Bayonetta 3 has finally arrived after a long wait, and though the main story is a tale of epic stakes that shakes up the entire series, it has a lot to offer beyond that. The items and collectibles and other side content are where Bayonetta 3 really shines, as it takes about twice as long to fully complete the game than it does just to see the ending.
One major aspect of Bayonetta 3's wide array of side content is the extra challenges and activities available through the Phenomenal Remnants. These challenges can be particularly difficult, and may even put some newer players off of completing them. However, for players with dedicated effort, they can be well worth the time and energy. Here's everything gamers need to know about the Phenomenal Remnants in Bayonetta 3.
Phenomenal Remnants Provide More Content in Bayonetta 3
In Bayonetta 3, Phenomenal Remnants are unlockable secret chapters that add more content to the game beyond what's in the standard main chapters. These Phenomenal Remnant chapters add to the game's proceedings and provide additional challenges, such as Time Trials and more difficult boss fights. There are 14 Phenomenal Remnant chapters in all -- one for each main story chapter -- and the challenges present in each one reflect a location or event from the main chapters.
The Phenomenal Remnants themselves are split up into three categories: Time Trials to collect hidden items around the map, Time Trials to defeat several groups of enemies, and difficult one-on-one boss battles. For the first 12 Phenomenal Remnants, these categories rotate consistently from collection to enemy groups to boss battle, then back to collection, and so on. The last two Phenomenal Remnants for Chapters 13 and 14 are two more boss battles. Further, players can take on these Phenomenal Remnant chapters as either Bayonetta, Viola, or, after completing the main story, even Jeanne.
How To Unlock the Phenomenal Remnants
In order to unlock the Phenomenal Remnant chapters, players will need to seek out several in-game collectibles called Umbran Tears of Blood. Each main story Chapter except for the final one contains three of these Umbran Tears of Blood: a Cat Tear, a Crow Tear, and a Toad Tear. The Cat and Crow Tears are usually easy to spot, though they require the player to chase and catch them, whereas the Toad Tear won't move, but they will be hiding in tricky spots off the beaten path. Another guide detailing the specifics of where to find every Umbran Tear of Blood is available for players to follow.
Once all three Umbran Tears of Blood are collected for a given chapter, players will then be able to select the corresponding Phenomenal Remnant chapter from the Chapter Select Menu. In the case of the 14th and final chapter, though, it will automatically unlock for players once they complete the game's main story.
Why the Phenomenal Remnants Are Worth It
In addition to simply adding more game time and content to Bayonetta 3, completing Phenomenal Remnants will also provide special rewards and unlockables, which can help the player in the main game. Most of these rewards are either Full Witch Hearts or Full Moon Pearls -- items that are key to improving Bayonetta's Health and Magic, respectively. These alone would make it worth the time for players to get through the Phenomenal Remnants, but some of them also grant powerful new accessories, weapons, and even a couple of Infernal Demons -- powerful monsters which Bayonetta can summon to aid her in difficult battles.