Special Skills

Special Skills are a customization layer in Echoes of Aincrad that sits alongside the player's weapon loadout and sword skills. Bandai Namco's own framing of the system is that players 'select special skills to match their preferred playstyle' as they level up.

Player Side

As the player levels up and takes on harder encounters, they can choose from a wide range of Special Skills to add to their own capabilities. Alongside weapons, armour, and statistics, Special Skills are one of the main ways players express their favoured approach: speed, intelligence, or endurance.

Companion Side

Each of the four NPC companions also carries a unique Special Skill of their own. Iori's healing circle, Wyzeman's engagement control, Zash's attack buffs and barriers, and Argo's dagger openings are all examples of the companion-side design that the Special Skills system is built around.

Bonds Unlock More

As the player's bond with their chosen companion deepens over the campaign, additional Special Skills and more powerful abilities unlock. That ties progression to the specific companion choice rather than letting the player swap between companions with identical strength at every point.