Have you ever wondered what truly happened to Link and Zelda before the fall of Hyrule? In The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (BOTW), uncovering Link’s lost memories is more than just a side quest—it’s the emotional core of the game’s story. For many players, finding all the BOTW memory locations is a rite of passage, unlocking hidden cutscenes, deepening the lore, and even impacting the game’s ending. But with Hyrule’s vast open world and only cryptic photo clues to guide you, tracking down every memory can be a daunting challenge.

If you’re searching for a complete guide to all BOTW memory locations, you’re in the right place. This post will walk you through every captured memory, provide exact maps and coordinates, and offer pro tips for safe and efficient exploration. Whether you’re a completionist, a lore lover, or just want to see every cutscene, this guide will help you unlock Link’s past and experience the full story of Breath of the Wild.

Why BOTW Memory Locations Matter

The amnesia-driven quest for Link’s memories is one of the most compelling aspects of BOTW. After leaving the Great Plateau, Impa in Kakariko Village tasks Link with finding 12 lost memories, each tied to a photograph in his Sheikah Slate. These memories are scattered across Hyrule, often in scenic or dangerous locations, and piecing them together reveals the tragic backstory of Link, Zelda, and the Champions.

Unlocking all BOTW memory locations is essential for:

• Experiencing the full story and emotional cutscenes.
• Unlocking the “true ending” after defeating Calamity Ganon.
• Earning the “Captured Memories” quest reward.
• Satisfying completionist goals and 100% runs.

With millions of players searching for “all BOTW memory locations,” “BOTW captured memories map,” and “where to find BOTW memories,” this guide is designed to answer every question and help you relive the legend.

Memory #1: Sacred Ground Ruins

Location: Northeast of Hyrule Field Tower, just south of Hyrule Castle.

How to Find: Glide from Hyrule Field Tower or Central Tower, heading toward the ruined plaza with broken pillars and shallow pools. The memory spot is in the center of the Sacred Ground Ruins, but beware: Guardians patrol the area, so approach with caution or visit at night for better visibility and fewer enemies.

Picture Clue: Look for the iconic pillars rising from water, matching Zelda’s photograph.

Nearby Shrine: Saas Ko’sah (inside Hyrule Castle, but not required for memory access).

Pro Tip: Use stealth gear or the Stasis rune to freeze nearby Guardians if you’re spotted.

Image placeholder: BOTW memory locations #1 map, alt=”BOTW memory locations Sacred Ground Ruins”

Memory #2: Lake Kolomo

Location: North of the Great Plateau Tower, on a ridge west of Lake Kolomo.

How to Find: From the Great Plateau Tower, head north and slightly west. The memory is on a grassy overlook with a clear view of the lake below. This is one of the easiest early-game memories to reach.

Picture Clue: The photo shows a winding path leading to a tranquil lake.

Nearby Shrine: None directly adjacent, but the area is relatively safe.

Warnings: Watch for Bokoblins patrolling the nearby woods.

Memory #3: Ancient Columns

Location: South of Tabantha Tower, at the Ancient Columns site.

How to Find: Glide south from Tabantha Tower to the ring of stone columns. The memory is at the center of the circle, near the Tena Ko’sah Shrine.

Picture Clue: Look for the dramatic stone pillars and the distant view of the Tabantha Frontier.

Nearby Shrine: Tena Ko’sah (right at the site).

Pro Tip: Use Revali’s Gale to reach the columns quickly if you’ve unlocked it.

Memory #4: Kara Kara Bazaar

Location: On the edge of the oasis at Kara Kara Bazaar, Gerudo Desert.

How to Find: Travel west from the Wasteland Tower or north from Gerudo Town. The memory is on the eastern shore of the oasis, near palm trees and market stalls.

Picture Clue: The photo shows the oasis with Gerudo Town’s spires in the distance.

Nearby Shrine: Daqo Chisay (near Gerudo Town).

Tips: Visit at dawn for beautiful lighting and fewer enemies.

Memory #5: Eldin Canyon

Location: On a high cliff overlooking Eldin Canyon, near Goronbi Lake.

How to Find: From the Eldin Tower, head southeast toward Goronbi Lake. The memory is on a rocky outcrop with a panoramic view of Death Mountain.

Picture Clue: The image features a volcanic landscape and distant lava flows.

Nearby Shrine: Gorae Torr (north of the memory).

Warnings: Bring heat-resistant gear or elixirs to survive the intense heat.

Memory #6: Irch Plain

Location: North of Hyrule Castle, on Irch Plain.

How to Find: From the Central Tower, head north past the castle moat. The memory is in an open field with scattered trees and a clear view of the castle.

Picture Clue: The photo shows Hyrule Castle looming in the background.

Nearby Shrine: Rota Ooh (to the west).

Tips: Avoid Guardian patrols by sticking to the treeline.

Memory #7: West Necluda

Location: On a hill overlooking Hateno Village, West Necluda.

How to Find: From Hateno Tower, glide west toward the hilltop with a lone tree. The memory is at the base of the tree, offering a sweeping view of the village and the sea.

Picture Clue: The photo features a single tree and Hateno Village below.

Nearby Shrine: Bosh Kala (to the northwest).

Pro Tip: Visit at sunset for a stunning view.

Memory #8: Hyrule Castle

Location: Inside Hyrule Castle, near Zelda’s Study.

How to Find: Enter Hyrule Castle from the north or west, using the docks or waterfalls. The memory is on a balcony near Zelda’s Study, overlooking the castle grounds.

Picture Clue: The image shows the castle’s grand architecture and gardens.

Nearby Shrine: None inside the castle, but Saas Ko’sah is nearby.

Warnings: Expect tough enemies—bring powerful weapons and plenty of healing items.

Memory #9: Spring of Power

Location: Akkala region, at the Spring of Power.

How to Find: Travel east from the Akkala Tower to the Spring of Power, nestled in a forested valley. The memory is at the base of the goddess statue.

Picture Clue: The photo shows a tranquil spring surrounded by ancient ruins.

Nearby Shrine: Tutsuwa Nima (hidden behind a shrine quest).

Tips: Offer a scale from Dinraal, the red dragon, to unlock the shrine.

Memory #10: Sanidin Park Ruins

Location: Hyrule Ridge, at the Sanidin Park Ruins.

How to Find: From the Central Tower, head west across the river to the horse statue at Sanidin Park. The memory is at the statue’s base.

Picture Clue: The image features a horse statue and rolling hills.

Nearby Shrine: Mogg Latan (to the north).

Pro Tip: Ride a horse to the site for a thematic touch.

Memory #11: Lanayru Road East Gate

Location: Lanayru region, at the East Gate of Lanayru Road.

How to Find: From Kakariko Village, follow the road east toward Mount Lanayru. The memory is at the stone gate, marked by two large pillars.

Picture Clue: The photo shows the gate with mountains in the background.

Nearby Shrine: Shai Yota (to the southeast).

Tips: Beware of Lizalfos and Moblins along the road.

Memory #12: Hyrule Field

Location: Central Hyrule, near the river south of Hyrule Castle.

How to Find: From the Central Tower, head south to the riverbank. The memory is on a grassy patch with a view of the castle.

Picture Clue: The image shows the river, castle, and wildflowers.

Nearby Shrine: Katah Chuki (to the east).

Pro Tip: Use stealth to avoid Guardian Scouts in the area.

Memory #13: Blatchery Plain

Location: West Necluda, at Blatchery Plain.

How to Find: From Kakariko Village, travel south along the road to Blatchery Plain. The memory is near a small pond, surrounded by trees.

Picture Clue: The photo features a battlefield with scattered weapons.

Nearby Shrine: Ha Dahamar (to the west).

Tips: This area is peaceful, making it a good memory to collect early.

Pro Tips & Interactive Maps

Using Interactive Maps for BOTW Memory Locations

For visual learners, interactive maps are invaluable. Several fan-made maps and official guides mark all BOTW memory locations with screenshots and coordinates. Use these to plan efficient routes, especially if you’re aiming for 100% completion or speedrunning.

Gear Preparation for Memory Hunts

• Stealth Gear: Essential for sneaking past Guardians and tough enemies.
• Elemental Protection: Bring heat-resistant or cold-resistant gear for Eldin and Lanayru regions.
• Arrows and Bombs: Useful for clearing obstacles or defending against ambushes.
• Food and Elixirs: Stock up on healing and stamina-boosting items.

Tying Memories to Shrines and Koroks

Many memory locations are near shrines or Korok seeds. Use this to your advantage by combining memory hunts with shrine quests or Korok challenges for maximum efficiency.

DLC and Sequel Hype

Finding all BOTW memory locations unlocks special cutscenes and is referenced in the sequel, Tears of the Kingdom. Completing the Captured Memories quest is a must for lore fans and those preparing for the next adventure.

FAQ: All BOTW Memory Locations

How many BOTW memory locations are there?

There are 13 main memory locations in Breath of the Wild, plus a final memory unlocked after finding the first 12.

Where can I find a BOTW captured memories map?

Interactive maps are available online, showing all memory locations with screenshots and coordinates.

Do I need all memories for the true ending?

Yes, collecting all 13 memories unlocks the true ending after defeating Calamity Ganon.

Are there shrines near every memory?

Most memories are near shrines, making fast travel and exploration easier.

Can I collect memories in any order?

Yes, memories can be collected in any order, but some are easier to access early in the game.

Key Takeaways

• BOTW memory locations are essential for unlocking Link’s backstory and the game’s true ending.
• There are 13 memories, each tied to a unique spot in Hyrule, often near shrines or landmarks.
• Use interactive maps, stealth gear, and efficient routes to collect all memories.
• Completing the Captured Memories quest rewards you with special cutscenes and lore.
• Memory locations are a highlight for completionists and lore enthusiasts alike.

Conclusion

Uncovering all BOTW memory locations is one of the most rewarding quests in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Whether you’re chasing the true ending, exploring every corner of Hyrule, or simply reliving Link and Zelda’s story, this guide will help you find every memory with confidence. Ready to unlock the past? Grab your Sheikah Slate, plan your route, and let the adventure begin!

Homethreads locations