The Mass Effect Andromeda Memory Triggers are some sort of collectibles that are required for the completion of a side mission called Ryder Family Secrets.
The side mission can be started during main mission A Better Beginning through a few different ways.
The fastest way is to go and speak with SAM on the Hyperion (Habitation Deck), which is also your objective for the Priority Op. Alternatively, you can find one of the hidden memory triggers.
Another way to start the side op is to speak to Director Tann. After the conversation, Dr. Harry Carlyle contacts you to inform you that you can use SAM to communicate to your unconscious sibling in the Hyperion Cryobay.
This is a secondary objective that must be completed as soon as possible, since it will later become unavailable.
Mass Effect Andromeda Memory Triggers Details
There are 16 Mass Effect Andromeda Memory Triggers in the game, and they become gradually available as you explore more planets in the Heleus Cluster – the “golden worlds” where you can land.
A Memory Triggers looks like a glowing star/orb floating in mid-air. Once you come close to it you can pick it up using the interaction button.
When you first speak to SAM you learn that your father decided to put some blocks in order to hide some memories even from SAM. Furthermore, if you access the console in his room you will find that you are allowed to access pretty much everything, with the exception of 3 encrypted logs.
As you advance the quest by finding more memory triggers, you will gain access to more of those said memories and audio logs, either by asking SAM to play them, or by listening to them in your father’s quarters, respectively.
Therefore, the hidden memory triggers are of great importance if you want to know what truly happened with Alec Ryder and Ellen, his wife, before departing from the Milky Way.
The first Memory Trigger is very easy to find, since it’s in Alec Ryder’s room on the Hyperion, which is literally next door to the SAM Node room. You can find it between the bookshelf and the kitchen table.
Now that you have one memory trigger you can go back to SAM to play the memory. Also, one of the encrypted logs on Alec’s console is now unlocked.
The locations of the remaining 15 Mass Effect Andromeda Memory Triggers are revealed in the following guide through a series of screenshots and text hints.
If you want to see more Mass Effect Andromeda walkthroughs and guides be sure to check our dedicated playlist on YouTube.
Eos Memory Triggers Locations
Memory Trigger 1 – Site 1: Promise
The first Memory Trigger on Eos can be found on the hill overlooking Site 1: Promise. Use the road northeast to climb the hill, then follow the road to find the trigger on the left side of the road – select the side quest and make use of the navpoint to find the location.
Memory Trigger 2 – Prodromos
In the latter part of the main quest A Better Beginning you will have to establish the Prodromos outpost in the Fairwinds Basin. The Memory Trigger is in the middle of the outpost, next to a guy named August Bradley (by the small water body).
Memory Trigger 3 – Kett Base
The third Memory Trigger is standing on the edge of a cliff above the Kett structures in Presson Dunes (near the huge Kett base). As a reference point, look for a forward station below the mentioned cliff.
Havarl Memory Triggers Locations
Memory Trigger 1 – Turian Encampment
It’s quite easy to locate the first Memory Trigger on Havarl, just activate the mission Turian Ark: Not Dead Yet to reach the turian encampment. The trigger is surrounded by some gear and equipment, near Avitus Rix if you just finished the mission.
Memory Trigger 2 – Mithrava
Another easy Memory Trigger, this one is near a statue in Mithrava, at the top of the tower. The side quest A Dying Planet will show you the correct path to the top of the tower – don’t forget to activate the station so you can fast travel there in the future.
Memory Trigger 3 – The Forgotten Depths
The last Memory Trigger is in The Forgotten Depths, which is a large cave on Havarl where you find the third Monolith. However, in order to access the location, you have to advance the quest A Dying Planet up to the point where Taavos unlocks the entrance in the Chasm of the Builders.
We suggest to grab the trigger while in the mission, to avoid an extra trip to the cave. Just follow Taavos to the lower level and you should spot the trigger a few feet away from the Remnant console, among some stalagmites.
Voeld Memory Triggers Locations
Memory Trigger 1 – Hjara
To get this Memory Trigger on Voeld use the Nomad to climb the top of the mountain that is on the opposite side from Hjara. You can find the trigger on the edge of the cliff.
Memory Trigger 2 – Outpost Site
The second Memory Trigger is on a ridge overlooking the (future) settlement site of the Initiative. It is located west of the large Kett base on the mountain.
Memory Trigger 3 – Kett Mountain Base
For the next one, head north-east from the large Kett command center. The Memory Trigger is on the peak of a small mountain not far from the pipe that leads to the base.
Kadara Memory Triggers Locations
Memory Trigger 1 – Sulfur Springs Outpost Site
The first Mass Effect Andromeda Memory Trigger on Kadara can be acquired at the future site of the Initiative outpost – it’s a few steps away from the forward station if you settled the outpost.
Memory Trigger 2 – Sulfur Springs
Not far from the previous Memory Trigger is the second one. To get it, head to the peak of the mountain beside the Remnant Monolith overlooking the Initiative settlement.
Memory Trigger 3 – Kurinth’s Valley
The third Memory Trigger on Kadara is located in Kurinth’s Valley, next to an acid/water pool. It is close to a mineral sample required for the mission Task: Hitting Rocks for Science (or near the Architect battle, whichever you prefer).
Elaaden Memory Triggers Locations
Memory Trigger 1 – Gehenna Valley
You can get the first Elaaden Memory Trigger in Gehenna Valley. Look for it in an oasis with two trees, easy to spot.
Memory Trigger 2 – Languish: Cave
This Memory Trigger is in a cave not far from a forward station. However, it is guarded by two Echidna and a Fiend, so be prepared for a battle.
Memory Trigger 3 – Languish: New Tuchanka
The final Memory Trigger in Mass Effect Andromeda is on a small mesa that’s close to the New Tuchanka krogan colony. Use the Nomad’s 6WD ability to climb to the top.
I have to wonder… why don’t any of these memory trigger guides actually have map points shown?
My game isn’t even showing the quest markers for these memories.
Saying ‘between two trees’ in an area that could literally be anywhere is beyond useless. The map doesn’t show the names of the locale; so basically you have to drive around aimlessly until you happen to find it.