The Ultimate Shield Guide for Calamity Ganon: Which Shield Reigns Supreme?
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The showdown with Calamity Ganon is the ultimate test in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, demanding not only skill and strategy but also the right equipment. Among the arsenal available, the shield plays a crucial role, particularly when deflecting Ganon’s powerful attacks. So, what is the best shield for this climactic battle?
The Best Shield for Calamity Ganon: The Ancient Shield
While several shields can get the job done, the Ancient Shield stands out as the superior choice. This shield is specifically designed to counter the very technology Ganon harnesses, making it exceptionally effective against his attacks. Here’s why it is the best:
- Guardian Tech Advantage: The Ancient Shield is designed to work exceptionally well against Guardian attacks, and since Ganon’s attacks often incorporate Guardian-like blasts, this shield provides excellent protection. The shield excels at parrying these blasts, making them easier to deflect and turning them into an advantage.
- High Durability: The Ancient Shield boasts impressive durability, meaning it can withstand a significant amount of damage before breaking. This is vital in a prolonged battle like the one against Calamity Ganon, where your shield is bound to take a beating.
- Parrying Proficiency: The Ancient Shield offers excellent parry timing, allowing you to deflect Ganon’s attacks more easily. Successfully parrying Ganon’s blasts is crucial for both defense and offense, as it can create openings for counterattacks.
- Availability: The Ancient Shield can be crafted at the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab, though it requires Ancient Materials and a certain amount of rupees. While it requires a little bit of effort to acquire, it’s worth the investment.
While other shields like the Hylian Shield have high durability, the Ancient Shield provides crucial advantages against Ganon’s unique combat style, making it the best overall choice.
Alternative Shield Options
While the Ancient Shield is the best overall choice, there are other shields that can perform well against Calamity Ganon:
- Hylian Shield: This is a highly durable and all-around excellent shield. While it doesn’t have the Guardian tech advantages of the Ancient Shield, its exceptional durability makes it a reliable option. It’s also one of the most difficult shields to obtain and is not available until very late in the game, requiring the player to complete a very difficult encounter and then buy it from a unique merchant.
- Royal Guard’s Shield: This shield has a high parry stat, making it very effective for deflecting attacks. However, it is not as durable as the Ancient or Hylian Shield and will break more easily.
- Daybreaker: Acquired by completing the Gerudo regional quest, this shield has solid stats and a moderate durability. While not ideal for Ganon, it’s suitable if you’re not relying heavily on parrying.
Why You Need a Good Shield
Having a good shield is vital in the fight against Calamity Ganon. Here’s why:
- Defensive Capability: A robust shield can significantly reduce the damage you take from Ganon’s attacks, allowing you to stay in the fight longer.
- Parrying Opportunity: Effective parrying can not only negate Ganon’s attacks but also stun him, creating valuable openings for attack. This is especially true with the Ancient Shield against Ganon’s Guardian-like blasts.
- Strategic Advantage: Proper shield usage allows you to create space and maneuver, giving you more control over the battle.
Understanding the Importance of Parrying
Parrying, especially against Calamity Ganon’s second phase, is crucial. His Guardian-like blasts can do immense damage if not handled properly. A well-timed parry not only deflects the attack but also creates a window for a counter-attack, significantly reducing the duration of the fight and conserving your resources.
Durability is Key
Durability is another important consideration. The battle against Ganon can be long and intense, requiring a shield that can withstand constant punishment. The Ancient Shield‘s high durability, combined with its special benefits, makes it the ideal choice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can the Hylian Shield break during the fight with Calamity Ganon?
Yes, the Hylian Shield can break, although it is extremely durable. However, if it does break you can repurchase it in Tarry Town once you’ve completed the Tarrey Town quest line.
2. Do Guardian weapons do extra damage to Ganon?
Yes, Guardian and Ancient weapons deal extra damage to Ganon and the Blights because of their ancient parts. This makes these weapons a great addition to your arsenal, especially when combined with the power of the Ancient Shield.
3. What happens if my shield breaks during the fight with Ganon?
If your shield breaks, you are vulnerable to Ganon’s attacks. It’s highly recommended to have backup shields in your inventory. Try to farm some Royal or Royal Guard shields from enemies in Hyrule Castle or purchase a replacement Hylian Shield in Tarry Town.
4. Is the Ancient Armor set necessary to defeat Ganon?
No, the Ancient Armor set is not necessary, but it’s extremely beneficial. It provides good defense and boosts the power of ancient weapons, making the fight more manageable.
5. Can you parry all of Ganon’s attacks?
No, not all of Calamity Ganon’s attacks can be parried. However, many of his ranged attacks, especially the Guardian-like blasts, can be effectively parried.
6. Does the Master Sword break against Calamity Ganon?
No, the Master Sword does not break during the final fight against Calamity Ganon. It only runs out of power against other enemies. It is, however, not required to beat him, though it can be very helpful.
7. How many hearts should I have to fight Calamity Ganon?
It is recommended to have at least 30 heart containers for the final battle. This will provide enough health to withstand a few powerful attacks.
8. What is Calamity Ganon’s weak spot?
The best way to damage Ganon is to concentrate on his little back legs. You will also be able to damage him in a second form with light arrows fired at his glowing spots.
9. Is it possible to use a Flurry Rush against Ganon?
Yes, you can use Flurry Rush against Ganon. Perfectly dodging his melee attacks will give you the opening for this devastating counter-attack.
10. Can you beat Calamity Ganon without using the Master Sword?
Yes, you can defeat Calamity Ganon without the Master Sword. Any weapon with high attack power will work, and the weapons you acquire from Hyrule Castle are more than sufficient if the Master Sword is not available.
11. What is the easiest Ganon form to beat?
Dark Beast Ganon, the final form of the boss, is generally considered the easiest. You will be able to defeat him using only the light bow and arrows in a fairly simple sequence.
12. Is it necessary to complete all Divine Beasts before fighting Ganon?
No, you do not need to complete the Divine Beasts before fighting Ganon. However, if you do not, you’ll need to fight all of the blights before Ganon, making the fight significantly more difficult. If you do complete the Divine Beasts, the Sages can help you fight the boss, making the fight significantly easier.
13. How can I prepare for the Ganon fight?
Key preparations include: acquiring the Master Sword, getting a decent set of armor like the Ancient Set, having high attack power weapons, cooking a lot of meals with Sundelions, and having a Travel Medallion.
14. Can Ganon touch the Master Sword?
No, Ganon cannot touch the Master Sword. Only the chosen hero is able to wield it. The Master Sword is virtually indestructible.
15. What is the hardest Ganon form to beat?
Thunderblight Ganon is generally considered the most difficult due to his speed, attacks, and ability to shock Link, making him drop his weapons.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right shield for the fight against Calamity Ganon can significantly impact the battle’s outcome. While the Hylian Shield is a strong contender, the Ancient Shield‘s unique advantages against Ganon’s Guardian-like technology make it the best choice. Proper preparation, combined with effective parrying techniques, will ultimately lead you to victory. Remember to utilize the right weapons, armor, and meals to support your shield skills in the battle of Hyrule.