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

Defeating Thunderblight Ganon in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is one of the more challenging boss fights in the game, especially for players who are not prepared. Thunderblight Ganon is the boss of the Divine Beast Vah Naboris, and it is known for its speed and electrical attacks. Here is a detailed guide on how to defeat Thunderblight Ganon, covering mechanics, strategies, tips, and preparation.

First, letÔÇÖs talk about the mechanics of the fight. Thunderblight Ganon has three distinct phases, each with its own attack patterns and challenges. In the first phase, Thunderblight Ganon will teleport around the arena and attack with a lightning-infused sword. It moves quickly, making it difficult to land hits. In the second phase, it will summon metal pillars that it electrifies, forcing you to use Magnesis to move them and create an opening. The third phase is similar to the first but with added electrical attacks that can stun you if youÔÇÖre not careful.

To prepare for the fight, youÔÇÖll want to have a few key items. First, make sure you have a good supply of healing items, such as hearty meals or elixirs. Thunderblight Ganon hits hard, and youÔÇÖll need to heal frequently. Second, equip armor with high defense or resistance to electricity. The Rubber Armor set, which can be found in various shrines, is particularly useful as it reduces electrical damage. If you donÔÇÖt have the full set, at least equip the Rubber Helm or Rubber Tights. Additionally, bring weapons with high durability and damage output, as Thunderblight Ganon has a lot of health. A shield is also useful for blocking its attacks, though be cautious as its electrical attacks can still stun you even if you block.

Now, letÔÇÖs go through the fight step by step. In the first phase, Thunderblight Ganon will teleport around the arena and attack with its lightning sword. The key here is to stay calm and wait for it to attack. When it teleports close to you, it will usually perform a quick slash. Dodge this attack by backflipping or sidestepping at the right moment to trigger a Flurry Rush. This will allow you to land several hits before it can recover. Repeat this process until Thunderblight GanonÔÇÖs health is reduced to about half, triggering the second phase.

In the second phase, Thunderblight Ganon will summon metal pillars and electrify them. This is where Magnesis comes into play. Use Magnesis to grab one of the metal pillars and position it close to Thunderblight Ganon. When it electrifies the pillars, the electricity will arc to the pillar youÔÇÖre holding, shocking Thunderblight Ganon and stunning it. This is your chance to attack. Run up to it and land as many hits as possible before it recovers. Repeat this process until Thunderblight GanonÔÇÖs health is nearly depleted, triggering the third phase.

The third phase is similar to the first, but Thunderblight Ganon will now use more aggressive electrical attacks. It will summon lightning bolts that strike the ground, creating shockwaves. These can stun you if youÔÇÖre hit, so keep moving and avoid standing in one place for too long. Continue using the same strategy as in the first phase, dodging its attacks and countering with Flurry Rushes. Be patient and avoid getting greedy with your attacks, as Thunderblight Ganon can quickly turn the tide if youÔÇÖre not careful.

One common mistake players make is not managing their stamina properly. Thunderblight GanonÔÇÖs attacks can drain your stamina if youÔÇÖre not careful, leaving you vulnerable. Make sure to keep an eye on your stamina wheel and avoid overusing it during dodges. Another mistake is not using the environment to your advantage. In the second phase, failing to use Magnesis effectively can prolong the fight and make it more difficult. Always be ready to use Magnesis as soon as the metal pillars appear.

For advanced players, there are a few optimizations you can make. If you have the Master Sword, itÔÇÖs a great weapon to use against Thunderblight Ganon, as it deals extra damage to GanonÔÇÖs minions. Additionally, if you have the Stasis+ upgrade, you can use it to freeze Thunderblight Ganon temporarily, giving you a chance to land a few extra hits. This can be particularly useful in the third phase when itÔÇÖs more aggressive.

In terms of alternative approaches, some players prefer to use ranged weapons like bows to deal damage from a distance. This can be effective, especially if you have arrows that deal extra damage, such as Bomb Arrows or Shock Arrows. However, be cautious with Shock Arrows, as Thunderblight Ganon is resistant to electrical damage. Another alternative is to use UrbosaÔÇÖs Fury, the ability granted by completing Vah Naboris, to deal massive damage in a short amount of time. This can be a game-changer if youÔÇÖre struggling with the fight.

In conclusion, defeating Thunderblight Ganon requires preparation, patience, and a good understanding of its attack patterns. Make sure to bring healing items, equip the right armor, and use Magnesis effectively in the second phase. Avoid common mistakes like mismanaging stamina and not using the environment to your advantage. With the right strategy and a bit of practice, youÔÇÖll be able to defeat Thunderblight Ganon and free Vah Naboris from GanonÔÇÖs control.