Where can I find the memory near Hyrule Castle in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild?

The memory near Hyrule Castle in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is one of the 18 memories Link can recover to piece together his past and learn more about Princess Zelda and the events leading up to Calamity Ganon's return. This specific memory is called "Despair" and is located in the Sacred Ground Ruins, which are situated just southeast of Hyrule Castle. Recovering this memory is optional but highly recommended for players who want to fully understand the story and gain insight into Link's relationship with Zelda.

To find the memory, you will need to travel to the Sacred Ground Ruins. These ruins are located in the Central Hyrule region, directly southeast of Hyrule Castle. The area is relatively close to the castle, but it is not heavily guarded by Guardians, making it a bit safer to explore compared to the castle itself. However, you should still be cautious, as there are some enemies in the vicinity, including Bokoblins and Lizalfos. It is advisable to approach the area during the day when visibility is better, and enemies are less aggressive.

The memory itself is triggered by standing in a specific spot within the Sacred Ground Ruins. When you arrive, look for a circular stone platform surrounded by broken pillars. This is the exact location where the memory will activate. Once you stand in the correct spot, a cutscene will play, showing a flashback of Link and Zelda discussing the impending threat of Calamity Ganon. This memory is particularly poignant, as it reveals Zelda's feelings of inadequacy and her struggle to awaken her sealing powers.

Before heading to the Sacred Ground Ruins, it is a good idea to prepare adequately. While the area is not as dangerous as Hyrule Castle, you should still bring some essential items. First, make sure you have a decent supply of healing items, such as hearty meals or elixirs, in case you encounter any enemies. Additionally, having a few weapons and shields with decent durability is recommended, as you may need to defend yourself. If you have the Sheikah Sensor upgraded to detect memories, it will be easier to locate the exact spot where the memory is triggered.

One common mistake players make is underestimating the enemies in the area. While the Sacred Ground Ruins are not as heavily guarded as Hyrule Castle, there are still some enemies that can pose a threat if you are not careful. It is important to approach the area with caution and be ready to engage in combat if necessary. Another mistake is not having the Sheikah Sensor upgraded to detect memories, which can make finding the exact location more challenging. If you have not yet upgraded the sensor, consider doing so at the Hateno Ancient Tech Lab.

For advanced players, there are a few optimizations you can consider. If you have the Revali's Gale ability from Vah Medoh, you can use it to quickly ascend to higher ground and get a better view of the area. This can help you spot the memory location more easily. Additionally, if you have the Stealth Armor set or any stealth-enhancing gear, you can use it to avoid detection by enemies and make your approach to the memory location smoother.

An alternative approach to reaching the Sacred Ground Ruins is to use a horse or a fast-travel point. If you have unlocked the Central Tower, you can glide down from there to the ruins, which is a quick and efficient way to reach the area. Alternatively, if you have a horse with good stamina, you can ride from nearby stables, such as the Outskirt Stable, to the ruins. This method is less risky than traveling on foot, as you can avoid some of the enemies along the way.

In summary, finding the memory near Hyrule Castle involves traveling to the Sacred Ground Ruins, locating the circular stone platform, and standing in the correct spot to trigger the memory. Preparation is key, so make sure to bring healing items, weapons, and shields. Upgrading the Sheikah Sensor to detect memories can make the process easier, and using abilities like Revali's Gale or stealth-enhancing gear can optimize your approach. Be cautious of enemies in the area, and consider using a horse or fast-travel point to reach the ruins more efficiently. By following these steps and tips, you can successfully recover the "Despair" memory and gain deeper insight into the story of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.