Have you ever wondered how to unlock every secret of Link’s past in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild? The “Captured Memories” quest is one of the most rewarding journeys in BOTW, letting players piece together the lost story of Hyrule through 13 hidden memory locations. For many, finding all memory locations BOTW offers is a true test of exploration, puzzle-solving, and lore mastery. Whether you’re chasing the true ending or just want to experience every emotional flashback, this guide is your ultimate companion.
In this comprehensive walkthrough, you’ll discover every memory location BOTW hides across its vast world. We’ll provide detailed maps, step-by-step directions, and pro tips for each memory spot—so you can relive Link’s past and unlock the full story. If you’re searching for “all memory locations BOTW map,” “how to find memories in BOTW,” or just want to avoid missing a single cutscene, you’re in the right place. Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more Zelda guides, and check out our gaming gear reviews for the best Switch accessories!
What Are Memory Locations in BOTW?
Memory locations in BOTW are central to the “Captured Memories” quest, which begins after you visit the Hateno Ancient Tech Lab and speak with Purah. Once you’ve unlocked the Sheikah Slate’s camera, Impa in Kakariko Village will show you 12 mysterious photos. These images are scattered across Hyrule, each marking a place where Link and Zelda shared a pivotal moment before the Calamity.
As you explore, you’ll need to match the Sheikah Slate’s photos to real-world locations. When you find the right spot, a glowing light will appear—interact with it to trigger a memory cutscene. Collecting all 12 memories, plus a secret 13th memory, is essential for unlocking the game’s true ending and understanding the full backstory of Zelda, Link, and the fall of Hyrule.
Beyond the story, completing the Captured Memories quest rewards you with lore, emotional depth, and a sense of accomplishment that few side quests can match. For many players, tracking down every memory location BOTW offers is a highlight of their adventure.
How to Start the Captured Memories Quest
- Visit the Hateno Ancient Tech Lab: After leaving the Great Plateau, head to Hateno Village and meet Purah. She’ll help you restore the Sheikah Slate’s camera function.
- Show the Photos to Impa: Return to Kakariko Village and speak with Impa. She’ll reveal the 12 photos and challenge you to find each memory location BOTW has hidden.
- Get Hints from Pikango: Throughout Hyrule, you’ll find Pikango, a traveling painter who offers clues about each memory’s location. Show him your photos for valuable hints.
Pro Tip: Some memory locations are guarded by powerful enemies like Guardians. Prepare by upgrading your stealth gear—see our best BOTW stealth armor guide for recommendations.
All Memory Locations BOTW: Full List with Maps
Below is a quick-reference table of all memory locations BOTW features, followed by detailed walkthroughs for each. Use these to plan your route and avoid missing any crucial cutscenes.
| # | Photo Description | Region | Exact Spot | Nearby Landmark |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sacred Ground Ruins | Hyrule Field | NE of Central Tower, south of castle | Pools of water |
| 2 | Lake Kolomo | Great Plateau | West ridge by lake | Small path end |
| 3 | Ancient Columns | Tabantha | NW of Tabantha Tower | Ring Ruins |
| 4 | Kara Kara Bazaar | Gerudo Desert | Oasis center | Market stalls |
| 5 | Eldin Canyon | Eldin | Near Goronbi Lake | Hot springs |
| 6 | Irch Plain | Hyrule Ridge | North of Hyrule Castle | Tree cluster |
| 7 | West Necluda | Necluda | Near Kakariko Bridge | River bend |
| 8 | Hyrule Castle | Hyrule Castle | East courtyard | Broken fountain |
| 9 | Spring of Power | Akkala | Spring of Power | Statue |
| 10 | Sanidin Park Ruins | Hyrule Ridge | West of Central Tower | Horse statue |
| 11 | Lanayru Road East Gate | Lanayru | East Gate ruins | Stone arch |
| 12 | Hyrule Field | Hyrule Field | South of castle moat | Ruined wall |
| 13 | Blatchery Plain | West Necluda | Near Ash Swamp | Battlefield with Guardians |
Memory #1: Sacred Ground Ruins
Located in the heart of Hyrule Field, northeast of Central Tower and just south of Hyrule Castle. Look for the ruined plaza with pools of water. Approach carefully—Guardians patrol the area. Stand in the center of the ruins to trigger the memory.
Memory #2: Lake Kolomo
Head west from the Great Plateau to Lake Kolomo. The memory spot is on a grassy ridge overlooking the lake, at the end of a small path. Use the Sheikah Slate photo for reference.
Memory #3: Ancient Columns
Travel to the Tabantha region, northwest of Tabantha Tower. The memory is among the ring of ancient columns on a high plateau. Watch for Moblins in the area.
Memory #4: Kara Kara Bazaar
In the Gerudo Desert, find the oasis at Kara Kara Bazaar. The memory is in the center, near the water and market stalls. Beware of heat during the day—equip cooling gear.
Memory #5: Eldin Canyon
Located near Goronbi Lake in the Eldin region. Look for a hot spring surrounded by rocks. Fireproof elixirs are recommended due to the heat.
Memory #6: Irch Plain
North of Hyrule Castle, in Hyrule Ridge. Find a cluster of trees on Irch Plain. The memory is in a clearing, with a view of the castle in the distance.
Memory #7: West Necluda
Near Kakariko Bridge in the West Necluda region. The memory is at a river bend, with a clear view of the bridge and surrounding hills.
Memory #8: Hyrule Castle
Inside Hyrule Castle’s east courtyard, near a broken fountain. This area is heavily guarded—use stealth or ancient arrows to avoid confrontation.
Memory #9: Spring of Power
In the Akkala region, visit the Spring of Power. The memory is in front of the large goddess statue.
Memory #10: Sanidin Park Ruins
West of Central Tower, in Hyrule Ridge. Look for the horse statue at Sanidin Park Ruins. The memory is right in front of the statue.
Memory #11: Lanayru Road East Gate
In the Lanayru region, find the East Gate ruins along the road to Mount Lanayru. The memory is under a large stone arch.
Memory #12: Hyrule Field
South of Hyrule Castle’s moat, near a ruined wall. This spot is close to enemy camps, so approach with caution.
Memory #13: Blatchery Plain
Near Ash Swamp in West Necluda, on a battlefield littered with destroyed Guardians. This is the final memory needed for the true ending.
Tips & Tricks for Finding Memory Locations BOTW
- Use Sheikah Towers: Climb towers to get a bird’s-eye view and match photo angles.
- Consult Pikango: He appears in most stables and villages, offering hints for tricky memories.
- Prepare for Combat: Some memories are near Guardians—bring ancient arrows or stealth gear.
- Use the Map: Mark potential spots with pins as you compare photos to the landscape.
- Master Mode Differences: Enemies are tougher and more numerous, so plan accordingly.
- Speedrun Skips: Some players use shield surfing or Revali’s Gale to reach memories faster, but enjoy the journey!
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Common Mistakes & FAQs
- Mistake: Ignoring Pikango’s hints—he often points you in the right direction.
- Mistake: Not matching the photo angle—stand in the exact spot for the memory to trigger.
- Mistake: Forgetting to visit Impa after finding all 12 memories to unlock the 13th.
FAQs
- Where is memory #12 BOTW? South of Hyrule Castle’s moat, near a ruined wall in Hyrule Field.
- What happens after finding all memory locations BOTW? Return to Impa for the final memory and unlock the true ending.
- Can you miss any memories? No, all memories are available at any time after starting the quest.
- Which is the hardest memory to find? Many players struggle with the Sacred Ground Ruins due to Guardian patrols.
- Do you need all memories for the true ending? Yes, all 13 are required.
- Are there memory locations BOTW map apps? Yes, try MapGenie or Zelda Dungeon for interactive maps.
Conclusion & Next Steps
Finding all memory locations BOTW offers is more than a checklist—it’s a journey through Hyrule’s lost history and Link’s own forgotten past. Completing the Captured Memories quest not only unlocks the true ending but also deepens your connection to Zelda’s world. Whether you’re a first-timer or a returning hero, use this guide to ensure you don’t miss a single moment.
Which memory location was your favorite or the hardest to find? Share your story in the comments below! For more Zelda tips, subscribe to our newsletter and check out our full BOTW walkthroughs and Nintendo Switch deals for your next adventure.
