Where is the memory located near the Akkala Highlands in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild?

The memory located near the Akkala Highlands in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is one of the 12 memories Link can recover to piece together his past and learn more about Princess Zelda and the events leading up to the Great Calamity. This specific memory is called "Slated for Upgrades" and is found in the Akkala region, near the Akkala Highlands and the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab. To find this memory, you will need to follow a series of steps and prepare adequately to ensure a smooth journey.

First, you need to have unlocked the "Captured Memories" quest, which is given by Impa in Kakariko Village after you complete the "Seek Out Impa" main quest. This quest will provide you with a set of 12 photos taken by Princess Zelda, each corresponding to a specific location in Hyrule. The photo for the Akkala Highlands memory shows a large tree with a distinctive shape, standing on a hill overlooking the Akkala region. This tree is located near the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab, which is a key landmark in the area.

To reach the memory location, you can start by traveling to the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab. If you have not yet activated the lab, you will need to complete the "Robbie's Research" side quest, which involves lighting the furnace outside the lab with a blue flame. This quest is not directly related to finding the memory, but it will make the area more accessible and provide you with useful resources, such as ancient weapons and armor upgrades. Once you are at the lab, head northeast toward the Akkala Highlands. The memory is located on a hill just south of the Akkala Tower, near a large, uniquely shaped tree.

When you arrive at the location, you will see the tree from the photo. Stand near the tree and look for a glowing spot on the ground. Interact with this spot to trigger the memory cutscene. The memory will show a conversation between Princess Zelda and Link, where Zelda discusses her plans to upgrade the Sheikah Slate and her frustrations with her inability to unlock her sealing powers. This memory provides important context for the story and helps you understand Zelda's character and motivations.

Before heading to the Akkala Highlands, it is important to prepare adequately. The Akkala region is known for its challenging terrain and powerful enemies, so you should ensure that you have enough weapons, armor, and healing items. The area around the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab is relatively safe, but the journey to the memory location may involve encounters with Guardians, Lynels, or other tough enemies. Make sure to bring weapons with high durability and damage output, as well as shields for deflecting Guardian lasers. Additionally, consider wearing armor with high defense or specific resistances, such as the Ancient Armor set, which provides extra protection against Guardian attacks.

One common mistake players make when searching for this memory is not paying close attention to the details in the photo. The tree in the photo has a unique shape, and it is easy to confuse it with other trees in the area. To avoid this, take your time to compare the photo with the environment and look for distinctive features, such as the tree's silhouette and the surrounding landscape. Another mistake is underestimating the difficulty of the Akkala region. The area is home to some of the toughest enemies in the game, so it is important to approach with caution and be prepared for combat.

For advanced players, there are several optimizations you can use to make the journey to the memory location easier. If you have unlocked the Akkala Tower, you can paraglide directly from the tower to the memory location, saving time and avoiding ground-based enemies. Additionally, if you have the Master Cycle Zero from the "EX The Champions' Ballad" DLC, you can use it to traverse the terrain quickly and efficiently. Another advanced technique is to use stealth to avoid unnecessary combat. Equip stealth-enhancing armor, such as the Sheikah Set, and use stealth-enhancing food or elixirs to move past enemies undetected.

In terms of alternative approaches, you can choose to explore the Akkala region more thoroughly before searching for the memory. This will allow you to gather resources, complete side quests, and become more familiar with the area. Additionally, if you have already activated the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab, you can use the lab as a base of operations and stock up on ancient weapons and arrows, which are particularly effective against Guardians.

In conclusion, finding the memory near the Akkala Highlands involves careful preparation, attention to detail, and strategic planning. By following the steps outlined above and considering the tips and optimizations, you can successfully recover this memory and gain valuable insight into the game's story. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced player, this quest is a rewarding experience that adds depth to the narrative and enhances your understanding of Link and Zelda's journey.