Unlocking Jeanne in Bayonetta 1 is one of the most rewarding challenges for players who want to experience the game from a different perspective. Jeanne is not just a clone of Bayonetta; she brings a unique combat style, faster gameplay, and slight narrative changes that make a second playthrough feel fresh and exciting. However, gaining access to her as a playable character isn’t straightforward you’ll need to prove your skills and determination. In this guide, we’ll walk through every detail you need to know about how to unlock Jeanne in Bayonetta 1, and explain tips to make the process more manageable for both casual and seasoned players.
Who Is Jeanne in Bayonetta?
Jeanne is more than just a side character in the Bayonetta universe. She is a fellow Umbra Witch and serves as Bayonetta’s rival and old friend. Throughout the game, players encounter her in intense boss battles that hint at her powerful abilities. Unlike Bayonetta, Jeanne uses red-themed costumes and more aggressive animations, offering a faster and more agile alternative for players who want to master combat at a higher level of difficulty.
Why Unlock Jeanne?
Jeanne offers several benefits and changes to the base gameplay:
- Her Wicked Weaves are stronger but require precise timing.
- She starts with more magic orbs, making Torture Attacks more frequent.
- She performs Dodge Offsets differently, giving players a new learning curve.
- She gives a new perspective on cutscenes and mission dynamics.
These changes make Jeanne not only a cosmetic unlock but also a fresh challenge for those looking to push their skills further.
Steps to Unlock Jeanne in Bayonetta 1
Complete the Game Once
The first requirement to unlock Jeanne is to finish the game. You must complete all chapters of Bayonetta 1 from start to finish. This includes defeating the final boss and viewing the ending sequence. Finishing the game on any difficulty will allow you to proceed to the next step, but higher difficulties can help prepare you for what comes next.
Achieve a Platinum Rank or Higher on All Chapters
This is the most critical and challenging step. To unlock Jeanne, you must earn at least a Platinum rank in every chapter of the game on Normal difficulty or higher. This includes both main story chapters and the Alfheim (secret) portals that are hidden throughout levels. Here’s how the ranking system works:
- Ranks are based on your combo score, time, and damage taken in each verse (battle segment).
- You receive a medal for each verse, which contributes to the overall chapter rank.
- Avoid taking damage and finish battles quickly to increase your score.
- Practice Dodge Offset and Witch Time activation to maximize performance.
You do not need Pure Platinum, but Platinum across the board is still a demanding goal. Be prepared to replay chapters multiple times to improve your performance.
Play Through All Alfheim Portals
Hidden throughout many levels are Alfheim portals bonus challenge rooms that test your combat, dodging, or weapon-specific skills. These are included in the requirements for Jeanne’s unlock. Each portal is like a mini-game, and many of them are time-restricted or restrict your abilities. You must clear each one with a satisfactory rank to maintain your overall Platinum chapter score.
Tips to make Alfheim portals easier:
- Use weapons and accessories suited for each challenge.
- Try using the Moon of Mahaa-Kalaa or Bat Within to improve your defense.
- Revisit Alfheims later with upgraded items if you’re struggling early on.
Save File and Completion Confirmation
Once you have achieved Platinum ranks on every chapter and completed the game, the game will notify you that Jeanne is now available as a playable character. She can then be selected from the character screen when starting a new save or replaying chapters through Chapter Select.
Jeanne’s Gameplay Differences
Combat Mechanics
When playing as Jeanne, you’ll immediately notice changes to the rhythm of combat. Jeanne uses the same weapons as Bayonetta, but her Witch Time activates under different conditions. You must execute perfect dodges to trigger it, making combat more intense and precise. Her Wicked Weaves also require faster input timing, rewarding players who have already mastered Bayonetta’s core mechanics.
Magic and Defense
Jeanne begins with more magic capacity, allowing for frequent Torture Attacks and Umbran Climax moves. However, she also takes more damage when hit, making careful movement and dodging essential. Players need to strike a balance between aggression and precision.
Visuals and Voice Lines
While the core storyline remains the same, playing as Jeanne replaces Bayonetta in cutscenes. This adds a fresh twist to the narrative, giving you a slightly altered experience that makes replaying the game worthwhile.
Tips for Unlocking Jeanne Faster
Use the Right Accessories
Certain accessories can help you earn higher scores and survive longer in battle. Consider equipping:
- Purple Butterfly: Reduces magic cost and boosts output.
- Bangle of Time: Grants extra Witch Time opportunities.
- Moon of Mahaa-Kalaa: Counters enemy attacks with proper timing.
Master Combo Strings
Understanding which combos produce high Wicked Weave damage while keeping you mobile is essential for Platinum ranks. Focus on fluid combos that end with heavy hits, and practice Dodge Offset to chain attacks while moving.
Replay Chapters Strategically
Don’t grind the same chapter repeatedly if you’re not improving. Switch to a different level and come back later with fresh eyes. Also, use Chapter Select to revisit missed Alfheim portals or improve poor chapter rankings.
Alternative Unlock Method (Nintendo Switch Version)
If you’re playing Bayonetta 1 on Nintendo Switch, there’s an alternative unlock method using the in-game shop:
- Go to Rodin’s Gates of Hell shop.
- Purchase the Jeanne character using Halos (in-game currency).
- This bypasses the Platinum rank requirement but still requires finishing the game once.
This option is ideal for players who want to experience Jeanne’s gameplay without the heavy challenge, although mastering her still takes time and practice.
Unlocking Jeanne in Bayonetta 1 is a significant achievement that rewards dedication, timing, and mastery of the game’s complex combat mechanics. Whether you’re aiming to test your skills further or simply enjoy the game from a new angle, Jeanne offers a refreshing twist to the standard gameplay. By completing every chapter with Platinum ranks, finishing the Alfheim portals, and refining your strategies, you’ll gain access to one of the most satisfying characters the game has to offer. Jeanne isn’t just an unlockable skin she’s a full experience waiting to be mastered.