The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild took a significant change in direction from the rest of the Legend of Zelda series. Not only does the game offer an enormous open-world that players can traverse in any direction, but it also made almost all of its story optional, akin to FromSoftware's Dark Souls trilogy.
However, that's not to say that the game doesn't have any story at all, as players can discover what happened before the apocalypse via Link's memories. Finding the memories is easier said than done though, so we've listed the locations of all thirteen captured memories, along with the five other memories that can be found along Link's quest.
18 Captured Memory 1
Link's first captured memory can be found just south of Hyrule castle at the Sacred Ground Ruins. Getting to the memory will be tricky, as guardians are crawling around the area.
The memory will show Link being knighted by Princess Zelda as the Champions watch skeptically.
17 Captured Memory 2
Link's second captured memory is one of the easiest to locate, as the picture clue gives players a great scope of the surrounding area, and there won't be any guardians to sneak past or destroy.
The second captured memory will feature Zelda speaking to Link about the Divine Beasts.
16 Captured Memory 3
The third captured memory is at the Ancient Columns in Hebra, south of the Tabantha Tower. Those who have already completed the Tena Ko'sah Shrine will be in luck, as the memory is just in front of it.
Zelda is frustrated in the memory as she is unable to enter the shrine, causing her to snap at Link.
15 Captured Memory 4
Captured Memory 4 can be found on the path leading to Gerudo Town.
The Memory takes a significant change of pace from the previous captured memory, as Zelda finds herself under attack by a group of Yiga Clan members. Thankfully, Link didn't take Zelda's criticisms from the previous entry too seriously, as he arrives to defend her from the ambush.
14 Captured Memory 5
Captured Memory 5 is at the Eldin Canyon. The canyon is near to Death Mountain, so players will need to be prepared for the extreme heat.
The memory features Zelda speaking about the noticeable rise in monster attacks in the area, and how she is worried that it could be a sign of Calamity Ganon's return.
13 Captured Memory 6
Captured Memory 6 can be found northeast of the Royal Ancient Land Ruins next to a small body of water.
The memory consists of Zelda speaking to Link about the nature and wildlife of Hyrule, before trying to involve Link in her studies, much to his dismay.
12 Captured Memory 7
Captured Memory 7 is located in between the Deya Village Ruins and the narrow stream of water to the west of it.
Zelda admires Link's sword skills and training dedication in the memory, before questioning the moral implications of his role.
11 Captured Memory 8
Captured Memory 8 is one of the toughest memories to reach, as it is within the heavily guarded Hyrule Castle. Players first need to reach the castle, then make their way to a small bridge between Zelda's study and bedroom. The best way to reach the memory is to approach the castle from the left side, and climb up to the tower rather than using the dangerous walkways.
The memory features Zelda looking at the guardians with great interest, before her father, King Rhoam, scolds the princess about fulfilling her duties.
10 Captured Memory 9
Captured Memory 9 is another tough memory to reach without any help or guidance, as it is located at partially hidden, descended ruins.
Zelda will be pleading to a goddess statue in the memory, as she is frustrated at how she can't seem to unlock her powers.
9 Captured Memory 10
Captured Memory 10 can be found at the Sanidin Park Ruins, next to a large statue of a horse. The area also tends to be a good spot to find horses, so it may be worth preparing to tame one if needed.
Zelda is more optimistic about her powers in captured memory 10, as she believes that Mt. Lanayru could be the key to awakening her powers.