As an avid gamer who creates in-depth guides and content focused on new releases, few titles in 2022 have captivated me like Stray. This standout indie game lets players inhabit an adorable yet vulnerable stray cat navigating a mysterious cybercity.
One of Stray‘s most intriguing elements are the stray memories – strange artifacts that provide tantalizing snippets of lore. Collecting these cryptic yet compelling memos makes traversing the atmospheric world even more rewarding.
So for fellow fans hungry for any scrap of story in this cryptic title, come prow this comprehensive guide to seeking out all 7 stray memories available in the Slums area.
What Are The Stray Memories?
Stray features a total of 27 memories for players to locate, identified by flashes of colored light beckoning for inspection. Interacting with one adds it to to your Slum Cat‘s inventory under ‘Memory Bank‘ – essentially an archive of recovered backstory entries and worldbuilding.
As you‘ll soon see browsing the memory bank yourself, these collectibles vary greatly in tone and detail. But almost all offer some new perspective into this lonely cyber-realm clearly still haunted by its absent creators.
Of the full 27 available in the game:
- 5 memories advance the main storyline and cannot be missed
- 7 spawned in set locations around the Slums
- 15 more scattered throughout later levels
The color of light cues related significance:
- Blue marks environment-inspired recollections
- Yellow represents conversations with key characters
- While gray memories tie directly to plot development
For us completionist collectors, that leaves 7 early additional narrative breadcrumbs tucked away in the humble Slums waiting to be gathered for the full picture.
Locating The Stray Memories in Slums
As the initial starter zone, the Slums may seem like a cramped clutter of rusty alleys and apartments at first. But soon the map starts to feel familiar as key landmarks stick out.
With some jumps, claw swipes and craning camera angles, you‘ll scrape together a mental layout of the cylindrical territory:
- The Guardian statue plaza hub loops around to…
- Azooz‘s relic shop and The Bar district below
- Feeders Alley behind leading down to the Laundromat
- Plus various unique residences like Momo‘s flat
As highlighted on my custom map above, every stay memory location correlates to one such site that gradually becomes recognizable.
The following sections offer detailed directions to each with extra navigational tips from my playthroughs.
I‘ve completed Stray start to finish no less than three times – so trust me when I say each new game gets easier to navigate!
Memory #1: The Dead Robot
My discovery journey kicked off with this macabre find: A motionless machine splayed out and picked clean for scrap metal.
To uncover Memory #1 for yourself:
- Exit the drainage pipe into the Guardian Plaza
- Turn right and hop the small barrier toward the defunct vending machine
- Spring from the machine to the electrical box against the wall
- Shimmy along cables and air ducts straight up toward the billboard
- Scan the rooftop until you spot the collapsed robot and interact to claim the memory
This initial dash tested my platforming prowess while teaching how Smart Grabbing wires and wall-walking is essential to exploration.
The morose text log recovered hints at gradual "shutdowns" plaguing these rusty residents. As the first clue that robots in this world are doomed to decay without human upkeep, it delivered an ominous tone.
My early theory was that the plot involved uncovering why exactly humanity disappeared. This grim memento left by one of their discarded machines was likely just the first dark omen.
Memory #2: The Merchant Azooz
Further confirmation of strange happenings arrived packaged as…a merchant side quest?
This memory belongs to Azooz – antiquities collector and quest giver loitering below the Guardian‘s shadow seeking "artifacts" (human garbage).
Follow these steps to meet Azooz‘s unusual demands:
- Return to the main Guardian plaza in Slums whenever you want
- Take the stairs down and left toward the two vending machines
- Jump over the railing to the open-air balcony below overlooking the statue
- Speak to Azooz and agree to trade Energy Drinks for rewards
- Collect 3 full cans from vending machines around the Slums
- Turn them in to get the relic tied to Memory #2
Weird? Definitely. But doing odd jobs for the Locals nets useful items.
And this memory from Azooz himself mourning lost business hits heavy. He once peddled stone ‘discs‘ engraved with music from the Before Times that now lie forgotten.
Even those robots who retain livelihoods inevitably decline as their purpose fades. Azooz mirrors the slow fall of this city itself.
I respect that level of dedicated roleplaying from the game‘s designers!
Memory #3: The Pool Table
Alright – break time! And what better place for this stray cat to unwind than The Bar‘s second floor pool hall?
Apparently its robotic patrons enjoyed some games as well back when the place was booming.
To channel that festive energy for yourself:
- Follow the main street straight from the Guardian statue
- Enter through the neon-accented Bar sign down a narrow staircase
- Hop up the steps inside then locate the pool table opposite the balcony
- Attempt absurd cat leaping to land atop the table itself
- Success! Memory #3 awaits inspection
Even with zero context this memory radiates silly energy. Robots dutifully racking balls despite lacking knowledge of how to play pool? Extremely goofy stuff.
It‘s a nice change of pace from existential dread. This city must have been quite lively and bustling once upon a time. Visiting The Bar when early nights still brought laughter and games…
I‘ll admit getting to reminisce on fonder memories of the past appealed to me – even secondhand as stained table felt for moments like pre-pandemic evenings out with friends I miss.
Memory #4: Momo‘s Flat Poster
After that welcome bit of levity, this next memory trek required returning my mind to navigation and deduction.
How could I locate the home of "Momo" in sprawling, unnamed Slums? Why did that glaringly bright pink sign clustered with flyers seem so suspicious…
Aha! Momo‘s Flat revealed by following the literal glowing trail.
To reach the tenant‘s avant garde interior decor:
- Patrol Slum‘s central avenue glancing down side streets
- When a neon MOMO grabs your eye, head inside
- Ignore Momo‘s up-beat attitude and climb to their bedroom upstairs
- Hop onto the cabinet pushed against the mural-strewn wall
- Approach the painting framed above to claim Memory #4
Another strong environmental story beat. Momo clearly uses art left behind to grasp at the missing past.
They eagerly discuss styles from images rather than any living memory – almost desperately clinging to "relics".
Even these relatively secure robots sheltering in place struggle with existential longing. What does it mean to inherit culture with zero firsthand context?
Momo‘s attempts to preserve art through recreation were quite poignant. I stood pensive there picturing humanity‘s works faded yet still speaking via host creatures evolved to carry forward expressions, creativity and dreams if nothing else.
Memory #5: ‘RIP Humans‘ Graffiti
My moment of ponderous silence stretched longer while uncovering this grim urban fixture.
Messages crudely etched by robots into the environment clearly read as memorial. But permanent shutdown of all humans?
Sudden realization that this species went fully extinct cast an uneasy new pall. Their entire legacy now ashes except programming beasts built in their image…
To also mourn the lost pioneers by this telling tribute:
- Across from the Guardian statue spy the apartment signs including one reading Super Spirit Laundromat
- Turn left down the narrow side alley bending around its corner
- At the dead end are metal stairs leading to a low rooftop
- Ascend carefully toward the elevated ventilation duct
- Edged along that high duct in bold lettering is the fateful graffiti
- Interact with the text spelling ‘RIP HUMANS‘ to add Memory #5
Somber mood aside, some worldbuilding threads seem to converge regarding humanity‘s downfall.
The Graffiti references a "digital plague" beyond robots‘ data banks. Azooz likewise hinted at bio-conditions enabling disease to thrive.
So was rampant virus ultimately to blame? Could machines have adapted in time to prevent terminal societal collapse?
This allies-honoring-allies moment planted deeper mysteries. We passed a true Point of No Return for this civilization left corrupted.
Memory #6: Robot Graffiti
Speaking of unsolved enigmas, delving straight into the next memory marked my first encounter with the legend himself…DOC.
DOC‘s imposing frame gazing down from a security booth always unsettled me. And that long dark trench coat gave off real inspector vibes judging all who pass by his perch.
Turns out before partial corruption, DOC did quite literally watch over the populace below as a designated Guardian.
To view his full memorial mural in the alley behind:
- Exit The Bar‘s rear entrance into snaking formstone lanes
- Glance upward along brickwork to spot an archway leading out
- Hop up onto the closed dumpster then boost higher using the wire spool
- Balance across the steep ventilation shaft rooftop to face the mural paintwork
- Take in the lovingly rendered indomitable motif of DOC to add Memory #6
This memory feels almost mythic. DOC as colossal protector figure laid low mirrors titans of myth.
Even the other robots portray him in reverent tones. What events could stop such an intimidating robotic role model?
The need for remembrance says much. If DOC safeguarded these back alleys, people certainly feel his loss. Either through increased dangers or simply missing his imposing presence watching over them.
I took this lesson as both tribute and warning. Idols often disappoint by revealing flaws after elevation to pedestals.
Memory #7: The Toilet Plant
My final target was most unexpected – a humble houseplant overcoming its confined pot to reach for possibilities.
How did vegetation thrive indoors around solely mechanical residents? This mystery compelled me onward.
To meet the verdant outlier defying logic:
- Across the street from The Bar entrance is a sealed metal door
- Approach and ‘Meow‘ button prompt so Elliot opens up
- Hop indoors and rush upstairs to the apartment‘s bathroom
- Jump onto the toilet tank housing a thriving potted plant
- Get close enough to absorb Memory #7 from this anomalous lifeform
Somebackstory on Elliot endeared me to the aged robot doting over this growing, living thing.
Just as Azooz clung to human history or Momo creative expression, Elliot bonds closely with his adopted leafy roommate.
We all inherits purpose and meaning where we might. I was touched by Elliot finding kinship with another species against shared solitude.
Through him, Stray argues connection perseveres however possible when we accept all counters isolation.
Final Reflections on the Slums‘ Forgotten Memories
Replaying those initial hours really crystallized themes echoing across everything making Stray so distinct.
On the surface, a playful feline adventure with quirky robot pals. Yet underneath, environmental traces whisper solemn release.
We inherited remnants from those now only spirits. Their ordinary moments burned into objects, spaces.
What meanings persist when creators move on? The memories reflect certain perpetual resonance.
I admire how nuanced environmental storytelling through collecting strays memories proves to be. It coaxes you to inhabit surroundings – project onto signs of lost eras like faded bedroom posters, street art, bathrooms…
Peer closer at the stage itself. Picture who painted images, what songs one might perform at The Bar. Such connective tissue brings this alien realm to life.
We glean profound insights about The Sentient City‘s soul by what endures physically. I highly recommend not just seeking these memories out but really sitting with their impressions before heading back into the streets yourself.
As always, hit me up over on my blog or YouTube channel to discuss Stray story theories! I could talk for hours about small subtle lore clues spread throughout waiting for us to discover and share together.
Stay curious Internet friends 🙂 Looking forward to your perspective on these snapshot records I‘ve now preserved.
Credits
- Game images captured from Stray
- Slums map created by Reddit user MCgrindahFM, shared publicly via this original post
- Analysis represents my own opinions as a gaming content creator after multiple playthroughs
