Echo is a unique card ability that allows players to unleash its power multiple times within a single turn. This remarkable feature enables the card to be copied and added to the player’s hand until the end of their turn. The concept of Echo was initially introduced in the form of Unstable Evolution in Kobolds & Catacombs, creating a buzz among players. It officially made its debut in The Witchwood expansion, captivating the Hearthstone community. Echo copies are distinguishable by their mesmerizing blue glow and captivating black smoke, adding an extra layer of visual allure to the gameplay experience.
Here are some notes about the Echo ability:
- Echo allows you to place a new copy of the card into your hand, which is removed at the end of your turn;
- Echoed copies can trigger the Echo effect, allowing you to keep playing them until you run out of mana;
- Echoed copies always retain the original version of the card and do not reflect in-hand stat or cost changes, unless influenced by a relevant aura effect;
- For example, if you use The WitchwoodDire Frenzy on The WitchwoodHunting Mastiff and later draw and play a buffed Hunting Mastiff, only the first Hunting Mastiff will receive the +3/+3 buff, while subsequent copies played using Echo will not receive the buff;
- If a spell with Echo is cast by another card like Yogg-Saron or Kobolds & CatacombsScroll of Wonder, you will not receive another copy to your hand, as Echo cards must be played to trigger the effect;
- Echo resolves after Deathrattles, allowing for strategic interactions between Echo cards and minions with Deathrattle effects;
- For instance, using The WitchwoodWarpath to destroy The Boomsday ProjectMecha’thun when you have an empty hand and deck will successfully destroy the opposing hero;
- Echo cards have a minimum mana cost of 1 and cannot be reduced below that value.
Cards with Echo
In this section, you will find a compilation of cards that possess the capability to Echo upon being played.
Collectible
- Unstable Evolution;
- Hunting Mastiff;
- Cheap Shot;
- Pick Pocket;
- Curse of Weakness;
- Sound the Bells!;
- Ghost Light Angler;
- Squashing;
- Warpath;
- Face Collector;
- Phantom Militia;
- Walnut Sprite;
- SN1P-SN4P.
Uncollectible
- Transfer Student.
Sources of Echo
Echo-generating cards in Hearthstone are a type of card that, when played, can be copied and added back to your hand for the cost of their mana value. This allows you to play the card multiple times in a single turn or in subsequent turns, providing additional value and flexibility in your gameplay. Each copy created through Echo will have the same mana cost and properties as the original card.
Below, you’ll find a collection of cards in the game Hearthstone that possess the ability to generate Echo when played:
- Glacial Shard;
- Murmuring Elemental;
- Phantom Militia;
- Doppelgangster;
- Zola the Gorgon;
- Sonya Shadowdancer;
- Faceless Manipulator;
- Leyline Manipulator;
- Vex Crow;
- Snap Freeze;
- Violet Haze;
- Unstable Evolution;
- Cheap Shot;
- Witchwood Piper;
- Vicious Scalehide;
- Phantom Freebooter;
- Pumpkin Peasant;
- Echoing Ooze;
- Toki, Time-Tinker;
- Rumbletusk Shaker.
Echo-granting cards
Echo-granting cards in Hearthstone are a type of card that provide the Echo ability to other cards or to themselves. These cards allow other cards to be played multiple times in a single turn or in subsequent turns, similar to regular Echo cards. These cards typically have effects that grant the Echo keyword to specific cards or all cards in certain situations. This allows for increased flexibility and potential combos by duplicating the effects of other cards.
In this section, you will find a compilation of cards in Hearthstone that bestow the Echo ability upon either other cards or themselves.
- Sonya Shadowdancer;
- Baleful Banker;
- Sandbinder;
- Daring Fire-Eater;
- Murmuring Elemental;
- Phantom Militia;
- Snap Freeze.
Related cards
In Hearthstone, there are several related cards that synergize with or complement Echo and Echo-granting cards. These cards often enhance the Echo mechanic or provide additional benefits when used in conjunction with Echo cards. Here are a few examples:
| Card Name | Class | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Glinda Crowskin | Warlock | Grants all minions in your hand and deck Echo, allowing for multiple copies to be played. |
| Barista Lynchen | Neutral | Adds a copy of each friendly Battlecry minion played during the game to your hand. |
| Giggling Inventor | Neutral | Summons two 1/2 Mechs with Taunt and Divine Shield. The Mechs have Echo. |
| The Glass Knight | Paladin | Gains Divine Shield whenever it loses Divine Shield. Synergizes well with Echo cards. |
| Zentimo | Shaman | Enhances targeted spells by copying them for each adjacent targeted minion. |
| Menagerie Warden | Druid | Summons a copy of a friendly Beast with Echo and gives it +2/+2. |
| Blackwald Pixie | Neutral | Allows you to refresh your Hero Power when played. With Echo, it provides multiple uses. |
| Dollmaster Dorian | Neutral | When in play, all minions in your hand have their effects trigger twice, including Echo minions. |
Repeatable this turn
Following the announcement of Echo, Blizzard stated[1] that they would not retroactively update existing cards with the Echo keyword since the mechanic was not entirely identical. However, due to a potentially problematic interaction with Radiance of Azshara, Unstable Evolution was eventually changed to have the Echo keyword.
Cards with the “Repeatable this turn” mechanic function identically to Echo cards, with the exception that their cost can be reduced to 0. However, they do not trigger the effects of Echo-related cards like Mistwraith.
History
The concept of Echo in Hearthstone was initially inspired by a mechanic called “Ghostly” that was explored during the development of The Witchwood expansion, which was originally named Murder on the Gilnean Express. Cards with the Ghostly mechanic were designed to be discarded at the end of the player’s turn. Some cards with Ghostly could only be played on the turn they were drawn, while others would create Ghostly copies of themselves in the player’s hand.
During the iterative process, Blizzard discovered that the most enjoyable version of Ghostly was the cards that could replicate themselves. These cards provided value in the early game and could become even more potent in the late game if the player invested extra mana into them. Additionally, the decision-making aspect of when to hold onto these cards for maximum value proved to be skill-testing and engaging.
As the theme of the expansion evolved from a train setting to a haunted forest, the concept of Ghostly became a perfect fit for the flavor of the set. It gradually transformed into the Echo mechanic, which offered both thematic and strategic cohesion with the new setting and gameplay dynamics.
Conclusion
Echo is a captivating and dynamic mechanic in Hearthstone that introduces new layers of strategy and decision-making to the game. Through our comprehensive overview, we have delved into the mechanics, origins, and strategic implications of Echo. We have explored how cards with Echo can create powerful board presence, offer versatility in gameplay, and provide opportunities for resource management.
Understanding the nuances of Echo empowers players to make calculated plays, adapt their strategies, and seize control of the game. Whether it’s flooding the board with multiple copies of minions, leveraging powerful spells, or optimizing the use of Echo-related cards, mastering this mechanic can be a game-changer.