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For a first playthrough, play Bayonetta, Bayonetta 2, Bayonetta 3, then Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon. That release-order route follows the numbered games before the story-focused prequel, which adds context about Cereza’s early life. If you prefer story chronology, start with Origins; keep in mind that Bayonetta 3’s parallel worlds make a single, simple timeline misleading.

Recommended Bayonetta play order

Release order is the clearest route for newcomers. It presents the mainline games in sequence and saves the prequel’s retrospective context for after the trilogy. This is a recommendation, not a gameplay requirement: Origins is designed to introduce young Cereza and can be played first.

  1. Bayonetta — The original game, first released in Japan on October 29, 2009, and worldwide in January 2010. Later ports are versions of the same story entry, not additional chapters. PlatinumGames’ anniversary page gives the original release history.
  2. Bayonetta 2 — The mainline sequel. Its Wii U release was in 2014, followed by a Nintendo Switch version in 2018. Nintendo’s game page lists the Switch edition; its series history describes the story opening.
  3. Bayonetta 3 — The third numbered game, released October 28, 2022. It introduces the Homunculi threat and Viola, a witch-in-training. See Nintendo’s release announcement and game page.
  4. Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon — A story-focused prequel and spin-off, released March 17, 2023 for Nintendo Switch. It follows young Cereza and her demon companion Cheshire in an action-adventure with a storybook presentation. PlatinumGames’ official page describes it as “the first page of Cereza’s story.”

Bayonetta story timeline

For the broadest chronology of Cereza’s life, put Origins first, then play the numbered games in release order. That is a useful guide rather than a definitive sequence for every event: Bayonetta 3 involves multiple Bayonettas and parallel worlds, so it should not be reduced to one uninterrupted biography of the same character.

Origins: Cereza’s early story

Origins takes place when Cereza is young and training as a witch. PlatinumGames calls it the first page of her story, making it the earliest game in this broad character chronology.

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#1 Best Overall

Bayonetta 2: after the battle with Balder

Nintendo’s official history places the events of Bayonetta 2 months after the battle with Balder. The plot begins when Gomorrah runs amok and Jeanne’s soul is pulled into Inferno, sending Bayonetta on a rescue mission.

Bayonetta 3: parallel worlds

Bayonetta 3 centers on a crisis involving the Homunculi and brings several Bayonettas into the story. Its alternate-reality framing complicates a strict timeline, so avoid treating every event as the next chapter in one character’s linear life. Nintendo’s official game page introduces the multiple Bayonettas and Viola.

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Release order versus chronology

Approach Order Best for
Recommended first playthrough Bayonetta → Bayonetta 2 → Bayonetta 3 → Bayonetta Origins Players who want the numbered-game progression before the prequel’s origin-story context and callbacks.
Broad story chronology Bayonetta Origins → numbered games in release order Players who want to begin with young Cereza and accept that Bayonetta 3 complicates a single timeline.

Release order is editorial guidance based on how the games were presented and how Origins looks back at Cereza’s story. PlatinumGames has described Origins as story-focused and as a way to explore Cereza’s circumstances and motivations; it also markets the game to newcomers as well as returning players. The prequel does not need to be unlocked by completing the numbered titles.

What counts as a Bayonetta spin-off?

Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon is the relevant game spin-off: it is a prequel centered on young Cereza and Cheshire, with a different action-adventure structure from the numbered games. It is not another numbered mainline entry or simply Bayonetta 4.

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Bayonetta 3 Standard - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]
  • Play as the bewitching Bayonetta in the third installment of her climax action game series
  • Shoot, stomp, and slam your way through multiple locations and meet other Bayonettas
  • Channel the power of demons using the new ability, Demon Masquerade
  • Unleash Bayonetta’s Infernal Demons in larger-than-life battles
  • Slash and slay as witch-in-training Viola and harness the power of her feline demon, Cheshire

Bayonetta: Bloody Fate is an animated adaptation, not a game in the play order above. Crossovers, cameos, costumes, and ports likewise do not add required numbered story chapters.

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Which platforms have the games?

Nintendo’s official pages list Nintendo Switch versions of Bayonetta 2 and Bayonetta 3; PlatinumGames lists Origins for Nintendo Switch. The original Bayonetta has appeared in later ports, so availability depends on edition and storefront. Check the specific version available to you rather than treating ports as separate story entries.

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  • Strap on your heels (and the attached guns) in two nonstop action games. Use your witchy powers to conquer both heaven and hell in the critically-acclaimed Bayonetta and Bayonetta 2 games.
  • Meet the baddest witch around—Bayonetta Originally released in 2010, the unforgettable first chapter of the Bayonetta saga introduced the world to "climax action", an explosive blend of dynamic action and saucy style. Armed with a weapon in each hand and one on each foot, Bayonetta destroys her opponents with combo attacks that are as beautiful as they are brutal.
  • Fight like hell to save your soul-less sister in Bayonetta 2 In this climactic sequel to the critically acclaimed Bayonetta action game, you’ll be on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Brimming with jaw-dropping battles and even more abilities , this game never lets up on the action.
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Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon (European Version)
  • Once upon a time, there was a young witch named Cereza
  • Long before this trainee of the dark arts would come to be called Bayonetta, she took a fateful journey into the forbidden Avalon Forest. Alongside her was Cheshire, her very first demon, possessing Cereza’s stuffed toy. Play as both Cereza and Cheshire and search through the treacherous forest to look for the power to save Cereza’s mother
  • Any good story has a lesson about teamwork, no, In this tale, Cereza and Cheshire coordinate their efforts to fight faeries and solve puzzles. Use the Left Joy-Con controller to move Cereza and bind enemies with her magic. With the Right Joy-Con controller, move Cheshire to slash and chomp foes
  • Turn the pages of Cereza’s story as you explore the enchanting, storybook-inspired Avalon Forest. Avalon Forest is just as beautiful as it is beastly. Each new area looks like it has been painted carefully by hand. Fully-narrated story scenes are told through the vibrantly-illustrated pages of a storybook. Be sure to stop and smell the roses in this whimsical world, but don’t tarry too long – the forest has a taste for lost witches

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