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

Defeating Calamity Ganon in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is the final challenge of the game and requires a combination of preparation, skill, and strategy. The battle takes place in Hyrule Castle, and the difficulty of the fight depends on how much of the game you have completed beforehand. If you have freed all four Divine Beasts, the fight will be significantly easier, as they will weaken Ganon before the battle begins. Here is a detailed guide on how to defeat Calamity Ganon.

First, preparation is key. Before heading to Hyrule Castle, make sure you have strong weapons, armor, and plenty of healing items. 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, bring high-damage weapons like Royal Guard or Savage Lynel weapons. Equip armor with high defense, such as the Ancient Armor set, which also provides resistance against Ganon's attacks. Cook meals that restore a lot of hearts, such as hearty durians or hearty radishes, and prepare elixirs that boost your defense or attack power. Additionally, stock up on arrows, especially ancient arrows, as they are effective against Ganon.

When you enter the Sanctum of Hyrule Castle, the battle with Calamity Ganon begins. The fight is divided into two phases. In the first phase, Ganon will use a variety of attacks, including melee swings, energy blasts, and area-of-effect attacks. His attacks are telegraphed, so watch for his movements and dodge or parry accordingly. Use your shield to parry his energy blasts back at him, which will stun him and leave him open to attacks. If you have the Master Sword, use it to deal consistent damage. If not, use your strongest weapons and aim for his weak points, such as his glowing eye.

During the first phase, Ganon will also summon elemental attacks, such as fire, ice, and lightning. Use the environment to your advantage by hiding behind pillars or using the updrafts created by his fire attacks to glide and shoot arrows at him. If you have the corresponding elemental arrows, use them to counter his attacks. For example, use ice arrows to extinguish his fire attacks or shock arrows to disrupt his lightning attacks. Keep moving to avoid his area-of-effect attacks and use your bow to target his weak points when he is vulnerable.

After dealing enough damage, the second phase of the battle begins. In this phase, Ganon transforms into a massive beast and the fight moves to an open area outside Hyrule Castle. You will need to use your horse or the Divine Beasts' abilities to keep up with him. The key to this phase is using your bow to shoot the glowing weak points on his body. Aim for the glowing spots on his legs and back, and use the updrafts created by his fire attacks to get a better angle. If you have the Divine Beasts' abilities, use them to deal massive damage and stun him. For example, Urbosa's Fury can stun him, allowing you to land multiple hits.

One common mistake to avoid is running out of arrows or healing items. Make sure you have plenty of both before starting the fight. Another mistake is not using the environment to your advantage. The pillars in the Sanctum and the updrafts in the second phase can provide cover and opportunities to attack. Additionally, do not waste your strongest weapons early in the fight. Save them for when Ganon is stunned or vulnerable.

Advanced techniques include perfect dodges and parries, which can give you openings to attack. If you are confident in your timing, use flurry rushes to deal extra damage. You can also use the Stasis rune to freeze Ganon temporarily, giving you a chance to land a few hits. If you have the Ancient Armor set and ancient weapons, they deal extra damage to Ganon, making the fight easier.

In terms of alternative approaches, you can choose to fight Ganon without freeing the Divine Beasts, but this will make the fight much harder. Ganon will have full health, and you will not have the assistance of the Divine Beasts' abilities. However, this approach is possible if you are looking for a greater challenge. Another alternative is to use stealth to avoid some of the enemies in Hyrule Castle before reaching Ganon, conserving your resources for the final battle.

In conclusion, defeating Calamity Ganon requires preparation, skill, and strategy. Equip strong weapons and armor, stock up on healing items and arrows, and use the environment to your advantage. Watch for Ganon's attack patterns and use your abilities wisely. With the right approach, you can defeat Calamity Ganon and save Hyrule.