Conquer Waterblight Ganon: A Gear Guide for Zelda’s Aquatic Terror

So, you’re gearing up to face Waterblight Ganon in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild? Smart move! Proper preparation is key to victory. To make things clear from the get-go, here’s what you need to significantly increase your chances of success: A powerful bow, a generous stock of arrows (especially Bomb Arrows and Shock Arrows, if available), and armor that provides sufficient defense. Let’s dive into each element in detail.

Essential Gear for Subduing the Aquatic Blight

Bows: Range and Power are Your Allies

The primary weapon against Waterblight Ganon is undoubtedly your bow. His floating form and later arena restrictions demand ranged combat. Here’s what to look for:

• High Attack Power: The higher the better. A bow with an attack power of 30 or more will make a noticeable difference in how quickly you can whittle down his health. Consider bows like the Royal Bow, Knight’s Bow, or even a Gerudo Bow.

• Range: While not as critical as attack power, a bow with decent range will make it easier to hit him from a distance, especially when platforms are limited during the second phase.

Arrows: The Ammunition Arsenal

Arrows are your bread and butter. Don’t skimp on these!

• Bomb Arrows: These deal significant damage and are invaluable for quickly taking down Waterblight Ganon. Aim for his eye for critical hits.

• Shock Arrows: If you have any left over from activating the terminals inside Vah Ruta, they will deal extra damage. They are most useful for stunning him or disrupting his attacks.

• Regular Arrows: Don’t underestimate the power of a good, old-fashioned arrow. Buying a large quantity of regular arrows is always a good idea, as they are reliable and affordable.

• Ancient Arrows: (Optional, but HIGHLY effective) If you’ve progressed Robbie’s research at the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab, Ancient Arrows are a devastating option. They deal massive damage to Blight Ganons, but remember, you can’t recover items from monsters defeated with them.

Armor: Defense and Elemental Resistance

While Waterblight Ganon’s attacks are telegraphed, getting hit can still be painful. Here’s what armor to prioritize:

• High Defense Armor: The Hylian Armor Set or Knight Armor Set are good choices for general defense. Upgrade them at the Great Fairy Fountains for even more protection.

• Zora Armor: This armor, obtained during the Vah Ruta questline, isn’t just for show. The ability to swim up waterfalls is helpful for navigating the arena and can give you a temporary escape from his attacks.

• Elemental Resistance Armor: While not essential, armor that provides resistance to water can offer a slight edge. However, focusing on pure defense is generally more effective.

Other Useful Items

• Food: Cook meals that provide attack boosts or defense boosts. These can significantly increase your damage output or survivability. Look for recipes that use ingredients like Mighty Bananas for an attack boost or Armored Porgy for a defense boost.

• Fairies: Keep a few fairies in your inventory. They will automatically revive you if you take a fatal hit, giving you a second chance.

• Stamina-Restoring Food: While not as crucial in this fight, stamina-restoring meals can be useful for dodging and swimming.

FAQs: Conquering Waterblight Ganon

1. What is Waterblight Ganon’s weakness?

Like the other Blight Ganons, Waterblight Ganon’s main weakness is his eye. Aim for critical hits to deal significant damage and potentially stun him. His horns are also weak points.

2. Is Waterblight Ganon weak to Shock Arrows?

Yes, Shock Arrows are effective against Waterblight Ganon. They deal extra damage and can briefly stun him, interrupting his attacks.

3. How many arrows does it take to beat Waterblight Ganon?

The number of arrows depends on your aim, bow’s power, and arrow type. With a decent bow and good aim, 10-20 Bomb Arrows or Shock Arrows might be enough. Regular arrows will require significantly more.

4. Is Waterblight Ganon the easiest blight?

Opinions vary, but Windblight Ganon is often considered the easiest, followed by Fireblight Ganon. Waterblight Ganon presents a unique challenge due to the restricted movement in the second phase. Thunderblight Ganon is generally considered the most difficult.

5. What arrows are good against Waterblight Ganon?

Bomb Arrows are the most effective, followed by Shock Arrows. Regular arrows are also viable but will require more shots.

6. What is the second hardest divine beast?

This is also subjective, but among the Divine Beasts, Vah Rudania (Fireblight Ganon’s beast) or Vah Naboris (Thunderblight Ganon’s beast) are often ranked higher in difficulty than Vah Ruta (Waterblight Ganon’s beast).

7. Is Ancient armor good against Ganon?

Yes, Ancient Armor offers excellent defense and, when paired with an Ancient weapon, provides an attack bonus against Guardians and Blight Ganons. It’s a worthwhile investment if you have the resources.

8. How many hearts should you have before fighting Ganon?

While you can defeat Ganon with fewer, aiming for at least 13-15 hearts is recommended. This provides a buffer against his attacks. Having 30 is overkill, but better safe than sorry!

9. Can you get all 120 shrines before Ganon?

Absolutely! You can complete all 120 shrines before facing Ganon. In fact, many players do so to maximize their health and stamina.

10. Can Ganon’s sword break?

No, Ganondorf’s sword cannot be broken. However, your own weapons can. The Master Sword is unbreakable during the final Ganon fight, though it needs time to recharge after extended use.

11. Should I prioritize health or stamina in Zelda?

Prioritize health, especially early on. Additional hearts provide crucial survivability. Stamina is important, but having enough health to withstand a few hits is more critical.

12. What is Link’s divine beast called?

Link does not have a divine beast of his own. Rather, the Zora princess Mipha controls the Divine Beast Vah Ruta, which is named in the article earlier.

13. Is Waterblight Ganon the hardest?

Waterblight Ganon is not the hardest. This honor belongs to Thunderblight Ganon.

14. How do I prepare for the Ganon fight?

To prepare for a Ganon fight, complete the Divine Beasts, get the Master Sword, upgrade your armor, cook stat boosting meals, and collect valuable arrows.

15. How do I get rid of Ganon’s Shield?

When Ganon is on the flat ground parrying his beam attack or glide up after the flames of his attack is how to remove his shield.

Final Thoughts: Strategy is as Important as Gear

While having the right gear is essential, remember that strategy and skill play a crucial role in defeating Waterblight Ganon. Learn his attack patterns, master your dodging skills, and aim carefully. With the right preparation and a bit of practice, you’ll conquer this aquatic terror and move one step closer to saving Hyrule. Want to learn more about the science of gaming and how games impact education? Check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org. They are dedicated to exploring the intersection of games and learning.