How to unlock and use Echoes in Zelda Echoes of Wisdom

If you’re just diving into The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, you will have to get used to the Echoes system. It’s a lot to take in, so let’s take a look at how Echoes work. 

Echoes can help you navigate the world around you, attack monsters you encounter in the wilds of Hyrule, and access secret areas. There are many of them around, and you’ll encounter a lot before you even escape the castle. 

How to unlock new Echoes in Zelda Echoes of Wisdom

There are two types of Echoes in EoW: those that will help you navigate the world and those that can be used to help in battles. Despite their differing uses, all Echoes are unlocked in the same way. 

As you explore the world around you, make sure to look out for anything in the area that glitters. These things can be learned as Echoes, and to do so, you’ll need to approach the item and press ZR. 

Remember, whenever you take on a monster the first time, an Echo will be available to pick up once it’s killed. 

How to use Echoes in Zelda Echoes of Wisdom

Once you’ve got some Echoes, you can choose between them by pressing and holding the right directional button or the left bumper button. Then, using the right Joy-Con, scroll through them until you find the one you want. When you’ve got there, let go of whichever button you chose to push, and it will be your active Echo. 

You can also choose which Echo you want to use through the main menu, accessed via the Plus button. Navigate to the Notebook, and all of your Echoes will be laid out for you. Simply find the one you want, press A, and it will become your active Echo. You can also see which Echoes are new here, as shown by the red dots next to their icons.

You can summon your chosen Echo by pressing Y, summoning up to three Echoes at any time. Echoes that can help you navigate the world, such as the Old Bed and the Table, can be placed on top of each other to help you climb higher or bridge longer distances. 

If you’re struggling to take on monsters early on, especially the Zols on Suthorn Beach, remember that you can use rocks as weapons. Just summon one by pressing Y, then throw it at the Zols (or any other enemy) using A.