The Gerudo Highlands Hole is a mysterious crevasse located in the northwest corner of Hyrule Field, close to the Gerudo province. It serves as a vertical shortcut between the plateau and the main road, offering advanced players a faster route across the region.
Understanding how to use and navigate the Gerudo Highlands Hole is essential for speedrunners and completionists who want to optimize traversal time. This guide outlines the mechanics, locations, safety tips, and practical uses of this underground feature.
| Feature | Description | Practical Use | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Steep slope leading into a hidden underground tunnel | Fast travel between regions | Medium |
| Location | Northwest corner of Gerudo Highlands plateau | Shortcut to roads and stables | Medium |
| Access | Requires climbing or gliding to edge | Save time in open-world traversal | Medium to Hard |
| Visibility | Not clearly marked on map | Better for experienced players | Medium |
Navigating the Highlands Safely
Understanding the Slope Angle
The slope of the Gerudo Highlands Hole is steep enough to cause fall damage if you simply walk off the edge. Using paraglider input or a shield dash helps you control your descent and avoid losing hearts.
Optimal Entry Techniques
Players often mount a horse or sprint before approaching the rim to maintain momentum. Combining a sprint with a well-timed jump ensures a smoother entry into the tunnel, especially when carrying heavy equipment.
Strategic Travel Applications
Speedrunning Utility
The hole is popular in route optimization because it cuts several minutes off the journey between Highland Stable and central Hyrule. Skilled runners use it to bypass enemy camps and narrow roads.
Horse Management
Getting your horse down safely requires either gliding next to it or using a fence trick. Once below, you can quickly reach the plateau road and continue your main quest without backtracking.
Environmental Hazards and Enemy Encounters
Enemy Spawns Around the Hole
Bokoblins and Lizalfos often patrol the ridge, creating risk during entry and exit. Eliminating or avoiding these enemies before attempting the drop is recommended for solo travelers.
Weather and Visibility Impact
Rain and fog reduce traction and visibility, making edge detection difficult. Waiting for clearer conditions or using heat-resistant elixirs can improve your margin of safety.
Mastering Advanced Movement in Hyrule
- Practice gliding control before attempting the drop at full speed.
- Clear nearby enemy camps to reduce ambush risk during entry and exit.
- Use shield parrying to maintain momentum while approaching the edge.
- Time your descent with favorable weather to improve visibility and traction.
- Integrate the hole into broader route planning for continent-wide speedruns.
FAQ
Reader questions
Can I use the Gerudo Highlands Hole while riding a horse?
Yes, you can descend with a horse by gliding alongside it or carefully managing the edge angle, though it requires precise timing to avoid fall damage.
Is the hole always present or can it change with game updates?
The entrance remains consistent across normal gameplay, but natural engine quirks occasionally shift rock formations, slightly altering the approach path.
Does using the hole affect any quests or NPC schedules?
No major quest objectives are tied to this location, so using the shortcut will not break active missions or alter NPC behavior significantly.
What is the fastest recorded traversal time through this area?
Elite speedrunners have passed through the entire plateau segment in under thirty seconds using optimized mounts and gliding techniques.