Echo Shard — Minecraft block

Echo Shard

Echo Shard is a Deep Dark loot item used to craft the Recovery Compass that locates your last death point.

Block ID minecraft:echo_shard
Mod Vanilla
Game versions
1.21

Description

Echo Shard is a teal item found only in loot chests inside Ancient Cities, the sprawling structures buried in the Deep Dark biome below Y=0. Added in the 1.19 Wild Update, the Echo Shard cannot be crafted, mined, or smelted, so exploring an Ancient City is the single way to collect it. Eight Echo Shards arranged around one Compass craft a Recovery Compass, a tool that points toward the spot where you most recently died. The shard's swirling green texture echoes the sculk that coats the Deep Dark, hinting at its origin. Because Ancient Cities also hide the Warden and sculk sensors, gathering Echo Shards rewards slow, quiet exploration. Stock up while you are below: the Recovery Compass is the only use for Echo Shards, and each compass needs eight of them.

Java & Bedrock Guide

How to get and use an Echo Shard in Minecraft

  1. 1

    Find an Ancient City

    Dig below Y=0 in a Deep Dark biome to reach an Ancient City, which usually generates around Y=-51.

  2. 2

    Loot the reward chests

    Open the chests scattered through the city; Echo Shards spawn only in this loot, so check every chest.

  3. 3

    Avoid the Warden

    Move slowly and dodge sculk shriekers so you do not summon the Warden while collecting shards.

  4. 4

    Craft a Recovery Compass

    Place 8 Echo Shards around 1 Compass in the crafting grid to make a Recovery Compass.

Important

Echo Shards cannot be crafted or mined; Ancient City chests are the only source in both Java and Bedrock Edition.

Related blocks

Frequently asked questions

Can you craft an Echo Shard?

No. Echo Shards only generate inside Ancient City loot chests in the Deep Dark and cannot be crafted, mined, or traded.

What are Echo Shards used for?

Echo Shards craft the Recovery Compass; eight shards around one compass make a compass that points to your last death location.

Where do you find Echo Shards?

Echo Shards appear in the loot chests of Ancient Cities, the large structures generated in the Deep Dark biome below Y=0.

What version added Echo Shards?

Echo Shards were added in the 1.19 Wild Update for both Java and Bedrock Edition.

Do Echo Shards work in Java and Bedrock?

Yes. Echo Shards and the Recovery Compass recipe are identical in Java and Bedrock Edition.

Minecraft and all related materials are trademarks and copyrights of Mojang Studios © 2009–2026. This site is not an official Minecraft product and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Mojang Studios or Microsoft Corporation.