What is the best strategy for defeating Thunderblight Ganon in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild?

Defeating Thunderblight Ganon, the boss of the Divine Beast Vah Naboris, is one of the most challenging encounters in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. This boss is fast, aggressive, and uses electricity-based attacks, making it a formidable opponent. To succeed, you need to understand its mechanics, prepare adequately, and execute a solid strategy. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide to help you defeat Thunderblight Ganon.

Thunderblight Ganon has three distinct phases, each with unique attack patterns and mechanics. In the first phase, it uses a combination of melee attacks and lightning strikes. It will teleport around the arena, making it difficult to land hits. The key to this phase is timing your dodges to trigger Flurry Rush, which allows you to deal significant damage. When Thunderblight Ganon charges its weapon with electricity, it will perform a quick dash attack. Watch for the telltale sparking animation and dodge sideways to avoid it. If you successfully dodge, you can counterattack with a Flurry Rush.

The second phase introduces a new mechanic where Thunderblight Ganon drops metal pillars into the ground and electrifies them. This phase requires you to use Magnesis, one of the Sheikah Slate abilities, to move a metal pillar close to Thunderblight Ganon. When it electrifies the pillars, quickly use Magnesis to lift one and position it near the boss. The electricity will arc to Thunderblight Ganon, stunning it and leaving it vulnerable to attacks. This is your opportunity to deal as much damage as possible. Be careful not to stand too close to the electrified pillars, as they can harm you.

In the third phase, Thunderblight Ganon becomes even more aggressive and combines its previous attacks with faster movements. It will continue to teleport and use lightning-based attacks, so maintaining your focus is crucial. Keep your shield up and be ready to dodge at a momentÔÇÖs notice. If you have any remaining arrows, especially bomb arrows, this is a good time to use them. Aim for its eye to stagger it and create openings for melee attacks.

Preparation is key to defeating Thunderblight Ganon. Before entering the battle, ensure you have a strong weapon, such as a Royal Broadsword or a Savage Lynel Sword, and a durable shield. Equip armor with high defense, like the Ancient Armor set, or gear that provides electricity resistance, such as the Rubber Armor set. Cooking meals that boost your defense or provide electricity resistance, like Electro Elixirs or dishes made with Voltfruit and Zapshrooms, can also give you an edge. Additionally, stock up on healing items, such as Hearty Durians or cooked meals that restore a lot of health.

One common mistake is underestimating Thunderblight GanonÔÇÖs speed and aggression. ItÔÇÖs easy to get overwhelmed if youÔÇÖre not prepared for its rapid movements and powerful attacks. Another mistake is not using Magnesis effectively in the second phase. Failing to stun Thunderblight Ganon with the metal pillars can prolong the fight and drain your resources. Additionally, avoid using metal weapons or shields during the fight, as they can conduct electricity and harm you.

For advanced players, mastering perfect dodges and parries can make the fight much easier. Perfectly timed dodges allow you to trigger Flurry Rush consistently, while parries can deflect Thunderblight GanonÔÇÖs attacks and create openings. If youÔÇÖre confident in your combat skills, you can also use UrbosaÔÇÖs Fury, a Champion ability obtained after freeing Vah Naboris, to deal massive damage and stun Thunderblight Ganon.

An alternative approach is to use elemental arrows, such as shock arrows or bomb arrows, to deal damage from a distance. This can be particularly useful if youÔÇÖre struggling with close-quarters combat. Additionally, using the Master Sword, if youÔÇÖve obtained it, can be highly effective, as it deals extra damage to GanonÔÇÖs minions.

In summary, defeating Thunderblight Ganon requires a combination of preparation, timing, and strategy. Equip the right gear, cook beneficial meals, and practice your dodges and parries. Use Magnesis effectively in the second phase, and donÔÇÖt hesitate to use powerful weapons or abilities like UrbosaÔÇÖs Fury. With patience and persistence, youÔÇÖll overcome this challenging boss and free Vah Naboris from GanonÔÇÖs control.