Confronting Calamity: Finding Ganon in Tears of the Kingdom
Ganon, the Demon King, is the ultimate antagonist in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. To face him, you must descend into the perilous depths of Hyrule. Specifically, Ganon resides in the sprawling caverns underneath Hyrule Castle. This massive chasm, a gaping wound in the earth, serves as the gateway to the final confrontation.
Descending into Darkness: Reaching the Final Battle
To reach Ganon, you must first navigate the complex network of caves and tunnels that lie beneath Hyrule. The entrance, the Hyrule Castle Chasm, is located directly beneath the castle itself. A recommended entry point is near the coordinates -0259, 0927, -1016. Be prepared for a challenging descent, dodging enemies like Shock Likes and navigating treacherous terrain.
Once you’re deep within the Depths, you’ll need to follow a series of quests and clues, often involving discovering and activating Lightroots to illuminate the darkness and reveal the path forward. The game gradually guides you toward Ganondorf’s location, requiring you to overcome various obstacles and battles along the way. This journey isn’t just about finding Ganon; it’s about becoming strong enough to defeat him.
The Demon King: Ganondorf’s Form and Tactics
In Tears of the Kingdom, Ganondorf takes on the form of the Demon King. The final battle is a multi-stage encounter that tests all the skills you’ve acquired throughout your adventure. In one form, he appears as a monstrous dragon.
A key strategy in the first phase is to target the glowing clusters of “Lovecraftian horror” on his back. You can use ranged attacks with arrows, utilizing the bullet-time mechanic while falling, or jump onto the Demon Dragon’s back for melee attacks, focusing on his “eyeballs”. This requires skillful paragliding, climbing, and combat prowess.
Final Preparations
Before facing Ganon, ensure you are adequately prepared. This means:
- Sufficient Hearts: Aim for at least 20 hearts, although skilled players can manage with fewer.
- Gloom Resistance: Obtain armor or create meals that grant gloom resistance.
- Strong Weapons and Armor: Upgrade your weapons and armor to their maximum potential. The Of The Depths set is useful against gloom and the numerous phantom Ganons.
- Healing Items: Stock up on food and elixirs, especially those that heal gloom damage.
- Fairy Companions: If possible, carry a few fairies to revive you in case of defeat.
- The Master Sword: While not explicitly required, the Master Sword will be beneficial. Make sure to strengthen it by completing the Lost Woods quest and facing Phantom Ganon multiple times.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Ganon in Tears of the Kingdom
1. Can I go straight to Ganon in TotK?
While technically possible to reach the Hyrule Castle Chasm relatively early in the game, it’s strongly discouraged. The difficulty of the enemies and the final boss encounter requires significant preparation and upgrades. You’ll need the paraglider, unlocked after completing the Great Sky Island and Lookout Landing Skyview Tower.
2. Is Ganon the only final boss option in Tears of the Kingdom?
No, Ganondorf is the final boss of the main storyline and is required to complete the game.
3. How many hearts do I need to beat Ganon in Tears of the Kingdom?
A minimum of 20 hearts is recommended for an average player, along with adequate healing items and upgraded armor. However, skilled players can defeat him with fewer hearts.
4. What is the best armor to fight Ganon in Tears of the Kingdom?
The Of The Depths set is highly recommended, providing a heart of protection that can resist gloom. Also, it offers good defense and can be upgraded.
5. Is Ganon alive in Tears of the Kingdom?
Yes, Ganon is very much alive in Tears of the Kingdom. He is resurrected in a human form and seeks to unleash evil through the power of the Blood Moon to control Hyrule.
6. What happens after you beat Ganondorf in TotK?
Similar to Breath of the Wild, there is no true post-game. You are returned to the title screen after the final boss fight and ending cutscenes. The game saves before the final encounter, allowing you to reload and complete any remaining side quests or activities.
7. Is there a true ending to Tears of the Kingdom?
Yes, obtaining the “True” Ending involves completing specific story elements. After the credits roll, the player is treated to an additional, longer cutscene of roughly 6 minutes.
8. What is the “Destroy Ganondorf” quest?
“Destroy Ganondorf” is the final main quest, tasking you with finding and defeating the Demon King. It signifies the culmination of your journey and the final battle against evil.
9. Is Ganon the hardest boss in Tears of the Kingdom?
Yes, Demon King Ganondorf is widely considered the hardest boss in the game. The multi-stage fight requires mastery of combat, strategy, and resource management.
10. How tall is Ganon in Tears of the Kingdom?
While an exact figure is not given in-game, he is significantly taller than Link, who is approximately five feet tall. He is roughly over ten feet tall.
11. Is Ganon a pig or boar in Tears of the Kingdom?
In Tears of the Kingdom, Ganon predominantly appears in his humanoid Demon King form and later as a massive, corrupted dragon. His boar-like form, which was more common in earlier games, is not his primary appearance in this title.
12. What are the main threats in the Depths below Hyrule?
The Depths are filled with perilous threats, including:
- Gloom: Deals damage that reduces your maximum health.
- Enemies: Powerful monsters, including Gloom Hands, Phantom Ganons, and various corrupted creatures.
- Darkness: Makes navigation difficult and obscures threats.
- Environmental Hazards: Poisonous bogs and other dangers.
13. Who is the most evil Ganon in the Zelda series?
The concept of “most evil” is subjective. However, many consider the Ganondorf from Twilight Princess to be particularly malevolent due to his cunning manipulation and ruthless ambition. In Tears of the Kingdom, his motivations and actions cement him as a significant threat to Hyrule.
14. Will there be a sequel to Tears of the Kingdom?
While there is no official confirmation of a direct sequel, Nintendo could easily continue the franchise with more adventures in Hyrule. The story does a good job of finalizing the story and perhaps letting Nintendo move forward to a new timeline in the future.
15. Are Link and Zelda a couple in Tears of the Kingdom?
The relationship between Link and Zelda is intentionally left ambiguous, though it is clear that they share a deep bond of mutual respect and caring. While not explicitly a romantic relationship, their connection is undeniable. The complexities of character relationships and how they affect narrative engagement can also be understood through the research and discussions found within the Games Learning Society and their various projects. You can explore these resources further at GamesLearningSociety.org.