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

The memory located near the Gerudo Highlands in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is one of the 12 optional memories that Link can recover to learn more about his past and his connection to Princess Zelda. This specific memory is titled "Despair" and is found in the Gerudo Desert region. To locate this memory, you will need to follow a series of steps and prepare adequately for the journey, as the area can be challenging due to its harsh environment and enemies.

First, you need to have unlocked the "Captured Memories" main quest, which is given by Impa in Kakariko Village after you complete the "Seek Out Impa" quest. Once you have this quest, you will receive a set of 12 photos in your Sheikah Slate that correspond to the locations of Link's memories. The memory near the Gerudo Highlands is represented by a photo showing a large stone archway with a view of the desert in the background.

To reach this memory, you will need to travel to the Gerudo Desert. The easiest way to get there is by heading southwest from the Gerudo Tower, which is located in the Gerudo Highlands region. If you haven't activated the Gerudo Tower yet, you can climb it to unlock the map for the surrounding area. From the tower, glide or climb down to the desert below. Be prepared for the extreme heat during the day, as it can drain your health quickly if you don't have the proper gear or food.

One of the most important preparations for this journey is to have heat-resistant clothing or food. The Desert Voe set, which can be purchased in Gerudo Town, is ideal for this purpose. Alternatively, you can cook meals with heat-resistant effects using ingredients like Chillshrooms, Cool Safflina, or Hydromelons. These can be found in the Gerudo Highlands or purchased from merchants in the area. Additionally, make sure to bring plenty of healing items, as the desert is home to powerful enemies like Moldugas and Lizalfos.

Once you are prepared, head to the location marked on your map. The memory is found near the southern edge of the Gerudo Desert, close to the Gerudo Great Skeleton. The exact spot is a stone archway that overlooks the desert. When you arrive, you will see a glowing spot on the ground. Interact with it to trigger the memory cutscene, which shows a pivotal moment in Link's past involving Princess Zelda.

A common mistake players make is underestimating the difficulty of navigating the Gerudo Desert. The heat can be deadly if you are not properly equipped, and the enemies in the area can be tough to deal with. Make sure to save your game frequently, especially before engaging in combat or exploring new areas. Another mistake is not bringing enough stamina-restoring items, as climbing and running in the desert can quickly deplete your stamina.

For advanced players, there are a few optimizations you can make to speed up the process. If you have the Master Cycle Zero from the DLC, you can use it to traverse the desert quickly. Additionally, if you have the Revali's Gale ability from Vah Medoh, you can use it to gain altitude and glide to the memory location more efficiently. These techniques can save you time and resources, especially if you are revisiting the area for other quests or exploration.

In summary, finding the memory near the Gerudo Highlands involves careful preparation, navigation, and combat readiness. By following the steps outlined above and avoiding common mistakes, you can successfully recover this memory and gain deeper insight into Link's past. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced player, this quest offers a rewarding challenge and a meaningful addition to the game's story.