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.

First, letÔÇÖs talk about the mechanics of the fight. Thunderblight Ganon has three distinct phases, each with unique attack patterns. In the first phase, it will teleport around the arena and attack with a quick sword slash. It also uses a shield to block your attacks, making it difficult to land hits. In the second phase, it will summon metal pillars and electrify them, forcing you to avoid the area or get shocked. In the third phase, it becomes more aggressive, combining its previous attacks with faster movements and more frequent teleportation.

To prepare for this fight, you should have a good supply of healing items, such as hearty meals or elixirs. Cooking dishes with hearty ingredients like hearty radishes or durians will give you extra hearts, which can be crucial in this battle. Additionally, having shock-resistant armor or elixirs is highly recommended, as Thunderblight GanonÔÇÖs attacks deal electrical damage. The Rubber Armor set, found in various shrines, is particularly useful for this fight. If you donÔÇÖt have the full set, even one or two pieces will help reduce the damage you take.

Now, letÔÇÖs go through the fight step by step. In the first phase, Thunderblight Ganon will teleport around the arena and attack with a sword. The key here is to time your dodges correctly. When it teleports close to you, wait for it to swing its sword, then perform a perfect dodge to trigger a flurry rush. This will allow you to land several hits without taking damage. If youÔÇÖre not confident in your dodging skills, you can also use a shield to block its attacks, but be careful, as its strikes can break weaker shields quickly.

In the second phase, Thunderblight Ganon will summon metal pillars and electrify them. This is where the Magnesis rune comes into play. Use Magnesis to grab one of the metal pillars and move it close to Thunderblight Ganon. When it electrifies the pillars, the electricity will arc to the one youÔÇÖre holding, shocking Thunderblight Ganon and stunning it. This is your chance to attack. Repeat this process until you deplete its health and move to the third phase.

The third phase is similar to the first, but Thunderblight Ganon is faster and more aggressive. It will teleport more frequently and may combine its sword attacks with electrical bursts. Continue using perfect dodges to trigger flurry rushes, and keep an eye on your health. If you have any shock-resistant gear or elixirs, now is the time to rely on them. Stay patient and focus on dodging and counterattacking.

One common mistake players make is rushing in without proper preparation. Thunderblight GanonÔÇÖs speed and electrical attacks can quickly overwhelm you if youÔÇÖre not ready. Make sure to stock up on healing items and have shock-resistant gear before starting the fight. Another mistake is not using Magnesis effectively in the second phase. If you donÔÇÖt stun Thunderblight Ganon by shocking it with the metal pillars, the fight will drag on, and youÔÇÖll take unnecessary damage.

For advanced players, there are a few optimizations you can make. If you have the Master Sword, itÔÇÖs a great weapon to use in this fight, as it deals extra damage to GanonÔÇÖs minions. Additionally, if youÔÇÖve upgraded your Stasis rune, you can use it to freeze Thunderblight Ganon temporarily, giving you a chance to land a few hits. This can be especially useful in the third phase when itÔÇÖs moving quickly.

If youÔÇÖre struggling with the fight, there are alternative approaches you can try. For example, you can use bomb arrows to deal damage from a distance, though this requires careful timing to avoid wasting arrows. Another option is to use a two-handed weapon to break Thunderblight GanonÔÇÖs shield, though this leaves you vulnerable to counterattacks. Experiment with different strategies to find what works best for your playstyle.

In summary, defeating Thunderblight Ganon requires preparation, patience, and quick reflexes. Stock up on healing items, equip shock-resistant gear, and practice your dodging and Magnesis skills. Focus on stunning Thunderblight Ganon in the second phase and use flurry rushes to deal damage in the first and third phases. Avoid common mistakes like rushing in unprepared or neglecting to use Magnesis effectively. With the right strategy and preparation, you can overcome Thunderblight Ganon and free Divine Beast Vah Naboris.