How to Defeat Thunderblight Ganon in Breath of the Wild – In The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, defeating Thunderblight Ganon can be one of the most challenging battles you’ll face. As the main boss of Vah Naboris, the Divine Beast of the Gerudo Desert, Thunderblight Ganon tests your skill, timing, and understanding of combat mechanics. With a combination of quick attacks, lightning-based moves, and teleportation, Thunderblight Ganon is formidable, but with the right approach, you can bring him down. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to defeat Thunderblight Ganon, including tips for preparing, avoiding damage, and exploiting his weaknesses.
Preparation Before the Fight
Before you even enter the fight with Thunderblight Ganon, it’s essential to prepare thoroughly. This boss battle has two phases, and each phase will test your agility, endurance, and timing. Here’s what you should do to get ready:
1. Equip Shock Resistance Gear
Thunderblight Ganon’s attacks are infused with electricity, which can disrupt your gear and deal extra damage if you’re unprepared. Equip the Rubber Armor Set or wear pieces that increase shock resistance. If you don’t have the rubber gear, consider crafting Shock Resistance Elixirs using ingredients like Electric Darner or Thunderwing Butterfly.
2. Gather Strong Weapons and Shields
Since Thunderblight is a fast-moving boss, having weapons that deal high damage quickly, like one-handed swords or spears, is advantageous. Equip a strong shield, as you’ll need to parry or block attacks.
3. Stock Up on Health and Stamina Food
Thunderblight Ganon can deal substantial damage, so prepare dishes that replenish and boost your health, like Hearty Fried Wild Greens or Hearty Durians. You may also want some stamina-boosting food to keep up with his relentless assaults.
Phase 1: Dodging and Parrying Thunderblight Ganon’s Attacks
When the fight begins, Thunderblight Ganon wastes no time and will start launching quick melee strikes at Link. His movements are fast, and his teleportation ability makes him hard to track. Here’s how to handle the first phase:
1. Focus on Dodging
Thunderblight’s main attack in the first phase is a swift sword slash. Watch his movements carefully; when he charges at you, perform a side dodge just before his blade hits. A perfectly timed dodge will trigger a Flurry Rush, allowing you to unleash a series of counterattacks. Timing is key, so practice dodging until you get the hang of it.
2. Use Shields to Parry
If dodging isn’t your style, try shield parrying his attack. Equip a shield and, just as he’s about to strike, press the parry button to deflect his attack, stunning him temporarily. This allows you to close in and deal some damage.
3. Stay on the Move
Thunderblight Ganon teleports frequently, often reappearing right beside you. Keep moving, repositioning constantly to avoid being caught off guard by his sudden attacks. Staying in motion will also help you avoid his ranged lightning attacks.
4. Target His Weakness
After performing a successful dodge or parry, exploit Thunderblight Ganon’s vulnerability by dealing as much damage as possible. He’s weak to direct hits after a Flurry Rush or when he’s stunned.
Phase 2: Countering the Lightning Rods
Once Thunderblight Ganon’s health drops to around 50%, he’ll transition into his second, more challenging phase. During this phase, he begins summoning lightning rods that attract electric strikes, making the battle even more intense.
1. Watch Out for Lightning Rods
Thunderblight Ganon will throw metal rods onto the ground, which will attract bolts of lightning after a few seconds. These bolts are dangerous and can quickly drain your health. Keep an eye on the rods and avoid standing near them.
2. Use Magnesis to Your Advantage
When Thunderblight Ganon throws down the lightning rods, you can actually turn this attack against him. Equip the Magnesis Rune and lift one of the metal rods with Magnesis. Position it close to Thunderblight Ganon as the lightning strikes; this will damage him and potentially knock him down, leaving him vulnerable.
3. Stay Clear of the Ground Strikes
When the lightning strikes the rods, there will be an area-of-effect blast. Make sure you’re clear of this area to avoid taking damage. Moving continuously and watching the rods’ positions will help you stay safe.
4. Keep Your Shock Resistance Up
If you’re running low on shock resistance, consume another shock-resistant elixir or equip your remaining resistant gear. The lightning attacks in this phase can be overwhelming, and having resistance to them will keep you from losing health rapidly.
5. Repeat the Process of Attack and Dodge
As in phase one, Thunderblight Ganon will still use quick melee attacks. Continue dodging, parrying, and counterattacking as you did in the first phase. The main difference is the added pressure of the lightning rods, but with Magnesis, you can use these rods to your advantage.
General Tips and Tricks for the Battle
Defeating Thunderblight Ganon isn’t just about brute force; it requires strategy and precise timing. Here are a few additional tips to keep in mind:
- Timing is Key: Thunderblight’s attacks are fast, so practice dodging or parrying his moves. Mistiming your dodge will leave you vulnerable, so take your time learning his attack patterns.
- Stay Calm: This fight can be intense, especially with the added lightning rods in phase two. Staying calm and focusing on avoiding unnecessary damage can make the difference between victory and defeat.
- Use Ranged Weapons if Necessary: If you’re struggling to get close, try using bows with high damage. Aim for Thunderblight Ganon’s head for a potential stun, giving you a window for a close-range attack.
- Practice with Parrying: Parrying Thunderblight’s attacks takes some practice, but mastering it will make the fight much easier. If you’re struggling with dodging, parrying can be an effective way to counter his moves.
- Don’t Forget to Heal: Keep an eye on your health and consume healing items as needed. Thunderblight Ganon’s moves can drain health quickly, so healing mid-battle is sometimes necessary.
Post-Battle Rewards
After you successfully defeat Thunderblight Ganon, you’ll receive a heart container and gain access to Urbosa’s Fury, a powerful ability that unleashes a shockwave upon your enemies. Urbosa’s Fury is particularly useful in future battles, as it delivers a powerful area-of-effect lightning attack that stuns and damages enemies. Additionally, defeating Thunderblight Ganon brings you one step closer to liberating all Divine Beasts, helping you in your quest against Calamity Ganon.
Conclusion
Taking down Thunderblight Ganon in Breath of the Wild is challenging but extremely rewarding. By preparing with shock-resistant gear, practicing your dodge and parry timing, and using the environment to your advantage, you’ll be able to defeat this formidable foe. Mastering the use of Magnesis on the lightning rods in phase two can give you an edge, turning his own attacks against him. Remember to stay calm, focus on learning his patterns, and make use of your elixirs and hearty foods.
With patience and skill, you’ll emerge victorious and gain Urbosa’s Fury, a powerful addition to your arsenal in your quest to save Hyrule. Now that you know the strategies and tips to beat Thunderblight Ganon, it’s time to put them into action and conquer this electrifying boss once and for all!
