So, you’ve finally met Dampé in the Hyrule of The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom. He’s not just digging graves this time. He’s a clockwork genius. Honestly, the automatons Echoes of Wisdom introduces are some of the most overlooked tools in Zelda’s arsenal, mostly because they require a bit of legwork to actually unlock. While most players are busy spamming the Echoes they found in the first five hours, the real power lies in these fragile, wind-up monstrosities.
They break. They’re loud. They require a wind-up key.
But they also deal massive damage that standard Echoes just can't touch.
Why Automatons Change the Game
You've likely realized by now that Zelda isn't Link. She doesn't just swing a master sword until the problem goes away—unless she’s in her Swordfighter form, which has a pesky energy meter. This is where the automatons Echoes of Wisdom mechanics come into play. These aren't just mimics of enemies; they are mechanical upgrades that function on a completely different logic than the rest of your Echo library.
Think of them as "super-Echoes."
Unlike your standard summons, automatons don't cost Tri’s power (those little triangles following you around). You can have your full limit of Echoes out on the field and still deploy an automaton. This effectively raises your "unit cap" in combat. If you’re struggling with a boss or a crowded room in the Still World, having a Techtite-inspired robot bouncing around while your Echoes distract the enemy is a total life-saver.
How to Get Dampé to Start Building
You won't find these just lying around. You have to earn them. First, you need to complete a chunk of the main story—specifically, clearing the rifts in the Gerudo Desert and Jabul Waters. Once that’s done, head over to the Eastern Hyrule Field. You’ll find Dampé being harassed by a Tektite near a chest. Save him.
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He’ll invite you back to his studio, which is basically a shed full of gears and grease. This starts the "Automaton Engineer Dampé" questline.
Each machine requires a specific "recipe." You’ll need two things: a specific Echo Zelda already knows and a unique part found in the world. For the first one, the Reatite, you need a Tektite Echo and a Moth Orchid. It sounds simple, but the scavenger hunt is what keeps most people from ever finishing the set.
The Best Automatons You Should Actually Use
Not all of Dampé's creations are equal. Some are niche. Others are basically broken if you know how to timing the wind-up.
The Reatite (The Jumping Combatant)
This is your entry-level bot. It’s based on the Tektite. It’s fast, it bounces, and it deals solid contact damage. Because it moves so erratically, it’s great for chaotic rooms where you can’t focus on one target. Just be careful—if it falls into water or lava, it’s toast.
The High-Flying Gizmo
Later on, you can unlock the Sky-High Guide. You’ll need a Crow Echo and a piece of Monster Stone. It’s basically a mechanical bird that drops bombs. In a game where verticality is everything, having an aerial bomber that doesn't drain your Tri-power is a massive tactical advantage. It’s particularly effective against the giant Moblins that hide behind shields.
The Goldfinch (The Money Maker)
If you’re low on Rupees—and let’s be real, those smoothies aren’t cheap—the Goldfinch is your best friend. It doesn't fight well. It’s fragile. But it causes enemies to drop more loot. It’s a farming tool, plain and simple.
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The Fragility Factor: Keeping Your Robots Alive
Here is the catch. Automatons Echoes of Wisdom are fragile. If an enemy hits them a few times, they shatter. You then have to go back to Dampé to get them repaired.
It's annoying.
To avoid the trek back to his studio, you need to play smart. Don't lead with your automaton. Throw out a heavy Echo first—something with high HP like a Darknut or a Shield Moblin. Let the enemy aggro onto the tank, then wind up your automaton and release it from the side.
Also, pay attention to the wind-up animation. You have to stand still for a second to turn the key. Doing this in the middle of a boss fight is a death wish. You need to create a window of safety, usually by using a Bind ability or a wall of Echoes, before you can get your mechanical buddy into the fray.
Misconceptions About the Automaton System
A lot of people think these are a late-game luxury. They aren't. If you rush Dampé’s quests, you can have a Reatite before you even hit the third major dungeon.
Another mistake? People think they replace Echoes. They don't. They supplement them. The best way to think about it is that your Echoes are your "mana-based" spells, and your automatons are your "cooldown-based" gadgets. They exist in different buckets.
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Some players get frustrated because they think the "Monster Stone" requirement for repairs is too steep. Pro tip: Don't use them on Keese or Octoroks. Save the automatons for the mini-bosses and the scripted encounters where the extra DPS actually matters.
The Technical Side of Dampé's Inventions
Behind the scenes, the game treats these as physics objects rather than just summoned sprites. This means they interact with the environment differently. An automaton can trigger pressure plates. They can be picked up and thrown (if you’re brave).
The clockwork mechanics also mean they have a limited "run time." Once the spring uncoils, they just sit there. You have to walk up and wind them again. This creates a rhythm to combat that is very different from the usual "summon and forget" style of the early game. It feels more like managing a piece of machinery than casting a spell.
Mastering the Wind-Up
To get the most out of your machines, you have to master the "Sync" ability. You can actually use Sync to pull your automaton out of danger if you see a big attack coming. It’s a micro-management heavy playstyle, but the payoff is seeing a mechanical Tektite absolutely shred a boss's health bar while you sit safely behind a rock.
Actionable Next Steps for Hyrule's Engineers:
- Locate Dampé Early: Don't wait until the end of the game. As soon as you finish the first two major rifts, go to the Eastern Hyrule Field.
- Hoard Monster Stones: These are your currency for repairs. Don't sell them. You'll find them in chests and as rare drops from tougher enemies.
- Learn the Tektite Echo: You can't build the first automaton without it. If you missed it in the early areas, head back to the rocky cliffs near the center of the map.
- Visit the Clockwork Lab Frequently: Dampé adds new blueprints as you progress through the main story and collect more Echoes. Check in after every major dungeon.
- Use the "Stay" Command: If you’re about to enter a room that looks like a death trap, leave your automaton behind, scout with a cheap Echo, and only bring the bot in when the coast is relatively clear.
The beauty of the automatons Echoes of Wisdom provides is the variety. They turn Zelda from a mage into a tactician. While the learning curve is a bit steeper than just summoning a bed to climb a wall, the raw power they provide makes the quest for gears and springs entirely worth the effort. Go find Dampé, grab some monster stones, and start building. Hyrule won't save itself, and it's much easier to save with a mechanical army at your back.