How do I 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 final challenge of the game, and it requires a combination of preparation, strategy, and skill. The battle is divided into two main phases: the fight against Calamity Ganon in Hyrule Castle and the final showdown with Dark Beast Ganon in the open field. Here is a detailed guide to help you succeed.

First, preparation is key. Before heading to Hyrule Castle, ensure you have strong weapons, armor, and plenty of healing items. The Master Sword is highly recommended, as it deals extra damage to Ganon and does not break during the fight. If you have not obtained it, you will need at least 13 heart containers to pull it from the pedestal in the Lost Woods. Additionally, stock up on hearty meals, such as dishes made with Hearty Radishes or Durians, which restore all your hearts and provide extra temporary hearts. Elixirs that boost your defense or attack can also be useful. Equip armor with high defense, such as the Ancient Armor set, which also provides resistance against Ganon's attacks.

When you enter Hyrule Castle, you will face Calamity Ganon in the Sanctum. The fight begins with Ganon in a weakened state, but he will quickly regain strength if you have not freed all four Divine Beasts. Each Divine Beast you have freed will weaken Ganon by removing one-quarter of his health at the start of the battle. If you have freed all four, Ganon will start with only half his health, making the fight significantly easier.

Calamity Ganon has multiple forms and attack patterns. In his first phase, he wields a massive sword and shield. He will swing his sword in wide arcs, charge at you, and occasionally perform a spinning attack. Use your shield to parry his attacks or dodge to trigger a Flurry Rush, which allows you to land multiple hits. Aim for his glowing weak points, which appear on his body and head. Shooting these with arrows will stun him, giving you an opportunity to deal damage with your melee weapons.

In his second phase, Ganon will use a spear and become more aggressive. He will leap around the arena and throw energy blasts at you. Use your shield to deflect these blasts back at him, or dodge to avoid them. Again, look for his weak points and exploit them with arrows and melee attacks. Be mindful of your stamina, as you will need it to dodge and perform charged attacks.

If you have not freed all the Divine Beasts, Ganon will summon the Blight Ganons you have not defeated. These are the same bosses you faced inside the Divine Beasts, and you will need to defeat them before continuing the fight with Calamity Ganon. Each Blight Ganon has unique attack patterns, so use the strategies you learned during the Divine Beast quests to defeat them.

Once you have defeated Calamity Ganon, the battle transitions to the open field, where you face Dark Beast Ganon. This phase is more of a spectacle than a traditional fight. You will need to use your bow to shoot the glowing weak points on Dark Beast Ganon's body. Use your horse to maneuver around the battlefield and avoid his attacks. The Light Bow, which Zelda provides, has infinite arrows and is highly effective for this phase. Aim carefully and take your time to hit the weak points. Once you have destroyed all the weak points, the battle will conclude, and the game's ending will play.

Some important tips and considerations include managing your resources effectively. Do not waste your best weapons and arrows on weaker enemies before reaching Ganon. Save them for the final battle. Additionally, make sure your armor is upgraded to its maximum potential, as this will reduce the damage you take. If you are struggling with the fight, consider completing more shrines to increase your health and stamina, or seek out better weapons and armor.

Common mistakes to avoid include rushing into the fight without proper preparation. Ganon is a formidable opponent, and going in underprepared can lead to a quick defeat. Another mistake is not using the environment to your advantage. During the Dark Beast Ganon phase, use the terrain to line up your shots and avoid his attacks.

Advanced techniques include perfecting your parry and dodge timing. These skills are crucial for surviving Ganon's attacks and dealing significant damage. Additionally, using the Ancient Shield, which can automatically reflect Ganon's energy blasts, can make the fight easier.

Alternative approaches include using different weapons and strategies. For example, if you prefer ranged combat, focus on using bows and arrows to target Ganon's weak points. If you are more comfortable with melee combat, use powerful two-handed weapons to deal heavy damage during Flurry Rushes.

In conclusion, defeating Calamity Ganon requires careful preparation, strategic combat, and effective resource management. By following these tips and strategies, you can overcome this final challenge and complete the main story of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.