Editing Bayonetta (SSB4)

|name         = Bayonetta

|image       = [[File:Bayonetta SSB4.png|220px|Bayonetta]]

|game         = SSB4

|ssbgame1     = SSBU

|availability = [[Downloadable content|Downloadable]]

|tier         = S

|ranking     = 1

:{{cquote|Bayonetta Gets Wicked!|cite=Introduction Tagline}}

'''Bayonetta''' ({{ja|ベヨネッタ|Beyonetta}}, ''Bayonetta'') is a character and newcomer in ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]'', and is the seventh and final [[downloadable content|downloadable character]]. She was announced alongside {{SSB4|Corrin}} during the [[Nintendo Direct#Super Smash Bros. - Final Video Presentation (December 15, 2015)|Super Smash Bros. - Final Video Presentation]] on December 15th, 2015 and both were released on February 3rd, 2016. She is the sixth third-party character to be introduced in ''SSB4'', following fellow [[SEGA]] character {{SSB4|Sonic}}, [[Capcom]]'s {{SSB4|Mega Man}} and {{SSB4|Ryu}}, [[Bandai Namco]]'s {{SSB4|Pac-Man}} and [[Square Enix]]'s {{SSB4|Cloud}}. Bayonetta was added to the game as the winner of the [[Super Smash Bros. 4 Official Site|Smash Bros. Fighter Ballot]], being the highest-voted character in Europe and among the top 5 in North America, making her the overall #1 worldwide among realizable characters. Her default appearance is based on her redesign for ''[http://bayonetta.wikia.com/wiki/Bayonetta_2 Bayonetta 2]'', but with slightly modified proportions, most notably in her height. Bayonetta's English voice actress, Hellena Taylor, and her Japanese voice actress, Atsuko Tanaka, both reprise their roles in ''Super Smash Bros. 4''.

Bayonetta currently ranks 1st out of 55 on the tier list, making her the highest-ranked DLC character, newcomer, and third-party character, in addition to being the highest ranked character overall. Bayonetta's top placing is primarily due to her powerful combo game; almost all of her attacks can reliably combo into one another, leading to powerful 50/50 mixups at high percentages, and she even has [[zero-to-death]] potential. Furthermore, a majority of her best KO attacks can be easily comboed into, and she can also start combos by using [[Witch Time]] or [[Bat Within]] on opponents who make mistakes, giving her a safe approach; further bolstering her approach is a number of decent zoning options, such as [[Bullet Climax]] and her unique [[Bullet Arts]]. Bayonetta also boasts a long, safe recovery with both [[After Burner Kick]] and [[Witch Twist]] granting significant distance, directional flexibility, and enormous hitboxes, which is further supplemented with her ability to [[wall jump]] and [[wall cling]]. She herself is capable of edge-guarding many characters with her quick aerials, including several which can become [[sex kick]]s if held and a number of powerful grounded options as well, such as a large and powerful [[meteor]] smash in her down smash.

Although Bayonetta is widely considered to be the best character in ''Smash 4'', she still has her weaknesses. Bayonetta's primary flaw is her poor frame data on the ground, with many of her grounded attacks coming out on frame 9 or later, as well as frequently having high cooldown lag, especially on her smash attacks. Some of her specials gain more landing lag the more she uses them in the air, making her landings relatively exploitable if her combos whiff. Because of their high lag, her attacks are unsafe on shield while also dealing minimal shield damage. Furthermore, despite her long recovery, Bayonetta is still considered a lightweight, and when considering her large [[hurtbox]], she is easier to hit and KO than most other characters. Finally, players must exercise caution with her Witch Time, due to its poor effectiveness on multi-hitting moves, and its lowering efficiency if used too often. Her flaws are outshined by her overwhelming strengths, however, and thus, Bayonetta still remains at first place on the tier list.

Bayonetta has historically achieved excellent tournament results and representation, even after she received infamous nerfs in 1.1.6, with {{Sm|Pink Fresh}} winning [[2GGT: KTAR Saga]] with her, along with players like {{Sm|Mistake}} and {{Sm|CaptainZack}} placing high in nationals such as [[Super Smash Con 2017]] and [[GENESIS 4]] respectively, while {{Sm|Salem}} most notably achieved success from winning [[EVO_2017|EVO 2017]], [[DreamHack Atlanta 2017]] and [[2GGC: Fire Emblem Saga]].

Bayonetta, much like in her home series, is a combo-heavy fighter, with many multi-hitting attacks and chainable moves. Unlike {{SSB4|Ryu}}, Bayonetta specializes in aerial combos that consist of fewer hits, with her special moves being a main component in many of them. However, she shares a similar problem with Ryu in that her overall mobility is just average, with a slow [[walk]]ing speed, average [[dash]]ing, below average [[air speed]], but she has high [[air acceleration]], [[jump]] force, [[falling speed]] (the ninth fastest), and [[gravity]], attributes similar most other combo-based characters. Similar to {{SSB4|Sheik}}, she is also tall and light, which when combined with her fast falling speed and high gravity makes her a rather frail fighter overall.

Bayonetta's greatest and most defining strength is her infamous [[punishment]] game, unarguably the best among the entire cast. One of its components is a special mechanic, Bullet Arts, where holding the attack/special button during many of her attacks extends the ending animation to allow her to shoot. Depending on how long the relevant button is held, Bayonetta will fire up to ten (with some exceptions) invisible bullets from each used gun with no hitstun (unless the opponent is at a point blank position), and have long range (about the size of half of Final Destination) as a way to rack up damage. Most of these bullets are arced in the direction that her attack faces her, while many shoot bullets in separate directions, such as her down tilt (forward and backwards). With this in effect, Bayonetta has the potential to deal more than standard damage should her Bullet Arts connect. Tapping the attack button again during Bullet Arts transitions to the next move in her attack chain (if applicable), but she must do this before she twirls her guns to put them to rest (signifying the end of her combo). Bullets are also considered to be disjointed hitboxes attached to her, leaving them as unreflectable. With this ability, she has a very good damage racking game, and can camp to force opposing approaches by dealing chip damage at a distance, or simply hold down the attack button after a whiffed aerial attack to pelt opponents with minor damage, making a missed attack less of a detriment for her compared to other fighters, and granting her a good neutral game. Bayonetta also has a more traditional projectile variant in her neutral special, [[Bullet Climax]]. Unlike Bullet Arts, it has visible bullets, but they cause hitstun and can be charged to increase their power, making them usable to edgeguard recovering opponents.

However, the most notable point of Bayonetta's punishment game resides in her combo game. All of her moves possess very large [[range]] and up tilt, down tilt, up throw, forward aerial's first hit and [[Heel Slide]] serve as good combo starters; they all launch opponents into the air, where from there she can mix and match her aerials, such as aerial attacks (most notably multiple forward aerials), [[Witch Twist]], and [[After Burner Kick]], which can result in massive damage and can [[wall of pain]] or even [[zero-death]] opponents. This also gives her a good [[edge-guarding]] game, especially with a powerful back aerial, a neutral and up aerial that can frame-trap recovering opponents, and a [[meteor smash]] in down aerial that is incredibly powerful even at low percentages and surprisingly recoverable for a [[stall-then-fall]]. Her down special, [[Witch Time]], is also a staple on her moveset: it is a counterattack with very fast startup that, if landed, it slows down targets to 1/8 of their speed and leaves them extremely wide open to her combos or charged [[smash attack]]s (though the opponent takes a reduced damage multiplier of x1.2 for smash attacks, and it does not negate lingering hitboxes that can interrupt her attempt to counterattack). Using Witch Time wisely is crucial to victory, as it can decide the outcome of the opponent and even turn the tides of the match instantly if the opponent is careless. She also benefits from her unique safety net in Bat Within, which negates all knockback and reduces damage for attacks that would have hit her if her counter activates too late or during the starting frames of any of her dodging methods. The latter essentially gives Bayonetta a frame 1 [[air dodge]] and [[sidestep]], and a frame 3 [[roll]], breaking many combos that would otherwise be true on other characters regardless of their escape options. Furthermore, Bat Within enables Bayonetta to {{b|teleport|disambiguation}} in a given (usually more favorable) position, enabling her to punish her attacker afterwards if used wisely, although it often moves her too far to exploit her opponent's vulnerability.

In regards to the potency of her moveset, Bayonetta has some notably strong and/or useful attacks that can help her close out stocks once the opponent is at high damage, even more so with the help of her Witch Time, which serves as the glue on her surplus punishment game. All of her smash attacks are powerful and useful, with forward smash having the biggest hitbox out of them, up smash being the fastest and strongest, and down smash being a meteor smash that serves as an extremely useful edgeguarding move. Her up aerial is her main aerial to KO out of her combos, as they often take the opponent to the upper blast line, where she can finish the combo off with the up aerial to net a relatively early KO. Back aerial, while having slow startup, is her most powerful and damaging one and has long range, and can be used to finish an opponent in a similar vein to her up aerial, through the use of a combo that carries the opponent to the lateral blast lines. Down aerial's notably high base knockback often KOs opponents at very low percentages if they are below or at the stage's height. Her forward throw is strong, though due to it launching opponents at a slightly high angle and being commonly used, it can often fail to KO, and thus it is one of her last resort KOing options. Witch Twist is also infamous for causing very early KOs due to the hits' high base knockback. To complement her punishment game, her recovery is among the most flexible in the game, as After Burner Kick gives her fair horizontal distance, and while Witch Twist comes up vertically short, she can re-use it after a midair jump. Her wall jump/cling also helps her recovery and can often leave the opponent on an unfavorable position. She can also use Witch Twist, double jump, Witch Twist again up to three frames after, and restore her double jump, allowing her to mix-up her recovery. Her punish game also complements her recovery, as the immense range of her special attacks allows her to easily [[edge-guard break]] opponents, and edgeguard or even KO them in return. Thus, like Sheik, Bayonetta is among the hardest characters to successfully edgeguard, with very few characters such as {{SSB4|Palutena}} having options that can keep her away from the stage.

Even with her set of strengths, Bayonetta has some weaknesses that are quite exploitable. Her tall frame and light weight makes her rather easy to combo and KO (though it is worth mentioning she technically has a frame 1 air dodge, making her harder to combo by characters whose combo ability isn't perfectly linear). Her frame data is also quite polarized: while her aerial attacks have very low ending lag, many of her grounded attacks have notable start-up and ending lag, especially her smash attacks, making them unsafe on shield, and leaves her vulnerable to opponents that have better frame data than her while grounded, like {{SSB4|Pikachu}} or {{SSB4|Little Mac}}. Her smash attacks also [[Priority#Objects that do not terminate on hit|do not terminate on hit]], rendering them unable to hit any character with an active hitbox, while being unable to trade with most attacks if they make contact with her although this problem can easily be solved by hitting the opponent with a weak attack during Witch Time and then using her smash attack. Her position after performing After Burner Kick and/or Witch Twist in the air can be exploitable, as the more of these moves she uses in the air, the longer [[landing lag]] she will receive at the end, leaving Bayonetta punishable if they are whiffed and if she is forced to land on the ground. Despite Bullet Arts granting her a relatively good neutral game, her approach is fairly poor, as her few options in dash attack, dash grab and Heel Slide are predictable. Despite her abundance of KOing options, she is reliant on Witch Time to land her smash attacks, spacing to land her aerials, on forward throw to KO the opponent if her level of [[rage]] is high, and her combos to carry the opponent to the blast lines and KO them with an aerial attack. When it comes to escape her combos, Bayonetta has a 2.0× SDI multiplier on her multi-hit/combo moves, causing her combos to fail if the player doesn't read their opponent's DI and SDI, and this causes her zero-death combos to get [[stale]]. Her rolls, sidestep, and air dodge all have noticeable ending lag (though her rolls end three frames earlier than {{SSB4|Samus}}'s), and the former two also have among the slowest start-ups out of all the characters in terms of invincibility. Witch Twist doesn't travel much vertical distance on its own, making her recovery short-ranged if she doesn't use or has already used her second jump or her After Burner Kick. Finally, she lacks customs specials, like the other DLC characters, though due to the huge utility her special moveset has, it is more of a nuisance to her.

Overall, Bayonetta's strengths noticeably outweigh her weaknesses. She can dish out large amounts of punishing damage in her combos once she reads the opponent and exploits their vulnerabilities, but must also be careful not to let her opponent take advantage of her own weaknesses, though due to the high range and priority her attacks have, doing so is a difficult task to begin with. Perhaps the only characters that she has problems against are those who can camp well against her, or have much a much better neutral game than she does, such as {{SSB4|Rosalina & Luma}} or {{SSB4|Diddy Kong}} for the former point and {{SSB4|Sheik}} for the latter one, but outside of that, she can easily dominate and punish characters who cannot properly capitalize on her weaknesses. She has arguably the highest tournament representation among the entire roster, with smashers including {{Sm|Salem}}, {{Sm|Mistake}}, {{Sm|CaptainZack}}, {{Sm|Abadango}}, {{Sm|Lima}}, {{Sm|JK}}, {{Sm|tyroy}}, and {{Sm|9B}} having used her with consistently strong results in regional and national tournaments. However, while Bayonetta was quickly considered the best character in the game upon release, opinions varied on how dominating she was in tournaments; while some regions went as far as to ban her from tournaments due to her overpowering potential, others claimed that Bayonetta's supposed potential did not yield the overwhelming success other characters had previously attained, such as Sheik and Diddy Kong. Update [[1.1.6]] ultimately nerfed a variety of Bayonetta's attributes, putting her more in line with the rest of the cast; while not significantly crippled, her tournament representation and results both fell in response. Despite these nerfs, her excellent tournament results have led to her being widely seen as the best character in the game and one of the most competitively viable characters in the entire roster when her high learning curve is properly mastered to her fullest.

Bayonetta has been noticeably nerfed in game updates since her debut. She was at first slightly nerfed in [[1.1.5]]: her up and forward smash are slightly weaker, her down aerial's animation has more ending lag, her [[Heel Slide]] has more ending lag, and her infamous [[Witch Time]] has more ending lag, shorter duration, decays more with each use, and has a slower regeneration rate after usage. However, these changes did not reduce her effectiveness as she was still widely perceived as the best character in the game due to her immense strengths, while the effectiveness of other top tier characters, notably {{SSB4|Sheik}} and {{SSB4|Zero Suit Samus}}, being toned down in the same patch further exacerbated her dominance.

However, [[1.1.6]] significantly nerfed Bayonetta by directly worsening her combo game, with the effectiveness of her combo starters being weakened and her combos becoming easier in general to escape: her down tilt and forward aerial both have slightly more ending lag, while the former has less range and the latter is less powerful, both versions of [[After Burner Kick]] and [[Witch Twist]] have doubled [[SDI]] multipliers that make it easier to escape her combos, non-input ABK has increased knockback scaling that renders it worse for comboing at high percents, input ABK has a much worse launch angle that outright removes nearly all of her zero-to-death combos and makes it easier to DI (now only works if the opponent has poor DI towards her), and Witch Twist has altered knockback values that limit its combo ability at higher percentages. Despite these changes, however, people have compared her to {{SSB4|Diddy Kong}} in that while she initially seemed to be much less effective after her nerfs, her greatest strengths have remained intact. As a result, while she is no longer the best character in the game by a considerable margin, she is still a very popular and successful character in competitive play.

|neutralname= 

|neutral3dmg=2%

|neutralinfdmg=0.5% (loop), 1% (penultimate hit) 6% (last)

|ftiltname= 

|ftiltdmg=3% (hit 1), 3% (hit 2), 8% (hit 3)

|ftiltdesc=Bayonetta's Kick + Kick + Kick combo while wielding [http://bayonetta.wikia.com/wiki/Love_Is_Blue Love is Blue]. Like {{SSB4|Meta Knight}}'s forward tilt, it functions similarly to a neutral attack: pressing the attack button will cause Bayonetta to perform the first hit, while subsequently pressing the attack button will cause her to perform the second and last hits. It is her slowest tilt attack, due to being active on frame 12. The last hit launches opponents diagonally upward, while holding the attack button down on any part of the attack allows her fire her guns at different angles: forward, then slightly upward, then diagonally upward.

|utiltname= 

|utiltdmg=5% (early), 6% (clean)

|utiltdesc=An upward pistol-whip. One of her faster tilts, though it can only hit opponents in front of and/or above herself. It can lead into aerial combos, while its clean hitbox can combo into itself. At around 130%, it can lead into up aerial as a kill confirm. The Bullet Arts version fires both guns upward. It is based on the delayed punch launcher.

|dtiltname= 

|dashname= 

|dashdesc=The [http://bayonetta.wikia.com/wiki/Stiletto Stiletto]. It has noticeable start-up. The Bullet Arts version fires both guns in front of herself.

|fsmashname= 

|fsmashdmg={{ChargedSmashDmgSSB4|14}} (wrist), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSB4|16}} (fist)

|fsmashdesc=Uses [http://bayonetta.wikia.com/wiki/Wicked_Weaves Wicked Weaves] to summon [http://bayonetta.wikia.com/wiki/Madama_Butterfly Madama Butterfly]'s arm, which is used to throw a punch. It has great horizontal range and Madama Butterfly's hitbox cannot be [[reverse]]d. However, it has high ending lag and low [[priority]], making it fairly easy to cancel out. It can also be dodged by fighters with low crouches, such as {{SSB4|Wii Fit Trainer}}, or by standing directly in front of Bayonetta due to a blind spot between her and Madama Butterfly's wrist. If the button is held, Bayonetta will also fire in front of her. KOs at 104% from the center of Final Destination when not charged. It is based on the final hit of Bayonetta's PPP • P combo in ''Bayonetta 2''.

|usmashname= 

|usmashdmg={{ChargedSmashDmgSSB4|17}}

|usmashdesc=Uses Wicked Weaves to summon Madama Butterfly's arm, which is used to throw an uppercut. It hits directly in front of Bayonetta, and thus leaves her vulnerable from behind and directly above, similarly to {{SSB4|Palutena}}'s up smash. It has rather noticeable start-up, high ending lag and low [[priority]], but it is her strongest attack, as it is capable of KOing middleweights around 100%. The Bullet Arts version fires one gun forward and one upward. It is based on the delayed punch Wicked Weave launcher. Madama Buterfly's hitbox cannot be reversed.

|dsmashname= 

|dsmashdmg={{ChargedSmashDmgSSB4|5}} (Bayonetta), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSB4|15}} (Madama Butterfly)

|dsmashdesc=The [http://bayonetta.wikia.com/wiki/Heel_Stomp Heel Stomp]. It has a hitbox on Bayonetta's leg that leads into the main hitbox. It can [[meteor smash]] opponents that are either on the edge or in midair, making it a potent edge-guarding option. Like up smash, it only hits in front of her, has high ending lag and low priority, but has considerable vertical range. While powerful, its launching angle results in it KOing at 146% from anywhere on-stage. Oddly, the Bullet Arts version fires the guns on her feet downward into the ground, making it useless except for opponents directly touching her back. Madama Butterfly's hitbox cannot be reversed.

|nairname= 

|nairdmg=8% (clean), 5% (late)

|fairname= 

|fairdesc=Bayonetta's aerial PPK combo while wielding Love is Blue. Each hit on an opponent will make Bayonetta float slightly, allowing each of its hits to connect easily. A superb option for aerial and off-stage combos. The Bullet Arts version fires in front of her for the first two hits, while the third hit fires two guns downward (with one being slightly diagonally) and one upward.

|bairname= 

|bairdesc=A high-angle back kick. Its respectable damage output, high knockback and low ending lag make it one of Bayonetta's most viable KOing options, as it KOs at 110% while near the edge. The Bullet Arts version fires one gun behind her at an upward angle.

|uairname= 

|uairdmg=9% (kick), 5% (late)

|uairdesc=A bicycle kick. Very fast with little ending lag, along with decent knockback, making it a good juggling and KOing option near the upper blast line. The Bullet Arts version has her perform a modified version of the [[wikipedia:List of capoeira techniques#Aú|aú aberto]], one of many cartwheeling kicks in {{s|wikipedia|capoeira}}. While this version deals less damage, it provides excellent coverage that covers wide areas around her, making it useful for edge-guarding and dealing additional damage. It is based on the kick launcher in ''Bayonetta''.

|dairname= 

|dairdmg=7% (leg), 8% (heel), 5% (landing)

|dairdesc=A split-legged axe kick. A [[stall-then-fall]] with low duration and ending lag, which allows her to safely recover afterward. It is a meteor smash when hitting with her heel, while its landing hit has extremely high knockback, both of which make it a viable, but punishable KOing option overall. The Bullet Arts version fires one gun from her heel forward, but only upon landing. It is based on Bayonetta's standard aerial kick in ''Bayonetta''.

|grabname= 

|pummelname= 

|pummeldesc=The [http://bayonetta.wikia.com/wiki/Punish_Attacks Slap Punish Attack]. It has average speed, but is unique in that it consists of two hits per input. As a result, it is possible for the opponent to break free in the middle of the pummel, and thus the second hit entirely.

|fthrowname= 

|fthrowdesc=The [http://bayonetta.wikia.com/wiki/Tetsuzanko Tetsuzanko] ({{ja|鉄山靠|Tetsuzankō}}, ''Iron Mountain Lean''), a technique based on the tie shan kao used in {{s|wikipedia|Bajiquan}}. It is her strongest and most versatile throw, as it KOs at 155% while near the edge and launches opponents at an angle that is very ideal for edge-guarding. She occasionally says "{{ja|十年早いんだよ!|Juunen hayain da yo!}} (''Ten years too early!'')", even in the English version of the game. The quote is a reference to [[Akira Yuki]]'s famous quote in the {{uvm|Virtua Fighter}} series, and is said occasionally by Bayonetta herself in ''Bayonetta''.

|bthrowname= 

|uthrowname= 

|uthrowdmg=3% (hit 1), 4% (throw)

|uthrowdesc=An outside crescent kick, similar to {{SSB4|Lucario}}'s up tilt. A good combo starter that can lead into Witch Twist or up aerial until medium to high percents. The pose Bayonetta assumes afterward is based on the final hit of her PPK combo while wielding [http://bayonetta.wikia.com/wiki/Scarborough_Fair Scarborough Fair].

|dthrowname= 

|dthrowdesc=The final hit of Bayonetta's PPPKKK combo while wielding Love is Blue. It can lead into her Heel Slide at low to medium percents.

|floorfdesc=A low-angle kick performed from a [[wikipedia:Windmill (b-boy move)|windmill]], an acrobatic technique used in breakdancing.

|nsdefname=Bullet Climax

|nsdefdmg=1.34% (uncharged), 2.5% (charged)

|nsdefdesc=[http://bayonetta.wikia.com/wiki/Bullet_Climax Fires bullets] at a slight angle. When held, Bayonetta instead fires [http://bayonetta.wikia.com/wiki/Charge_Bullet '''Charge Bullets'''], which are stronger but only active during the first two shots. While holding the charge, it can be canceled by rolling. Due to its angle, it is useful for edge-guarding and hindering aerial approaches. Bayonetta may perform one of two animations while charging and firing; both function identically, although Kirby's [[Copy Ability]] fires from noticeably different heights. This move takes inspiration from the Bullet Climax and Charge Bullet techniques from ''Bayonetta'' and ''Bayonetta 2'', respectively.

|ssdefname=Heel Slide

|ssdefdmg=8% (Heel Slide, kick), 6% (Heel Slide, follow-up kick), 6% (After Burner Kick, standard), 6.5% (After Burner Kick, downward)  

|ssdefdesc=A kick that functions differently when used on the ground or in midair. On the ground, she performs the [http://bayonetta.wikia.com/wiki/Heel_Slide '''Heel Slide''']. If the button is held, Bayonetta will then follow it up with an aú aberto, one of many cartwheeling kicks in capoeira. It is her primary combo starter, due to the follow-up kick launching the opponent upward. While it is unsafe on shield, it is difficult to punish nonetheless due to its speed and duration. It can also be used to bait an air dodge from opponents who anticipate the follow-up kick, and then punish them with a smash attack. In the air, she alternately performs the [http://bayonetta.wikia.com/wiki/After_Burner_Kick '''After Burner Kick'''], which can be performed twice in a row as long as the first kick connects, and can be angled downward by holding down before attacking. Both versions of After Burner Kick are her primary aerial follow-ups. All based on the individual techniques from the Bayonetta games, with minor differences.

|usdefname=Witch Twist

|usdefdmg=4% (hit 1), 0.3% (hits 2-4), 3% (hit 5)

|usdefdesc=[http://bayonetta.wikia.com/wiki/Witch_Twist An ascending, corkscrew pistol-whip]. It hits multiple times, but covers minimal vertical distance and extremely minimal horizontal distance, similarly to [[Rising Uppercut]]. Despite this, Witch Twist is still a very useful recovery option, as using it after a jump allows Bayonetta to use her [[double jump]], and then use another Witch Twist. It comes out on frame 4, making it Bayonetta's fastest move, and possesses a disjointed hitbox at its very end. Based on the technique of the same name from Bayonetta, as well as a variation from Bayonetta 2 known as Witch Strike; the ability to hold guns is taken from the former, but lacks the dodging spinning kick at the start. Otherwise performs identically to the latter, including the ability to use a second one after a double jump.

|dsdefname=Witch Time

|dsdefdmg=—

|dsdefdesc=[http://bayonetta.wikia.com/wiki/Witch_Time Uses her magic to slow down time around an opponent who attacks her]. Its duration increases the more damaged the opponent is, but decreases when used too frequently. It is also the only [[counterattack]] that is capable of working on some unblockable attacks, with the exception of grabs. However, if Witch Time is activated too late, then [http://bayonetta.wikia.com/wiki/Bat_Within '''Bat Within'''] is activated instead. Bat Within teleports Bayonetta in any direction, but unlike in the ''Bayonetta'' series, it halves the damage received, rather than negating it. Bat Within can also be triggered by Bayonetta's sidestep. Based on the same ability from the Bayonetta games, albeit only slowing down the attacking opponent as opposed to all opponents.

|fsdesc=Activates Witch Time to affect the whole stage. While this effect is active, Bayonetta has a limited time to deal damage to her opponents in order to fill up the Climax Gauge. Once it is filled, she has to deal knockback to any opponent before a cutscene occurs. The cutscene consists of her using her hair as a conduit to summon [http://bayonetta.wikia.com/wiki/Gomorrah Gomorrah], who then damages any opponents suffering hitstun from Bayonetta's attacks by chomping them four times before they are launched with set knockback. The attack button can be mashed during the attack to fill a second Climax Gauge that deals an additional 15% after the cutscene. It is very powerful, as opponents can be KO'd under 100% if they are close to the [[blast line]]s, while they are instantly KO'd if they have 100% or more once the cutscene ends.

'''Bullet Arts''' ({{ja|バレットアーツ|Baretto Ātsu}}, ''Bullet Arts'') is one of Bayonetta's signature mechanics, based on the [http://bayonetta.wikia.com/wiki/Umbra_Witches Umbra Witches'] [http://bayonetta.wikia.com/wiki/Bullet_arts fighting style of the same name].

 

Bullet Arts deal 0.5% each, and can be used after the initial animation of almost every attack. The rapid firing can be held for a few seconds, and the bullets have moderate range. However, in stark comparison to their appearance in the ''Bayonetta'' series, the bullets themselves are actually invisible, since their hitboxes are similar to a [[grab aerial]]'s instead of a typical projectile's. The bullets cause [[flinch]]ing at point-blank range, but otherwise deal no [[hitstun]], much like {{SSB4|Fox}}'s [[Blaster (Fox)|Blaster]]. Thus, they can be used to essentially "steal" KOs in [[time]]d matches.

 

'''Bat Within''' ({{ja|バットウィズイン|Batto Wizuin}}, ''Bat Within'') is Bayonetta's other signature mechanic, based on the [http://bayonetta.wikia.com/wiki/Bat_Within defensive technique of the same name].

Bat Within activates when Bayonetta is hit by an attack early during [[roll]]s, [[sidestep]]s, or [[air dodge]]s, or late during [[Witch Time]]. Nimble/Dodgy Dodger [[Equipment]] does not affect this window. When this happens, Bayonetta transforms into a flock of bats, halves the amount of damage inflicted, and continues moving in the direction she was traveling; for a [[roll]], she will advance in the same direction, and for a [[sidestep]] or after Witch Time, she will stay in place. She can travel in any direction if done during her [[air dodge]], but needs to have jumped prior if she wants to rise with it.

 

When Bat Within is activated, she endures some ending lag, meaning that it is possible to extend a [[combo]] on her if it was activated by a faster attack or a long-lasting, multiple hitting attack. While Bat Within makes Bayonetta's rolls, sidestep and air dodge appear to be the best in the game, each of them possess noticeable ending lag. To compound this, several characters, such as {{SSB4|Duck Hunt}} and {{SSB4|Mewtwo}}, have rolls, sidesteps, or air dodges that start up just 1 frame later without being nearly as vulnerable at the end.

Bat Within also has the distinction of being treated as a [[counterattack]] that does not strike back; therefore, it does not trigger against grabs, [[Final Smashes]], or unblockable attacks. Although difficult, it is possible to simultaneously activate both Witch Time and Bat Within if Bayonetta is struck precisely when their activation windows overlap. However, doing this is actually a hindrance, as she will still receive halved damage while Witch Time's slowdown effect on the opponent is reduced.

|desc-up=Twirls around, moves both arms around her in a graceful manner, then strikes a pose with both arms over her head, saying, "If you need to learn how to talk to a lady, ask your mum." ({{ja|レディーの扱い方･･･ママに教えてもらいなさい|Lady no atsukai kata ... Mum ni oshiete morai nasai}}, ''How to handle ladies · · · I want to tell mommy'') The ending is slightly different depending on the direction Bayonetta faces. It is based on her long taunt from ''Bayonetta 2''.

|desc-side=Gracefully spins around, then points both guns directly in front of herself, saying, "New 'do, dead you." ({{ja|動くと死ぬわよ!|ugo ku to shinu wayo!}},''It will die if it moves!'') The quote comes from her short taunt while wielding [http://bayonetta.wikia.com/wiki/Salamandra Salamandra] in ''Bayonetta 2''.

|desc-down=Strikes a number of poses while flourishing her guns before looking away and then looking forward, while her glasses briefly emit a light purple glint upon concluding. Based on the dances she performs prior to fighting the first [http://bayonetta.wikia.com/wiki/Joy Joy] she encounters in ''Bayonetta''.

**''Due to the length of Bayonetta's taunts, they are capable of being canceled halfway through their animations.''

{{Crowd

|game=SSB4

|char=Bayonetta

|desc-us=Bay-o!

|desc-jp=Bayo-nett-a!

|pitch-us=Group chant

|pitch-jp=Group chant}}

|victory-desc=The first few notes of Let's Hit the Climax! followed by the jingle that plays upon completing a Verse in ''Bayonetta''.

|desc-2=Performs the [http://bayonetta.wikia.com/wiki/Break_Dance Break Dance] while either saying "Dreadful." ({{ja|退屈だわ|Taikutsu da wa}}, ''Boring.'') or "Don't make me beg." while her glasses briefly emit a light purple glint upon concluding. The quote comes from her short taunt while wielding [http://bayonetta.wikia.com/wiki/%E6%AD%A6%E7%94%95%E6%A7%8C_Takemikazuchi Takemikazuchi] in ''Bayonetta 2''.

===Notable players===

*{{Sm|Abadango|Japan}} - Co-mains Bayonetta alongside {{SSB4|Mewtwo}} and is considered to be one of the best Bayonetta players in Japan. Has beaten players such as {{Sm|Larry Lurr}} and {{Sm|MkLeo}} with Bayonetta and won [[Umebura 27]] with her beating players such as {{Sm|Earth}}, {{Sm|Choco}}, and {{Sm|Kirihara}}. Currently ranked 3rd on the [[JAPAN Power Rankings]] and 15th on the [[Panda Global Rankings]].

*{{Sm|AeroLink|USA}} - Ranked 7th on the [[Texas Power Rankings#Super Smash Bros. for Wii U rankings|Texas Smash 4 Power Rankings]]. Has a win over {{Sm|ESAM}}.

*{{Sm|masato|USA}} - Considered the best Bayonetta player in New York. Sports wins on the likes of {{Sm|Frozen}}, {{Sm|Mr.E}}, and {{Sm|Dill}}, among many others.

*{{Sm|Mistake|Canada}} - The best Bayonetta player in Canada and one of the best in the world. Placed 17th at [[EVO 2017]], 3rd at [[Low Tier City 5]], 5th at [[Super Smash Con 2017]], 4th at [[2GGC: SCR Saga]], and 2nd at [[GENESIS 5]].

*{{Sm|MkLeo|Mexico}} - Ranked 4th on the [[Panda Global Rankings]]; currently uses Bayonetta as a counter-pick and doubles character. He notably defeated {{Sm|Falln}}, {{Sm|Tweek}}, and {{Sm|Fatality}} with Bayonetta at [[Smash Masters League: Battle for Vegas]], and also placed 1st in doubles at [[Midwest Mayhem 11]] using only Bayonetta.

*{{Sm|Pink Fresh|USA}} - Ranked 3rd on the [[MD/VA Power Rankings]]. Placed 1st at [[2GGT: KTAR Saga]], 7th at [[Pound 2016]], and 9th at [[KTAR XVIII]].

*{{Sm|Saj|USA}} - Ranked 1st on the Gainesville Power Rankings. Placed 9th at [[CEO 2016]], and 13th at [[Pound 2016]] and [[Super Smash Con 2016]].

*{{Sm|Salem|USA}} - Widely considered to be the best Bayonetta player in the world. The first person to double-eliminate {{Sm|ZeRo}} outside of grand finals, doing so at [[Collision XIV]] while also winning the event. Placed 1st at [[EVO 2017]], double-eliminating ZeRo in grand finals. Currently ranked 2nd on the [[Panda Global Rankings]].

*{{Sm|Tweek|USA}} - Widely considered to be one of the best Bayonetta players in the world. Won his first S-tier major using Bayonetta in the Grand Finals of [[2GGC: MkLeo Saga]]. Placed 2nd at [[Frostbite 2018]] and 5th at [[Smash Masters League: Battle for Vegas]].

*{{Sm|Tyroy|USA}} - Ranked 2nd on the [[Chicago Smash 4 Power Rankings]]. Has wins over players such as {{Sm|Ally}} and {{Sm|Nairo}}.

*{{Sm|Wonf|Mexico}} - Ranked 6th on the [[Mexican Smash 4 Power Rankings]].

*{{Sm|Aphro|USA}} - Formerly ranked 13th on the [[SoCal Smash 4 Power Rankings]].

*{{Sm|Glutonny|France}}

*{{Sm|JK|USA}} - Was one of the best Bayonettas in the world prior to his retirement. Placed 7th at [[2GGC: GENESIS Saga]], 17th at [[2GGC: Nairo Saga]], and 9th at [[EVO 2017]].

*{{Sm|Komorikiri|Japan}} - Was one of the best Bayonettas in Japan before patch 1.1.6

*{{Sm|Le Troof|USA}}

*{{Sm|Nyanko|Japan}}

*{{Sm|RAIN|Japan}}

*{{Sm|Vivid|USA}} - Was considered the best Bayonetta player in Tri-State, but has switched to Lucario. Has wins over players such as {{Sm|6WX}}, {{Sm|The Great Gonzales}}, {{Sm|James}}, and {{Sm|Angel Cortes}}. Ranked 6th on the [[New Jersey Smash 4 Power Rankings]].

Bayonetta was, along with {{SSB4|Corrin}}, one of the only two characters to miss on the first ''4BR'' [[tier list]], due to them being available two days after the tier list was released. Her initial perception on the community has been, however, positive since the game's release, albeit in a controversial way. Players pointed out her abundance of strengths, namely her extremely strong combo game with [[zero-to-death combo|zero to death]] potential, her excellent recovery, a decent neutral game despite her average mobility, the strength of her moveset despite being a light character alongside guaranteed KO setups with [[Witch Time]], and the ability to punish the opponent for trying to punish her due to the former move. Despite her strengths being slightly toned down in update [[1.1.5]], the nerfs to {{SSB4|Sheik}} and {{SSB4|Zero Suit Samus}} further bolstered the controversy surrounding her, and people stated she was too good in competitive play while comparing her to ''[[Brawl]]''{{'}}s {{SSBB|Meta Knight}}, and certain regions even had officially or considered banning the character from their tournaments. Regions stated that unlike {{SSB4|Sheik}} before update 1.1.5, "she is very simple to pick up". Following update [[1.1.6]], after the tremendous nerfs she received, all of the regions that had banned have removed the ban since then, while any region that had considered her ban also desisted after said update.

Even so, while her perception suddenly dropped in the eyes of many smashers, it became positive again due to the smashers that kept maining her in competitive play adapting to a newer, more creative playstyle, similar to {{SSB4|Diddy Kong}} after update [[1.0.8]]. While her results were initially not as amazing as before, her strong tournament representation and results culminated in her being placed at 11th place on the second ''4BR'' tier list. Said tournament representation and results would become even more bountiful as time passed, in particular due to {{Sm|Salem}}, {{Sm|Captain Zack}}, {{Sm|Pink Fresh}} and {{Sm|Saj}}'s strong results within their regions, with the former two also making it to Top 8 at two major tournaments. As a result of this, she held the 1st placing on the third tier list (in another similarity to Diddy Kong with the previous tier list); this tier rise is the second largest between the second and third tier lists, with people stating that while the nerfs did make a difference in how simple it was to pick her up, they didn't hold her back from being considered one of the best characters in the game.

At first, opinions on Bayonetta's placing on the tier list were mixed, as some people were in favor of her taking the top spot, whereas others stated against her that her dominance was still not as high as other characters like Diddy Kong and Sheik. However, after Salem won two recent major tournaments in [[EVO 2017]] and [[DreamHack Atlanta 2017]], her perception now fully leans towards her placing being accurate, which when combined with Bayonetta's more consistent results, allowed her to hold the 1st placing on the fourth and current tier list.

=====Banned (lifted after 1.1.6)=====

 

In addition to the normal three fighter trophies, Bayonetta has an additional trophy of her design from the original ''Bayonetta'' game.

 

::{{flag|North America}} ''Bayonetta is one of the last of the near-extinct Umbra Witches clan. She's a master of the Bullet Arts and can use her hair as a conduit to bring forth Infernal Demons. She brings all these skills and more to Smash, where she'll unleash additional damage if you hold the attack button. Damage and distract your foes with this move!''

 

 

 

::''If you use Bayonetta's side special in midair, she'll do a diagonal kick upward that goes through platforms. If you press down just before doing the move, it'll turn into a downward attack! Plus, if you hit an enemy in midair, you can use the attack again before you hit the ground–great for combos and recoveries!''

 

{{Trophy games|console1=none|game1=Bayonetta (01/2010)|console2=WiiU|game2=Bayonetta 2 (10/2014)}}

 

::''Before her Final Smash, Bayonetta enters Witch Time, during which she can attack the enemy to fill her magic gauge. If it fills up, she summons the demon Gomorrah, who chomps down on the unfortunate foe! Keep pressing the button during during Gomorrah's attack to increase damage. If it hits 100%, the enemy will be instantly KO'd!''

 

::{{flag|North America}} ''This Umbra Witch awakens after hundreds of years without any memories of her past life. Usually Bayonetta spends her days pretending to be a nun to lure out angels, until a witch with the same powers as her starts to slowly bring her memories back. She ends up embroiled in a battle to save the world.''

 

::{{flag|Europe}} ''This Umbra Witch awakens after hundreds of years without any memories of her past life. She spends her days with shenanigans like dressing as a nun to lure out angels to fight, until a witch with the same powers as her starts to slowly bring her memories back. As her memories return, she ends up embroiled in a battle to save the world!''

 

BayonettaTrophy3DS.png|Classic (3DS)

BayonettaAltTrophy3DS.png|Alt. (3DS)

BayonettaOriginalTrophy3DS.png|Original (3DS)

BayonettaTrophyWiiU.png|Classic (Wii U)

BayonettaAltTrophyWiiU.png|Alt. (Wii U)

InfernalClimaxTrophyWiiU.png|[[Infernal Climax]]

BayonettaOriginalTrophyWiiU.png|Original (Wii U)

==[[Alternate costume (SSB4)#Bayonetta|Alternate costumes]]==

Bayonetta's default outfit is based on her appearance in ''Bayonetta 2'' and is equipped with [[:File:Love is Blue - Bayo2.png|Love is Blue]]. She has an alternate outfit based on her appearance in the original ''Bayonetta'', known as "A Witch With No Memories", and is equipped with [[:File:Scarborough Fair - Bayo1.png|Scarborough Fair]]. Depending on the costume, various visual effects will be one of two colors (which directly correlates to the aesthetic theme of both Bayonetta games): Blue for ''Bayonetta 2'' and red for ''Bayonetta''. One of Bayonetta's alternate outfit color schemes is based on Jeanne, her childhood friend and friendly rival. While using Jeanne's color scheme, Bayonetta's Smash attacks as well as her final smash will have the hair surrounding Madama Butterfly's limbs and Gomorrah colored white.

Her appearance while doing Wicked Weaves (summoning Madama Butterfly in her smash attacks and summoning Gomorrah in [[Infernal Climax]]) is less revealing than in the ''Bayonetta'' games, as she retains most of her clothing while performing them.

In the Japanese version of the game, Bayonetta is voiced in Japanese by Atsuko Tanaka while wearing her ''Bayonetta 2'' outfit and in English by Hellena Taylor while wearing her original outfit, making her the the only character who speaks a different language depending on the costume. This references the fact that ''Bayonetta'' did not have Japanese voice acting in its initial release; Japanese dubbing was introduced for the [[Wii U]] version after Hideki Kamiya was impressed with the Japanese voice-acting done for the animated movie: ''[http://bayonetta.wikia.com/wiki/Bayonetta:_Bloody_Fate Bayonetta: Bloody Fate]''.

Bayonetta poster.jpg|Official artwork of Bayonetta used on the [[Super Smash Bros. 4 Official Site|official website]].

SSB4_Bayonetta_SplashArt.png|Bayonetta's splash art.

Bayonetta SSB4 Bayo1.png|Bayonetta's "A Witch With No Memories" costume, based on her appearance in ''Bayonetta''.

Bayonetta Screen 8.jpg|Alongside {{SSB4|Mario}} and {{SSB4|Luigi}}, which references the [http://bayonetta.wikia.com/wiki/File:Bayo2_-_Bayo_and_Enzo_Christmas_Shopping.png opening scene] in ''Bayonetta 2''.

File:Bayonetta Screen 11.png|Using [[Bullet Climax]] while alongside {{SSB4|Wii Fit Trainer}}.

File:Bayonetta Screen 12.png|Attacking in ''Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS''.

File:Bayonetta Screen 13.png|Bayonetta taunting and displaying her default, [http://bayonetta.wikia.com/wiki/Jeanne Jeanne] and "A Witch With No Memories" costumes.

File:Bayonetta Screen 14.png|On the Umbra Clock Tower.

File:Bayonetta Screen 15.png|Using her neutral attack on {{SSB4|Samus}}.

File:Bayonetta Screen 16.png|Bayonetta displaying her Jeanne and "A Witch With No Memories" costumes.

File:Bayonetta Screen 17.png|Alongside {{SSB4|Mii Fighter}}s.

File:Bayonetta Screen 18.png|Alongside {{SSB4|Corrin}} and Mii Fighters.

File:Bayonetta Screen 19.png|Alongside Mii Fighters.

File:Bayonetta Screen 20.png|Alongside {{SSB4|Lucas}}, {{SSB4|Cloud}}, and Corrin.

File:Bayonetta Screen 21.png|Using [[Heel Slide|After Burner Kick]] on Corrin and while alongside Cloud and {{SSB4|Roy}}.

File:Bayonetta Screen 22.png|Bayonetta alongside the other DLC characters.

File:Bayonetta Screen 23.png|Bayonetta alongside the other DLC characters on [[Umbra Clock Tower]].

File:SSB4 - DLC - Fighter Bundle.jpg|Bayonetta alongside the other DLC characters on [[Suzaku Castle]].

File:Bullet Arts Witch Time.jpg|Using [[Witch Time]] against another Bayonetta, who activated it by using her neutral aerial's Bullet Arts.

File:Bullet Arts No Reflect.jpg|Using Bullet Arts on {{SSB4|Fox}}, which are ignoring his [[Reflector (Fox)|Reflector]] due to the bullets being [[indirect]] attacks.

File:SSB4-WiiU - Bayo Witch Walk.png|Bayonetta [[wall cling]]ing.

File:SSB4-WiiU - Bayo Ladder.png|Bayonetta floating on a [[Ladder (stage element)|ladder]].

File:SSB4-WiiU - Bayo Teeter.png|Bayonetta's unique [[teeter]]ing pose.

File:SSB4-WiiU - Bayo Sidestep.png|Bayonetta's [[Sidestep|sidestep]] pose.

File:SSB4-WiiU - Bayo Attack Deadlock.png|Bayonetta's interrupted attack pose.

File:SSB4-WiiU - Bayo Grass Plucking.png|Bayonetta plucking [[Grass (item)|grass]].

File:SSB4-WiiU - Bayo Blowing a Kiss.png|Bayonetta blowing a kiss.

<!--Bayonetta being a SEGA representative is pretty common knowledge for Smash players, so don't add it in.-->

*Bayonetta and [[Cloud]] are the only characters to change weapons as part of their [[alternate costume]]s. In Bayonetta's case, her ''A Witch With No Memories'' costume has her using the Scarborough Fair. Along with {{SSBB|Wario}} in ''Brawl'', they are also the only characters who pose differently in their artwork when wearing alternate costumes that change their outfits.

*Bayonetta's pose in her artwork for her "A Witch With No Memories" costume is based on her [http://bayonetta.wikia.com/wiki/File:Bayonettaanarchyreigns.png artwork] for her appearance in ''Anarchy Reigns''.

*If Bayonetta grabs a {{b|Hammer|item}} or [[Golden Hammer]] with her forward aerial and stops the attack in midair without performing all three hits, [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T4rEhNT3d-A the hammer's music will not play].

{{ImageCaption|File:SSB4-WiiU - Bayo Jump Crest 01.png|File:SSB4-WiiU - Bayo Jump Crest 02.png|width1=150x150px|width2=150x150px|align = right|caption=The Umbra Witches' symbol appears when Bayonetta jumps<br>and when she lands.}}

**When Bayonetta jumps, she leaves behind a blue Umbra Witch symbol, and emits a magenta Umbra Witch symbol and when she lands. However, she does not emit the symbol [http://devilmaycry.wikia.com/wiki/File:Bayonetta_Air_Hike_(Screenshot)_Bayo2.png during her double jump].

**Her on-screen appearance is a reference to when she enters [http://bayonetta.wikia.com/wiki/Purgatorio Purgatorio], as she appears within the realm via the Umbra Witches' symbol.

**Her crouch is a reference to the [http://bayonetta.wikia.com/wiki/Break_Dance Break Dance technique], where she strikes a similar pose at the end of the attack.

**When she plucks {{b|Grass|item}}, she will uproot the item with a kick and then grab it in midair, much like how she picks up weapons from the ground. She also transitions through this animation slower than every other character in ''SSB4''.

**The pose Bayonetta assumes when having her attacks interrupted with another attack is based off her [http://bayonetta.wikia.com/wiki/Kafka Kafka] weapon taunt from ''Bayonetta 2''.

**She has a special idle pose once she stops any ground attack, which returns to her standard idle pose after a few seconds pass. This is based on her attack pose from her home franchise. Her arms down position is used when traversing open areas with no enemies, while holding her arms up with her guns, and placing one foot on its toe, is the pose she takes when enemies are near by. Players performing attack animations in her home series without enemies near by will have her take her attack pose for a few seconds, before reverting into her idle pose.

**After using an [[Assist Trophy]] or the [[Special Flag]], Bayonetta will blow a kiss. This could be a reference to the [http://bayonetta.wikia.com/wiki/Infernal_Kiss Infernal Kiss] ability, which enables her to break down divine barriers, or her target lock-on animation.

**When damaged, roses appear around her body where starburst-shaped effects would normally appear. This references how, in the ''Bayonetta'' series, those who are damaged and have blood drawn will have it turn into something different before being blown away. In Bayonetta's case, rose petals fly off of where she would normally bleed, which makes her the only character in the ''Super Smash Bros.'' series to reference external bleeding.

**She and {{SSB4|Ryu}} are the only characters whose neutral attacks require multiple button presses in order to be fully performed. In Bayonetta's case, merely holding the attack button triggers her Bullet Arts.

[[Category:Third party characters]]