Bayonetta vs Donkey Kong

This is a matchup where Donkey Kong’s (DK) status as a grappler is his only saving grace.

The overarching goal of neutral against Bayonetta is to force an approach simply by having a lead. There are many things I can focus on but I think I can add to this conversation the most by talking about a specific aspect.

DK is blessed with a kill confirm that comes from grab and by extension jab into grab or various setups that lead into grab. Bayonetta is cursed with extra end lag that stacks with each successive special used. This is a key part of her design that makes this matchup doable (we definitely still lose). I’d like to introduce a concept I simply call feathering.

Feathering: Mirroring or shadowing an opponent’s movement who is above you while staying grounded. This achieved simply by walking or using initial dashes.

We know that when a Bayonetta does Up B out of shield to punish something she wants to retreat to ledge. In order to successfully punish this, familiarize yourself with all of her resources. Understand when and why she gets a second side b, etc. Assuming you know what Bayonetta can do, as soon as she is airborne via a special or even jump, begin feathering her. Walk the way she drifts or ABK’s, be ready to shield any downABK’s and continue to feather her. Once she gets close to the ledge you want to purposely position your body between Bayonetta and the ledge. This accomplishes three things.

1. Creates a visual stimulus for the Bayonetta that says “that way isn’t safe” making an onstage landing (that will be accompanied by lag) more appealing

2. Gives you the chance to ensure Bayonetta stays in disadvantage. You’re either going to force her to ledge (she’s not as unassailable there as you might think) or you force her onstage with lag.

3. Discourages Bayonetta from using as many specials, which DK generally has a problem with, allowing for a more traditional and easier neutral.

TLDR: Walk underneath her as she’s using her specials while staying between her and ledge, discouraging her from being liberal with resources and maintaining a spacing that allows you to punish.