How do I defeat Thunderblight Ganon in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild?

Defeating Thunderblight Ganon in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is one of the more challenging boss fights in the game, especially for players who are not prepared. Thunderblight Ganon is the boss of the Divine Beast Vah Naboris, and it is known for its speed and electrical attacks. Here is a detailed guide on how to defeat Thunderblight Ganon, covering mechanics, strategies, tips, and preparation.

Thunderblight Ganon has three main phases, each with distinct attack patterns and mechanics. In the first phase, Thunderblight Ganon will teleport around the arena and attack with a quick sword slash. It will also summon electrical orbs that hover in the air and can be used against you. The key to this phase is timing your dodges correctly to trigger a Flurry Rush, which allows you to deal significant damage. Equip a one-handed weapon for faster attacks and better mobility. Shields are also useful for blocking its sword strikes, but be cautious as its attacks can break weaker shields.

In the second phase, Thunderblight Ganon will start using its electrical abilities more aggressively. It will drop metal pillars into the arena and charge them with electricity, creating a dangerous area of effect. To counter this, use Magnesis to grab one of the metal pillars and move it close to Thunderblight Ganon. When it charges the pillars with electricity, it will shock itself, leaving it vulnerable to attacks. This is your opportunity to deal as much damage as possible. Make sure to have a strong weapon equipped for this phase, as you want to maximize the damage during its vulnerable state.

The third phase is similar to the first but with increased aggression and speed. Thunderblight Ganon will continue to teleport and attack with its sword, but it will also summon more electrical orbs. Stay focused on dodging and countering its attacks with Flurry Rushes. If you have any electric-resistant armor or elixirs, now is the time to use them. The Rubber Armor set, which can be obtained from completing certain shrines, is particularly effective in reducing electrical damage.

Preparation is crucial for this fight. Before entering the Divine Beast, make sure you have plenty of healing items, such as hearty meals or fairies. Cooking dishes with ingredients like Hearty Radishes or Durians can provide extra hearts and temporary bonuses. Additionally, stock up on weapons with high durability and damage output. Weapons like the Master Sword or Guardian weapons are excellent choices. If you have the Master Sword, it will deal extra damage to Thunderblight Ganon since it is a Ganon-related enemy.

One common mistake players make is underestimating Thunderblight Ganon's speed and aggression. It is essential to stay calm and focused during the fight. Avoid panic-dodging, as this can lead to mistimed counters and unnecessary damage. Another mistake is not using Magnesis effectively in the second phase. Failing to use the metal pillars to your advantage can prolong the fight and make it more difficult.

For advanced players, there are optimizations that can make the fight easier. Using Urbosa's Fury, the ability granted by freeing Vah Naboris, can deal massive damage to Thunderblight Ganon and stun it temporarily. This ability can be a game-changer, especially in the later phases of the fight. Additionally, using elemental arrows, such as Bomb Arrows or Shock Arrows, can help deal extra damage from a distance. However, be cautious with Shock Arrows, as they can be risky to use against an electrical enemy.

Alternative approaches include using stealth to avoid some of Thunderblight Ganon's attacks. While this is not always practical, it can be useful in certain situations. For example, using stealth to avoid its initial teleportation attacks can give you a better position to counter. Additionally, using environmental objects, such as the metal pillars, creatively can provide unexpected advantages.

In summary, defeating Thunderblight Ganon requires a combination of preparation, timing, and strategy. Focus on dodging its attacks, using Magnesis to counter its electrical abilities, and dealing as much damage as possible during its vulnerable moments. With the right preparation and execution, you can overcome this challenging boss and free Divine Beast Vah Naboris.