Look for Cues!

Most, if not all, enemies in Bayonetta 2 have visual “tells” that serve as a clear indicator of an incoming attack. Usually they’ll be characterized by a flash of light or a key animation just as they’re about to make their move.

By the same token, turn the volume up and listen for audio cues as well!

Animal Cancelling

You can start an attack or movement...

...then activate Panther Within! Now get out of there!

You guessed it—you can interrupt actions and animations by changing into animal forms as well! Try it with Panther Within for the easiest time.

Dodge Cancelling

In the middle of an attack?

Not anymore! You just dodge cancelled, baby!

Now use a new attack instead!

Similar to jump cancelling, you can interrupt almost any animation with a dodge, which comes in very handy considering that this is Bayonetta’s most important defensive technique. Simply press the Evade button if you don’t want to commit to an attack. Use this ability to give yourself maximum freedom on the battlefield!

Dodge Offset

Start a combo...

...then hold a button in the combo while dodging.

When you come out of the dodge, you can finish that combo where you left off...

...like nothing ever happened.

Here’s where things get interesting. Dodge Offset is the ability to “stall” a combo between dodges. It works by holding a button in the midst of a combo, pressing the Evade button to dodge, and continuing after the dodge is complete. This is the best way, bar none, to make sure none of your combos are interrupted by enemies and thus keep your score as high as possible.

Animal Offset

Start a combo...

...then hold a button in the combo while changing into an animal by pressing the Evade button twice. With the double button-press, this can be tricky, but it’s worth it!

Dart around to your heart’s content...

...then finish the combo!

Here’s where things get crazy. Not only can you offset a combo through a dodge, but you can also do so through an animal form! Take those Wicked Weaves with you wherever you go! Again, performing this with Panther Within is the easiest way.