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

Defeating Calamity Ganon without freeing all the Divine Beasts in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is entirely possible, but it is significantly more challenging. The Divine Beasts weaken Ganon by reducing his health pool and disabling certain abilities, so skipping them means you will face a stronger version of the final boss. Here is a detailed guide on how to approach this challenge.

First, understand the mechanics of the fight. Calamity Ganon has two phases. In the first phase, he uses a variety of attacks, including melee strikes, energy blasts, and elemental attacks. If you have not freed the Divine Beasts, he will have full health and access to all his abilities. In the second phase, he transforms into a massive beast, and you must use the Bow of Light to target his weak points. Without the Divine Beasts, this phase is more intense, as you will need to land more hits to defeat him.

Preparation is key. Before entering Hyrule Castle, ensure you have the best equipment and resources. A strong weapon, such as the Master Sword, is highly recommended. The Master Sword deals extra damage to Ganon and does not break during the fight. If you do not have the Master Sword, stock up on high-damage weapons like Royal Guard or Savage Lynel weapons. Armor is also crucial. The Ancient Armor set, upgraded at least twice, provides excellent defense and resistance against Ganon's attacks. Alternatively, the Barbarian Armor set boosts your attack power, which can help you deal more damage.

Stock up on healing items. Cook hearty ingredients like Hearty Durians or Big Hearty Radishes to create meals that fully restore your health and provide extra hearts. Elixirs made with high-tier monster parts and critters can also boost your defense or attack. Bring plenty of arrows, especially Ancient Arrows, which deal massive damage to Ganon. If you have the DLC, the Ancient Horse Gear can make traveling to the castle easier, but it is not necessary.

When you enter Hyrule Castle, avoid unnecessary fights to conserve resources. Use stealth or climb around enemies to reach the Sanctum, where Ganon awaits. Once the battle begins, focus on dodging his attacks and countering with flurry rushes. Ganon's attacks are telegraphed, so watch his movements carefully. Use your shield to parry his energy blasts, and when he charges at you, dodge sideways to trigger a flurry rush. If you have Urbosa's Fury from freeing Vah Naboris, use it to stun him and deal significant damage. However, if you have not freed any Divine Beasts, you will need to rely on your weapons and skills.

In the second phase, Ganon transforms into a massive beast, and you must use the Bow of Light to target his glowing weak points. Without the Divine Beasts, you will need to land more hits to defeat him. Use your horse to stay mobile and avoid his attacks. Aim for the glowing spots on his body, and when he charges his laser attack, shoot the glowing spot on his head to stun him. This will give you an opportunity to land more hits. Be patient and focus on accuracy, as running out of arrows can be disastrous.

Common mistakes include rushing into the fight unprepared or wasting resources on unnecessary battles. Avoid using weak weapons or armor, as Ganon's attacks can quickly deplete your health. Do not forget to bring plenty of healing items and arrows, as running out mid-fight can leave you vulnerable. Another mistake is panicking during the second phase. Stay calm, focus on your aim, and take your time to land precise shots.

Advanced techniques include using the environment to your advantage. During the first phase, you can use the pillars in the Sanctum to block Ganon's attacks. In the second phase, use your horse to stay mobile and avoid his attacks. If you have the DLC, the Master Cycle Zero can be a useful alternative to a horse. Additionally, if you have the Champion's Tunic, it will show Ganon's health, allowing you to track your progress and adjust your strategy accordingly.

Alternative approaches include using Ancient Arrows to deal massive damage to Ganon. These arrows are expensive to craft but can significantly shorten the fight. If you have the DLC, the Phantom Armor set provides a significant attack boost, which can help you deal more damage. Another approach is to focus on upgrading your armor and weapons before the fight. Fully upgrading the Ancient Armor set provides excellent defense and resistance, making the fight more manageable.

In conclusion, defeating Calamity Ganon without freeing all the Divine Beasts is a challenging but achievable task. Preparation, patience, and skill are key to overcoming this formidable foe. By following these strategies and tips, you can take on Ganon and save Hyrule, even without the aid of the Divine Beasts.