Bayonetta is an action game series that made its name by offering fast, satisfying combat to players, and Bayonetta 3 has not dropped the ball on this. With the introduction of several new major mechanics and another playable character in Viola, it is aiming to go even further in developing the series’ staple combat.
While the weapons and moves Bayonetta uses in combat are the main star, there is a collection of equippable accessories that can help enhance her abilities even further. Some of these must be unlocked via certain challenges, but quite a few are simply available to purchase. Since earning money isn’t a walk in the park, it’s important to know which of these are worth dropping money on sooner rather than later.
7 Nucleus of Talos
One of the big new features of Bayonetta 3 is the ability to directly control the witch’s demonic helpers via the ‘Demon Slave’ ability. Getting the hang of this new system definitely takes some time, so having the option to put the demons on autopilot might be a big help for newcomers.
This makes the Nucleus of Talos a decent early-game buy, although by the end of the game players will want to not depend on it. When playing as Viola, it does allow her demon Chesire more movement range, so it does retain some use later on.
6 Conqueror's Reins
Still on the topic of demon slave, Bayonetta’s infernal demons are not completely invincible during battle. Taking hits will drain the magic gauge, sending the demons away quicker. Enough damage though will send them into a rage state, making them rampage and attack indiscriminately, even being capable of harming Bayonetta herself.
Conqueror’s Reins prevents this from happening, somewhat reducing the possible downsides of sloppy demon play. It also makes Cheshire drain less magic when out, allowing Viola to use him for longer. It’s another accessory that should be outgrown as the game progresses, but can be very useful early on.
5 Eternal Testimony
In Bayonetta 3, the magic gauge has taken on a new identity as the resource for summoning demons via demon slave. Demon-happy playstyles or overworld puzzles may overtax the gauge though, and it’s very easy to have run out before one might expect. Eternal Testimony is an accessory that can help with this.
This accessory increases the rate at which the magic gauge is replenished after being emptied, encouraging a much more aggressive usage of demon slave. Usually players want to avoid draining the magic gauge, but this can be a big help to those who don’t want to worry about it as much.
4 Ragewolf Fang
Demon Masquerade is another of Bayo 3’s new mechanics, allowing Bayonetta to fuse with the demons associated with her weapons. The fused forms then provide her greater combat and traversal options like extra moves or extra jumps. The ultimate attack provided by Demon Masquerade is "Masquerade Rage," which charges up during combat.
It isn’t usable until a few hours into the game and doesn’t charge up all that fast, but it can be a useful source of damage in tough fights. The Ragewolf Fang accessory boosts the damage on this attack, so it’s generally good for any situation. This likely explains it being quite expensive.
3 Hymn of Durga
While some good passive assistance is always welcome, the Bayonetta games encourage relentless offense in order to deal with enemies. For those looking to trade some security for some extra damage, the Hymn of Durga accessory is a great accessory choice.
The Hymn boosts the damage dealt by infernal demons across the board, making their already vital contributions even greater. As a drawback, however, Bayonetta’s demons will enrage more easily, and Cheshire will drain more magic when he’s out. For those who want to use demons sparingly, though, this drawback is barely noticeable.
2 Moon of Mahaa-Kalaa
Witch Time is by far the most useful defensive ability available in Bayonetta; however, there is another option available for anyone who could use an extra way to stave off damage. To access it, players only need to equip the Moon of Mahaa-Kalaa.
The Moon activates a parry in the moveset, allowing enemy attacks to be rebuffed via a flick of the left stick in the direction of the attack. It functions similarly to Viola’s usual block, and is even capable of activating witch time. This even means that Viola has a way to block attacks even without her sword. It takes some learning, but this parry can be a lifesaver.
1 Mallet of Rewards
Previously, the orbs received from defeating demons in Bayonetta 2 functioned identically to the rings that angels dropped. In Bayo 3 though, they are now separate currencies, with orbs being used to buy new moves for the player and their demon minions.
Orbs are only gained through specific actions, such as performing torture attacks, and the Mallet of Rewards makes these attacks drop even more. Using it, players can get access to more moves much more quickly, which in an action game like Bayonetta 3 means having more fun and getting much closer to obtaining everything the game has to offer. It’s also the cheapest accessory on this list.