Bayonetta 3 tips for beginners — how to get to grips with the Umbran Witch

FANS have been waiting eight years for Bayonetta to return. Now she’s back and better than ever in Bayonetta 3.

However, some things have changed since the last time we saw her, so even veterans might have trouble finding out her secrets.

There’s a whole new battle system here involving demons summoned from the deep. 

Here’s everything you need to know in order to get started in Bayonetta 3:

The key is exploration

Bayonetta 3’s areas are bigger than you think. Ledges that would be the background in most games are very much meant to be explored.

There are loads of secrets hidden in each of Bayonetta’s levels, from artwork and music, to upgrades for your health and magic.

The most important things to find are Umbran Tears that unlock extra levels, and Verses for more battles.

You won’t really be penalised for not doing this, but it will help you get the most out of your playtime.

Those legs aren’t just for walking

Bayonetta is known for her lovely long legs, and they do far more than let her run around the map.

She can double jump, and when against a wall even triple jump, giving her the power to get up on rooftops and high ledges you couldn’t in previous games.

Many of the aforementioned secrets can be found here, so it’s well worth your time getting to grips with the jumps.

After Chapter 1, you have the ability to buy Love is Blue from the item section of Rodin’s shop for a measly 17,000.

These are the standard guns from Bayonetta 2, and while not powerful in combat, they come with another much-needed bonus.

Equipping these unlocks “The Panther Within” and “The Crow Within”, two very helpful movement options.

Not only is the Panther fast, but the Crow can fly while keeping most of its height.

Activating the Panther — or any dash, for that matter — is as easy as moving forward and double tapping ZR. Infinitely useful.

Change your weapons

There is a large number of weapons available in Bayonetta 3, and you acquire them slowly throughout the game.

Every time you get a new one, switch up your weapons by entering the menu with the “minus” button (-).

Each weapon plays differently, so it’s best to work out which ones best suit your playstyle.

Unlike Bayonetta 2, you also have to manually add collected hearts and moon pearls in the menu before they upgrade your health and magic.

Learn to master Witch Time

Long-term fans of Bayonetta will know just how powerful this mechanic is.

When you dodge an enemy’s attack, they will be frozen in time while you are still able to move.

The closer the dodge, the longer the Witch Time, so timing these is vital, particularly on harder difficulty.

Buying and equipping accessories such as Pulley’s Butterfly and Selena’s Light will also help give you more time.

Master your demons

Alongside the weapons, you will also be given a number of demons to control as you go.

Each has its strengths and weaknesses, and it’s good to change them up often and see which ones work well for you.

You can trigger a demon with ZL, holding it down to keep them out longer.

Don’t be stingy with your demons. Your magic will recover fairly quickly over time, and they are much more powerful than Bayonetta’s regular attacks.

Written by Georgina Young on behalf of GLHF.