Aesir's Return

Lore & Background

The lore details the origin of Aesir, the ruler of the Chaos realm who created the Left Eye of Darkness and Right Eye of Light to grant humanity free will. He entrusted these Eyes to the Umbra Witches and Lumen Sages respectively. However, Aesir split his own soul into good (Loki) and evil (Loptr). The story reveals that Loptr, disguised as the Prophet in the present day, manipulates Balder by showing him a vision falsely claiming the Witch Hunts were not caused by Father Balder. This deception drives Balder to hunt Loki, unaware that Loki is actually an amnesiac boy guiding Bayonetta. The truth emerges only when Bayonetta and Balder travel 500 years into the past during the Witch Hunts in Vigrid, where Loptr murders Rosa, Bayonetta's mother.

In Their Own Story

The narrative unfolds after a demon summoning goes wrong on Christmas Eve in New York City, causing Inferno to claim Jeanne's soul. Bayonetta teams up with Loki to reach Fimbulventr, where they learn of the Legend of Aesir from journalist Luka. Upon reaching Inferno and reviving Jeanne with Rodin's help, the Sage reveals himself as a young Balder. After Loki loses control of his powers, he sends Bayonetta and Balder 500 years into the past to Vigrid. There, they witness Loptr murdering Rosa. Realizing Loptr is the Prophet manipulating them, they return to the present. On top of Fimbulventr, Loptr reveals he and Loki were once Aesir. He steals both Eyes, transforms back into Aesir, and attempts to rule humanity. Loki uses his power to destroy the Eyes, weakening Aesir so Bayonetta, Balder, and Jeanne can destroy his body. To stop Aesir's soul from escaping to a time where the Eyes exist again, Balder absorbs it, accepting corruption as he reveals Bayonetta is his daughter.

Reader's Guide

Players must navigate between the present day and the Witch Hunts of Vigrid 500 years ago to uncover the truth about Loki and Loptr. The gameplay involves utilizing the 'Umbran Climax' mechanic, activated by a full magic gauge, to strengthen attacks with extra Wicked Weaves and Infernal Demon summons. Combat requires dodging at the last second to trigger 'Witch Time,' slowing enemies for counterattacks. Players earn grades up to 'Pure Platinum' by performing high combos without damage. Key moments include saving Jeanne in Inferno, confronting the young Balder in the past, and the final battle atop Fimbulventr where Loki must choose to destroy the Eyes of the World despite their power.

Did You Know?

• The architecture for the city of Noatun was based on Belgian and Italian cities, including Bruges, Brussels, Florence, and Venice.
• Loki is an amnesiac boy who guides Bayonetta to Fimbulventr, later revealed to be the good half of Aesir's soul.
• Balder absorbs Loptr's corrupted soul despite Loki warning him it would corrupt him, setting up the events of the first game.
• Bayonetta 2 was released as a Wii U exclusive after Nintendo provided funding to save the project from being shelved by Sega.