What is the best way to defeat the Blight Ganons in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild?

Defeating the Blight Ganons in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is a critical part of the game's main story. Each Blight Ganon is a unique boss found inside one of the four Divine Beasts, and they serve as major obstacles in Link's quest to free Hyrule from Calamity Ganon's influence. Each Blight Ganon has distinct attack patterns and weaknesses, so understanding their mechanics and preparing accordingly is key to success. Here's a detailed guide on how to defeat them effectively.

First, let's discuss the mechanics of each Blight Ganon. There are four Blight Ganons: Windblight Ganon (Vah Medoh), Waterblight Ganon (Vah Ruta), Fireblight Ganon (Vah Rudania), and Thunderblight Ganon (Vah Naboris). Each one has a unique set of attacks and requires different strategies to defeat. For example, Windblight Ganon uses ranged attacks and teleportation, while Thunderblight Ganon is fast and uses electricity-based attacks. Understanding these patterns is crucial for planning your approach.

Preparation is essential before facing any Blight Ganon. Stock up on healing items like hearty meals or elixirs, as these battles can be intense. Cooking dishes with hearty ingredients, such as hearty radishes or durians, will give you extra hearts and temporary boosts. Additionally, having weapons with high durability and damage output is important. Elemental weapons, such as fire or ice arrows, can be particularly effective against certain Blights. For example, fire arrows are useful against Waterblight Ganon, while shock arrows can help with Thunderblight Ganon.

Now, let's go through step-by-step strategies for each Blight Ganon. For Windblight Ganon, focus on using ranged attacks. Equip a strong bow and plenty of arrows. When Windblight Ganon teleports, use the updrafts created by its attacks to glide and slow time, allowing you to land precise shots. Aim for its eye to deal significant damage. During the second phase, it will summon tornadoes. Use the updrafts to avoid these and continue attacking from the air.

Waterblight Ganon requires a mix of ranged and melee combat. In the first phase, use arrows to hit its eye and stun it, then close in for melee attacks. In the second phase, it will create ice blocks and throw them at you. Use Cryonis to break the ice blocks and create platforms to reach higher ground. This will give you a better vantage point to continue attacking with arrows.

Fireblight Ganon is weak to ice-based attacks. Use ice arrows or weapons to deal extra damage. In the first phase, it will swing its weapon and create fireballs. Dodge these attacks and counter with your own strikes. In the second phase, it will create a shield of fire. Use ice arrows to break the shield and expose its weak point. Be cautious of its explosive attacks and keep your distance when necessary.

Thunderblight Ganon is the most challenging due to its speed and electrical attacks. In the first phase, it will dash around and strike with its weapon. Use perfect dodges to trigger Flurry Rush and counterattack. In the second phase, it will drop metal pillars and electrify them. Use Magnesis to move a pillar near it, causing it to be struck by its own lightning. This will stun it, allowing you to attack. Keep your shield ready to block its rapid strikes.

Common mistakes to avoid include underestimating the Blight Ganons' speed and attack power. Rushing into battle without proper preparation can lead to quick defeats. Always ensure you have enough healing items and strong weapons. Another mistake is not using the environment to your advantage. For example, failing to use Cryonis against Waterblight Ganon's ice blocks or not utilizing Magnesis against Thunderblight Ganon's metal pillars can make the battles much harder.

Advanced techniques include mastering perfect dodges and parries. These skills are especially useful against Thunderblight Ganon, as they allow you to counter its fast attacks. Additionally, using Urbosa's Fury, a power granted after freeing Vah Naboris, can deal massive damage to any Blight Ganon. Combining this with other Champion abilities, such as Revali's Gale or Mipha's Grace, can give you a significant edge in battle.

Required items and preparation include strong bows, arrows (especially elemental ones), and high-damage melee weapons. Armor with high defense or specific resistances, such as the Rubber Set for Thunderblight Ganon, can also be beneficial. Cooking meals that provide extra hearts, stamina, or temporary boosts to attack or defense is highly recommended.

Alternative approaches include using stealth to avoid some attacks or relying heavily on ranged combat to minimize close-quarters danger. For example, staying at a distance and using bomb arrows can be effective against Windblight Ganon. Additionally, using the environment creatively, such as hiding behind pillars or using the Divine Beast's layout to your advantage, can help you survive longer.

Specific examples and scenarios include the fight against Thunderblight Ganon in Vah Naboris. This battle is often considered the most difficult due to its speed and electrical attacks. Using the Rubber Set to reduce electrical damage and practicing perfect dodges can make this fight more manageable. Another example is the fight against Waterblight Ganon in Vah Ruta. Using Cryonis to break ice blocks and create platforms can give you the upper hand in the second phase.

In conclusion, defeating the Blight Ganons requires a combination of preparation, strategy, and skill. Understanding each boss's mechanics, preparing the right items, and using the environment to your advantage are key to success. By following these tips and strategies, you can overcome these challenging battles and progress through the game's main story.