Recovering Link’s lost history is one of the most rewarding secondary objectives in Hyrule. Unlike direct quest markers that point exactly where to go, the "Captured Memories" quest requires a blend of pattern recognition, map literacy, and sheer exploration. These memories provide the narrative backbone of the game, transforming the vast ruins of Hyrule into a story-rich landscape. To trigger these flashbacks, players must find the glowing yellow halo on the ground that matches the twelve photos stored in the Sheikah Slate.

How the Memory System Functions

The quest begins in earnest after speaking with Impa in Kakariko Village. She tasks you with finding the locations depicted in the photos Zelda left behind. While the photos offer a static view of the past, the world has changed significantly over 100 years. This is where Pikango comes in. This traveling painter is found at various stables and towns across the map. If you show him a photo, he provides a vague but helpful direction based on his travels. Finding these locations is not just about the story; obtaining at least one memory is a prerequisite for getting the Champion’s Tunic from Impa, and finding all of them unlocks the true ending of the game.

Photo 1: Sacred Ground Ruins

The first photo is perhaps the most iconic but also one of the most dangerous for early-game players. It depicts the Sacred Ground Ruins, a ceremonial stone circle located directly south of Hyrule Castle in Central Hyrule.

Visual Cues: The photo shows the towering spires of the castle in the background, framed perfectly by the stone columns of the ruins.

Navigation: The area is heavily patrolled by Guardian Stalkers. A common approach is to glide down from the Central Tower or approach from the south. Stealth is your best friend here if you haven't mastered ancient parrying or don't have Ancient Arrows. The memory spot is right in the center of the circular dais. If a Guardian spots you, use the broken walls for cover, but it is often safer to clear the immediate vicinity before attempting to trigger the cutscene.

Photo 2: Lake Kolomo

This memory is located in the Central Hyrule region, specifically on the west bank of Lake Kolomo. It is relatively easy to reach early on as it is just north of the Great Plateau.

Visual Cues: The image features a view of the lake with the Dueling Peaks visible in the far distance, framed by trees on a slight elevation.

Navigation: Warp to the Oman Au Shrine on the Great Plateau and glide north. The lake is uniquely shaped, making it easy to spot on the map. Head to the elevated ridge on the western side. There are fewer threats here compared to the castle, though occasional Keese or ChuChus might pop up. It’s a peaceful spot that highlights the contrast between the ruins and the surviving nature of Hyrule.

Photo 3: Ancient Columns

Located in the Tabantha region, this memory sits atop a cliff overlooking the Tabantha Great Bridge.

Visual Cues: The photo shows several tall, weathered columns with a shrine in the background and the Divine Beast Vah Medoh (if not yet conquered) or its perch in the distance.

Navigation: The most efficient way to reach this spot is to warp to the Tabantha Tower and glide south toward the cliffside ruins known as the Ancient Columns. The Tena Ko'sah Shrine is located right next to the memory, making this a great spot to unlock a fast-travel point. Beware of the Guardians that sometimes roam the nearby plains, but the cliff itself is generally safe.

Photo 4: Kara Kara Bazaar

This is one of the easiest memory locations botw to find because it lies directly on the path to Gerudo Town in the Gerudo Desert.

Visual Cues: A desert oasis with palm trees and a small pool of water, with the bazaar's tents in the background.

Navigation: You will naturally visit this location during the "Divine Beast Vah Naboris" questline. The memory is located on the northeast side of the oasis pool. Since the desert has extreme temperature fluctuations, ensure you have heat resistance during the day and cold resistance at night. It’s a bustling spot compared to other ruins, filled with merchants and travelers.

Photo 5: Eldin Canyon

This memory provides a breathtaking view from the heights of the Eldin region, looking toward the Great Hyrule Forest.

Visual Cues: The photo shows a wide vista of the Lost Woods and Hyrule Castle from an elevated, rocky plateau with a circle of stones.

Navigation: Finding this specific ridge can be tricky. It is located on the western slopes of Death Mountain, east of the Woodland Stable. The best way to get there is to climb the mountainside from the stable or glide down from the Eldin Tower. Look for a distinctive circle of stones on a high ridge. This spot is also home to a Korok seed, so you can tick off two objectives at once. The climb requires decent stamina, so bring some Enduring Elixirs.

Photo 6: Irch Plain

Located in the Hyrule Ridge region, this memory offers a beautiful view of the castle from the northwest.

Visual Cues: A large, lone tree near two smaller bodies of water with Hyrule Castle visible across the moat.

Navigation: Head northwest from Hyrule Castle toward the Irch Plain. The spot is located near a small pond between the castle and the Salari Hill. This area is mostly open grassland, making it easy to navigate on horseback. However, the proximity to the castle means you should watch the skies for Guardian Skywatchers that might stray from their usual patrol routes.

Photo 7: West Necluda

This memory is tucked away in a quiet forest area between the Great Plateau and the Dueling Peaks.

Visual Cues: A large tree on a hill with two small stone statues underneath, overlooking the Hylia River with the bridge in the distance.

Navigation: Located on the eastern bank of the Hylia River, north of Lake Hylia. You can reach it by traveling south from the Proxim Bridge or gliding east from the Great Plateau. The hill is relatively secluded. It’s a subtle location, and many players miss it because it doesn't have grand ruins nearby. Look for the distinct pairing of the tree and the statues.

Photo 8: Hyrule Castle (The Princess's Study)

This is widely considered the most difficult memory to reach, as it is located deep within the most dangerous zone in the game.

Visual Cues: A stone walkway connecting a tall, slender tower to the main body of the castle.

Navigation: The memory is on the bridge between Zelda's Study and Zelda's Room on the western side of the castle's upper levels. Reaching it requires either high-level combat skills or expert stealth. One effective route is to use the Zora Armor to swim up the waterfalls on the castle's northern side, then climb toward the western spires. Alternatively, you can glide from the Ridgeland Tower if you have significantly upgraded stamina and stamina-recovery food. Expect to encounter multiple Guardian Skywatchers and Turrets. The payoff is a poignant look into Zelda's life before the Calamity.

Photo 9: Spring of Power

This memory is located in the Akkala region, inside one of the three sacred springs of Hyrule.

Visual Cues: A serene spring with a large goddess statue and falling water, surrounded by deep rock walls.

Navigation: The Spring of Power is located in a literal hole in the ground between the North Akkala Foothills and the Ordorac Quarry. It is almost directly west of the East Akkala Stable. Once you find the depression in the earth, drop down into the spring. The memory is located in front of the statue. While the spring itself is calm, the surrounding Akkala region is home to several Guardians, so stay alert on your approach.

Photo 10: Sanidin Park Ruins

Located in the Ridgeland region, this memory is found at a former park dedicated to the horses of Hyrule.

Visual Cues: A large, magnificent statue of a horse on a stone pedestal.

Navigation: The ruins are located on a hill west of the Safula Hill and south of the Manhala Bridge. It’s right next to the main road, making it very easy to find if you are traveling by horse. The memory is triggered directly in front of the horse statue. This is a great spot to visit while hunting for the Royal White Stallion, as that quest also takes place in this vicinity.

Photo 11: Lanayru Road - East Gate

This memory sits at the base of Mount Lanayru, marking the path Zelda and Link took after her failed attempt to awaken her powers at the Spring of Wisdom.

Visual Cues: A massive, arched stone gate at the end of a long, ruin-lined valley, with the snowy peaks of Mount Lanayru towering above.

Navigation: The East Gate is located at the western end of the promenade that leads toward Mount Lanayru. To get there, you can follow the path east from the Lanayru Wetlands. Be extremely cautious: a Lynel patrols the area right near the gate. If you aren't ready for a high-stakes fight, try to sneak around the cliffs or glide in from a higher elevation to trigger the memory and quickly warp away.

Photo 12: Hyrule Field

The final photo memory is located in a small, non-descript forest in the middle of Hyrule Field.

Visual Cues: A dense thicket of trees near the Hylia River, with the castle visible through the branches.

Navigation: This is often one of the hardest to find because the terrain is very generic. It is located on the eastern bank of the Hylia River, just north of the Bottomless Swamp in Central Hyrule. It’s a small forested area surrounded by open fields. Since this is Central Hyrule, Guardian Stalkers are a constant threat in the surrounding plains. Finding the exact spot among the trees usually requires a bit of wandering until the yellow glow appears.

The Final 13th Memory: Blatchery Plain

After you have successfully found all 12 photo locations, you must return to Impa. She will show you one last painting hanging on her wall, which points to the final memory. Unlike the others, this one is not in your Sheikah Slate album.

Location: Blatchery Plain in the Dueling Peaks region, specifically in the area known as the "Ash Swamp."

Visual Cues: A massive graveyard of inactive (and some active) Guardian husks. It is a haunting field of rusted metal and tall grass.

Navigation: Head east from the Fort Hateno gate toward Hateno Village. The swamp is located just past the fort. This memory is the emotional climax of Link’s journey, depicting the moment Zelda’s power finally awakened. Finding this memory is essential for seeing the post-credits scene of the game. Watch out for a few Guardians that are still functional in the swamp; they may wake up as you approach.

Story-Based Memories

While the 13 "Captured Memories" are the core of the quest, there are 5 additional memories that are unlocked through story progression. You don't need to hunt for glowing spots for these; they happen automatically.

  1. Divine Beast Vah Ruta: Unlocked after board the beast and speaking with the spirit of Mipha.
  2. Divine Beast Vah Rudania: Unlocked upon meeting Daruk’s spirit.
  3. Divine Beast Vah Medoh: Unlocked during the interaction with Revali.
  4. Divine Beast Vah Naboris: Unlocked through Urbosa’s dialogue.
  5. The Master Sword: This memory is triggered when you successfully pull the Master Sword from its pedestal in the Korok Forest. It requires 13 permanent heart containers to obtain.

Tips for Efficient Memory Hunting

To make your search for memory locations botw easier, consider a few strategic preparations:

  • Unlock the Map First: Visiting the Sheikah Towers for each region is vital. It’s much easier to cross-reference a photo with a detailed map than a blank one.
  • Talk to Pikango: He moves between locations. If you are stuck on a specific photo, find him at the nearest stable. For example, if you are looking for the Eldin Canyon memory, he will be at the Woodland Stable.
  • Use High Ground: Hyrule is a vertical game. Reaching a high peak and using your scope (Right Stick click) allows you to survey the land for landmarks like the Dueling Peaks or the Castle, which act as anchors for the photos.
  • Stock Up on Stamina: Many of these spots, like the Eldin Canyon or the Hyrule Castle study, require significant climbing or long glides. Cook Stamella Mushrooms or Endura Carrots to keep your gauge full.
  • Nighttime Visibility: The glowing yellow halo of the memory spot is actually easier to see from a distance at night. However, this also means dealing with more Stalkoblins and elemental Keese.

Finding every memory transforms Link from a blank slate into a character with a deeply tragic and heroic past. It fills in the gaps of what happened 100 years ago and makes the final confrontation with Calamity Ganon feel much more personal. Whether you are rushing to get the true ending or taking your time to soak in the atmosphere of the ruins, these locations are some of the most beautifully designed points of interest in all of Hyrule.