How do I defeat Calamity Ganon without completing all Divine Beasts in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild?

Defeating Calamity Ganon without completing all Divine Beasts in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is entirely possible, though it is more challenging than doing so after freeing all four Divine Beasts. The Divine Beasts weaken Ganon significantly, reducing his health by half and removing his ability to regenerate health during the final battle. Without their help, you will face a stronger version of Ganon, but with proper preparation and strategy, you can still emerge victorious.

To begin, you must first reach Hyrule Castle, where Calamity Ganon resides. The castle is heavily guarded by powerful enemies, including Guardians, Lynels, and other high-level foes. Before entering, ensure you are well-prepared. Stock up on healing items, such as hearty meals and elixirs, and bring plenty of weapons, shields, and arrows. Armor with high defense or specific resistances, such as the Ancient Armor set, is highly recommended. Additionally, having the Master Sword is a significant advantage, as it deals extra damage to Ganon and his minions.

Once inside the castle, navigate through its labyrinthine halls and avoid or defeat enemies as needed. You can choose to fight your way through or use stealth to bypass most threats. The path to Ganon is not strictly linear, so explore carefully to find the most efficient route. Eventually, you will reach the Sanctum, where the battle with Calamity Ganon begins.

Calamity Ganon has two phases. In the first phase, he wields a variety of weapons and attacks, including a spear, sword, and bow. He is highly mobile and will teleport around the arena, making it difficult to land hits. Use your shield to block his attacks and look for openings to strike. Flurry rushes, triggered by perfect dodges, are particularly effective. If you have the Master Sword, use it to deal consistent damage. If not, rely on your strongest weapons, but be mindful of their durability.

Ganon will also summon energy blasts and create shockwaves. Use your shield to deflect the blasts back at him, dealing significant damage. For the shockwaves, jump or use the paraglider to avoid them. Keep moving to stay out of his reach and maintain a safe distance when necessary. Healing items are crucial here, as Ganon's attacks can quickly deplete your health.

In the second phase, Ganon transforms into a massive, bestial form. This phase is more chaotic, as he will charge at you, create fire pillars, and unleash devastating area-of-effect attacks. Stay mobile and use the environment to your advantage. Climb onto higher ground to avoid his charges and use ranged attacks, such as arrows, to target his weak points. The Light Bow, obtained during the battle, is particularly effective here. Aim for the glowing spots on his body to deal critical damage.

Preparation is key to surviving this battle. Cook meals that provide extra hearts, such as those made with hearty radishes or durians. Elixirs that boost your defense or attack power can also be helpful. Ensure you have a variety of weapons, including those with high durability and damage output. The Ancient Shield and Ancient Arrows are excellent choices, as they are highly effective against Ganon.

Common mistakes include underestimating Ganon's speed and power, leading to quick defeats. Avoid standing still for too long, as Ganon's attacks are relentless. Another mistake is not managing your resources effectively. Conserve your strongest weapons and arrows for the second phase, where they are most needed. Additionally, failing to use the environment to your advantage can make the battle more difficult than it needs to be.

Advanced techniques include mastering perfect dodges and parries to trigger flurry rushes and shield deflections. These techniques can significantly reduce the time it takes to defeat Ganon. Additionally, using the Stasis rune to freeze Ganon momentarily can create openings for attacks. Optimizing your inventory by carrying only the most effective weapons and items can also streamline the battle.

Alternative approaches include using stealth to bypass many of the castle's enemies, conserving your resources for the final battle. Some players prefer to focus on ranged combat, using bows and arrows to deal damage from a distance. Others may choose to rely on melee combat, using powerful weapons and flurry rushes to take Ganon down quickly.

In conclusion, defeating Calamity Ganon without completing all Divine Beasts is a challenging but achievable task. Proper preparation, effective use of combat techniques, and strategic resource management are essential. By following these strategies and avoiding common mistakes, you can overcome Ganon and save Hyrule, even without the aid of all four Divine Beasts.