Ardor are Principalities of the Third Sphere within the Hierarchy of Laguna. First appearing in Chapter V of Bayonetta, these angels are powerful, armor-clad fighters that support smaller angels in combat. They carry with them a large serrated sword and a segmented shield.
The highest ranking member of the Third Sphere, Ardor are christened with the rank of Principalities. Presiding over the protection of the masses from evil spirits, they are equipped with a shield and armor of proof.
Wielding the power of Paradiso on those who encroach upon happiness, Ardor are recipients of much adoration from those seeking salvation.
Gameplay[]
Though Ardor appear similar to Applauds, they are much more quicker, powerful, and durable. They swing their swords in long cleaving attacks with surprising speed, allowing them to effectively combo Bayonetta with a series of high-damage attacks if she is caught off-guard. Though they cannot fly, they are much more agile on the ground than other humanoid Angels and have numerous attacks that they can use in close quarters.
Their primary attack is a set of three sword swings. The first attack is an incredibly fast sword-thrust, which sets up for a slow sweeping attack, with the final attack being a quick, powerful spin-slash that has deceptively long range despite its animation. When performing this combo, Ardor use the weight of their swings to advance forwards, making a quick dodge to the left or right the most optimal way to avoid these attacks.
Ardor can also perform a long-dash attack, in which they will hold their sword over their head for a moment before dashing forwards while accompanied by beams of light. This attack does significant damage and allows them to close distances easily.
In addition to these two attacks, Ardor are capable of a jumping strike, leaping up after Bayonetta and then swinging their sword down vertically as they fall. If this attack connects, it will slam Bayonetta back down to the ground, causing significant damage.
Ardor can also use their massive shields to defend against bullets and counter Bayonetta's melee attacks, knocking her off-balance for a split second, and possibly allowing the Ardor to counter-attack. After sufficient damage, the shield will shatter. Executing Wicked Weaves or using heavy firepower weapons like the Onyx Roses or Lt. Col. Kilgore will allow Bayonetta to break it much more quickly. Once their shield is broken, Ardor will behave more aggressively. Their attacks will become much faster and they will usually sprint to keep Bayonetta in melee range. However, they will be far easier to stagger and juggle. They also have a tendency to enter a berserk state once their shield has been shattered.
Ardor B: A more dangerous variant of Ardor. Like Affinity E, it is wreathed in flames and can only be damaged with ranged attacks such as gunfire, Wicked Weaves, Kulshedra, or Durga Fire. During Witch Time, its flames do not harm Bayonetta and it can be attacked normally with any weapon. Comboing it effectively during Witch Time will extinguish the fire that cloaks its body, allowing Bayonetta to deal with it more easily. It will eventually recover and reignite itself after a war cry or taunt. Aside from this fiery state, it acts exactly like any other normal Ardor.
Role in Bayonetta: Bloody Fate[]
A single Ardor appears in the animated adaptation of the first game. When Father Balder teleports Bayonetta to Cereza's location, she finds the young girl surrounded by a group of Affinities led by an Ardor. Bayonetta defeats the Affinities and engages the Ardor in combat using 修羅刃 -Shuraba-, but the katana proves ineffective against the angel's strong red armor. Bayonetta then summons a large chainsaw and taunts the Ardor. It charges at her in retaliation, shouting for glory to be upon the Creator, Jubileus. Bayonetta leaps up, dodging its strike, and cleaves it in two. This is the only time an Ardor is seen in the movie.
Gallery[]
Ardor's introduction
As seen in the Hierarchy of Laguna
Ardor in the angel model gallery.
Ardor B, the flaming Ardor, in the angel model gallery.
