What is the best strategy to defeat Calamity Ganon in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild?

Defeating Calamity Ganon in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is the culmination of the game's main story. This final battle is divided into two phases: the fight against Calamity Ganon in Hyrule Castle and the battle against Dark Beast Ganon in the open field. To succeed, you need to prepare thoroughly, understand the mechanics, and adapt your strategy during the fight.

First, preparation is key. Before facing Calamity Ganon, ensure you have strong weapons, armor, and food. The Master Sword is highly recommended, as it deals extra damage to Ganon and does not break during the fight. If you haven't obtained it, collect at least 13 hearts and complete the Trial of the Sword for its full power. Equip armor with high defense, such as the Ancient Armor set, which also provides resistance against Ganon's attacks. Cook meals that restore health and provide temporary buffs, like hearty dishes for full recovery or attack-boosting meals for increased damage. Stock up on arrows, especially ancient arrows, which deal significant damage to Ganon.

The fight begins in Hyrule Castle's Sanctum. Calamity Ganon has multiple forms, each with unique attack patterns. In the first phase, he uses a variety of melee and ranged attacks. Watch for his sword swings, spear thrusts, and energy blasts. Use your shield to parry or dodge his attacks, triggering a flurry rush for extra damage. When he charges up a powerful energy attack, shoot him with an arrow to interrupt it. This is a good time to use your bow, as headshots deal critical damage.

In the second phase, Ganon becomes more aggressive and uses elemental attacks. He may summon fire, ice, or lightning, so be ready to dodge or use the corresponding elemental resistance. For example, if he uses fire attacks, equip flame-resistant armor or consume a fireproof elixir. Use the environment to your advantage, such as hiding behind pillars to avoid his attacks. Continue to parry and dodge, and use your bow to target his weak points.

After depleting his health, the battle transitions to the open field against Dark Beast Ganon. This phase is more about strategy than combat. You will need to use your horse to maneuver around the battlefield. Ganon will fire massive energy beams, so keep moving to avoid them. Use your bow to shoot the glowing weak points on his body. The Light Bow, given to you by Zelda, is ideal for this phase, as it has infinite arrows and long range. Aim carefully and take your time to hit the targets. Once all weak points are destroyed, the battle ends.

Common mistakes to avoid include rushing into the fight without proper preparation. Ganon's attacks are powerful, and without strong armor or healing items, you can quickly be overwhelmed. Another mistake is neglecting to use your bow. While melee combat is important, the bow is crucial for interrupting Ganon's attacks and targeting his weak points. Additionally, failing to manage your stamina can leave you vulnerable during critical moments, so keep an eye on your stamina wheel and use stamina-restoring food if needed.

Advanced techniques include perfecting your parry and dodge timing. Mastering these skills can make the fight much easier, as they allow you to avoid damage and deal extra damage through flurry rushes. Another optimization is using the Ancient Armor set and ancient weapons, which deal extra damage to Ganon. If you have completed the Divine Beasts, their abilities can also be useful. For example, Urbosa's Fury can stun Ganon, giving you an opening to attack.

Alternative approaches include using different weapons and strategies based on your playstyle. If you prefer ranged combat, focus on using your bow and keeping your distance. If you are more comfortable with melee combat, stay close to Ganon and use your shield to block his attacks. Some players also choose to fight Ganon without completing the Divine Beasts, which makes the battle more challenging but is entirely possible with the right preparation.

In summary, defeating Calamity Ganon requires careful preparation, understanding of his attack patterns, and effective use of your weapons and abilities. By following these strategies and avoiding common mistakes, you can overcome this final challenge and complete the main story of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.