What is the best way to defeat Calamity Ganon without freeing all Divine Beasts in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild?

Defeating Calamity Ganon without freeing all the Divine Beasts in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is a challenging but achievable task. This approach requires careful preparation, strategic combat, and efficient resource management. Here is a detailed guide to help you succeed in this endeavor.

First, it is important to understand the mechanics of the final battle. Calamity Ganon has two phases. The first phase involves fighting Ganon in his corrupted form inside Hyrule Castle. The second phase is a battle against Dark Beast Ganon, a massive creature that requires precise archery to defeat. If you do not free all the Divine Beasts, Ganon will start the fight with full health, and you will not receive the assistance of the Divine Beasts during the battle. This means you must rely entirely on your own skills and resources.

Preparation is key. Before heading to Hyrule Castle, ensure you have the best possible equipment. This includes high-defense armor sets like the Ancient Armor, which can be obtained from the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab. Upgrade your armor at Great Fairy Fountains to maximize your defense. Stock up on powerful weapons, such as the Master Sword, which deals extra damage to Ganon. If you do not have the Master Sword, collect high-damage weapons like Royal Guard or Savage Lynel weapons. Additionally, gather a variety of arrows, including Ancient Arrows, which are particularly effective against Ganon.

Cooking is another crucial aspect of preparation. Create meals that provide temporary boosts to your attack, defense, and stamina. For example, cooking five Mighty Bananas will give you a high-level attack boost, while cooking five Armored Carp will increase your defense. Hearty ingredients, like Hearty Durians, can be cooked to create meals that fully restore your health and provide extra hearts. Stock up on these meals to ensure you can survive the intense battle.

When you enter Hyrule Castle, avoid unnecessary fights to conserve your resources. Use stealth or climb around enemies to reach the Sanctum, where the battle with Calamity Ganon begins. Once the fight starts, focus on dodging and parrying Ganon's attacks. Use your shield to parry his laser beams, which will stun him and leave him vulnerable to counterattacks. Flurry rushes, triggered by perfect dodges, are also effective for dealing significant damage.

During the first phase, Ganon will use a variety of attacks, including melee strikes, energy blasts, and area-of-effect attacks. Stay mobile and use your environment to your advantage. For example, you can use the pillars in the Sanctum to block some of his attacks. When Ganon is stunned, attack him with your strongest weapons. Be mindful of your weapon durability and switch to a new weapon if one breaks.

In the second phase, you will face Dark Beast Ganon. This phase is more about precision than brute force. Use your bow to target the glowing weak points on Ganon's body. Aim for the eyes and the glowing spots on his back. Use your horse to stay mobile and avoid his attacks. If you run out of arrows, you can find more scattered around the battlefield. This phase is less about combat and more about accuracy, so take your time and aim carefully.

Common mistakes to avoid include rushing into the battle unprepared and neglecting to manage your resources. Make sure you have enough healing items and weapons before starting the fight. Another mistake is failing to use your abilities effectively. For example, the Urbosa's Fury ability, obtained from freeing Vah Naboris, can deal massive damage to Ganon. If you have not freed all the Divine Beasts, you will not have access to these abilities, so you must rely on your own skills and equipment.

Advanced techniques include mastering perfect dodges and parries, which can significantly reduce the difficulty of the battle. Practice these techniques on weaker enemies before facing Ganon. Additionally, using Ancient Arrows can quickly deplete Ganon's health, making the fight shorter and more manageable.

Alternative approaches include using stealth to avoid enemies in Hyrule Castle and focusing on upgrading your armor and weapons before the battle. Some players prefer to complete shrines to increase their health and stamina, giving them an edge in the fight. Others may choose to collect and upgrade the Master Sword, which is highly effective against Ganon.

In conclusion, defeating Calamity Ganon without freeing all the Divine Beasts requires careful preparation, strategic combat, and efficient resource management. By following these steps and tips, you can overcome this challenge and save Hyrule. Remember to stay patient, use your abilities wisely, and make the most of your equipment and resources. Good luck on your journey.