Echoes of Aincrad Partner System Guide — Switch & Free Mode
Partners in Echoes of Aincrad
Echoes of Aincrad is a Bandai Namco action RPG where partners fight alongside your avatar in real-time stamina-and-SP combat — no magic, no turn-based party menus. The demo introduces Iori as your primary ally after the Town of Beginnings tutorial, with additional partners planned for the July 2026 full release. Understanding Switch Mode and Free Mode separates smooth duo clears from frustrating wipe chains on bosses like Wrathful Shrewman.
Partners have their own health pools, attack patterns, and downed states. They do not share your stamina bar but benefit from your Cardinal Rank scaling and story progression. Rankings and future ally notes appear in the partner tier list. New players meet Iori in the Demo Walkthrough before advanced modes unlock.
Free Mode — AI Companion Combat
Free Mode is the default after Iori joins. She autonomously selects targets, executes light combos, and occasionally uses partner skills when cooldowns allow. You retain full control of your avatar's movement, dodges, guards, and sword skills. Free Mode excels in trash mob farming where overlapping damage speeds clears without micromanagement.
Aggro in Free Mode is soft — enemies may swap targets based on proximity and damage dealt. Position yourself to protect Iori during elite fights by drawing telegraphed heavies while she continues flank damage. If she falls, approach and revive before the timer expires or finish remaining enemies solo. Boss-specific Free Mode notes appear in the Wrathful Shrewman guide.
Switch Mode — Direct Partner Control
Switch Mode toggles active control to Iori for a limited window, letting you manually execute her attacks and skills from a different hit angle. Your avatar becomes AI-controlled during the swap, typically holding ground or performing basic strings. Switch Mode unlocks after partner tutorial missions in the demo — see mission order in the Systems Deep Dive.
Manual Iori control shines during boss stagger phases: swap in, dump high-impact skills, swap back before dangerous area attacks land on her lower defense stat spread. Switch Mode does not grant access to your avatar's sword skills while controlling Iori — plan SP usage before toggling. Input mapping for swap buttons lives on PS5, Xbox, and PC control pages.
Iori-Specific Tactics
Iori's demo kit emphasizes rapid strikes and mobility skills that complement slower weapons like two-hand sword and halberd. When you play halberd, let Iori stack hits during your stamina recovery; when you play dual blades, avoid competing for the same hitbox space and instead circle opposite sides.
During Wrathful Shrewman's blindness phase, keep Iori within revive range but not stacked on you — spread reduces double-hit wipes. After clarity from a Luminous Talisman, Switch Mode burst accelerates phase transitions. Consumable support details: consumables index.
Building for Duo Play
Growth Point allocation should keep your avatar alive first — Iori cannot revive you. Vitality and weapon scaling stats remain primary; Iori scales automatically enough for demo content without separate investment. EX-MODs that boost stagger help both characters by opening longer punish windows — browse EX-MOD setups for duo-friendly mods.
Practice mode toggles in the Town of Beginnings training area let you swap modes against dummies before committing to ranked attempts. Pair practice with the Sword Skills Showcase so you know your avatar's rotation before adding Switch Mode complexity.
หน้าที่เกี่ยวข้อง
คำถามที่พบบ่อย
When does Switch Mode unlock in the demo?
Switch Mode unlocks during mid-demo partner tutorial missions after Iori has fought alongside you in Free Mode for several quests. Exact timing follows the mission chain in the Complete Demo Guide.
Can I use sword skills while controlling Iori?
You use Iori's partner skills and attacks while in Switch Mode, not your avatar's sword skills. Swap back to your character to execute weapon skills fueled by your SP bar.
Does Iori appear in the full July 2026 game?
Yes. Iori is a core demo partner and returns in the full release alongside additional allies with their own kits and mode interactions.
Can partners use items or talismans?
Partners do not consume your inventory items independently. You activate consumables like the Luminous Talisman on your avatar — effects apply globally to visibility and debuff clearance in the arena.
Is Free Mode or Switch Mode better for beginners?
Free Mode is easier initially because you only control one character. Learn Switch Mode on trash mobs before relying on it during Wrathful Shrewman.