Combat System

Combat in Echoes of Aincrad is real-time and third-person. The designers have described the rhythm as methodical rather than twitch-based, with stamina management sitting alongside timing-based defensive mechanics.

Basic Attacks

Every weapon uses separate inputs for light and heavy attacks. Combos come from mixing the two, with the exact rhythm varying by weapon type. See Weapon Types for the six categories.

Blocks, Dodges, and Timed Responses

The hero can block or dodge any incoming attack. A regular block or dodge mitigates damage, but a defensive input performed at the last possible moment triggers one of three special responses. See Parry Slash, Dodge Slash, and Reversal Slash for each one.

Stamina

Attacks, dodges, and sprints all deplete a shared stamina bar. Letting it empty leaves the hero exposed until it recovers, which is why the designers have compared the pace to methodical action games rather than to character-action combos.

Companion Team-Ups

The player is always accompanied by an NPC companion. Timed parries and dodges trigger team-up attacks where both characters hit the enemy together, which is one of the game's main damage spikes.

Sword Skills

Each weapon has roughly ten unlockable sword skills, but only two can be slotted at a time. Skills cost resources and cooldowns rather than stamina.