Echoes of the End has no doubt a steep learning curve, especially if you are just stepping into the Aema for the first time. You are going to need a lot of patience for this game. It features:
- Gripping narrative
- Cinematic presentation
- Environmental puzzles
- Magical and Swordplay combat
You need to know what works best, what to avoid, and how to make the most of Ryn’s strengths from the very start. If you truly want to enjoy the journey, this guide covers the essentials so you can focus on the fun parts and avoid the frustrations.
Game’s Balance
Echoes of the End is visually stunning and filled with clever puzzle design. It blends swordplay and magic in combat, but you’ll quickly learn that the magic system and companion abilities stand out far more than the sword mechanics.
The combat animations can lock you in place, making dodging and countering harder. If you want a smoother experience, lean into the elements the game does best, exploration, magic, and puzzle-solving.
Magic First And Sword Last
Ryn’s magic is the most reliable tool in battle. It allows you to attack from range, control enemy movement, and set up finishing blows without getting locked in slow melee animations. The sword is best used sparingly, for quick follow-ups when enemies are already vulnerable.
Abram, your companion, is equally vital. His stun ability can stop aggressive enemies and give you space to heal or unleash a powerful spell. You have to use him often and upgrade his skills early.
Tips for surviving combat:
- Open with crowd control magic to group or stun enemies.
- Let Abram disrupt enemies before you move in.
- Use environmental hazards to your advantage.
- Avoid committing to long sword combos unless enemies are staggered.
The Puzzles
Puzzles are where Echoes of the End shines. They are built around using both Ryn’s and Abram’s abilities together.
Ryn manipulates gravity and activates ancient constructs, while Abram can lock objects in place. Most puzzles are logical and satisfying, but Abram sometimes hints at the solution too soon.
If you want to save time, listen to him, if you want the challenge, ignore his prompts and experiment.
Invest Skill Points Carefully
The game offers four skill trees, but not all are equal in value. Upgrading magic and Abram first transforms combat into something far more manageable and enjoyable.
For beginners, the smartest approach is:
- Magic Tree (unlock crowd control and area-of-effect spells first)
- Abram’s Tree (improve his stun and support skills early)
- Sword Tree (only invest here when you have spare points)
Permanent Upgrades Are Important
Some of the most valuable items in the game are permanent upgrades to health and mana.
These are scattered across Aema, hidden in caves, behind waterfalls, or on hard-to-reach platforms. Every one you find increases your survivability and magical potential, making the later chapters much easier.
Quick Wins In Chapter 1
Your first chapter is more than a tutorial, it’s your chance to grab early advantages. If you collect the following items early it makes a noticeable difference in your first few hours.
| Item | Type | Location Hint |
| Syrouvian Ranger’s Insignia | Journal | Side path on the left after the first jump tutorial. |
| Health Upgrade | Health | Hidden cave to the right before the large wooden bridge. |
| Mana Upgrade | Mana | High platform in the main puzzle area. |
| Health Upgrade | Health | Behind a waterfall after the main chapter puzzle. |
Play on Story Mode
Enemies aren’t the main challenge here, the combat system is. Lowering the difficulty removes frustration and lets you focus on the rich world, smart puzzles, and cinematic storytelling.
This is especially true for players who value narrative over perfecting clunky melee combat.
Explore Beyond the Main Path
The game world is linear, but you’ll still find branching paths that hide upgrades, journals, and visual details that make Aema feel alive. Even though the story pushes you forward, take a few minutes to explore side areas before moving on.
Enjoy the Iceland-Inspired World
Echoes of the End’s environments are inspired by real-world Icelandic landscapes. The locations are breathtaking.
Photogrammetry technology allows these areas to feel real and grounded, giving you the sense you’re exploring an actual country dressed in fantasy. Landmarks like Sólheimajökull glacier and Kirkjufell mountain even appear in-game for you to spot.
Focus on the Relationship Between Ryn and Abram
The gameplay is built around having Abram by your side. He’s not just a helper, his abilities are woven into both combat and puzzle-solving.
Learning when to call on him is as important as mastering Ryn’s magic. Their partnership is also central to the story, so investing in his upgrades makes sense both mechanically and narratively.
Summarizing The Echoes of the End Beginner Tips
- Save skill points if you’re unsure where to spend them, you might unlock better options later.
- Listen for environmental cues; sounds often hint at nearby collectibles.
- Don’t rush combat. Use magic to control the pace of the fight.
- Expect occasional frame drops or minor bugs, it’s a small studio project.
Echoes of the End is a game that rewards players who adapt. If you cling to the idea of playing it as a fast-paced action game, you’ll get frustrated. But if you embrace its magic-focused combat and cinematic storytelling, you’ll find a memorable adventure worth finishing.
