You've just stepped out of the Shrine of Resurrection. The light is blinding. Hyrule is massive—dauntingly so. And then Impa drops a bombshell: you’ve forgotten everything. Your entire history with Princess Zelda is locked behind twelve grainy photos on a Sheikah Slate.
Honestly, the Zelda Breath of the Wild captured memories quest is the real heart of the game’s narrative. Without them, Link is just a guy in tunics hitting goblins with sticks. With them, you actually understand why the world broke in the first place. But let’s be real. Finding these spots based on a single, 100-year-old landscape photo is a nightmare if you don't know the landmarks. It’s a scavenger hunt across a map that wants to kill you.
Why the Memories Actually Matter for Your Ending
Most people think the memories are just optional flavor text. They aren't. If you want the "true" ending—the one that actually provides some closure for Zelda and Link—you have to find all twelve of these locations, plus the secret thirteenth memory that unlocks afterward.
It’s about the subtext. In the present day, Hyrule is a graveyard. In the memories, you see the tension. You see Zelda’s resentment toward Link because he represents her failures. You see the King being a harsh father. It turns a "save the princess" trope into a complicated family drama. If you skip these, you're playing half a game. You're just a tourist in a ruin.
The Problem With the Sheikah Slate Photos
The photos Impa gives you are purposefully vague. Some show a random grove of trees. Others show a distant mountain peak that looks like every other mountain in Hebra. To find them, you basically have to become a geologist. You have to look at the angle of Death Mountain or the specific shape of the Twin Peaks in the background. It's a test of your spatial awareness, not just your combat skills.
Tracking Down the Hardest Zelda Breath of the Wild Captured Memories
Let's get into the weeds. Some of these are easy. The Sacred Ground Ruins? It’s right in front of Hyrule Castle. You can see it from a mile away, even if the Guardians there are a total pain to dodge. But others? They're tucked away in corners of the map you'd never visit otherwise.
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Memory 9: Silent Princess
This one is located in Hyrule Ridge, specifically near Two Gun Island. It’s one of the most poignant moments in the game. You see Zelda nerding out over a flower. It’s humanizing. Finding it requires you to look for a small pool of water surrounded by trees. If you’re approaching from the Tabantah Bridge Stable, you’ll head northeast. Look for the flora; the game uses the environment to guide you more than the UI does.
Memory 7: West Necluda
This is the one with the big statues. It’s tucked between the Dueling Peaks and Lake Hylia. Specifically, it's on a high ridge overlooking the Hylia River. Most players walk right under it while following the road to Kakariko. You have to look up. Gravity is your enemy here, but the view of the Scout's Hill area is worth the climb.
The Role of Pikango
If you’re struggling, talk to the guy with the paintbrush. Pikango is a lifesaver. You’ll find him at various stables across Hyrule. If you show him a picture on your Slate, he’ll usually give you a massive hint. He’s the developer’s way of saying, "We know this is hard, here’s a bone."
For example, when you find him at the Wetland Stable, he’ll point you toward the forest memory near the Hylia River. He doesn't give you a waypoint—that would be too easy—but he tells you which landmarks to align. It’s organic. It feels like actual detective work.
The Tragedy of the "Return of Calamity Ganon" Memory
The memory at Lanayru Road - East Gate is probably the most famous. It’s where everything goes wrong. You see the four Champions, the Princess, and Link coming back from Mt. Lanayru. Then the sky turns red.
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Finding this spot is a journey in itself. You have to navigate the Lanayru Promenade. It’s a long, sunken valley filled with water and enemies. But when you stand under that stone archway and the "Recall" prompt appears, the atmosphere shifts. You’re standing exactly where the world ended. The ruins around you suddenly make sense. Those weren't just decorative rocks; they were the last things the Champions saw before they went to their deaths.
Environmental Storytelling vs. Cutscenes
Nintendo did something risky here. They put the best writing of the game in optional collectibles. A lot of critics, like those at Eurogamer or Kotaku, pointed out early on that Link’s lack of personality in the "present" is balanced by his vulnerability in the "past." In the memories, he isn't a silent god. He’s a tired soldier.
You see him eating a burnt lizard. You see him looking exhausted. This is where the Zelda Breath of the Wild captured memories system shines. It doesn't tell you Link is tired; it shows him slumped over while Zelda talks about her own insecurities. It's subtle.
Mapping the Remaining Locations
You’ll want to check the following areas specifically. Don't look for a glowing light from the air; you have to be on the ground for the "shimmer" to appear.
- Ancient Columns: High above the Rayne Highlands in the Totori Lake region. There's a shrine right next to it, which makes it easy to warp back to later.
- Irch Plain: North of Hyrule Castle. It’s a swampy area with a very specific, lone tree. If you see a lot of lightning, you’re in the right neighborhood.
- Kara Kara Bazaar: This is the easiest one in the Gerudo Desert. It’s right by the water. You can’t miss it if you’re following the main quest to get into Gerudo Town.
- Spring of Power: Way up in Akkala. It’s a deep, leaf-filled pit. Beautiful, quiet, and haunting.
The Secret 13th Memory and Why It Breaks People
Once you get the initial twelve, Impa shows you a painting on her wall. It’s the final clue. This leads to Ash Swamp, near the Blatchery Plain.
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It is a literal graveyard of Guardians.
This is the "Battle of Fort Hateno." This memory explains how Link died—or almost died. It’s the moment Zelda’s power finally awakens. Standing in that field of rusted metal husks in the present day, knowing that this is where Link fell, is a heavy realization. The game doesn't play a big fanfare. It’s just you, the wind, and the ghosts of a hundred ancient machines.
How to Optimize Your Memory Run
Don't try to do these all at once. You'll burn out. The map is too big. Instead, integrate them into your exploration of the Divine Beasts.
- Get the Zora Armor first. It makes navigating the Lanayru memories significantly faster because you can just swim up waterfalls.
- Unlock the Towers. Obviously. You need the map layers to see the topographical lines that match the photos.
- Buy a Horse. Or catch a fast one near the Taobab Grasslands. A lot of these memories are in the middle of vast plains. Running on foot is a chore.
- Use the Pro HUD. Honestly, turn off the mini-map. Look at the world. Look at the peaks. If the photo shows a mountain on the left and a forest on the right, physically turn Link until the horizon matches. It’s much more rewarding.
Common Misconceptions About Memory Completion
A lot of players think they need to find the memories in the order they appear on the Sheikah Slate. You don't. The game is non-linear. You can find the last memory first if you happen to stumble upon it. The "story" will still play out in chronological order in your "Adventure Log" menu anyway, so don't stress about the sequence.
Also, you don't need a specific level of hearts or stamina to trigger them. You just need to find the spot. However, some spots are guarded by Lynels or Guardians. If you're early in the game, bring some Stealth Food. Sneak in, trigger the cutscene, and warp out if things get hairy. You don't have to fight your way out of a memory.
Actionable Steps for Completionists
If you're staring at an empty gallery and feeling overwhelmed, take a breath. Start with the landmarks.
- Check the skyline. Death Mountain, the Dueling Peaks, and Mount Lanayru are your North Stars. Every photo contains at least one of these or a specific body of water.
- Visit every Stable. Pikango is your best friend. He moves. If you find him at a new stable, he will have a new hint.
- Focus on the "Sanadin Park" memory. It’s on the road leading to the Outskirt Stable. It’s one of the few with a distinct stone statue of a horse. It’s a great "starter" memory to get your bearings on how the game wants you to look at the environment.
The reward for all this isn't just a trophy or a checkmark. It's the realization that Link isn't just a blank slate. He had a life, a burden, and a group of friends who believed in him. Finding the Zelda Breath of the Wild captured memories turns a grand adventure into a personal mission of redemption. Go to the Ash Swamp last. Let the weight of that final memory sink in before you head to the Sanctum to face Ganon. It makes the final blow feel a lot more earned.