What is the recommended number of hearts to fight Calamity Ganon in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild?

To fight Calamity Ganon in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, the recommended number of hearts is at least 13, though having more can make the battle significantly easier. This recommendation takes into account the difficulty of the fight, the damage Ganon can deal, and the need for survivability. However, the number of hearts you need can vary depending on your skill level, preparation, and whether you have completed the Divine Beasts.

Calamity Ganon is the final boss of the game, and the fight is divided into two phases. The first phase involves battling Ganon in his corrupted form, while the second phase is a more cinematic battle against Dark Beast Ganon. The first phase is the more challenging part, as Ganon has a variety of attacks that can deal significant damage. These include melee attacks, ranged energy blasts, and area-of-effect attacks. Having enough hearts ensures you can survive these attacks and recover if you make mistakes.

To prepare for the fight, you should focus on both increasing your health and improving your equipment. Start by completing shrines to collect Spirit Orbs, which can be exchanged for heart containers at Goddess Statues. You can also cook hearty meals, such as dishes made with Hearty Radishes or Durians, which provide temporary extra hearts. These meals can give you a significant health boost during the fight.

In terms of equipment, having strong weapons, shields, and armor is crucial. The Master Sword is highly recommended, as it deals extra damage to Ganon and has a high durability. If you havenÔÇÖt obtained the Master Sword, make sure to bring powerful weapons like Royal Broadswords or Savage Lynel Swords. For armor, the Ancient Set from the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab is ideal, as it provides high defense and a bonus against GanonÔÇÖs attacks. If you donÔÇÖt have the Ancient Set, any high-defense armor will work, but make sure to upgrade it at Great Fairy Fountains.

Another important aspect of preparation is completing the Divine Beasts. Each Divine Beast you free weakens Ganon by removing a portion of his health bar at the start of the fight. If you free all four Divine Beasts, Ganon will start the battle with only half of his health, making the fight much more manageable. Additionally, completing the Divine Beasts grants you powerful abilities like RevaliÔÇÖs Gale, UrbosaÔÇÖs Fury, and MiphaÔÇÖs Grace, which can be invaluable during the battle.

During the fight, focus on dodging GanonÔÇÖs attacks and looking for openings to strike. Use your shield to block his melee attacks and parry his energy blasts. If you have UrbosaÔÇÖs Fury, use it to deal massive damage and stun Ganon. MiphaÔÇÖs Grace can save you if you take too much damage, so make sure itÔÇÖs available before starting the fight. RevaliÔÇÖs Gale can help you gain altitude for aerial attacks or to avoid GanonÔÇÖs area-of-effect attacks.

One common mistake is rushing into the fight without proper preparation. Make sure you have plenty of healing items, such as cooked meals and fairies, to recover health during the battle. Another mistake is not using the environment to your advantage. The arena has pillars and walls that can be used to block GanonÔÇÖs attacks or create distance if you need to heal.

For advanced players, you can attempt to defeat Ganon with fewer hearts by relying on perfect dodges and parries to avoid damage entirely. This requires precise timing and a deep understanding of GanonÔÇÖs attack patterns. Additionally, using Ancient Arrows can deal significant damage to Ganon, especially if you aim for his weak points.

In summary, while 13 hearts are recommended for fighting Calamity Ganon, the key to success lies in preparation and strategy. Complete the Divine Beasts, gather strong weapons and armor, and stock up on healing items. Use your abilities wisely and focus on dodging and countering GanonÔÇÖs attacks. With the right preparation, you can defeat Calamity Ganon and save Hyrule.