What are the benefits of freeing all four Divine Beasts in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild?

Freeing all four Divine Beasts in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild provides significant benefits that enhance Link's abilities and make the final battle against Calamity Ganon more manageable. Each Divine Beast is controlled by a Blight Ganon, a manifestation of Ganon's malice, and freeing them involves solving puzzles, navigating their unique layouts, and defeating these powerful bosses. Once freed, each Divine Beast grants Link a unique Champion ability, weakens Calamity Ganon, and contributes to the overall story progression.

The first step in freeing a Divine Beast is to locate it. The four Divine Beasts are Vah Ruta (Zora's Domain), Vah Medoh (Rito Village), Vah Rudania (Goron City), and Vah Naboris (Gerudo Town). Each Divine Beast is associated with a specific race and requires completing a questline to gain access. For example, to reach Vah Ruta, you must first help the Zora by stopping the constant rainfall caused by the Divine Beast. This involves gathering shock arrows, defeating a Lynel, and using Cryonis to stop the water flow from its trunk. Each Divine Beast has a similar introductory quest that sets the stage for the main challenge.

Once inside a Divine Beast, the mechanics involve manipulating its internal structure to solve puzzles and activate terminals. Each Divine Beast has a unique gimmick. For instance, Vah Medoh can tilt its wings, while Vah Rudania can rotate its body. These mechanics are used to access hidden areas, move objects, and reach terminals. The puzzles often require creative thinking and a good understanding of the game's physics and abilities. For example, using Magnesis to move metal objects or Stasis to freeze moving parts can be crucial in solving these puzzles.

Combat inside the Divine Beasts is another key aspect. Each Divine Beast houses a Blight Ganon, and these bosses have unique attack patterns and weaknesses. For example, Waterblight Ganon in Vah Ruta uses water-based attacks and can be countered with shock arrows and Cryonis. Fireblight Ganon in Vah Rudania is weak to ice-based attacks, while Windblight Ganon in Vah Medoh is vulnerable to bomb arrows. Thunderblight Ganon in Vah Naboris is the most challenging, requiring precise timing and the use of Magnesis to reflect its lightning attacks. Preparing for these battles by stocking up on healing items, upgrading armor, and having the right weapons is essential.

After defeating the Blight Ganon, you will activate the final terminal and free the Divine Beast. This grants you a Champion ability. Mipha's Grace from Vah Ruta revives Link with full health if he dies. Revali's Gale from Vah Medoh creates an upward draft, allowing Link to reach high places easily. Daruk's Protection from Vah Rudania creates a shield that blocks attacks. Urbosa's Fury from Vah Naboris unleashes a powerful lightning strike. These abilities are invaluable for exploration and combat, making the game more enjoyable and less punishing.

Freeing all four Divine Beasts also weakens Calamity Ganon in the final battle. Each Divine Beast you free reduces Ganon's health by a quarter, making the fight significantly easier. Additionally, the story gains depth as you learn more about the Champions and their sacrifices, adding emotional weight to the narrative.

Preparation is key to successfully freeing the Divine Beasts. Ensure you have a good supply of arrows, especially elemental ones, as they are often required in both puzzles and combat. Cooking meals that provide extra hearts, stamina, or resistance to elemental effects can give you an edge in battles. Upgrading your armor at Great Fairy Fountains will also increase your survivability.

Common mistakes include not exploring the Divine Beast thoroughly, leading to missed terminals or hidden chests. Take your time to understand the mechanics and experiment with different approaches. Another mistake is underestimating the Blight Ganons. Each boss requires a different strategy, and rushing in without preparation can lead to quick defeats.

Advanced techniques involve using the environment to your advantage. For example, in Vah Medoh, tilting the wings can create new pathways or reveal hidden chests. In Vah Rudania, rotating the body can help you reach higher platforms. Mastering these mechanics can make the puzzles more manageable and the experience more rewarding.

In summary, freeing all four Divine Beasts in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild provides powerful abilities, weakens the final boss, and enriches the story. By understanding the mechanics, preparing adequately, and using strategic approaches, you can successfully navigate the challenges and enjoy the full benefits of these monumental quests.