GameTimeline

Release & story order

Bayonetta timeline

Bayonetta from PlatinumGames' 2009 debut through Bayonetta 3 (2022)—US release dates, Umbra Witch story chronology (1 → 2 → 3), Wii U and Switch port FAQ, Bayonetta Origins side prequel, and where newcomers should start in 2026.

Updated August 2026

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Release order Story order

Release order

When PlatinumGames and publishers shipped each Bayonetta in the US—Bayonetta (2010), Bayonetta 2 (2014 Wii U / 2018 Switch), Bayonetta 3 (2022). Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon (2023) is FAQ-only.

  • Newcomers 2026 → Bayonetta + Bayonetta 2 (Switch bundle or PC) then Bayonetta 3
  • Wii U Bayonetta 2 is legacy—Switch or PC ports are the usual buy today
  • Origins = optional side prequel after you know Bayonetta 1
  • Vanquish and Nier are separate franchises—see related timelines
Story order tips

Main Umbra arc: Bayonetta → Bayonetta 2 → Bayonetta 3. Each sequel continues Bayonetta's timeline—play in numbered order for the full plot. Origins is a fairy-tale prequel spin-off, not required before Bayonetta 1.

  • Canon path: Bayonetta → Bayonetta 2 → Bayonetta 3
  • Bayonetta 1 sets up the witch war—do not skip for story
  • Origins is young Cereza—play after Bayonetta 1 or anytime as a side story
  • On Story order, later entries may be hidden—reveal when ready or use Show all spoilers

Timeline

When each game was released. Click a game for platforms, dates, and where it fits in your playthrough.

Release order

  1. Bayonetta

    Bayonetta

    PS3Xbox 360SwitchPCActionMainlineUmbra

    Bayonetta's debut—angel-hunting witch action in Vigrid and beyond.

    Overview
    PlatinumGames' stylish hack-and-slash with Witch Time, gun stilettos, and over-the-top set pieces.
    In-game setting
    Franchise opener. Required first stop for story—Switch / PC ports replace legacy consoles for most buyers.
    Should you play it?
    Series start—buy with Bayonetta 2 when you can (Switch physical bundle is common).
    Release date
    Japan October 29, 2009; US January 5, 2010 (PS3 / Xbox 360). Switch and PC ports later.
  2. Bayonetta 2

    Bayonetta 2

    Wii USwitchActionMainlineUmbra

    Direct sequel—faster combat and co-op tag with Jeanne.

    Overview
    Nintendo-funded Wii U exclusive at launch—tighter pacing and Umbran Climax mechanics.
    In-game setting
    Story sequel to Bayonetta 1. Switch version (2018) bundles both games on one cartridge—FAQ.
    Should you play it?
    Switch Bayonetta 1+2 is the default console package before Bayonetta 3.
    Release date
    US Wii U October 24, 2014; Switch February 16, 2018 (often sold as 1+2 pack).
  3. Bayonetta 3

    Bayonetta 3

    SwitchActionMainlineUmbra

    Trilogy capstone—multiverse witches and Demon Masquerade forms.

    Overview
    Switch-exclusive finale with playable Umbra variants and larger-scale boss arenas.
    In-game setting
    Continues directly from Bayonetta 2—finish 1 and 2 first for plot payoffs.
    Should you play it?
    Current mainline endpoint as of 2026—no Bayonetta 4 on this timeline.
    Release date
    US Switch October 28, 2022.

FAQ

Release vs story order, Switch bundles, Origins placement, and stylish-action cousins.

Release order

Release order is when Bayonetta, Bayonetta 2, and Bayonetta 3 launched in the US (2010, 2014, 2022). Story order is the same numbered sequence—each sequel continues Bayonetta's plot. Origins is a 2023 side prequel covered in FAQ, not a mainline row.

Recommended: Bayonetta → Bayonetta 2 → Bayonetta 3. On Switch, the Bayonetta 1+2 cartridge or digital bundle is the easiest way to cover the first two games before buying 3. PC players can grab Bayonetta 1 on Steam and Bayonetta 2 where available, then 3 on Switch.

Story & canon

The main Umbra Witch saga runs Bayonetta 1 → Bayonetta 2 → Bayonetta 3 in direct sequence. Bayonetta 2 assumes you finished 1; Bayonetta 3 assumes both earlier games. There is no alternate canon branch among the three mainline entries.

Ports & editions

No for most players. Bayonetta 2 launched on Wii U (2014) but the Switch bundle (2018) packages Bayonetta 1 and 2 together—the usual console path today. Wii U discs are collector items only unless you already own the hardware.

Optional & related

Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon (March 17, 2023, Switch) is a puzzle-action prequel starring young Cereza—it is not Bayonetta 4. Play after Bayonetta 1 if you want context, or treat it as optional side lore. This page keeps Origins FAQ-only to keep Release rows focused on the main trilogy.

More timelines

Other release-order and story-order guides on this site.