With Minecraft, a new item called echo shards was added. These can only be found in the new Ancient City structures in the Deep Dark Biome, but they are exactly like amethyst shards.

The item was unannounced by Mojang and appeared unexpectedly in the game's beta versions. For now, these shards have only one function because they are new to the game.

What Are Echo Shards in Minecraft?

Minecraft Ancient City chest containing echo shards

Echo Shards are one of the most intriguing new features added to Minecraft 1.19: The Wild Update. These tiny, glittering objects appeared unexpectedly during snapshot testing and immediately drew the attention of the community, despite Mojang's failure to mention them in the initial presentation at Minecraft Live 2021.

So, exactly what do echo shards do? And why are they worth looking for in the dangerous depths of the Deep Dark biome?

This guide will teach you everything you need to know about finding, using, and surviving while collecting echo shards, including how to unlock one of the most useful tools for survival explorers: the Recovery Compass.

Where to Find Echo Shards in Minecraft

Minecraft player looting a chest in the Ancient City to find echo shards

Echo shards are only found in one location: the Ancient City, deep within the Deep Dark biome. They cannot be crafted or found elsewhere.

How to Find Echo Shards:

• Search for the Deep Dark biome: This biome forms deep underground, below Y=-51, and is distinguished by its eerie silence, sculk blocks, and low light.
• Find an Ancient City: These sprawling, temple-like structures are uncommon, but massive. You'll find chests hidden among the ruins and corridors.
• Loot the chests (carefully): Echo shards can only be found in chests. You can also find enchanted books, music CDs, and golden apples.

Warning: Wardens, the game's most powerful mob, patrol ancient cities. A sculk shrieker can be summoned by triggering it (via stepping, opening a chest, or making noise). Use wool blocks to move quietly and block sensors before looting.

Warden spawning after triggering a sculk shrieker in Minecraft

What Are Echo Shards Used For?

Echo shards can only be used to craft the Recovery Compass as of Minecraft 1.19.

How to Craft a Recovery Compass:

You will need:

• 8 Echo Shards (from Ancient City chests)
• 1 Compass (crafted from iron + redstone)

Crafting Recipe: Place the compass in the center of the crafting table, surround it with 8 echo shards.

Crafting table interface showing echo shard placement around a compass

What Does the Recovery Compass Do?

The Recovery Compass is a game-changing survival tool;

• Tracks your last death location
• Helps you recover your gear after dying
• Spins randomly if you haven’t died yet

This makes it particularly useful in Hardcore or Survival environments where item recovery is critical.

Tips for Safely Collecting Echo Shards

• Carry wool blocks to muffle sound and block shriekers or sensors.
• Use sneaking and night vision potions to safely navigate.
• Use Silk Touch tools to collect sculk-related blocks for decoration.
• Always have extra room in your inventory because Ancient Cities have incredible treasure!

Absolutely, especially for adventurers who value their equipment and seek a second chance after an unexpected death. While they currently serve only one purpose, echo shards hint at Mojang's potential to expand survival mechanics and add a new level of depth to exploration.

Whether you're playing solo or in multiplayer, the echo shard and the Recovery Compass it unlocks can save you hours of progress by directing you to your last known location.