How do I defeat Calamity Ganon in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild with only one Divine Beast freed?

Defeating Calamity Ganon in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild with only one Divine Beast freed is a challenging but achievable task. This approach requires careful preparation, strategic combat, and efficient resource management. Below 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. In the first phase, you fight Ganon in his corrupted form inside Hyrule Castle. This phase is influenced by the number of Divine Beasts you have freed. If you have only freed one Divine Beast, Ganon will start the battle with three-quarters of his health instead of half. This means you will need to deal more damage during the fight. The second phase involves battling Dark Beast Ganon, a massive creature that requires precise archery skills. This phase is not affected by the number of Divine Beasts freed, so it remains the same regardless of your progress.

Preparation is key to defeating Calamity Ganon with only one Divine Beast. Start by gathering powerful weapons, shields, and bows. The Master Sword is highly recommended, as it deals extra damage to Ganon and does not break during the fight. If you do not have the Master Sword, ensure you have high-damage weapons like Royal or Savage Lynel weapons. Stock up on arrows, especially ancient arrows, which deal significant damage to Ganon. Additionally, collect and cook hearty ingredients to create meals that fully restore your health and provide extra hearts. Elixirs that boost your defense or attack power are also useful.

For armor, wear the best defensive set you have, such as the Ancient Armor set, which provides high defense and resistance against Ganon's attacks. If you do not have the Ancient Armor, the Soldier's Armor set is a good alternative. Make sure to upgrade your armor at Great Fairy Fountains to maximize its effectiveness. Also, bring along fairies and Mipha's Grace, if available, to provide extra lives during the battle.

During the first phase of the battle, focus on dodging Ganon's attacks and countering with flurry rushes. Ganon uses a variety of attacks, including melee strikes, energy blasts, and area-of-effect attacks. Watch for his movements and use perfect dodges to trigger flurry rushes, which allow you to deal significant damage. If you have Urbosa's Fury from the freed Divine Beast, use it to stun Ganon and create openings for attacks. Be mindful of your weapon durability and switch to a new weapon if one is about to break.

When Ganon's health drops to a certain point, he will enter a second phase where he uses more aggressive attacks and creates a shield that requires precise arrow shots to break. Use your bow to target the glowing spots on his body. This is where ancient arrows can be particularly effective. Once his shield is down, continue attacking with your melee weapons. Repeat this process until Ganon's health is depleted.

In the second phase, you will face Dark Beast Ganon. This phase is more about precision than raw power. Use your bow to target the glowing spots on Dark Beast Ganon's body. The Light Bow provided by Zelda is ideal for this, but any bow with long-range capabilities will work. Stay on your horse to maintain mobility and avoid Ganon's attacks. Once you hit all the glowing spots, a final shot to Ganon's eye will end the battle.

Common mistakes to avoid include running out of healing items, not managing weapon durability, and failing to dodge Ganon's attacks. Make sure to keep an eye on your health and use healing items as needed. Do not rely on a single weapon; switch to a new one if it is about to break. Practice perfect dodges and parries to maximize your damage output and minimize the damage you take.

Advanced techniques include using the environment to your advantage. For example, you can use the pillars in the arena to block Ganon's attacks and create opportunities to heal or attack. Additionally, using elemental weapons or arrows can exploit Ganon's weaknesses and deal extra damage.

In summary, defeating Calamity Ganon with only one Divine Beast freed requires thorough preparation, strategic combat, and efficient resource management. By gathering powerful weapons, armor, and healing items, mastering combat techniques, and avoiding common mistakes, you can overcome this challenging battle and save Hyrule.