Recovering the lost fragments of Link's past is not just a side activity in Hyrule; it is the narrative backbone of the entire experience. The Captured Memories quest is essential for anyone looking to see the secret ending and fully understand the tragic fall of the kingdom one hundred years ago. This process involves matching twelve faded photos on the Sheikah Slate to specific geographical locations across the vast map.

Before heading out, remember that this quest officially begins in Kakariko Village. After speaking with Impa and repairing the Sheikah Slate in Hateno Village, you will be tasked with finding these twelve spots. Finding just one will earn you the Champion's Tunic, the strongest armor piece in terms of raw defense, which also allows you to see enemy health bars. To find the rest, you often need a keen eye for landmarks or the help of Pikango, the traveling painter found at various stables.

The Role of Pikango the Painter

Pikango is an invaluable NPC who appears at stables near each memory location. If you show him your photos, he will provide a general direction or a specific landmark to look for. While this guide provides the exact spots, knowing where Pikango is can help you orient yourself in the field. He moves between locations as you progress, so checking in at every new stable is a sound strategy.

Memory 1: Sacred Ground Ruins

Located in the heart of Central Hyrule, this memory is one of the most iconic yet dangerous to obtain early in the game. The photo shows the ceremonial stage directly south of Hyrule Castle.

To reach it, the safest route is often coming from the Woodland Stable or the Central Tower. The ruins are surrounded by water and are patrolled by several Guardian Stalkers. It is suggested to approach from the south, using the trees for cover. If you lack Ancient Arrows or high-level shields, stealth is your best friend here. The glowing spot is right in the center of the stone platform where Princess Zelda once knighted Link.

Memory 2: Lake Kolomo

This memory is located just north of the Great Plateau, making it one of the easiest to grab shortly after starting your journey. The photo depicts a view of Lake Kolomo with the Dueling Peaks visible in the far distance.

Travel to the Oman Au Shrine on the Great Plateau and paraglide north toward the lake. The memory is situated on the west bank of Lake Kolomo, on a slightly elevated ridge overlooking the water. There are few enemies here, mostly just some basic ChuChus or Bokoblins, making it a peaceful stop on your way to the Riverside Stable.

Memory 3: Ancient Columns

The third photo leads you to the Tabantha Frontier. In the image, you can see the Divine Beast Vah Medoh perched atop Rito Village in the distance. The foreground is dominated by large stone pillars and a Sheikah Shrine.

To find this, cross the Tabantha Great Bridge and head south up the cliffside. You will find the Tena Ko'sah Shrine at the top. The memory is located right in front of the shrine entrance, overlooking the canyon. Be mindful of the surrounding area; while the columns themselves are safe, the path up is often guarded by high-level monsters.

Memory 4: Kara Kara Bazaar

Deep in the Gerudo Desert, this memory is found at the Kara Kara Bazaar, the only oasis on the road to Gerudo Town. The photo shows the bazaar's pond and the surrounding palm trees.

Because the desert has extreme temperature fluctuations, ensure you have heat-resistant food or armor during the day and cold resistance at night. The glowing memory point is located on the northeast side of the oasis pond. This area is relatively safe, though Yiga Clan members may spawn nearby if you have already progressed in their specific questline.

Memory 5: Eldin Canyon

This location offers a spectacular view of the Great Hyrule Forest and Hyrule Castle from the heights of the Eldin region. The photo features a ring of stones and a vast overlook.

Finding this spot requires a bit of climbing. It is located on a high ridge west of Goronbi Lake. The easiest way to get there is to warp to the Eldin Tower and paraglide toward the west. Look for a circular stone formation—a classic Korok puzzle spot—on a flat plateau. The memory is right there. The climb can be taxing on stamina, so bringing stamina-restoring meals is a wise precaution.

Memory 6: Irch Plain

Located in the Hyrule Ridge region, this photo depicts a lonely tree near a small body of water with Hyrule Castle in the background.

Search the area northwest of the castle, specifically the Irch Plain. There is a small, horseshoe-shaped pond. On the edge of this pond stands a single tree. The memory is located under its branches. It’s a quiet area, though you might encounter some Stalkoblin at night. The view of the castle from here is melancholic and provides a great sense of the scale of the Calamity.

Memory 7: West Necluda

This memory is found between the Great Plateau and the Dueling Peaks. The photo shows a large tree with two small stone statues beneath it, overlooking the Hylia River.

Head to the north side of Scout’s Hill, near the Bridge of Hylia. The location is on a small hill in the middle of a grassy field. It can be hard to spot because it lacks major ruins, but looking for the specific grouping of the tree and the twin statues is the key. It’s a very tranquil spot that emphasizes the natural beauty of the Necluda region.

Memory 8: Hyrule Castle (Princess Zelda’s Study)

This is arguably the most difficult memory to collect. It is located within the grounds of Hyrule Castle itself. The photo shows a bridge connecting a tall spire to the main castle structure.

The location is Princess Zelda’s Study, a small room perched high on the western side of the castle. To get there without fighting an army of Guardians, approach from the back of the castle (the northern side) using a Zora Armor to swim up the waterfalls or paraglide from the nearby mountains. Alternatively, enter through the docks and work your way up. Once you reach the bridge outside the study and the laboratory, the memory will trigger. Be extremely careful of the flying Guardian Sentries patrolling the area.

Memory 9: Spring of Power

In the Akkala region, there is a sacred spring dedicated to the Goddess. The photo shows a statue of the Goddess surrounded by water and lush greenery.

The Spring of Power is located in a hollowed-out area north of the Ordorac Quarry. From the East Akkala Stable, head west. The spring is easy to find as it is a distinct, deep depression in the earth. The memory is located directly in front of the Goddess Statue. This is also where you can offer Dinraal’s Scale later in the game for a shrine quest.

Memory 10: Sanidin Park Ruins

Located on the border of the Central and Hyrule Ridge regions, this photo features a large stone statue of a horse.

Follow the road leading from the Outskirt Stable toward the Safula Hill. On the hill, you will find the ruins of a park. The horse statue is hard to miss. The memory is located on the stone pavement in front of the statue. Historically, this is where Zelda and Link would rest during their travels across the kingdom. It is a very accessible location with no major threats nearby.

Memory 11: Lanayru Road - East Gate

This memory takes place at the foot of Mount Lanayru. The photo shows a large stone gate with the mountain towering behind it.

The East Gate is situated at the end of the Lanayru Promenade. You can reach it by traveling east from Kakariko Village through the mountains or by following the promenade from the west. This area is somewhat dangerous due to the presence of a Lynel nearby (unless you approach carefully). The memory is located right at the gate's entrance. This is a pivotal narrative moment as it depicts the group returning from the Spring of Wisdom on the day the Calamity began.

Memory 12: Hyrule Field

The final photo in the initial set of twelve is located in a small forested area north of the Bottomless Swamp in Central Hyrule. The photo depicts a path through a forest with the castle visible through the trees.

This is a relatively small patch of woods on the eastern bank of the Hylia River. It can be tricky to find because the terrain is somewhat generic, but look for the specific angle of the castle. It is situated between the Bottomless Swamp and the Hylia River. There are a few forest enemies here, like Octoroks, but nothing as dangerous as the Guardians found closer to the castle.

The Secret 13th Memory

Once you have found all twelve photo locations, return to Impa in Kakariko Village. She will reveal a final painting hanging on her wall. This painting points to the location of the 13th and final memory.

This memory is located at the Ash Swamp in the Blatchery Plain, situated between the Dueling Peaks Stable and Fort Hateno. The area is filled with the rusted remains of dozens of Guardians, marking the site of the final stand one hundred years ago. The memory is located in the center of this "Guardian graveyard." Triggering this memory provides the final piece of the story and confirms the player's readiness to face Calamity Ganon. Collecting this 13th memory is the final requirement for unlocking the true ending cutscene after the credits.

The Automatic Story Memories

While the thirteen memories mentioned above are part of the "Captured Memories" quest, there are five other memories in the base game that are unlocked through story progression rather than exploration.

  1. Mipha’s Touch: Triggered in Zora's Domain after speaking with Muzu and the King near the statue of the Zora Champion.
  2. Daruk’s Mettle: Triggered in Goron City after speaking with the boss, Bludo, and looking at the carving on the mountain.
  3. Revali’s Flap: Triggered in Rito Village after speaking with Kaneli and talking to Revali’s wife at the flight range area.
  4. Urbosa’s Hand: Triggered in Gerudo Town after retrieving the Thunder Helm and speaking with Riju.
  5. The Master Sword: This memory is triggered when you attempt to pull the Master Sword from its pedestal in the Korok Forest (the Lost Woods). Unlike the others, this is tied to your health (heart containers) rather than a specific conversation.

DLC Memories: The Champions' Ballad

If you have the "Champions' Ballad" DLC installed, there are five additional memories to unlock. These focus on the recruitment of the four Champions and a final group photo memory. These are obtained by completing the trials associated with each Champion’s Divine Beast.

  • Champion Mipha’s Song: Complete the trials in Lanayru.
  • Champion Daruk’s Song: Complete the trials in Eldin.
  • Champion Revali’s Song: Complete the trials in Tabantha.
  • Champion Urbosa’s Song: Complete the trials in Gerudo.
  • The Final Picture: Complete the final trial of the DLC and return to Link’s house in Hateno Village to hang the picture.

Strategy for Efficient Collection

If you are planning to collect all memories in a single run, it is most efficient to group them by region.

  • The Central Loop: Start with Lake Kolomo, move to the Sanidin Park Ruins, then hit the Sacred Ground Ruins and the forest memory (Memory 12) near the Bottomless Swamp.
  • The Western Trek: Combine the Ancient Columns in Tabantha with the Kara Kara Bazaar in the Gerudo Desert.
  • The North/East Run: Visit the Eldin Canyon, the Spring of Power in Akkala, and the Lanayru East Gate.

By following this regional approach, you save on travel time and can unlock towers and shrines along the way. Always keep an eye out for the shimmering golden glow on the ground, which indicates the exact spot to stand. The light can be seen from a distance, especially at night or during the rain.

Collecting these memories transforms Breath of the Wild from a simple sandbox game into a poignant story about loss, regret, and the hope of restoration. Once the 13th memory is reclaimed, you are fully prepared to enter Hyrule Castle and bring peace back to the land.