How to get Echo Shards in Minecraft is a common question for players exploring Ancient Cities and the Deep Dark biome. Echo Shards are one of the rarest items in Minecraft and are required to craft the Recovery Compass, a unique item that can help players recover their belongings after death.
If you’re wondering how to get Echo Shards in Minecraft, you’ll need to explore Ancient Cities hidden deep underground. These rare items cannot be crafted and are only found within specific loot chests.
Learning how to get Echo Shards in Minecraft is essential if you want to create a Recovery Compass and make future adventures a little less risky.
What Are Echo Shards?

Echo Shards are rare crafting materials found within Ancient Cities.
They are primarily used to craft Recovery Compasses.
Echo Shard Facts
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Rare Item | Yes |
| Craftable | No |
| Found in Ancient Cities | Yes |
| Used for Recovery Compass | Yes |
Echo Shards were introduced alongside the Deep Dark biome.
How to Get Echo Shards in Minecraft
The only way to get Echo Shards in Minecraft is by looting Ancient City chests.
Echo Shard Sources
| Source | Available |
|---|---|
| Ancient City Chests | Yes |
| Villager Trades | No |
| Fishing | No |
| Mob Drops | No |
Players searching for Echo Shards must focus on Ancient City exploration.
Where Do Echo Shards Spawn?
Echo Shards are exclusive to Ancient Cities.
Best Location
| Structure | Contains Echo Shards |
|---|---|
| Ancient City | Yes |
| Stronghold | No |
| Desert Temple | No |
| Woodland Mansion | No |
This makes Ancient Cities one of the most valuable structures in Minecraft.
How Rare Are Echo Shards?

Echo Shards are considered uncommon Ancient City loot.
Rarity Overview
| Item | Relative Rarity |
|---|---|
| Coal | Common |
| Diamonds | Uncommon |
| Echo Shards | Rare |
| Swift Sneak Books | Rare |
Players may need to search multiple chests before finding large quantities.
What Are Echo Shards Used For?
Echo Shards currently have one primary use.
Crafting Uses
| Item | Uses Echo Shards |
|---|---|
| Recovery Compass | Yes |
Although limited, the Recovery Compass can be extremely useful.
How Many Echo Shards Do You Need?
Crafting a Recovery Compass requires multiple Echo Shards.
Crafting Requirements
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Echo Shards | 8 |
| Compass | 1 |
Collecting enough shards may require exploring several Ancient City chests.
Best Way to Find Echo Shards
Preparation is key.
Recommended Strategy
- Locate a Deep Dark biome.
- Find an Ancient City.
- Bring Wool blocks.
- Avoid activating Shriekers.
- Loot every chest carefully.
Stealth remains the safest approach.
Common Echo Shard Mistakes
Searching Other Structures
Echo Shards only appear in Ancient Cities.
Ignoring Deep Dark Loot
Many players overlook chests while avoiding danger.
Forgetting Wool
Wool helps prevent Sculk detection.
Leaving Too Early
Some Ancient Cities contain dozens of chests.
Why Echo Shards Are Worth Finding
Learning how to get Echo Shards in Minecraft allows players to craft one of the game’s most useful utility items. While Ancient Cities are dangerous, the rewards are well worth the risk for explorers who enjoy tackling Minecraft’s toughest challenges.
Looking for more Minecraft tips, tutorials, and walkthroughs? Visit our Minecraft Guides Hub. You’ll find guides covering villagers, enchantments, diamonds, Netherite, The End, potion brewing, building ideas, and everything else you need to master Minecraft.
For more Minecraft guides, check out How to Find an Ancient City in Minecraft, How to Get the Recovery Compass in Minecraft, How to Find the Deep Dark Biome in Minecraft, and What Is the Warden in Minecraft?
