aerial Heart)
Fly in the air with demon power.
Seraphic Soar Button ps4 square Throw feathers that track the enemy.
Divine Anger Button ps4 triangle+Button ps4 square (on ground) Send fire pillar-like shockwaves.
(mid-air or in water) Send meteor-like shockwaves.

Devil May Cry 2 – Trish
Action Command Description
Devil Trigger Button ps4 l1 Gain power by releasing secret demon power.
Air Raid Button ps4 cross (in DT, mid-air, Aerial Heart)
Button ps4 l1 (mid-air, Aerial Heart)
Fly in the air with demon power.
Round Trip Button ps4 triangle (Air Raid) Throw the sword at enemies.
Energy Wave Button ps4 square (Air Raid) Send powerful energy waves to enemies.
Vortex Button ps4 triangle+Button ps4 square (Air Raid) Damage enemies with an intense spinning body attack.

Devil May Cry 4 – Nero
Action Command Description
Devil Trigger Button ps4 l1/Button xbone lb Summon the power of Yamato to unleash the devil within Nero. Depletes the DT Gauge.
Summoned Swords Button ps4 square/Button xbone x (Devil Trigger) Summon a magical blade and fling it towards a foe, piercing the enemy through sheer force of will.
Maximum Bet Button ps4 r1+Button ps4 ls-down+Button ps4 triangle+Button ps4 circle/Button xbone rb+Button xbone ls-down+Button xbone y+Button xbone b (Devil Trigger) Yamato and the Red Queen combine to blow through enemies like a powerful wind. Holding, then releasing the buttons will dramatically increase attack strength.
Showdown Button ps4 r1+Button ps4 ls-up+Button ps4 triangle+Button ps4 circle/Button xbone rb+Button xbone ls-up+Button xbone y+Button xbone b (Devil Trigger) Nero himself unleashes Yamato with an omnipotent barrage of slashes.
Trigger Heart Passive While Devil Trigger is active, the depletion of the DT Gauge will be reduced.

Devil May Cry 4 – Dante
Action Command Description
Devil Trigger Button ps4 l1/Button xbone lb Unleash the demon within to transform into a fearsome devil form. Depletes the DT Gauge.
Trigger Heart Passive While Devil Trigger is active, the depletion of the DT Gauge will be reduced.

Devil May Cry 4: Special Edition – Vergil
Action Command Description
Devil Trigger Button ps4 l1/Button xbone lb Unleash the demon within to transform into a fearsome devil form. Depletes the DT Gauge.
Trigger Heart Passive While Devil Trigger is active, the depletion of the DT Gauge will be reduced.

Devil May Cry 5 – Dante
Action Command Description
Devil Trigger PS: Button ps4 l1
Xbox: Button xbone lb
PC: Pc f1
Unleash the demon within and transform into a fearsome devil form. Depletes the DT Gauge. Raises attack, defense and speed while activated, and restores vitality over time.
Glider In DT
in mid-air
PS: Hold Button ps4 cross
Xbox: Hold Button xbone a
PC: Hold Pc space1
Spread your wings and glide.
To change direction tilt the Left Stick while gliding.
Trigger Heart Passive DMC5 Red Orb15000
While Devil Trigger is active, the DT Gauge will deplete at a reduced rate.

Devil May Cry 5 – Nero
Action Command Description
Devil Trigger Button xbone dpad/Pc f1 Unleash the demon within and transform into a fearsome devil form. Depletes the DT Gauge. Raises attack, defense, and speed while activated, and restores vitality over time.
Bringer Claw Button ps4 triangle/Button xbone y/Pc lclick1 (Devil Trigger) Follow up sword slashes with attacks from your demonic arms.
Summoned Swords Button ps4 square/Button xbone x/Pc rclick1 (Devil Trigger) Use demonic power to summon blades and send them flying at your foe. More blades appear during Charge Shot for additional attacks.
Maximum Bet Button ps4 r1+Button ps4 ls-down+Button ps4 triangle+Button ps4 circle/Button xbone rb+Button xbone ls-down+Button xbone y+Button xbone b/Pc shift1+Pc down1+Pc lclick1+Pc mclick1 (Devil Trigger) Demonic arms and the Red Queen combine to blow through enemies like a powerful wind. Holding then releasing Button ps4 triangle+Button ps4 circle/Button xbone y+Button xbone b/Pc lclick1+Pc mclick1 will increase its attack strength.
Showdown Button ps4 r1+Button ps4 ls-up+Button ps4 triangle+Button ps4 circle/Button xbone rb+Button xbone ls-up+Button xbone y+Button xbone b/Pc shift1+Pc up1+Pc lclick1+Pc mclick1 (Devil Trigger) An incredibly powerful series of strikes with the Red Queen and your demonic arms.
Flap Top After jumping, hold Button ps4 cross/Button xbone a/Pc space1 Twist your body into the air and unfurl your demonic arms for a second jump. Hold Button ps4 cross/Button xbone a/Pc space1 to extend your air time.
Trigger Heart Passive While Devil Trigger is active, the DT Gauge will deplete at a reduced rate.

Devil May Cry 5 – Vergil
Action Command Description
Dopplelganger PS: Button ps4 l1
Xbox: Button xbone lb
PC: Pc f1
Use demonic power to create a Devil Clone that will follow Vergil, mimicking his movements. You can alter the speed at which it acts with Button ps4 ls-right/Button xbone dpad-right/Pc x1 and Button ps4 ls-left/Button xbone dpad-left/Pc v1 to speed up or slow down, and Button ps4 ls-up/Button xbone dpad-up/Pc z1 to return to normal. Press Button ps4 l1/Button xbone lb/Pc f1 or Button ps4 ls-down/Button xbone dpad-down/Pc c1 to dismiss the clone. Consumes DT Gauge.
Trigger Heart Passive While Sin Devil Trigger or Doppelganger is active, both the SDT and DT Gauge will deplete at a slower rate.

Other appearances[]

Viewtiful Joe[]

The spirit of the Alastor Devil Arm appears as Blade Master Alastor in Viewtiful Joe where he has his own Devil Trigger.

Marvel vs. Capcom 3[]

In Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds, Dante can activate the Devil Trigger as a Hyper Combo that lasts for 10 seconds, increasing the damage he can deal by 15% and granting him minor health regeneration. The Rebellion Devil Trigger is used for the model, though the Sparda Devil Trigger is used instead with Dante's DLC Costume for the game. Dante can perform two of Nevan's techniques in DT mode, and gains the ability to fly. He also gains a third jump added to his double jump, and gains the ability to dash twice in the air before landing. Dante can also tag out to keep his Devil Trigger effect permanent, unless tagged back in. Plus, his sound clips are only limited to deep roars and his taunt has no dialogue until it wears off. This appears to be a throwback to Ragna the Bloodedge's Blood Kain Distortion Drive from BlazBlue, as Ragna is somewhat based on Dante.

Vergil also uses Devil Trigger as a Level 1 Hyper Combo and although it does not allow him any new special moves like Dante, if the player has a remaining three bars of HC Gauge they may activate Dark Angel. This Hyper Combo shows Vergil slashing the opponent while Summoned Swords accumulate in the background. Finally, he returns back to his human form and sheathes Yamato as the Swords pierce the enemy. This is the only move in the game that requires four HC Gauges total (including the transformation) and is the stronger Hyper Combo in the game, taking 610,000 points off of the opponent's health. The ability also increases his damage output by 20%, enables minor health regeneration, increases the size of the hitboxes on a few of his moves, gives him an air dash, and gives him a double jump.

Despite having the ability during Devil May Cry 2, Trish does not have any Devil Trigger in the game.

Marvel Vs. Capcom: Infinite[]

Dante's Devil Trigger returns once more as one of Dante's Hypers during gameplay, functioning identically to how it did in the previous game.

In the game's story mode, Dante assumes his Devil Trigger form to fight Jedah Dohma, with the entire fight granting the player permanent Devil Trigger. With the massive boost in power, he's able to overpower the demon noble and wrest the Soul Stone from his control. Initially, his mind starts to succumb to the power of the Stone, but ultimately fights it off and at that same moment, figures out the best way to defeat Ultron Sigma, taking Jedah's words about the Stone into consideration before he leaves. Interestingly, this is the first time Dante talks in full sentences during the form rather than taunts, shouts and growling.

Street Fighter V: Arcade Edition[]

Nero's Devil Trigger appears on his costume for Ed, it will also change color depending on the variation chosen. The costume itself is based on Nero's Devil May Cry 4 iteration, including the Devil Trigger.[1]

TEPPEN[]

Dante's, Vergil's, Nero's and Lucia's Devil Trigger all make an appearance in the game. Both Dante and Nero, who are playable characters in the game, have a Hero Art based on their Devil Triggers.

Development[]

The Devil Trigger forms seen in Devil May Cry 3 were designed by Kazuma Kaneko, a character designer for Atlus who designed the characters and demons for the Shin Megami Tensei series. This was done as part of a deal to have Dante included as a cameo in Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne, as Kaneko is a big fan of the Devil May Cry series.

The Devil May Cry 4 Devil's Material Collection showcases a handful of concept sketches of Devil Trigger for both Dante and Nero. Concepts for the former notably include both wings and a tail whilst the latter shows a full devil form that bears many similarities to Vergil's Yamato Devil Trigger, including a claw-like sheath on the arm and wing-like coattails.

In Devil May Cry 5, the Devil Trigger gauge was made easier to fill due to the lack of recovery items.[2]

Trivia[]

  • Legendary Dark Knight costumes use Devil Trigger as a means for Sparda to enter his demon form but it is unclear whether Sparda needed Devil Trigger to do so in the narrative of the series.
  • Vergil only uses Sin Devil Trigger in Devil May Cry 5, however a piece of concept art show Vergil in a Devil Trigger form that combine aspects of Dante's Devil May Cry 4 Devil Trigger (humanoid face, wings evocative of a coat, spiked 'coat flaps') with Vergil's Devil May Cry 3 Devil Trigger (black and blue striped legs, sheath appendage, head shape).
  • In Bayonetta 3 Bayonetta has a new ability called "Demon Masquerade", where she channels the demons linked to her weapons, she takes on their forms which is very similar to Dante’s Devil Trigger from the first and third Devil May Cry games, the form's design being influenced by the current demon that empowers her equipped weapon.

See also[]

References and notes[]

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