Echoes of Aincrad Partner System Guide — Switch & Free Mode
Partners in Echoes of Aincrad
Echoes of Aincrad is a single-player Bandai Namco action RPG where AI partners fight alongside your avatar in real-time stamina-and-SP combat — no magic, no multiplayer co-op. Iori is your primary early ally after the Town of Beginnings tutorial; retail adds Argo, Asuna, Agil, Lisbeth, and others selectable at the Main Terminal before quests. Understanding Switch Mode and Free Mode separates smooth duo clears from frustrating wipe chains.
Partners have their own health pools, attack patterns, and downed states. They scale with your Cardinal Rank and story progression. Rankings appear in the partner tier list. Official Switch and Free tips are summarized in the Guide to Aincrad.
Free Mode — Aggressive AI Support
Free Mode is the default after partners join. Your ally prioritizes enemies you are not locked onto, attacking more frequently to clear packs or engage separate targets. Prolonged Free Mode depletes partner Concentration, lowering dodge and guard success — watch for fatigue in long fights.
If your partner targets the wrong enemy in Free Mode, defeat other nearby foes until only one remains — focus shifts to your locked target. Free Mode excels when surrounded or when you want simultaneous pressure on multiple foes. Boss notes: Wrathful Shrewman guide.
Switch Mode — Coordinated Turns
Switch Mode directs your partner to attack the enemy you are locked onto, alternating initiative after dodges. You always attack first on the locked target; your partner may occasionally hit nearby off-target foes. Switch Mode restores partner Concentration depleted in Free Mode.
When Switch Standby appears below your partner's name, perform a step or roll during an attack chain to activate a Switch if attacks feel too slow. Switch Mode suits controlled pacing, splitting aggression, or waiting to engage until you attack first. Unlocks mid Floor 1 through tutorial missions — see Systems Deep Dive.
Combination and Support Skills
Combination Skills are powerful co-op attacks triggered after dealing enough damage together. Assign one or two Combination Skills per partner to your action wheel for burst windows during boss fights. Support Skills — healing, buffs, debuffs — activate from the same wheel when you call for help.
Preview partner skills when selecting a quest at the Main Terminal. Retail partners like Asuna and Agil bring unique Combination Skills shown in launch trailers. Coordinate SP and stamina before triggering combinations — details in the Guide to Aincrad.
Building for Duo Play
Growth Point allocation should keep your avatar alive first — partners cannot revive you. Vitality and weapon scaling stats remain primary; partners scale through story progression. EX-MODs that boost stagger help both characters — browse EX-MOD setups.
Practice Switch timing in trash encounters before boss attempts. Pair with the Sword Skills Showcase so you know your rotation before managing partner commands.
Related Pages in This Section
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Echoes of Aincrad multiplayer co-op?
No. The game is single-player with AI partners. There is no online human co-op at launch.
What is Switch Standby?
An indicator below your partner's name when Switch Mode is ready. Step or roll during an attack chain to activate a Switch.
When does Switch Mode unlock?
Mid Floor 1 through partner tutorial missions. Demo save transfers retain unlock progress.
What are Combination Skills?
Co-op finishers you and your partner execute after building enough shared damage. Assign them on the action wheel before quests.
Is Free Mode or Switch Mode better for beginners?
Free Mode is simpler initially. Learn Switch Mode on trash mobs using Switch Standby cues before boss fights.