Should You Wait to Beat Ganon? A Zelda Expert’s Guide
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The short answer is no, you shouldn’t necessarily wait to beat Ganon. Both in Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, the game is designed so that defeating the final boss early doesn’t lock you out of content. In fact, delaying the inevitable might actually detract from your overall experience, especially if you plan on engaging with the DLC or want to see the completion percentage on your map tick upwards. The game acknowledges your victory with a star on your save file, allowing you to jump back in and tackle any remaining side quests, shrines, or Korok Seeds with that satisfying knowledge under your belt. The Zelda games are about exploration and discovery, and sometimes, defeating Ganon early allows you to approach the post-game world with a fresh perspective, empowered by your newfound knowledge.
Why Delaying Ganon Might Not Be the Best Choice
Let’s break down why putting off the final fight might not be the optimal strategy for all players.
- DLC Integration: If you own the DLC for Breath of the Wild, it’s explicitly designed to be played before facing Ganon. The added quests, items, and the Trial of the Sword are meant to enhance your journey, not be a post-game afterthought. Completing the DLC beforehand adds to the narrative and character development, and directly prepares you to take on Ganon.
- Content Unlocks: Beating Ganon unlocks certain content in the game. In Breath of the Wild, it’s mainly the completion percentage on your map, and some dialogue changes from NPCs acknowledging your heroic feat. In Tears of the Kingdom, similar unlocks occur, further motivating you to explore every nook and cranny of Hyrule. Delaying the fight delays these unlocks.
- Experiential Freedom: Some players find a sense of freedom in knowing they’ve already defeated the ultimate evil. It allows them to approach side quests and exploration with a different mindset, free from the looming threat. It’s a psychological advantage that can enhance your enjoyment of the game.
Preparing for Ganon: More Important Than Delaying the Fight
Rather than focusing on delaying the fight, concentrate on preparing for it. This includes:
- Completing Shrines: More hearts and stamina are always beneficial. 30 hearts should be more than enough to defeat Calamity Ganon.
- Upgrading Armor: Invest in upgrading your armor at the Great Fairy Fountains. A high defense stat makes a significant difference in the final battle.
- Acquiring Powerful Weapons: The Master Sword is a significant asset, dealing extra damage to Ganon and Blight-controlled monsters. Other powerful weapons like the Ancient Short Sword or Royal Guard weapons can also be invaluable.
- Cooking Buffs: Meals that provide attack boosts, defense boosts, or temporary hearts are crucial for survival. Sundelions are especially important in Tears of the Kingdom to counter Gloom damage.
- Completing Side Quests: Many side quests offer valuable rewards, such as powerful armor pieces, weapons, or essential items.
What Happens After You Defeat Ganon?
As mentioned before, defeating Ganon doesn’t end your game. You are returned to your last save point before the final battle, but with a star on your save file indicating your victory. This allows you to:
- Continue Exploring: You can still complete any remaining quests, find Korok Seeds, and explore undiscovered areas of Hyrule.
- Track Completion: Breath of the Wild shows your completion percentage on the map, motivating you to find every shrine, location, and Korok Seed.
- Experience Dialogue Changes: Some NPCs will acknowledge your victory over Ganon, adding a layer of immersion to the post-game world.
Ultimately, the decision of when to face Ganon is a personal one. However, the game’s design strongly encourages you to do what feels natural. If you’re ready and confident, don’t hesitate to challenge Ganon. The world of Hyrule awaits, both before and after your epic showdown. Consider the insights offered by organizations like the Games Learning Society, accessible at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/, which study the educational and cultural impact of video games.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How early can I fight Ganondorf?
Both Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom allow you to head straight to the final boss after completing the initial tutorial area. The challenge lies in surviving the journey and the fight itself with minimal preparation.
2. Should I beat Ganon before DLC?
Yes, all DLC is meant to be done before facing Ganon. It’s specifically designed to enhance your experience leading up to the final battle.
3. What changes and doesn’t change after defeating Ganon?
Everything you didn’t do before the final battle, you can still do afterward. This includes side quests, shrine quests, opening new shrines, finding Korok Seeds, and more. The main change is the star on your save file.
4. Can I continue my save after defeating Ganon?
Yes, you absolutely can. Your save will simply have a star next to it.
5. What happens if I beat Calamity Ganon twice?
There is no “after” you beat Ganon a second time. The game sends you back to your last save before the fight, but the star remains on your save file.
6. What should I do before facing Ganondorf?
Focus on preparation: Defeat the Divine Beasts (if applicable), complete the Captured Memories questline, upgrade your armor, get the Master Sword, buy ancient arrows, and complete shrines for health.
7. Can you Flurry Rush Ganon?
Yes, the first round of the fight is very similar to the Phantom Ganon fight, where perfectly timed dodges allow for Flurry Rushes.
8. What is the best armor to fight Ganon?
Ancient Armor is an optimal choice due to Ganon’s reliance on ancient tech. Other sets like the Champion’s Tunic and fully upgraded Hylian or Soldier Armor also work well.
9. Does gloom resistance work against Ganondorf?
Gloom resistance will not work directly against Ganondorf’s attacks, only the effect of standing in the gloom on the arena floor in Tears of the Kingdom.
10. What is the easiest Ganon to fight?
Fireblight Ganon is often considered the easiest due to his slow movements and predictable attacks.
11. Is Ganon stronger during Blood Moon?
Previously in Breath of the Wild, the Blood Moon had a canonical explanation of Calamity Ganon’s power becoming temporarily stronger, escaping just enough from Princess Zelda’s hold to exert control over the moon.
12. Can you get 40 hearts in Tears of the Kingdom?
Yes, currently, the maximum amount of resources Link can hold at one time is 40 Hearts and 2 and a half full Stamina Wheels or 38 Hearts and 3 full Stamina Wheels.
13. Should I prioritize health or stamina in Zelda?
Early on, prioritizing health can be beneficial as it helps you survive enemy attacks. However, both are crucial for exploration and combat, so a balanced approach is recommended.
14. What weapons do I need to defeat Ganon?
The Master Sword is highly recommended due to its bonus damage against Ganon. Other powerful weapons include Ancient weapons, Royal Guard weapons, and elemental weapons.
15. Can Ganondorf be killed without the Master Sword?
Yes. While the Master Sword does extra damage, it’s quite possible to defeat Ganon with conventional weapons. Speedrunners often use weapons found in Hyrule Castle. GamesLearningSociety.org highlights the educational and cultural impact of these strategic choices.