Can You Get the Master Sword Before Defeating Ganon?
Answer: Absolutely!
It is not necessary to have the Master Sword to defeat Calamity Ganon, and speed runners would agree. In fact, Master Sword is a part of a side quest rather than the main objective to beat Ganon. Yes, you can obtain the Master Sword before defeating Ganon, but it is not crucial to your quest’s progress.
Hiding Places of Fake Master Swords
Before getting your hands on the Master Sword, it is essential to distinguish it from the fake versions found in the Lost Woods. Fake Master Swords appear similar to Fighter’s Swords and are stuck into a pedestal, but they serve as decoys to hinder Link from finding the true Master Sword.
Speedrun Considerations
While Master Sword is an invaluable item for any Link’s adventure, speed runners consider it optional. The strategy they use to defeat Calamity Ganon primarily relies on dodging Ganon’s attacks, aiming for critical hits, and conserving health and stamina.
Heart Container Counts for Success
A more critical consideration is having adequate Heart Container counts to battle Ganon. A suggested number for success is having 30 Heart Containers to overcome any challenges, particularly those associated with fighting against the Lord of Darkness, Ganon.
Battle with Calamity Ganon: Thunderblight Ganon, the Toughest Ganon to Date
Interestingly, the addition of new Ganon iterations like Thunderblight Ganon have made fighting them increasingly demanding. With an emphasis on strategy and utilizing environmental tactics, speedrunners aim to emerge victorious despite being subject to powerful electric attacks, which can be life-threatening.
Challenging Ganon Companions: Divine Beasts, Blights, and Shrine Quests
Defeating Ganon might also be influenced by accomplishing previous shrine quests or taking care of the various blights. Faced with additional challenges from battling powerful blights and divinity-affiliated companions like Phantom Ganon, completing quests linked to Divine Beasts proves crucial to emerging triumphant.
Wrapping It Up: Uncovering Secrets and Exploring Alternatives
When contemplating obtaining the Master Sword prior to fighting Ganon, players often weigh options based on exploration strategies and exploiting new information within the world. These creative approaches encourage deeper dives into the world and quests and may provide insightful moments when tackling challenging quests and exploring unique narratives within The Legend of Zelda franchise.
Additional Details on Alternative Strategies and Sub-Tasks
For enhanced experience in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (BOOW),
| Ganon-Type | Combat Techniques | Shrines | Pre-requisites | Tactics | Optional Quests | Alternative Strategies | Additional Challenges | Tips and Trivia |
| Calamity Ganon, the easiest | Dodges attacks; Critical hits. | Shrines (completion), blights. | Pre-game; basic upgrades. | Use stealth techniques | The Champions, Zelda | Distract/ delay enemy attacks | Boss attacks are more intense and numerous, with environmental destruction potential | 30 HC and post-game DLC unlock; optional quests reveal true identities, like ZHD (Calamity, true fate). |
| Thunderblight Ganon | Combo attacks, shock immunity, | Divine Beast defeat | 30HCs & DLC; complete all DLC quests | Time/ damage management. | Master Trials, Hero, Phantom, | Defuse attacks on allies | Electrolyzing Ganon using water (BO3-DLC 1.30+ bug). | Electric shocks in combat.|
| Dark Ganon’s counterpart in Ocarina, Fierce Deity Link |
Gaining More from the Quest by Acquiring the Master Sword After Ganon’s Battle
Some players opt for tackling Calamity Ganon’s battle before venturing further into the narrative to earn the Master Sword, with the aim to then apply the power garnered in post-game challenges for optimal completion.