More so than in most action games, the best defense in Bayonetta 2 is a good offense, and offense is one thing Bayonetta gets right in spades. These are the basics of her fighting repertoire—only by combining these can you turn her into the fashionable dealer of destruction she is known to be.
Gun Attack
Pressing the Action button when there is nothing close by to interact with causes Bayonetta to use her gun attack, which is the quickest way for her to hit enemies for light damage from a distance. Think of it as her way of tagging enemies to keep a combo going, which is further explained in The Quest for Pure Platinum section.
Punching
Pressing the Punch button causes Bayonetta to attack with whatever weapon is equipped to her arms. This attack changes depending on the weapon equipped, and holding the button can have effects all its own.
Kicking
Pressing the Kick button causes Bayonetta to attack with whatever weapon is equipped to her legs. This attack changes depending on the weapon equipped, and holding the button can have effects all its own.
Combo Attacks
Combo attacks are multiple attacks that are landed in enemies in sequence—or if you’re not careful, against yourself! For a more detailed look at combos and why they’re a good thing to land, check out just a little ahead in this chapter.
Timing-Sensitive Combo Attacks
One of the ways Bayonetta can execute so many attacks is by way of timed or delayed button presses. Instead of pressing the Punch or Kick buttons in a single rhythmic sequence, players can wait a moment between button presses to perform a completely different attack instead.
Wicked/Infernal Weaves
Wicked Weaves are super-powerful weapon attacks, launched at the end of most combo strings. For example, when Love Is Blue equipped on Bayonetta’s hands, a PPPPP combo results in a huge summoned fist slamming into the enemy! Wicked Weaves vary between weapons, and you should strive to land these attacks on as many enemies at once as possible.
Infernal Demon Summons
Infernal Demon Summons usually happen during climactic sequences after boss battles, and are usually accompanied by a Quick Time Event. If the Event succeeds, the demon utterly destroys its enemy, giving Bayonetta a Halo bonus in the bargain. Go for the flashy finish! There’s one more way to summon Infernal Demons, however...
Umbran Climax
When Bayonetta has at least eight full magic orbs in her magic gauge, she can unleash Umbran Climax on her foes! In Umbran Climax state, every Punch or Kick attack is the Wicked Weave version—and depending on the weapon used, most hits that would normally be Wicked Weaves will summon Infernal Demons instead!