This is a strategy guide for the Phantom Ganon Boss in Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. Including Phantom Ganon's location, how to defeat, combat patterns, tips, and strategy.
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Phantom Ganon Location
| Location | Forest Temple |
|---|
Boss Movements
| Movement | Effect |
|---|---|
| Lightning Bolt | Lightning bolt that spreads in 6 different directions from its landing point |
| Energy Ball | Fires a projectile that can be deflected back with the Sword |
How to Defeat Phantom Ganon
Phantom Ganon will use the paintings to catch you off guard during the fight. With his powerful attacks, he can quickly take down Link if you don't position yourself carefully and anticipate his attacks.
Phase 1: Shoot As He Emerges From Painting
In the first phase, Phantom Ganon can only be damaged when he emerges from one of the paintings in the room. Watch for the purple portal, which indicates where he will appear.
The Real One is Brighter in Color
Phantom Ganon will try to trick you with an imposter in one of the paintings. Identify the real one by his brighter coloring. Look for the Phantom Ganon with the brighter sheen on his armor.
Sound of Hooves in Real One (Earphones Recommended)
Another way to identify the real one is by listening for the sound of horse hooves. On the Switch's speakers, it can be difficult to tell where the sound is coming from, so using earphones is recommended.
Stay in Front of Painting
The electric attack spreads from the center of the room toward all four corners. Standing in front of one of the paintings keeps you safe from the attack. Although this leaves one painting unchecked, it lets you safely focus on the other five, making it highly recommended.
Phase 2: Deflect Energy Ball
In Phase 2, focus on deflecting Phantom Ganon's energy ball back at him with your sword. When you're a bit far from him, he will deflect it back, so you'll need to deflect it again.
 Tip! | Phantom Ganon has a high chance of deflecting the energy ball back multiple times, so don't let your guard down. Keep deflecting it until he's down. |
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Attack When He is Down
Once the energy ball hits him, Phantom Ganon will be knocked down. Take this opportunity to move in and slash him with your sword. For maximum damage, use a jump attack followed by a flurry of sword strikes.
Guard to Get Through When He Is Up Close
| When Close | When Far |
|---|---|
 |  |
When Phantom Ganon is at close range, deflecting the ball will send it flying past him. Since attempting to deflect it puts you at risk of getting hit, guard and wait until he moves away.
Ocarina of Time Related Articles
All Bosses List
Gohma
King Dodongo
Barinade
Phantom Ganon
Volvagia
Dark Link
Morpha
Bongo Bongo
Twinrova
Ganondorf
Final Boss
