How Many Hits Does Phantom Ganon Take? A Comprehensive Guide
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The number of hits required to defeat Phantom Ganon in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom isn’t a fixed number, primarily because the fight unfolds in multiple phases, and the approach you take significantly influences the outcome. Rather than a set “hit point” count, Phantom Ganon’s defeat is more about exploiting his vulnerabilities and adapting to his changing combat patterns. Let’s delve into the specifics of this challenging encounter.
Initially, you won’t be directly hitting Phantom Ganon. The first phase involves deflecting a gloom projectile he sends your way. You must return this projectile with your sword. It’s not about damage, but about successfully hitting him. He then teleports. This repeats. After three successful rebounds, Phantom Ganon falls off his horse.
Now you face him directly. The amount of damage your sword or weapon deals will depend on the base damage of that weapon and any buffs you may have applied. After enough hits he becomes paralyzed and you can continue to inflict more damage. When his health is reduced by half, he changes his attack style adding a charging attack. The amount of hits will vary, but it will be a combination of sword strikes, perfect dodges and maybe a flurry rush or two, and possibly the use of a shield parry. The total amount of times you hit Phantom Ganon will be higher because of these factors.
The fight is a dance of attack and defense. Instead of counting hits, think in terms of phases and the necessary tactics for each stage.
Understanding the Phantom Ganon Encounter
The Initial Phase
The first part of the encounter requires you to deflect his projectile back at him three times. This phase is not about raw damage, but more about your skill with your sword and timing. Each time you successfully hit him, he moves to a new position.
The Direct Confrontation
After the projectile phase, Phantom Ganon will enter the main area to fight directly. In this phase he does not appear on his horse. This is where damage dealing truly matters. How many hits it takes will depend on:
- Your Weapon: Weapons like the Master Sword (when at full power) or high-damage spears will take fewer hits to defeat Phantom Ganon.
- Attack Power Boosts: Consuming food or elixirs to boost your attack power will also lower the number of hits needed.
- Critical Hits and Flurry Rushes: Landing critical hits and flurry rushes significantly impact the speed of the battle and the amount of times you have to hit Phantom Ganon.
- Parries: Perfect shield parries will expose Phantom Ganon, allowing you to inflict damage for a short time.
Second Stage Attack
Once Phantom Ganon’s health is reduced by half, he gains a new attack style, including a twirling staff charge. He doesn’t get more health.
The Final Blows
Once he’s vulnerable, repeatedly strike with the most powerful weapon you have available to finish the battle.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Phantom Ganon
1. How much damage does Phantom Ganon inflict?
Phantom Ganon can hit with different damage amounts depending on the attack. When attacking directly with his sword, he can deal 4.25 hearts of damage with one upgrade on each piece of the Hylian armor. His charge attack, when he spins his staff, deals 3 hearts of damage.
2. What’s the best way to avoid Phantom Ganon’s attacks?
The best ways to avoid Phantom Ganon’s attacks are to perfectly dodge his melee attacks to activate a Flurry Rush, or time a perfect shield parry. For his charging attack, you can interrupt it by shooting him in the face with an arrow.
3. What’s the ideal armor for the Phantom Ganon fight?
The Of The Depths set is ideal, particularly the Tunic. The Tunic gives a single heart of protection, which helps immensely against Gloom damage.
4. Can I use ancient weapons against Phantom Ganon?
Yes, ancient weapons, including ancient arrows and melee weapons, do work against Phantom Ganon. However, ancient blades do not insta-kill him but cause damage as normal. Ancient weapons and arrows deal significantly more damage than normal weapons
5. Does the Master Sword do extra damage against Phantom Ganon?
Yes, the Master Sword does extra damage to all of the Ganon variants. It is an excellent weapon for this fight.
6. Is it better to use swords or spears against Phantom Ganon?
Spears are recommended. They allow you to attack him from a safer distance, minimizing your exposure to the Gloom he leaves behind and his attacks. Swords work too, but require more close range action.
7. Can I defeat Phantom Ganon without arrows?
Yes, it is possible to beat Phantom Ganon without using arrows. A hookshot can be used instead, but it may be more challenging.
8. Is it possible to Flurry Rush Phantom Ganon?
Yes, Flurry Rushes are very effective against Phantom Ganon. A perfectly timed dodge is essential for triggering a Flurry Rush.
9. What are the rewards for defeating Phantom Ganon?
Phantom Ganon drops Gloom weapons such as the Gloom Sword, Spear, and Club. These weapons have high attack power but also damage Link with Gloom when used.
10. Can the Phantom Ganon armor be enhanced?
No, the Phantom Ganon Armor cannot be enhanced by Great Fairies, and it cannot be dyed. The armor provides Stealth Up.
11. What is the hardest Ganon to fight?
Many players find Thunderblight Ganon the most challenging due to its quick attacks, lightning strikes, and ability to make you drop your weapons.
12. What is the easiest Ganon to fight?
Dark Beast Ganon is generally considered the easiest, being vulnerable to light arrows.
13. Can Ganon be killed permanently?
No, you cannot defeat Ganon permanently in Tears of the Kingdom. After the final battle, the game puts you back before the fight. You will have a star by your game save to signify that the final fight was done, but will not be able to explore the game in an altered state after defeating him.
14. Does Gloom resistance work against all Phantom Ganon attacks?
Gloom resistance does not work against Ganondorf’s attacks themselves. However, Gloom resistance will reduce the damage taken from standing in the Gloom on the arena floor.
15. How do you know which Phantom Ganon is real when they are paired up during the battle?
You will want to stand so that you can see both paintings of Phantom Ganon at once. That way, you can see which one is the real one and react quickly to it.
Conclusion
The battle against Phantom Ganon isn’t about a fixed number of hits but a strategy. By understanding his attack patterns, using the right gear, mastering the dodge, and being skilled with your shield parries you can prevail. Focus on these techniques to take down Phantom Ganon.