You remember that feeling. You've just finished the grueling stealth section in the Forsaken Fortress, you finally have your sword back, and suddenly the lights go dim. Out of the floor rises a massive, caped silhouette with a skull-like mask and a glowing staff. Phantom Ganon in Wind Waker isn't just a boss; he’s a haunting reminder of the history Link is trying to outrun. Honestly, even with the "Toon" art style, this guy is unsettling.
He doesn't just show up once. He stalks you. First, he's the gatekeeper to the Skull Hammer. Later, he's the guardian of the maze in Ganon’s Tower. If you’re like me, the first time you saw him, you probably tried to just hack and slash. Big mistake. This isn't a "hit it until it dies" kind of fight—at least not at first. It’s a game of supernatural tennis that has been a staple of the series since the 90s, but The Wind Waker gives it a rhythmic, oceanic flair that feels totally unique.
The Forsaken Fortress Showdown: More Than Just a Tutorial
The first time you encounter Phantom Ganon, it's personal. You’re back at the Fortress to save your sister, and this spectral image of the Great King of Evil is standing in your way.
Most people call this the "Dead Man’s Volley." Basically, he throws a blue orb of energy at you. You have to swing your sword at the exact right moment to bat it back. He’ll bat it back at you. You hit it again. This continues until he misses, gets stunned, and drops to the floor. That’s your opening.
Pro Tip: If you’re struggling with the timing, stand a bit further back. It gives you more frames to react to the orb's travel time. Also, did you know you can use an empty bottle? It’s a classic Zelda trope. It works just as well as the Master Sword and looks way more humiliating for the Phantom.
The fight changes halfway through. He’ll start splitting into multiple copies. They’ll surround you in a circle, hovering like vultures. Don't panic. The real Phantom Ganon is the one who solidifies first. Or, more accurately, he's the one who actually attacks. If you’ve got your speakers up, listen for the specific "whirring" sound of the real one appearing behind you.
The Maze in Ganon's Tower: The Sword Pointer Trick
Fast forward to the end of the game. You’re in Ganon’s Tower, and the game throws you into a literal "Groundhog Day" scenario. You enter a room, fight Phantom Ganon, and then... you're back in a room that looks identical. It's a maze designed to drive you crazy.
Here’s what most people get wrong: they think the maze is random. It isn't.
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Every time you "defeat" the Phantom in this maze, he vanishes and drops his sword. Look at the floor. The hilt of the sword (the handle) points toward the door you need to go through.
If you want to skip the headache, the sequence is always:
- Back (the door behind you when you enter the first room)
- Left
- Straight
- Left
- Right
- Straight
Follow that, and you’ll find yourself in the room with the chest containing the Light Arrows. Honestly, getting the Light Arrows is the ultimate "power trip" moment because the next time the Phantom shows up, you don't have to play tennis. One shot from a Light Arrow and he evaporates into nothingness. It’s incredibly satisfying after he’s spent the last hour harassing you.
Why Does He Look Like That?
There’s a lot of debate in the Zelda community about what Phantom Ganon actually is. In Ocarina of Time, Ganondorf literally creates him out of thin air and then banishes him to the "gap between dimensions" because he was too weak.
In The Wind Waker, he feels more like a projection. Look at his design. He’s bulky, wearing a dark blue cape, and that mask is just haunting. It doesn’t have eyes—just glowing pits. It’s a stark contrast to the colorful, expressive world of the Great Sea.
Some fans, like the folks over at Zelda Dungeon, have pointed out that this version of Phantom Ganon might actually be the same entity Ganondorf "discarded" centuries ago. It would explain why he’s so relentless. He’s a piece of Ganon’s own soul, or at least a puppet imbued with enough of his malice to function on autopilot.
Combat Mechanics Breakdown
- Energy Orbs: Standard "Dead Man's Volley." Swing your sword to reflect.
- The Multi-Clone Attack: Wait for the real one to appear behind you. The clones will vanish as soon as the real one is hit.
- The Charge: Sometimes he'll charge at you with his staff. This is the perfect time for a Parry Attack. Watch for the "A" button prompt and the flash of Link’s eyes.
- Dark Energy Rain: In the later stages, he might throw a ball of red/dark energy that splits. Don't try to reflect these individually. A well-timed Spin Attack can knock multiple back at him.
What You Should Do Now
If you're currently playing through the HD version on Wii U or the original GameCube disc, don't rush this fight. It’s one of the few times the game’s combat system truly shines before the final duel.
First, make sure you have at least one fairy in a bottle. Even though Phantom Ganon isn't the hardest boss, his hits deal significant damage, especially in the Tower.
Second, practice your parry timing. The window is generous, but the payoff is a cool cinematic animation where Link rolls over the Phantom’s head.
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Finally, once you get those Light Arrows, go back and finish him for good. The sword he leaves behind is the key to the final staircase. Pick it up, throw it at the bricked-up door, and get ready for the climb. You’re almost at the end of the journey.
Go check your inventory and make sure your magic meter is full. You'll need it for those arrows.
Actionable Insights:
- Use the Sword Hilt trick in the Ganon's Tower maze to save 20 minutes of wandering.
- Listen for the audio cues (the distinct "poof" and "whirr") to identify the real Phantom during the clone phase.
- Keep your Spin Attack charged when he hovers high; it’s the best defense against the scattered energy projectile.