Recovering Link’s lost fragments of time is a central pillar of the narrative in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. There are 18 memories in total that complete the picture of what happened a century ago during the Great Calamity. These are categorized into 12 Captured Memories found via the Sheikah Slate’s photo album, one final hidden memory unlocked after the initial 12, and five additional memories triggered by main story milestones like conquering Divine Beasts or claiming the Master Sword.

Locating these spots is not just about lore; finding all the captured memories unlocks a secret, extended ending to the game. This guide provides the exact locations, travel routes, and environmental tips for every memory in Hyrule.

Understanding the Memory Recovery Process

Before embarking on the hunt, players must first visit Impa in Kakariko Village after completing the "Locked Mementos" quest at the Hateno Ancient Tech Lab. Impa will tasks Link with visiting the locations shown in the 12 photos left behind by Princess Zelda.

To make the search easier, look for Pikango, the traveling painter. He appears at various stables and towns across the map. If Link shows him a photo, Pikango will provide specific directional clues based on the landmarks visible in the picture. When Link stands in the correct spot, a glowing yellow aura appears on the ground. Interacting with this light triggers a cinematic flashback.

Finding the First Captured Memory at the Sacred Ground Ruins

The first photo shows a circular ceremonial stage surrounded by stone pillars, with Hyrule Castle looming in the background. This location is the Sacred Ground Ruins, situated directly south of Hyrule Castle in the Central Hyrule region.

Reaching this spot requires caution. The ruins are located in the middle of Hyrule Field, an area heavily patrolled by Guardian Stalkers. For early-game players, the safest route is to glide north from the Central Tower. To avoid detection, stay low and use the terrain for cover. If a Guardian targets you, use a Shield Parry or ancient arrows to neutralize the threat quickly. The memory glow is located in the very center of the stone dais.

Reaching the Second Memory Near Lake Kolomo

The second photo depicts a lakeside view with a sloping hill and trees. This spot is located on the west bank of Lake Kolomo, just north of the Great Plateau.

To find it, warp to the Oman Au Shrine on the Great Plateau and paraglide toward the north. Lake Kolomo is shaped like a crescent; head for the elevated ridge on its western side. The area is relatively peaceful compared to the castle ruins, though some standard enemies like Red Bokoblins may roam nearby. Look for a small forest on the ridge overlooking the water to find the glowing aura.

Tracking the Third Memory at Ancient Columns

The third photo features a shrine positioned among ancient stone pillars on a high cliff, with the silhouette of Divine Beast Vah Medoh visible in the sky. This location is the Ancient Columns in the Hebra region, specifically south of the Tabantha Tower.

The most efficient route is to warp to the Tabantha Tower and glide south toward Piper Ridge. From there, continue south across the canyon to the high plateau where the Tena Ko’sah Shrine sits. The memory point is directly in front of the shrine entrance. Be prepared to fight or bypass the Moblins and Lizalfos guarding the cliffs on your way up.

Visiting the Fourth Memory at Kara Kara Bazaar

The fourth photo shows a desert oasis with palm trees and a small pond. This is the Kara Kara Bazaar, located in the Gerudo Desert along the main path to Gerudo Town.

Finding this memory is straightforward as it lies on the primary quest route for Divine Beast Vah Naboris. Travel to the Wasteland Tower and glide southwest toward the bazaar. The memory glow is situated on the northeast side of the oasis pond, near some crates. Note that the desert has extreme temperature shifts; ensure you have heat-resistant gear or food for the day and cold resistance for the night.

Climbing to the Fifth Memory in Eldin Canyon

The fifth photo offers a high-altitude view of the Great Hyrule Forest, with the Woodland Tower visible in the distance. This spot is tucked away on a rocky outcrop in the Eldin Canyon region, west of Goronbi Lake.

This is one of the more difficult memories to locate due to the vertical terrain. Start from the Woodland Stable and head northeast into the mountains. Alternatively, glide west from the Eldin Tower. You are looking for a specific plateau that features a circular arrangement of stones (which also hides a Korok). The memory is just in front of these stones, providing a panoramic view of the forest below. High stamina or the Climbing Gear set is highly recommended for this trek.

Finding the Sixth Memory at Irch Plain

The sixth photo shows a grassy field with two distinct trees and a view of Hyrule Castle from the northwest. This location is in the Irch Plain, situated across the moat from the castle.

Warp to the Ridgeland Tower and paraglide northeast. The plain is between the castle and Salari Hill. Look for a small, horseshoe-shaped pond with two trees standing on its bank. The memory is located right between these trees. Since this area is relatively open, keep an eye out for patrolling Stalkoblins at night, but otherwise, it is a safe zone for exploration.

Locating the Seventh Memory in West Necluda

The seventh photo features a large tree on a hill overlooking a river and the Bridge of Hylia in the distance. This spot is in West Necluda, on the eastern bank of the Hylia River.

The easiest approach is to warp to the Bosh Kala Shrine (near Proxim Bridge) and head south along the river. Alternatively, glide east from the Great Plateau’s eastern edge. Look for a solitary, large tree on a hill named Scout’s Hill. Beside the tree, there are two small stone statues sheltered by a tiny roof. The memory glow is right next to these statues.

Infiltrating Hyrule Castle for the Eighth Memory

The eighth photo is the most dangerous to obtain. It shows the exterior walkway leading to Princess Zelda’s Study within the walls of Hyrule Castle.

To reach this without engaging in a massive war, use the Zora Armor to swim up the waterfalls on the northeastern side of the castle. Once you reach the top of the waterfalls, move toward the western side of the castle’s upper reaches. You are looking for a standalone tower—this is Zelda’s Study. A bridge connects the study to Zelda’s Room. The memory is located on the center of this bridge. Beware of the flying Guardian Skywatchers; using Stasis+ on them can provide a brief window to sprint past.

Discovering the Ninth Memory at the Spring of Power

The ninth photo depicts a sacred spring with a large statue of the Goddess Hylia. This is the Spring of Power in the Akkala region.

Head to the East Akkala Stable and travel directly west. The spring is located in a deep, sunken basin in the North Akkala Valley. Descend into the water-filled ruins to find the statue. The memory glow is on the stone platform in front of the Goddess statue. This area is relatively secluded, though you should watch for Decayed Guardians if you approach from certain angles.

Finding the Tenth Memory at Sanidin Park Ruins

The tenth photo shows a grand stone statue of a horse in a park-like setting. This location is the Sanidin Park Ruins in the Ridgeland region.

The ruins are located on a hill directly north of the Outskirt Stable and the Manhala Bridge. Follow the main road that leads from the stable toward the Safula Hill area. The park is easily visible from the road due to the massive horse statue at its peak. The memory is located right in front of the statue’s pedestal.

Navigating to the Eleventh Memory at Lanayru Road East Gate

The eleventh photo features a snowy mountain framed by a stone archway at the end of a long, paved road. This is the East Gate of Lanayru Road, situated at the base of Mount Lanayru.

Starting from Kakariko Village, head east through the mountains toward the Lanayru Promenade. Follow the road through the canyon until you reach the end, where it opens up toward the mountain. Be very careful here; a Lynel patrols the area just past the gate. The memory is located on the ground just before the stone archway. If you aren't ready to fight a Lynel, stay hidden and grab the memory quickly before retreating.

Finding the Twelfth Memory in Hyrule Field

The twelfth photo depicts a small forest near a river with Hyrule Castle in the background. This is a generic-looking spot that can be hard to pinpoint, but it is located in a small woods northeast of the Bottomless Swamp in Central Hyrule.

The easiest way to find it is to head to the Wetland Stable and travel south along the eastern bank of the Hylia River. Look for a small, dense patch of trees. The memory is located deep inside the forest, shielded from the view of the Guardians in the nearby fields. Use the Hylia River as your guide to ensure you don't wander too far into the dangerous open plains.

Unlocking and Finding the Final Thirteenth Memory

After Link recovers all 12 captured memories, return to Impa in Kakariko Village. She will reveal a final painting hanging on her wall. This painting points to a location filled with the remains of Guardians—a battlefield known as Blatchery Plain.

This thirteenth memory is located in the Ash Swamp, which is directly east of the Dueling Peaks Stable. The swamp is littered with rusted, inactive Guardians. Head to the center of the graveyard, near a small cluster of trees. The memory glow is found among the husks of the fallen machines. Finding this memory completes the "Captured Memories" quest and ensures you see the game's true ending.

Obtaining the Five Story-Based Memories

Unlike the captured memories, these five are unlocked through natural progression in the main quest "Free the Divine Beasts" and "The Hero’s Sword."

Memory of Revali

This memory is unlocked in Rito Village. After speaking with the elder, Kaneli, and then talking to Teba's wife, Link will observe the flight range platform. This triggers a flashback of the Rito Champion, Revali.

Memory of Daruk

This memory is triggered in Goron City. Upon meeting the boss, Bludo, and looking up at the Great Hyrule Forest and the stone carving of the Champion on the mountainside, Link remembers his time with Daruk.

Memory of Mipha

In Zora’s Domain, after speaking with King Dorephan, Link is directed to talk to Muzu near the statue of Mipha. Seeing the statue triggers the memory of the Zora Princess.

Memory of Urbosa

In Gerudo Town, Link must retrieve the Thunder Helm from the Yiga Clan. Upon returning the helm to Chief Riju and standing on the balcony of the palace, the memory of the Gerudo Champion, Urbosa, is restored.

Memory of the Master Sword

This memory does not require a Divine Beast quest. Instead, Link must travel to the Korok Forest through the Lost Woods. When Link attempts to pull the Master Sword from its pedestal in front of the Great Deku Tree, a final story memory involving Zelda and the sword is triggered.

Professional Tips for Memory Hunters

Finding every location can be time-consuming, but certain strategies can streamline the process.

  • Consult Pikango at Every Stable: Pikango is your most valuable asset. He is often found painting outside stables. Even if you think you know where a memory is, talking to him confirms the direction and landmarks to look for, saving you from aimless wandering.
  • Use the Sheikah Slate Zoom: When looking at the photos in your album, use the zoom feature to look for distant landmarks like the Dueling Peaks, Death Mountain, or specific towers. These help triangulate your position.
  • The Adventure Log Check: If you aren't sure which memories you are missing, check the "Memories" tab in your Adventure Log. They are listed in chronological order (though the photos in the album are not). This helps you figure out which story events you might have missed.
  • Stamina and Stealth: Many memories are in high or dangerous places. Upgrading your stamina gauge or carrying stealth-enhancing food/armor (like the Stealth Set from Kakariko) allows you to reach these spots without getting bogged down in unnecessary combat.

Summary of Memory Locations

The quest for Link's memories is a journey across the entirety of Hyrule, from the depths of the Gerudo Desert to the heights of Eldin Canyon. By following the visual cues of the 12 photos and completing the regional quests for the Divine Beasts, players can fully reconstruct the story of the princess and her knight. Remember that the 13th memory only appears after the first 12 are found, and the Master Sword memory is independent of the Sheikah Slate photos.

FAQ

How many memories are in BotW? There are 18 memories in total: 12 from photos, 1 final secret memory, 4 from Divine Beast quests, and 1 from the Master Sword.

Do I need all memories for the true ending? Yes, you must collect all 13 captured memories (the 12 photos plus the final one revealed by Impa) to unlock the bonus scene after the credits.

Where is the hardest memory to find? Most players find the memory inside Hyrule Castle (Memory #8) the hardest due to the high density of Guardians and the complex layout of the castle grounds.

Can I find memories in any order? The 12 photo memories can be found in any order you choose. However, the 13th memory is only available after the first 12 are collected.

Does Pikango appear in every town? He appears in most major stables and some towns like Kakariko and Gerudo Town, but he only offers clues for the memory closest to his current location.