Bayonetta (SSBU)/Down special

Hitbox visualization showing Bayonetta's down special, Witch Time.

Overview[edit]

This move is called Witch Time. She uses her magic to slow down time around an opponent who attacks her, but only slowing down the attacking opponent as opposed to all opponents. Functions as a counterattack. Its duration is dependent on several factors: the opponent's damage (more damage = longer duration, amount of Witch Times used = shorter duration), whether the attack was direct or indirect (indirect attacks such as projectiles result in a shorter duration), and frequency (using Witch Time too often will decrease the duration). However, if Witch Time is activated too late, then 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. While Witch Time is activated, the opponent's projectiles will damage them instead of Bayonetta.

At low or mid percentages, after activating Witch Time, Bayonetta can start her combo depending on the placement of the opponent. At high percentages, Bayonetta can either charge her smash attack or voluntarily perform a combo on the opponent.

Despite Witch Time ending early depending on the factors, Bayonetta can use it multiple times to dodge attacks with multiple hits or reduce chances of getting hit from the Final Smashes. Depending on the Final Smashes, Bayonetta can avoid Final Smashes by abusing Witch Time (ex. avoiding Sonic's Super Sonic hits, reducing the time getting pulled towards Zelda's Triforce of Wisdom).

Update History[edit]

1.1.0

Witch Time's duration scaling is lower (40 → 30).
Witch Time's regeneration per frame is slower (0.04 → 0.03).
A glitch with Witch Time has been created, with its slowdown duration now being capable of underflowing and becoming extremely long under certain circumstances.

2.0.0

Fixed the Witch Time slowdown glitch.

3.1.0

Witch Time has a longer counter window (frames 8-21 → 8-27) and grants more intangibility (frames 8-17 → 8-23). The Bat Within window takes place later (frames 18-29 → 24-35) without changing the move's total duration, reducing its ending lag.
Witch Time regenerates faster (0.03 → 0.04).