Devil Trigger has been in every Devil May Cry game since the original and is the release of Dante's latent demonic powers. When he activates this power, he taps into his full potential. In the earlier installments, this usually meant that he become a full demon temporarily but this was counter intuitive to the idea that Dante was more powerful than any demon. In DmC, it represents the latent potential of the Nephalim and is a power greater than that of any demon or angel. This seems more accurate though it is still named Devil Trigger (perhaps for understanding for those who played previous entries).
This ability is unlocked in the level Mission 9 - Devil Inside. After acquiring it, once Dante has reached the minimum amount of energy in his Devil Trigger gauge, it can be activated by pressing in both analog sticks at the same time. When he does so, his form changes to something closer to that of Dante from the original series. During this time, Devil Trigger energy drains from the bar until empty, Dante heals, he gains increased damage and speed and time slows down. Special emphasis is placed on aerial combat. While in the air, Dante gains more style points which slows the rate at which the Devil Trigger gauge depletes.
