The ECHO system is a major game mechanic in Tom Clancy's The Division.
Using data mined from surveillance cameras, discarded smartphones and the like, the player’s smartwatch is able to project 3D holograms of prior moments frozen in time to the Agent's contact lenses.
According to the game's executive producer, the ECHO system has multiple functions. For one, it functions as a story mechanic: an alternative to cutscenes; scenes frozen in time fill the player in on events that have occurred in the city streets, underground, and environment.
ECHO also acts as a way for players to learn about the environment, gather info on locations and objects, find hidden loot and passageways, and generally map out the immediate surroundings.
The system also has a role in the game's "Missing Person" missions.
The ECHO is also a way to access the menu. The sections are:
- Talents
- Skills
- Inventory
- Character
- Group
- Clothing
- Options
Talents
Skills
Inventory
The Inventory tab has ten sub sections.
- Contamination
- Primary Weapon
- Secondary Weapon
- Sidearm
- Backpack
- Body Armor
- Gloves
- Thighs
- Knee Pads
- Gas Mask
Character
This tab shows character progression and attributes. It displays the player's level, Experience Points, weapons equipped, Archetype attributes, Power Score, and progression.
The Archetype attributes have three sections. Pointman, Tactican, and Survivalist.
The Power Score is also separated into three parts. Attack, Protection, and Vitality. The scores for each of these are made up of different parts such as burn resilience, minimum damage, and armor rating.
Group
The Group tab contains the type of group you are in (open, friends, private) and members of your current group.