As a link at the beginning of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Awakening after a hundred years in the Shrine of Resurrection, he cannot remember Princess Zelda or the events that led to her destruction Hyrule’s have led. As the game progresses, his memories return bit by bit. Overall there is in the base game 18 memories: 13 of them are related to the main goal “Memories Photos”, four more are triggered during the stories about Revali, Daruk, Urbosa and Mipha and the last memory appears when you pull the Master Sword. With the DLC “The Champions’ Ballad“ five additional memories are added. In this guide we will show you all of them Locations, Pikango’ hints, the requirements for the warrior’s robe and how to unlock the additional ending of Breath of the Wild.
How many memories are there in Breath of the Wild?
The frequently cited number of 13 memories is only partially correct. The main goal, “Memorabilia Photos,” includes twelve images that are already stored in the Sheikah Slate album, as well as a thirteenth image that Impa will only show after you find the first twelve locations. However, the diary contains a total of 18 memories from the base game listed. Four of them are among the Champions and are triggered during the Titans storyline, you get Memory 18 with that Master Sword. Expansion Pass owners can also claim five EX Memories from “The Champions’ Ballad“unlock.
| Type | number | Activation |
|---|---|---|
| Album Memories | 12 | Find places on Zelda’s Photos |
| Last souvenir photo | 1 | After the first twelve pictures at Impa |
| Warriors Memories | 4 | During the four titan plots |
| Master Sword | 1 | Master Sword in the forest of the Koroks pull |
| Base game total | 18 | |
| DLC Memories | 5 | Complete “The Champions’ Ballad” |
Unlock Memorial Photos – Camera and Zelda’s Legacy
Before you can look for the memory photos, you must first restore the Sheikah Slate’s Camera Rune. After your first conversation with Impa in Kakariko Village, you will receive the main objective “Zelda’s Legacy”. Travel to Hateno Village and visit Purah at the Hateno Village Institute. After you bring the blue flame to the institute, Purah repairs the Sheikah Slate and restores the Camera Rune, among other things. Twelve photos that Zelda took 100 years ago appear in the album.
Then return to Impa in Kakariko Village. She recognizes the pictures and suspects that Link could remember his past if he visits the places shown. This begins the main goal “Souvenir photos”. You can view and compare the twelve images directly via the Sheikah Slate album; there is no set order.
Pikango provides information about all twelve memory photos
You don’t have to identify the landscapes in Zelda’s photos completely without help. The painter Pikango, whom you already know from Kakariko Village, later travels through Hyrule and stays at various stables and towns. After you have completed his task around the Great Fairy Spring, he can recognize individual album photos and give you a fairly accurate clue to their Location. That’s why with every reminder we also mention the place where you can find Pikango for the corresponding tip.
How to activate a reminder
Once you have found the right place, a striking, golden light will appear on the ground. Place Link in it and interact with the spot to remember. The associated cutscene will then start automatically. You can unlock the first twelve photo memories in any order; Only after all twelve have been found do you have to return to Impa so that she shows you the Location of the thirteenth and final photo memory.
Rewatch memories
Each unlocked cutscene can later be viewed as many times as desired. Use the plus button to open the menu and switch to the diary. There you will find the tab “Memories”, in which all the scenes that have already been activated are listed chronologically. Precisely because you can discover the twelve photo motifs in any order, it is worth watching them again after completing the search in the official order from memories 1 to 18.
Rewards – Knight’s Robe and additional ending
Already after yours first photo memory found you should return to Impa in Kakariko Village. She gives this to Link as a reward Warrior’s robe. The blue robe has no set bonus, after its improvements it belongs to the Great Fairies but among the strongest individual pieces of armor in the game and also shows you the life points of a targeted opponent as a number. More armor and theirs Locations can be found in our overview of the Armor in Breath of the Wild.
The second big reward awaits at the end of the game. If you have found all twelve pictures from the album, then visited Impa’s thirteenth picture and thus completely completed the main goal “Souvenir Photos”, an additional final scene will play after defeating Ganon. You don’t have to collect all 18 entries in the reminder menu; What is crucial is the completion of the 13 photo memories about Zelda.
All 13 memory photos – Locations at a glance
| Photo | reminder | Location | Note from Pikango |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | #1 – The Ancient Ceremony | Old fairground | Woodland Stable |
| 2 | #3 – Confidence and Sorrow | West shore of Lake Komolo | Riverside Stable |
| 3 | #5 – Zelda’s Zorn | Antique stone pillars | Tabantha Bridge Stable |
| 4 | #7 – Attack of the Yiga | Desert Bazaar | Gerudo Canyon Stable |
| 5 | #8 – The Wound | Eldin Canyon | Goron City |
| 6 | No. 9 – The Princess Gentian | Betulo Plain | Serenne Stable |
| 7 | No. 11 – A dry place | West Necluda | Highland Stable |
| 8 | No. 12 – Father and Daughter | Hyrule Castle | Lurelin Village |
| 9 | #13 – The Missing Power | Source of power | East Akkala Stable |
| 10 | No. 14 – For Mount Lanayru | Sanidin Park Ruins | Outskirt Stable |
| 11 | #15 – Desolation Awakens | Lanayru Street East Gate | Kakariko Village |
| 12 | #16 – Despair | Eastern Hyrule Field | Wetland Stable |
| 13 | #17 – Zelda Awakens | Baccanera level | Impa after the first twelve photos |
Memory Photo 1 – The Old Ceremony (Memories 1)
Location: Old fairground south of Hyrule Castle
Note: Pikango at the forest stable
The first image shows a stone ceremonial site with Hyrule Castle in the background. This refers to the Old Fairground south of the castle and north of the plains of Hyrule. Approach the circular ruin complex carefully, as there are several guards patrolling the area. The glowing memorial site is located within the festival grounds. In the scene, Zelda and the four Champions perform an old ceremony in honor of Link, but it is already clear here how much Zelda suffers from the role imposed on her.
Memory Photo 2 – Confidence and Sorrow (Memories 3)
Location: West shore of Lake Komolo
Note: Pikango at the stable by the river
The second photo takes you south of the plains of Hyrule to Lake Komolo. Search the forested western bank west or northwest of the Komolo Garrison Ruins. From Location the characteristic twin mountains can be seen in the distance, providing a good orientation point. In the memory, Zelda and Link talk about the Titans and Zelda’s research on the way to Goron City, whereby their uncertainty about their own task becomes visible again.
Memory Photo 3 – Zelda’s Anger (Memories 5)
Location: Ancient stone pillars in Tabanta Borderland
Note: Pikango at the Tabanta Bridge stable
Travel to the Tabanta Borderlands and seek out the Ancient Stone Pillars south and southwest of Tabanta Tower. The place lies above the Kukudja Gorge and is easily recognizable because of the Tena Ko’sah Shrine there. You can find other shrines in the area in our overview of the Tabanta Tower. The memory is right between the old columns. Zelda tries in vain to open an ancient shrine there and ends up taking out her frustration on Link.
Commemorative Photo 4 – Yiga Attack (Commemorative 7)
Location: Desert Bazaar in the Gerudo Desert
Note: Pikango at the gorge stable
The fourth album photo is comparatively easy to assign. It shows the oasis of the desert bazaar, which you pass anyway on the way to Gerudo Town. Travel to the bazaar and look for the glowing spot at the edge of the oasis. Our path through the desert is described in detail in the chapter “Free the Divine Beasts – Road to the Gerudos”. In the memory, Zelda is pursued by members of the Yiga and eventually cornered before Link intervenes at the crucial moment.
Memory Photo 5 – The Wound (Memories 8)
Location: Eldin Gorge southwest of Death Mountain
Note: Pikango in Goron City
For the fifth photo memory you have to go to the Eldin region. The point you are looking for is located in the Gorge of Eldin, approximately between the Minshi Forests and Lake Goronbi, southwest of Death Mountain. If you haven’t fully explored the region yet, you can find our shrine overview under Eldin Tower – all shrines. Zelda and Link have already become significantly closer at this point; she talks to him about increasingly dangerous monsters and worries that Link is constantly putting himself in danger.
Memory Photo 6 – The Princess Gentian (Memories 9)
Location: Betulo Plain northwest of Hyrule Castle
Note: Pikango at Maritta
stable
Head to the Betulo Plains northwest of Hyrule Castle and southwest of Salari Mountain. The location you are looking for is on a green meadow near a small body of water. The picture is particularly easy to identify based on the landscape and the great distance from the castle. In the scene, Zelda photographs various plants using the Sheikah Slate and discovers a rare Princess Gentian before a Spur Toad catches her attention.
Memory Photo 7 – A Dry Place (Memories 11)
Location: Tree between Panora Mountain and Adeya Village Ruins
Note: Pikango at the plateau stable
The seventh shot shows a large tree in a green landscape. You can find him in Western Necluda between Panora Mountain and Adeya Village Ruins, east of the Hylia River. Look for the glowing dot directly under the large tree. In the memory, Zelda and Link seek shelter from a rainstorm and Zelda indirectly asks her companion how he deals with the fact that other people have already determined his entire life and destiny for him.
Memory Photo 8 – Father and Daughter (Memories 12)
Location: Hyrule Castle, bridge between Zelda’s chamber and Zelda’s laboratory
Note: Pikango in Lurelin Village
This memory is the most dangerous of the twelve album recordings because it takes you right into Hyrule Castle. The location you are looking for is on the narrow connection between Zelda’s Gemach and her laboratory or study on the west side of the castle. You don’t have to fight Ganon to do this and you can then leave the castle again. If possible, use Revali’s Gale or climb to the higher levels from outside to avoid many guards and enemies. In the scene, Zelda observes an experiment on a Guardian until King Rhoam appears and tells his daughter to stop her research and focus more on awakening her sealing power.
Memory Photo 9 – The Missing Power (Memories 13)
Location: Spring of Power in Akkala
Note: Pikango at East Akkala Stable
Travel north of Akkala to the Spring of Power, located west of the East Akkala Stable in a forested depression. If you want to complete the shrine task there at the same time, you need a scale of the dragon Dinraal; We explain all dragon routes in our guide to the locations of Dinraal, Naydra and Farosh. The memory itself lies in front of the large goddess statue. Zelda desperately tries to awaken her divine power at this holy source, but is again unsuccessful.
souvenir photo 10 – For Mount Lanayru (memory 14)
Location: Sanidin Park Ruins on Salphura Hill
Note: Pikango at the stable on the
level
Sanidin Park Ruins is located west of the Regenzia River and east of Satori Mountain. The most striking landmark is a large horse statue, which can also be clearly seen in the Zelda’s photo. Look for the glowing spot directly in the area of the statue. Zelda talks there about her upcoming journey to the Mount Lanayru and places her last hope on awakening the power intended for her at the source of wisdom.
Memory Photo 11 – Desolation Awakens (Memories 15)
Location: Lanayru Street East Gate
Note: Pikango in Kakariko Village
The eleventh photo takes you to the East Gate of Lanayru Street. Follow Lanayru Street or the old promenade east towards Mount Lanayru until you reach the large gate ruins. The memory lies directly at this striking passage. After Zelda’s’s attempt at the source of wisdom fails, she descends from the mountain with Link and meets the Champions. At this very moment the Calamity Ganon returns and the Hyrule’s sinking begins.
Memory Photo 12 – Despair (Memory 16)
Location: Forest in the east of the Hyrule Field
Note: Pikango at the Swamp Stable
The supposedly last album memory can be found east of the plains of Hyrule in a small forest, north of the Bottomless Swamp and west of the Hylia River. The subject is less prominent than many other album photos, which is why Pikango’ note is particularly useful here. Zelda and Link are on the run after Ganon’s attack, the four Champions have fallen and Hyrule has been practically completely overrun. In the pouring rain, Zelda finally collapses in the face of the catastrophe.
Memory Photo 13 – Zelda Awakens (Memories 17)
Location: Baccanera Plain at Hateno Village Fortress
Prerequisite: Find all twelve album photos and then talk to Impa
After you have visited all twelve locations, return to Impa in Kakariko Village. She will now show you another picture that, at Zelda’s request, should remain hidden until the end. Numerous destroyed guards can be seen on it. The location you are looking for is on the Baccanera Plain near Hateno Village Fortress, between Kakariko Village and Hateno Village. Look for the glowing memorial spot among the many deactivated guards.
This sequence completes the main goal “Souvenir Photos”. Link is seriously injured after the battles against the Guardians controlled by Ganon and can barely stand on his feet. When another guard prepares to fire a fatal shot, Zelda stands protectively in front of Link – and her sealing power finally awakens. She then has the unconscious hero brought to the Shrine of Resurrection, which means the prequel story follows directly on from the beginning of Breath of the Wild. With this memory you have also fulfilled the requirements for the additional final scene after the final battle.
The remaining five memories from the base game
The 13 memory photos form the core of Link’s lost past, but are not the only entries in the diary. Four additional memories are automatically triggered during the main story about the four Titans. You can get the eighteenth and final memory of the base game from Master Sword. That’s why Revali, Daruk, Urbosa, Mipha and the Master Sword appear in the memories menu, but are not among the twelve photos in the Zelda’s album.
Reminder 2 – Revali
You can get the second reminder in the village of the Rito. After speaking to Kaneli about Vah Medoh, the plot leads to Teba and his wife Saki. While talking in the Revali Square area, Link remembers the Rito warrior and his extraordinary abilities. You can find our complete route for this section at Divine Beast Vah Medoh – Teba, Airfield and Attack on the Titan.
Memory 4 – Daruk
Daruk’s memory is part of the story of Vah Rudania. After reaching Goron City, speaking to Bludo, and helping Yunobo at the North Mine, return to Bludo. While talking about the large image of Daruk carved into the rock, Link’s memory of the Goron Knight returns. You can find the entire path in our solution to Divine Beast Vah Rudania.
Reminder 6 – Urbosa
The sixth memory is unlocked during the main objective surrounding Vah Naboris. After infiltrating the Yiga lair, defeating Kohga, and returning the stolen Thunder Helm, you will meet Riju again in the palace of Gerudo Town. The Thunder Helm triggers Link’s memory of Urbosa and her close relationship with Zelda. Our solution takes you through this section under Divine Beast Vah Naboris – Hideout of the Yiga.
Reminder 10 – Mipha
You can get the memory of Mipha in the village of Zora. During the main objective around Vah Ruta, you first speak to King Dorephan and then to Muzu at the large statue of Mipha. The sight of the Zora Princess makes Link remember his past with her. We explain in detail how you reach the village and get the Zora armor in the chapter The Village of the Zora.
Reminder 18 – The Master Sword
The last memory of the base game is directly related to the legendary banishing sword. Travel through the Lost Woods into the forest of the Koroks and pull the Master Sword out of its base. To do this, Link needs at least 13 real Heart Container; Additional yellow hearts from maxi dishes do not count. Once you successfully pull out the blade, Reminder 18 will automatically play. Zelda brings the badly damaged Master Sword to the Great Deku Tree after Link’s defeat and asks to keep it for its owner.
We explain the complete path through the Lost Woods, the three Korok tests and drawing the blade in our big guide to the forest of the Koroks and Master Sword.
All 18 memories in the correct order
| No. | reminder | Activation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The ancient ceremony | Old fairground – souvenir photo |
| 2 | Revali | Plot about Vah Medoh |
| 3 | Confidence and sorrow | Lake Komolo – souvenir photo |
| 4 | Daruk | Plot about Vah Rudania |
| 5 | Zelda’s Zorn | Antique stone columns – souvenir photo |
| 6 | Urbosa | Plot about Vah Naboris |
| 7 | Attack of the Yiga | Desert Bazaar – souvenir photo |
| 8 | The wound | Eldin Gorge – souvenir photo |
| 9 | The Princess Gentian | Betulo Plain – souvenir photo |
| 10 | Mipha | Plot about Vah Ruta |
| 11 | A dry place | West Necluda – souvenir photo |
| 12 | father and daughter | Hyrule Castle – souvenir photo |
| 13 | The missing power | Spring of Power – souvenir photo |
| 14 | To Mount Lanayru | Sanidin Park Ruins – souvenir photo |
| 15 | Desolation awakens | East Gate of Lanayru Street – Commemorative Photo |
| 16 | Despair | Hyrule Field – Commemorative Photo |
| 17 | Zelda’s Awakening | Baccanera Plain – final souvenir photo |
| 18 | The Master Sword | Master Sword in the forest of the Koroks pull |
The five DLC memories from “The Champions’ Ballad”
Expansion Pass owners will receive five additional memories with DLC 2 “The Champions’ Ballad”. They are not found through freely hidden memory locations, but are triggered automatically during the respective warrior ballads. First you experience additional scenes for Revali, Daruk, Mipha and Urbosa; After completing all four sections, the shared memory “The Champions’ Ballad” follows. We explain the complete DLC in our Walkthrough for The Champions’ Ballad, you can also find an overview of all additional tests under The Champions’ Ballad – Shrines.
| EX | reminder | Activation |
|---|---|---|
| EX 1 | Revali’s Ballad | Complete Revalis exams at Vah Medoh |
| EX 2 | Daruk’s Ballad | Complete Daruk’s Trials at Vah Rudania |
| EX 3 | Mipha’s ballad | Complete Mipha’s exams at Vah Ruta |
| EX 4 | Urbosa’s Ballad | Complete Urbosa’s Trials with Vah Naboris |
| EX 5 | The Champions’ Ballad | Complete the final section of the Warrior Ballad |
Do you have to find the memories in a certain order?
No. The twelve images in Zelda’s album can be viewed in any order. The game then automatically sorts the cutscenes into the memories menu. Only “Zelda Awakens” is an exception: Impa only shows you the picture of the Baccanera level after you have successfully found all twelve album photos. The Warrior Memories and “The Master Sword” can also be unlocked at completely different times depending on your personal route through Hyrule.
What memories do you need for the secret ending?
For the additional final scene you must completely complete the main objective “Souvenir Photos”. So find the twelve locations from the Zelda’s album, return to Impa and then activate the thirteenth photo memory “Zelda Awakens” on the Baccanera level. After this, the main objective is completed and the additional scene is shown after defeating Ganon and the credits. The four memories of the Champions and “The Master Sword” are part of the 18 memories in the base game, but are not additionally required for this activation.
Do the DLC memories count towards the ending?
No. The five memories from “The Champions’ Ballad” are additional background stories and have no influence on whether the base game bonus sequence appears. For a complete game state and our 100% walkthrough for Breath of the Wild they are of course still included with the expansion pass installed.
Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Note and ZELDA NOTES
If you play Breath of the Wild – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, you can also use the ZELDA NOTES function in the Nintendo Switch app. There are other voice-based “memories” that play comments from Zelda and other characters in certain locations. This ZELDA NOTES content is separate from the game’s 18 classic memories and the five memories from The Champions’ Ballad. They do not appear as additional entries in the normal Memories menu and do not change the main task “Memories Photos”.
All memories found – what happens next?
Once you have completed the thirteen photo memories, picked up the warrior’s robe and, if possible, unlocked Revali, Daruk, Urbosa, Mipha and the memory of the master sword, Link will know his past again. To get a complete score, you can then devote yourself to the other major collecting tasks: follow our Breath of the Wild Walkthrough, complete all 120 shrines, find all 900 Koroks, the armor complete and finish the Ballad of the Champions with the expansion pass installed. Before the final fight against Ganon at the latest, at least the main goal “Souvenir photos” should be completed so that the additional final scene awaits you after the credits.