The bombastic Bayonetta 2 is the gloriously over-the-top sequel to the original (and equally as excellent) Bayonetta. Rather than direct the game himself, series creator (and former Platinum Games head) Hideki Kamiya would take a supervisory role and pass off directorial duties to Yusuke Hashimoto, who worked on the original Bayonetta as an enemy designer. That said, Kamiya did still write Bayonetta 2. The title originally released for the Wii U as a system exclusive in 2014. The game would receive a port to the Nintendo Switch in 2018, including a digital download code for the original Bayonetta as a bonus. To date, the game is not available on any non-Nintendo platforms and remains a Nintendo exclusive.
Similar to the original Bayonetta, both critical and commercial success for Bayonetta 2 were strong. Notably, legendary Japanese publication Famitsu awarded Bayonetta 2 a near-perfect score, with the title earning an impressive 38/40. Altogether, the game has one of the highest review aggregate scores for any character action game and is an undisputed classic within the genre. Similarly impressive are Bayonetta 2‘s sales figures, especially on Switch. While the low Wii U user base resulted in the game selling roughly 400,000 units on that console, the Switch version has sold an estimated 1.23 million units.
Bayonetta 2 Premise
©Bayonetta 2 gameplay screenshot – Original
Picking up shortly after the events of the first game, Bayonetta 2 kicks off with a bang. While shopping around New York City on Christmas Eve, Bayonetta and her friend Jeanne successfully repel a surprise assault from Angels acting on behalf of the Lumen Sages. However, when a demon summoning goes wrong, Jeanne’s soul is whisked away to Inferno. Searching for a way to rescue Jeanne, Bayonetta heads to Mount Fimbulvintr, which is supposedly one of the gateways to Inferno on Earth. At the same time, a younger Balder is brought into the present by the mysterious Prophet to stop Bayonetta.
In terms of its gameplay, Bayonetta 2 is more of the stylish character action that players of the original will be familiar with. Bayonetta uses combinations of melee attacks and firearms to take down both Demonic and Angelic enemies using stylish combos. More intricate combo strings that remain uninterrupted earn the player more style points, which in turn contribute toward an overall ranking for each level (what Bayonetta 2 calls Chapters, each of which is split into encounters or “Verses”). As an Umbra Witch, Bayonetta can slow down time using Witch Time to solve puzzles and dodge fatal encounters, as well as use Torture Attacks to dole out extra punishment to enemies.
New to Bayonetta 2 is the Umbran Climax system. Similar to Dante’s Devil Trigger in Devil May Cry, Bayonetta can build up a meter by attacking enemies and then unleash an improved state of power. During Umbran Climax, Bayonetta has greater range, additional power, and new combos made possible through Wicked Weaves and Demonic Summons.
Bayonetta 2 Main Characters
©Bayonetta 2 gameplay screenshot – Original
The story of Bayonetta 2 picks up just a few months after the events of the first game. On Christmas Eve, Bayonetta and Enzo are exploring New York City when a group of Angels mysteriously attack. Bayonetta’s enemy-turned-ally Jeanne shows up to help but is captured and whisked away by a demon when a summoning goes awry. Acting on a tip from her old friend Luka, Bayonetta heads to the Middle East and links up with new ally Loki to team up and gain access to the mountain of Fimbulvintr. Along the way, several familiar faces both friendly and unfriendly return to encounter Bayonetta on her quest. The main characters in Bayonetta 2 include:
- Bayonetta: The player character and main hero of the Bayonetta series. Bayonetta is a powerful Umbra Witch who uses weapons, magic, and even her own hair to slay both angels and demons alike.
- Jeanne: A fellow Umbra Witch, Jeanne is a former enemy-turned-ally who Bayonetta is hoping to rescue after the events of Bayonetta 2‘s prologue.
- Enzo: Enzo acts as one of Bayonetta’s connections to the world of humans (Chaos/Purgatorio) and is her chauffeur and the game’s comic relief.
- Luka: Luka is an informant and one of Bayonetta’s old allies. He returns in Bayonetta 2 to give the titular witch helpful info and help track down Jeanne.
- Rodin: Rodin runs The Gates of Hell, a bar that exists between Paradiso and Inferno. He supplies Bayonetta with powerful gear in exchange for Halos.
- Balder: The main antagonist of Bayonetta 2. Balder returns disguised as the mysterious Lumen Sage, traveling into the future from the past thanks to the help of another new enemy, the mysterious Prophet.
Games in the Bayonetta Series
Picking up where he left off with the Devil May Cry series, Hideki Kamiya and Platinum Games’ Bayonetta franchise is another hallmark of the Character Action subgenre. With stylish, fighting game-style combat and an over-the-top story concerning a millennia-spanning battle between the forces of good and evil, Bayonetta and its sequels rank among some of the greatest action games ever made. Similar to the Devil May Cry franchise, the Bayonetta games have deep and rewarding combat with a low barrier to entry. In other words, players of all skill levels can enjoy Bayonetta, and the games do a great job of making players feel unstoppable even if they do take considerable skill to master on higher-difficulty settings. Games in the Bayonetta franchise include:
- Bayonetta (PS3, Xbox 360, 2009)
- Bayonetta 2 (Wii U, 2014)
- Bayonetta 3 (Nintendo Switch, 2022)
- Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon (Nintendo Switch, 2023)
Bayonetta 2 Cheats & Secrets
Just like the original Bayonetta, Bayonetta 2 features several cheats, secrets, and unlockables for players to discover. However, much like the original Bayonetta, cheats in Bayonetta 2 still require the player to have the prerequisite number of Halos (the game’s currency) to unlock them for use. Note that cheats and secrets are consistent across both the Switch and Wii U versions of the game.
Bayonetta 2 Cheats
Cheat Doors
Similar to the payphones in the original Bayonetta, players can interact with special “Cheat Doors” in Bayonetta 2. These doors allow players to bypass the traditional methods for unlocking bonuses, as long as they have enough Halos.
Go to one of the following hidden doors in the listed chapter. Knock on the door three times (tap the Gamepad as if you are knocking), and the screen will shift for a short time. Then, quickly press Up, Down, Up, Right, Left, X, B, Y, A to get an option to purchase a bonus character, accessory, or weapon for the indicated number of Halos. Note: Players can only activate the doors if they do not have the corresponding unlockable.
- Balder (Character, 5 million Halos): In Chapter 4: Verse 6, the first green door to the right when you kick down the large door to enter the night city
- Bracelet Of Time (Accessory, 1 million Halos): In Chapter 1: Verse 1, two green doors in the far left corner of the central plaza area
- Chain Chomp (Weapon, 1 million Halos): In Chapter 1, after Verse 4 where you open the door, the door is on a small bridge in the alleyway before the square leading to the church square
- Climax Brace (Accessory, 2.5 million Halos): In Chapter 1: Verse 1, the brown door in the center-right of the plaza area
- Climax Brace 2 (Accessory, 2.5 million Halos): In Chapter 1, the door is right next to the Climax Brace door
- Eternal Testimony (Accessory, 2.5 million Halos): In Chapter 1: Verse 1, the large brown door underneath the second-floor passageway, center right of the plaza
- Jeanne (Character, 500,000 Halos): In Chapter 2: Verse 1, the brown door to the right as soon as you start the chapter
- Rodin (Character, 10 million Halos): In Chapter 4, right after Balder’s door and the Loki cutscene; the door is in a back alley next to crates
- Rodin (Weapon, 5 million Halos): In Chapter 1, the next door across from the Chain Chomp door, also on a small bridge
- Rosa (Character, 1 million Halos): In Chapter 2, the green door just past Jeanne’s door. It is next to a green restaurant menu on a tripod.
Bayonetta 2 Secrets & Unlockables
Infinite Climax Mode
Complete the game on the 3rd Climax difficulty to unlock the Infinite Climax difficulty.
Witch Trials Mode
Complete Bayonetta 2‘s Story Mode on any difficulty to unlock Witch Trials mode.
Bonus Characters
Completing the following tasks will unlock the corresponding bonus character for use in Bayonetta 2.
| Character | How to Unlock |
|---|---|
| Balder | Clear Verse Card no. 13 in Tag Climax mode |
| Jeanne | Clear Story Mode on any difficulty |
| Rodin | Clear Verse Card no. 53 in Tag Climax mode |
| Rosa | Clear Story Mode on 3rd Climax difficulty |
Bonus Weapons
Completing the following tasks will unlock the corresponding weapon for use in Bayonetta 2.
| Weapon | How to Unlock |
|---|---|
| Chain Chomp | Complete Story Mode on 3rd Climax difficulty to earn the Angelic Hymns Gold LP for Super Mario 64. Turn this in to Rodin at The Gates of Hell to get the Chain Chomp |
| Handguns | Complete Story Mode |
| Rodin | Defeat Rodin. This weapon can transform into Angel Arms or Demon Arms depending on the button combo |
| Scarborough Fair | Purchase the Super Mirror from The Gates Of Hell |
| Shuraba | Purchase the Super Mirror from The Gates Of Hell. Note: Jeanne’s version is the Angel Slayer. |
| Umbran Armor | Complete Chapter XIV: The Witch Hunts in Story Mode. After, purchase the Earrings Of Ruin from The Gates Of Hell. Equip them to get the Umbran Armor during Umbran Climax. |
Bonus Accessories
Completing the following tasks will unlock the corresponding bonus accessory for use in Bayonetta 2.
| Accessory | How to Unlock |
|---|---|
| Bracelet of Time | Complete Story Mode on 2nd Climax difficulty with a “Gold” rank or higher in all chapters to unlock the Bracelet Of Time. Requires 200,000 Halos to purchase from The Gates Of Hell. Allows Bayonetta to use Witch Time with no restrictions when she has 4 full Magic Orbs. |
| Climax Brace | Obtain 50 Umbran Tears Of Blood to unlock the Climax Brace. Requires 500,000 Halos to purchase from The Gates Of Hell. Allows for infinite magic power, which in turn allows your character to have infinite Umbran Climax. |
| Climax Brace 2 | Complete Story Mode on 2nd Climax difficulty with a “Platinum” rank to unlock Climax Brace II. Requires 500,000 Halos to purchase from The Gates Of Hell. Trades defense for additional power with Wicked Weave. |
| Eternal Testimony | Obtain 25 Umbran Tears Of Blood to unlock the Eternal Testimony. Requires 500,000 Halos to purchase from The Gates Of Hell. Fills two Magic Orbs when Bayonetta depletes her magic, allowing for quick Umbran Climax. |
Bewitchments
Bayonetta 2 doesn’t feature traditional Achievements or Trophies like the original Bayonetta. Instead, players can unlock Bewitchments for completing specific in-game tasks. All unlockable Bewitchments are below:
| Bewitchment | How to Unlock |
|---|---|
| Ace Pilot | Defeat all enemies during Jetfighter Assault |
| After the End Comes… | Complete the Records of Time on any difficulty |
| Apprentice of Secret Arts | Create your first Concoction |
| Bad Boy! | Touch Bayonetta once during 10 different cutscenes |
| Beautiful! | Defeat Rodin |
| Card Collector | Collect every Verse Card |
| Chapter VII Complete | Complete Chater VII on any difficulty |
| Chapter XVI Complete | Complete Chapter XVI on any difficulty |
| Chapters I-IV Complete | Complete Chapters I-IV on any difficulty |
| Chapters V-VI Complete | Complete Chapters V-VI on any difficulty |
| Chapters VIII-IX Complete | Complete Chapters VIII-IX on any difficulty |
| Chapters X-XII Complete | Complete Chapters X-XII on any difficulty |
| Chapters XIII-XV Complete | Complete Chapters XIII-XV on any difficulty |
| Cruel Witchcraft | Defeat 20 Angels using Torture Attacks |
| Darkness Envelops Light | Defeat Balder in Chapter XII without taking damage |
| Destroyer of the Light | Defeat 30 Angels with Umbran Climaxes |
| Discography | Collect all Angelic Hymns Gold LPs |
| End Ruler | Complete all of Muspelheim |
| Ice Queen | Freeze over 40 non-ice elemental enemy types using Undine (Story Mode) |
| Liberator of Time | Open all the Umbra Witches’ final resting places |
| Master of Secret Arts | Concoct every item at least once |
| Prepared for Anything | Make your first purchase at The Gates of Hell |
| Prologue Complete | Complete the Prologue on any difficulty |
| Relentless Witchcraft | Defeat 20 Demons using Torture Attacks |
| Retribution of Thorns | Tie up and slam down enemies 50 times using Alruna (Story Mode) |
| Scrapbook Complete | Collect all Journal’s Echoes |
| Survivor of Darkness | Defeat 30 Demons with Umbran Climaxes |
| True Witch | Complete all chapters in Climax Mode |
| Umbran Successor | Acquire all skills |
| War on All Planes | Complete a Muspelheim challenge |
Alternate Costumes
Collecting the various Super Mirrors will unlock alternate costumes for Bayonetta and Jeanne to use in Bayonetta 2. After collecting the corresponding Super Mirror, players will still need to purchase costumes from The Gates of Hell. Complete the following tasks to unlock the different Super Mirrors:
| Super Mirror | How to Unlock |
|---|---|
| Super Mirror | Complete the game on 2nd Climax difficulty |
| Super Mirror 2 | Unlocks at the beginning of the game |
| Super Mirror 64 | Complete the game on 3rd Climax difficulty |
| Super Mirror 64-2 | Unlocks at the beginning of the game |
Super Mirror Costumes
- Nun – Old Hairstyle
- Old – Old Hairstyle
- Uniformed – Old Hairstyle (Jeanne only)
Super Mirror 2 Costumes
- Dress
- Metal Witch
- Police Woman
- Schoolgirl
- Uniformed (Jeanne only)
- Witch Apprentice
Super Mirror 64 Costumes
- Galactic Bounty Hunter – Old Hairstyle
- Hero of Hyrule – Old Hairstyle
- Sarasaland Princess – Old Hairstyle
Super Mirror 64-2 Costumes
- Galactic Bounty Hunter
- Hero of Hyrule
- Mushroom Kingdom Princess
- Sarasaland Princess
Fight Devil Rodin
Complete Story Mode, then purchase the Platinum Ticket in the Rodin’s Treasure Section from The Gates Of Hell for 9,999,999 Halos. Using the ticket will unlock a secret boss fight.
Nintendo Universe
The following costumes are unlocked by purchasing Super Mirror 64 or Super Mirror 64-2. They add various abilities in addition to changing your appearance:
| Costume | Special Abilities |
|---|---|
| Fox McCloud (Star Fox) | Gun attacks become Arwing attacks; alternate sound when picking up items; Arwing appears instead of jets in Chapters I and XVI. |
| Galactic Bounty Hunter (Metroid) | Panther Within becomes Samus’ Morph Ball and deals Light damage to enemies; double-jump becomes Screw Attack; gun attacks transform into Samus’ Arm Cannon. |
| Hyrule (The Legend of Zelda) | Can parry attacks without the Moon of Mahaa-Kalaa; plays the chest-opening sound from The Legend of Zelda when opening chests; Halos and Orbs become Rupees; Shuraba becomes Link’s Master Sword. |
| Mushroom Kingdom Princess (Super Mario Bros.) | Can summon the power of Bowser; Halos and Orbs become Coins. |
Angelic Hymn Gold LP Locations
Search the following locations to find the corresponding Angelic Hymn Gold LP. Turning these into Rodin at The Gates of Hell nets special rewards.
Chapter I: “Noatun, The City Of Genesis”
Angelic Hymn #1: Complete Verse #5, then search the square area to find an Angelic Hymn piece. Collect it to get Rakshasa.
Chapter II: “Noatun, the City Of Genesis”
Angelic Hymn #2: After defeating the hammer-wielding angel, return to the cathedral entrance to find an Angelic Hymn piece. Collect it to get Kafka.
Chapter IV: “The Two Meet”
Angelic Hymn #3a: Defeat Fidelity to get an Angelic Hymn piece.
Angelic Hymn #3b: Drop down into the Slanted Tower, then search the eastern area to find an Angelic Hymn piece. Collect both pieces to get Undine.
Chapter V: “The Cathedral Of Cascades”
Angelic Hymn #4a: Dive into the water at the start of the chapter, then swim to the western shore. Destroy the resting place to get an Angelic Hymn piece.
Angelic Hymn #4b: Complete Verse #7, then head to the western side. Enter the door to find an Angelic Hymn piece. Collect both pieces to get Chernobog.
Chapter VIII: “An Ancient Civilization”
Angelic Hymn #5a: Defeat Allegiance to get an Angelic Hymn piece.
Angelic Hymn #5b: Complete Verse #7, but do not enter the portal. Instead, head to the back of it, and search the resting place to find an Angelic Hymn piece.
Chapter IX: “The Gates Of Hell”
Angelic Hymn #5c: Complete Verse #6, then drop on the platforms to see an Angelic Hymn piece in the distance. Collect all three pieces to get Takemikazuchi.
Chapter X: “The Depths”
Angelic Hymn #6a: At the start of the chapter, climb the rocks on the eastern side. Move along the rocks, kill the Greeds, and then collect the Angelic Hymn piece.
Angelic Hymn #6b: Defeat Resentment, then search the path on the eastern side to see the Angelic Hymn piece in the distance.
Angelic Hymn #6c: Defeat Pain, then destroy the resting place to get an Angelic Hymn piece. Collect all three pieces to get Salamandra.
Special
Super Mario 64 Angelic Hymn: Complete all chapters on 3rd Climax difficulty to unlock a special Angelic Hymn. Collect it to get the Chain Chomp.
Start Battles in Witch Time
During cutscenes, press ZL and ZR to make Bayonetta avoid attacks. There is no prompt to do this, but if done correctly, you will start the battle after the cutscene in Witch Time.
Turn Jets Into Arwings
While wearing the Star Mercenary costume in both the Prologue and Chapter XVI, it will change the jets into the Arwing from Star Fox. This is purely cosmetic in the Prologue but is fully playable in Chapter XVI and changes how the Jetfighter Assault section controls.
Skipping Cutscenes
After completing Story Mode on any difficulty, you can skip any cutscene by pressing ZR and Minus (-).
Control Samus’ Visor
During gameplay or cutscenes, hold Down on the D-Pad for a few seconds to move the visor on Samus’ costume.
Bayonetta 2 Cheat FAQs
How do you unlock Infinite Climax in Bayonetta 2?
Infinite Climax is a special mode similar to Dante’s Devil Trigger in Devil May Cry where Bayonetta gains near-limitless power. To unlock Infinite Climax mode, players must beat Bayonetta 2 on the game’s hardest difficulty, 3rd Climax mode.
Who is stronger, Jeanne or Bayonetta?
While Bayonetta canonically defeats Jeanne time and again in the games, Jeanne is actually stronger according to series lore.
How to use Cheat Doors in Bayonetta 2?
Cheat Doors in Bayonetta 2 function similarly to the payphones in Bayonetta with one key exception. Thanks to the Switch and Wii U’s touch-screen functionality, players need to “knock” on the doors before they can use them. “Knock” three times by tapping the screen of the Switch or Wii U Gamepad, then press the following sequence: Up, Down, Up, Right, Left, X, B, Y, A. As long as you have the right amount of Halos and haven’t already unlocked the bonus, you can bypass the requirements to unlock bonus characters, weapons, and accessories.
How long to beat Bayonetta 2?
A typical playthrough of Bayonetta 2 will take most players roughly 8-10 hours on average. However, to unlock everything in the game, players must complete the title multiple times on all difficulty levels. This can be a time-consuming process, and it greatly extends the completion time for the title. A full 100% completionist playthrough of Bayonetta 2 should take players about 45 hours.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Bayonetta 2 key art.