Back in the day, The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past was one of my favorites. Like many gamers, I myself can easily throw that epic game into a top 50 greatest of all time list (maybe even top 25!). So, naturally I was excited to play Echoes of Wisdom because it features a SNES-like aesthetic coupled with the fact that you can actually play as Princess Zelda! Having dabbled with Breath of The Wild a few years back, safe to say that I was a little rusty at navigating the vast lands of Hyrule. However, the learning curve was pretty manageable for “Echoes” but all players, young and old, will still need to spend some time learning the nuances of this new release. That’s why I’m here to help you with some tips and tricks to help you create echoes, defeat monsters and once again defeat the evil Ganon! Let’s jump in!

Your New Best Pal… Tri

As time goes by, this ethereal creature, Tri,  seemingly gets cooler by the second. Quickly you’ll learn how to create “echoes” with Tri to solve complex puzzles and take out pesky enemies. 

Enemies and lifeless objects (ie. tables or a trampoline) can be learned using ZR can be echoed with Y. The number of things you can echo depends on how much of Tri’s power is available. You can see echoes you’ve learned by holding down A. From there, you can select on with Right Analog and then release A to swap out the selection.

Early on, you will benefit from Tri’s abilities - outside of the Tri Rod. Perfect example is “bind” when you can move large objects that normally would be to heavy for Princess Zelda. To bind, use X to guide Tri. The monster or object that Tri binds to will then follow your movements. You can also use ZL to target whatever you want Tri to bind to. Additionally you can perform a ‘reverse bond’ when is exactly what you’d think it is…when using bind, press and hold R to follow the motion of whatever you’ve bound yourself to.

Spin To Win

Quickly spin by pressing R. This is particularly useful for finding rubies in random bushes during the early stages of your quest when you don’t have a lot of weapons or special abilities.

Echo Monsters: Enemies Turned Friends!

Monsters learned with ZR can be echoed with Y. You can direct your echoes to attack specific targets by using target with ZL. This is VERY important! In the early running, I was all about the Strandtula to help climb to higher ground, the Darknut to duke it out with other armor-wearing enemies and the Rope (aka the snake) to chip away at multiple enemies in a particular area.

Show Me The Waypoints

After activating a waypoint, you can jumpy to that location using the map. This is huge when trying to save time in a dungeon or eventually when you explore other areas on the map.

Speaking of the map, I get the feeling that Echoes of Wisdom is going to EASILY be a 40+ hour game. I wouldn’t say that I’m a completionist but there’s something strangely soothing about this game where I don’t mind spending extra time on puzzles and especially hacking random bushes to collect rubies. I’ve already found myself playing ‘Echoes’ for 1-2 hour chunks on end and during that time, my Swtich can feel a little heavy so I’m glad that I scored some KontrolFreek No-Slip Thumb Grips placed on my Joy-Cons. Needless to say they are a game changer since they deliver more grip when jumping from platform to platform with Zelda or increase my grip during a crazy boss battle. Check em out!

Smash & Grab

Just like any Legend of Zelda game prior to this fantastic edition, be sure to smash pots and boxes you see in the wild to pick up rubies or heathy-boosting items like grapes!

Mysterious Sword

Probably my favorite aspect of the game is using the mysterious sword! Use it by hitting up on D pad to enter swordlighter form. Once transformed, you can attack with Y. While transformed, defend with your shield by pressing and holding ZL. You can also jump higher than usual in this form with B. Finally, hold down Y to charge your sword then release it for a spin attack. You can leave swordfighter form by pressing up on the D pad. Keep in mind this ability doesn’t last forever but can be replenished by collecting energy in the wild. Think of the mysterious sword as turbo in a racing game.. Use it sparingly - at the right time!

Step Up Your Weapon Game

Of course, Tri is your best friend in the game but don’t sleep on the crafty Lueburry’s ability to upgrade your sword! Pay him a visit and check the machine in his cozy crib to level up weapons using might crystals.

Complete Your Fit

When it comes to equipment, you can wear different items that will have a variety of benefits. You can equip these items (ie. Heart Pin) from the “plus” menu under Equipment.

Inventory Management

Last, but certainly not least, lets talk about one of the most buzzworthy topics surrounding Echoes of Wisdom… inventory management. After a few hours of gameplay, you will have undoubtedly have learned a ton of echoes. So many enemies (attacks) and lifeless items (ie. pots, shrubs and rocks) it’s almost overwhelming. At times, this game feels like using a computer with a ton of files scattered around your desktop. Finding the right file.. er.. echo in a tense moment can be cumbersome and kinda stressful. Press the right D pad button to quickly access extremely helpful groupings of echoes. While holding right on the D pad, press Y to sorts your echoes by Most Used, Last Learned, Cost, Type and Last Used. These filters will help you drastically cut down on the amount of “menu” time and concentrate your efforts on eliminating enemies and navigating rifts!