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

Defeating Waterblight Ganon in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild requires a combination of preparation, strategy, and adaptability. Waterblight Ganon is the boss of Vah Ruta, the Divine Beast located in the Zora region. This boss fight is divided into two phases, each with unique mechanics and challenges. Below is a detailed guide to help you overcome this formidable foe.

First, letÔÇÖs discuss preparation. Before entering Vah Ruta, ensure you have a good supply of weapons, arrows, and healing items. Waterblight Ganon is weak to shock and ice attacks, so having weapons or arrows with these elemental effects can be highly effective. The Zora Armor set, obtained during the Divine Beast Vah Ruta quest, is also useful as it enhances your swimming speed and allows you to swim up waterfalls, which can be helpful during the fight. Additionally, cooking meals that provide extra hearts, stamina, or defense can give you an edge. Dishes made with hearty ingredients like Hearty Radishes or Durians are particularly valuable.

The fight against Waterblight Ganon takes place in two phases. In the first phase, youÔÇÖll be on a platform surrounded by water. Waterblight Ganon will attack with a spear, creating shockwaves that can knock you off the platform. To avoid these shockwaves, keep moving and use the Cryonis rune to create ice blocks as barriers. Waterblight Ganon will also throw ice blocks at you. Use the Cryonis rune to destroy these blocks before they hit you. This phase is primarily about dodging and countering. When Waterblight Ganon pauses to charge an attack, aim for its eye with arrows. A well-placed shot will stun it, allowing you to close in and deal damage with melee weapons.

In the second phase, the water level rises, and the platform becomes smaller. Waterblight Ganon will now float in the air, making it harder to reach. It will continue to throw ice blocks and use its spear, but it will also summon water spouts to attack you. This is where your preparation with arrows becomes crucial. Use your bow to shoot Waterblight GanonÔÇÖs eye when itÔÇÖs exposed. Shock arrows are particularly effective here, as they deal extra damage and can stun the boss. If you run out of arrows, use the Cryonis rune to create ice pillars and climb them to get closer to Waterblight Ganon for melee attacks.

One common mistake is underestimating the importance of the Cryonis rune. Many players focus solely on combat, but using Cryonis to block attacks and destroy ice blocks is essential for survival. Another mistake is not managing stamina properly. Climbing ice pillars and dodging attacks can drain your stamina quickly, so make sure to have stamina-restoring items or meals on hand.

Advanced techniques include using UrbosaÔÇÖs Fury, a power granted by defeating Thunderblight Ganon in Vah Naboris. This ability can deal massive damage to Waterblight Ganon and stun it, giving you an opportunity to attack. Additionally, if you have the Master Sword, it will glow and deal extra damage to GanonÔÇÖs minions, including Waterblight Ganon.

Alternative approaches involve using different weapons and strategies. For example, if you have a high-damage two-handed weapon, you can use it to deal significant damage during the stun phases. Alternatively, if you prefer a more defensive approach, focus on dodging and using arrows to whittle down Waterblight GanonÔÇÖs health from a distance.

In summary, defeating Waterblight Ganon requires a mix of preparation, strategy, and adaptability. Make sure to stock up on arrows, especially shock arrows, and use the Cryonis rune effectively. Manage your stamina and health carefully, and donÔÇÖt hesitate to use powerful abilities like UrbosaÔÇÖs Fury if available. By following these tips and strategies, youÔÇÖll be well-equipped to take down Waterblight Ganon and free Vah Ruta from GanonÔÇÖs control.