Which Divine Beast Ganon is the Easiest to Defeat?
The question of which Divine Beast Ganon is the easiest is a common one among players of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. While all four Blights present unique challenges, the consensus leans heavily towards Waterblight Ganon being the most manageable. This boss, encountered within Divine Beast Vah Ruta, is often considered the easiest due to a combination of factors, including its predictable attack patterns and the strategic use of the Cryonis ability. While individual experiences can vary, the general sentiment within the Zelda community strongly supports Waterblight as the least daunting of the Divine Beast Blights.
Why is Waterblight Ganon Considered the Easiest?
Several elements contribute to Waterblight Ganon’s reputation as the easiest of the four Blights. Firstly, its attacks are relatively straightforward and easy to telegraph. The primary attacks include a large spear thrust, which is easily dodged with a well-timed side hop, and spear throws, which are similarly predictable. In its second phase, Waterblight will teleport and use ice blocks as projectiles. However, these can be easily destroyed with arrows, or even Cryonis, making this phase more of an annoyance than a significant threat.
Perhaps the most significant reason for Waterblight’s perceived ease is the environment it is fought in. The fight occurs in an arena filled with water, allowing ample opportunity to utilize the Cryonis ability, which you receive right before battling it, to create ice platforms. These platforms are not only great for evasion but also provide a reliable method to get close and deliver melee attacks. This ability to control the environment gives the player a substantial advantage and makes the encounter considerably more forgiving.
Compared to other Blights, Waterblight’s movement is also less frantic and aggressive. It’s slower, allowing Link time to react and strategize. This contrasts starkly with the likes of Thunderblight Ganon, which is known for its rapid, unpredictable movements and relentless attacks. Consequently, even newer players with less combat experience are generally able to defeat Waterblight with a reasonable amount of effort and strategic thinking.
Contrasting with Other Blight Ganons
To understand why Waterblight is the easiest, it’s helpful to compare it with the other three Blights:
- Thunderblight Ganon: Commonly cited as the hardest of the Blights, Thunderblight is incredibly fast, uses electric attacks that can stun Link, and is generally unforgiving. Many players struggle with its teleporting and electric orbs, leading to frustrating and often multiple attempts to beat this boss.
- Fireblight Ganon: While less mobile than Thunderblight, Fireblight is still a significant challenge. Its fire attacks are powerful, and the second phase, where it levitates, requires good aim and timing to hit. Some players find that its slower attacks can be manageable, but they certainly pack a punch.
- Windblight Ganon: The encounter with Windblight is less about raw difficulty and more about precision. Players need to be adept with archery to effectively bring it down. While not as brutal as Thunderblight or Fireblight in terms of raw damage, its unique aerial combat style and the tornado attacks it uses can be a challenge for many.
In comparison, Waterblight Ganon simply doesn’t have the same level of intensity. Its slower pace, predictable attacks, and the exploitable Cryonis mechanic make it significantly less punishing. Therefore, it is seen by most players as the most straightforward and manageable Divine Beast Ganon fight.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What makes Thunderblight Ganon the hardest Divine Beast Ganon?
Thunderblight’s speed, unpredictability, and ability to stun Link with electricity makes it the hardest. Its teleporting and lightning attacks are difficult to dodge, requiring players to be very precise in both their evasion and offense.
2. Is it better to fight Waterblight Ganon first?
Many players find it strategically advantageous to confront Vah Ruta and Waterblight Ganon early in their playthrough due to its accessibility and the relatively manageable boss fight, along with the Mipha’s Grace ability that comes from it. This provides a helpful advantage when tackling more difficult aspects of the game.
3. Can Cryonis be used offensively against Waterblight Ganon?
Yes, Cryonis can be used to create ice blocks that act as barriers, platforms, and even temporary walls to block Waterblight’s attacks. These platforms also get you closer to Waterblight for melee attacks, and create opportunities for arrow attacks.
4. What are the main attack patterns of Waterblight Ganon?
Waterblight Ganon primarily attacks with its large spear, performing thrusts, throws, and swings. In the second phase, it teleports and throws ice blocks.
5. Does the environment play a significant role in the Waterblight fight?
Yes, the arena filled with water is crucial. It allows players to use the Cryonis ability to create ice platforms, which provide strategic advantages for both offense and defense.
6. How does Mipha’s Grace help after defeating Waterblight Ganon?
Mipha’s Grace is a powerful ability that automatically revives Link with extra hearts and full recovery. It is highly valuable for challenging situations and tough boss battles.
7. Is it possible to beat Waterblight without the Cryonis ability?
While possible, it would be significantly more challenging. The Cryonis ability is integral to the fight, allowing you to navigate the water and get within range to attack.
8. What armor is recommended for fighting Waterblight Ganon?
Armor isn’t as crucial for this battle as it is for others. Focus more on having sufficient health and having the Cryonis ability mastered. Armor sets can add extra defense, but mastering the attack patterns and utilizing the environment is more important.
9. Are there any specific weapons that work well against Waterblight Ganon?
Any melee weapon that does a good amount of damage and a strong bow are sufficient. Focus on timing your attacks and dodges. No special weapon is required, though stronger weapons will naturally make the fight faster.
10. How does Waterblight Ganon’s difficulty compare to Calamity Ganon?
Calamity Ganon’s difficulty varies on the player’s experience with the game, but for most players, he is not considered harder than Thunderblight Ganon. If you are experienced with Flurry Rush and parrying Calamity Ganon is very easy. Calamity Ganon’s attack patterns are also quite predictable, like those of the Blights, making it easier for those familiar with the Divine Beast fights. Waterblight Ganon is generally easier than both Calamity Ganon and Thunderblight Ganon.
11. Can Waterblight’s ice attacks be countered?
Yes, its ice attacks can be destroyed with arrows or the Cryonis ability. This allows players to control the second phase of the fight more effectively.
12. Is there a trick to dodging Waterblight’s spear attacks?
The key to dodging Waterblight’s spear thrusts and throws is to side-hop at the correct moment. This will trigger a Flurry Rush if timed perfectly, providing you an excellent opportunity to counterattack.
13. Does Waterblight Ganon have any unique weaknesses?
Waterblight’s weakness lies in its predictability and the arena itself. The water and the Cryonis ability allow players to control the environment and create advantageous battle scenarios.
14. What is the “easiest” order to tackle the Divine Beasts?
Many players feel that going in the order of Vah Ruta (Zora’s Domain), Vah Rudania (Death Mountain), Vah Medoh (Hebra Mountains), and Vah Naboris (Gerudo Wasteland) provides a steady climb in difficulty. Starting with Vah Ruta is recommended as the best entry point for tackling the Divine Beasts.
15. Does completing all Divine Beasts make the final battle with Ganon easier?
Yes. When all four Divine Beasts are completed, they weaken Calamity Ganon significantly before the final battle and provide you with the ability to use the Champions’ powers. The Divine Beast powers can also be used to give you a very big advantage during the fight. These will give you an edge in your final confrontation with Calamity Ganon.