Overview
A setup to help players using controllers get the most out of combos and charge shots. It’s not necessary to enjoy the game, but it’s super useful especially when you’ve unlocked everyone’s charge shots.
Why you should change the default settings
A key part of getting high damage and stylish combos in DMC is using a mix of melee attacks as well as charge shots, especially for Nero and Lady. However, it’s basically impossible to hold down the X button (default range) while mashing Y (default melee) at the same time. By moving range action to a different button, we can easily charge shots while slicing away at enemies. As for Vergil, he’s unique in that he can shoot AND slice at the same time. You’ll need to time shoot independently from your melee attacks. Well, this config will make it easier to do that too.
Configuration
This configuration is for the Xbox controller, DualShock notation is in brackets
Y [Triangle] – Melee
B [Circle] – Character Action
X [Square] – Devil Trigger
RT [R2] – Range
RB [R1] – Lock-on
LT/LB [L1/L2] – Cycle Weapons (for Dante, each button cycles either gun or sword)
Everything Else – Default
Other Possible Configurations
If you don’t mind using the left button as a trigger, using LB/L1 as shoot and X as devil trigger will also work fine. Personally, I prefer the RT/R2
Trish
Trish’s guns suck, and the only thing they’re good for is rapid fire. This is really the only situation where this config makes it more difficult to shoot – every other character you should really only be charge shotting (except for Vergil, who doesn’t shoot that fast anyway.) Since Trish doesn’t have other weapons you could in theory leave her alone but it may be difficult to remember when switching back and forth.
On the Y button for melee
American players might be tempted to use the X button for melee, like it is in God of War, Force Unleashed, Batman, and every other American game. Don’t. It won’t hurt you early on, but in late-game and especially with the new characters you’ll end up getting moves that have the Y+B input. If you switch melee to X, you’ll end up having to stretch your hand accross the controller and pray you don’t accidentally DT by mistake. No thanks.
Stay Stylish
This config won’t make you magically good, but it will help a LOT with Vergil and Lady more than anyone else. If there’s any issues with this, or something is unclear, feel free to leave a message in the comments. Thanks, and keep it stylish!