How to install Bayonetta 2 on Steam Deck with CEMU Emulator – performance guide

Bayonetta 2 is one of the best slashers of recent years. It still holds up surprisingly well in terms of gameplay and combat mechanic. The upcoming release of the Bayonetta 3 a good excuse to revisit the series. The first game runs brilliantly on Steam Deck, but unfortunately, Bayonetta 2 is exclusive to Nintendo WiiU and Switch.

Of course you can still play this title on Steam Deck using CEMU emulator with improved graphics and stable performance. Below you will find a tutorial on how to install and configure Bayonetta 2 on Steam Deck.

I. How to install CEMU to play Bayonetta 2 on Steam Deck

First, go to Desktop Mode. Now you have a lot of options, but I personally recommend the EmuDeck script – it’s a collection of emulators along with pre-defined settings. How to install EmuDeck: https://greatondeck.net/emulation-on-steam-deck-with-emudeck-complete-guide/

You can also download CEMU and run it with forced Proton, but EmuDeck is much easier.

I have installed EmuDeck on a memory card, so in my case CEMU  launcher can be found here: /run/media/mmcblk0p1/Emulation/tools/launchers/Cemu.sh

In the case of the CEMU emulator, you do not need bios files, etc. Games work right off the bat.

II. Install Bayonetta 2 on Steam Deck

Dump your Bayonetta 2 and put file in (your emudeck location)//Emulation/Roms/WiiU folder.

Run Steam Rom Manager to create shortcut to the game and CEMU Emulator in your Steam Library.

III. CEMU Configuration for Steam Deck

Run Cemu from CEMU  (…)/Emulation/tools/launchers/Cemu.sh

Go to Options>Graphics and check “Async shader compile”. In Overlay tab you can disable annoying “shader compile” notifications.

IV. Bayonetta 2 – Steam Deck Graphic Quality Preset – 60FPS /20-25W

Go to Options>Graphic Packs. Download lastest community graphics paks.

Find Bayonetta 2 on Game List and Set

1. Enhancements – Contrasty /optional/ – set preferred preset if you want; I like “Colorful” one
2. In Mods mark 60FPS Cutscenes and Force Maximum LOD
3. Turn on Dynamic Shadows (Vulkan) and Portal in Workarounds tab
4. In Graphic tab:
   – Resolution: 1600×900 (works like supersamling)
   – Shadow Quality: high
   – Anisotropic Filtering: 16x
   

V. Bayonetta 2 – Steam Deck Battery Life Preset – 60FPS /15-20W

1. Enhancements – Contrasty – set preferred preset if you want; there is no performance hit
2. In Mods don’t mark 60FPS Cutscenes and Force Maximum LOD
3. Turn on Dynamic Shadows (Vulkan) and Portal in Workarounds tab
4. In Graphic tab:
   – Resolution: 1280×720 (or 960×540 if you want less power usage)
   – Shadow Quality: low or medium
   – Anisotropic Filtering: 16x – no performance hit

When you are ready, go back to Gaming Mode and launch the game – you will find it in the Library in the Non-Steam category. Have fun!