With the release of the highly anticipated title, Echoes of Aincrad, players are diving back into the virtual world to face familiar threats with entirely new gear. If you want to survive the brutal high-level raids and optimize your character’s build, try to learn how Echoes of Aincrad weapons function is priority number one.
This comprehensive guide breaks down the essential weapon mechanics and every type of gear in the game to be prepared for the tough fights.
Table of Contents
Every Type of Echoes of Aincrad Weapons
Every weapon in Echoes of Aincrad features its own Ability Correction Values (ACVs), which determine how strongly each Attribute influences the weapon’s overall damage.
ACVs are ranked from Grade A to Grade D, with higher grades providing a greater damage bonus from the corresponding Attribute.
Even weapons within the same weapon class can have different ACV ratings. While every Attribute contributes to the bonus damage value displayed above the ACV panel, Attributes with higher-grade ACVs have a much larger impact on your final damage output.
There are six distinct weapon classes available in the Echoes of Aincrad demo. Whether you prefer acting as a defensive tank or a swift assassin, there is a gear style to match your playstyle.
Tip: Weapons with multiple Ability Correction Values (ACVs) ranked above Grade D generally have a higher damage ceiling because they benefit more from multiple Attributes.
For example, a weapon with Grade B and Grade C ACVs can outperform another weapon that has one Grade B and three Grade D ACVs, even if the latter has higher base damage.
This makes ACV distribution just as important as a weapon’s base stats when choosing the best equipment.
Let’s not forget that while choosing the right weapon is important, your overall combat setup also depends on mobility and positioning. The Blink Talisman can help you reposition during fights and makes exploration easier. Check out our Echoes of Aincrad Blink Talisman guide.
Here’s a full guide for different types of Echoes of Aincrad Weapons:
Sword
A well-rounded weapon choice that offers a strong mix of offense and defense. The shield provides reliable protection against incoming attacks. Sword also provides a nice balance of power and speed attack. This setup approachable for newcomers while still allowing experienced players to learn advanced parry-based strategies.
Chain of attack: Light > Light > Light > Light > Heavy
Sword Features
- Medium Damage
- Medium Attack
- Medium Speed for attacks
- Shields can be equipped
- Best ACV: DEX
Maces
This weapon excels at disrupting enemies through guard breaks, staggering attacks and wide-reaching strikes. Although slower than other options, it compensates with excellent crowd-control potential.
When you optimize your Attribute distribution, Maces become one of the strongest weapon choices in Echoes of Aincrad. Their Sword Skills deliver massive damage and excel at knocking down enemies.
With the right build, you can quickly stun powerful enemies and create openings for follow-up attacks. Maces also offer solid attack range and wide swings that can hit multiple targets, though equipping EX-MODs and gear that boost attack speed greatly improves their overall performance.
Chain of attack: Light > Light > Light > Light > Heavy
Mace Features
- Can be equipped with shields
- Roughly high damage
- Best ACV: STR
- Medium speed for attacks
Dagger
Built around extreme attack speed and mobility, the dagger rewards precise movement and well-timed dodges. While its reach is limited, skilled players can unleash relentless combos and stay constantly on the offensive.
Dagger Features
- Low damage
- Best ACV: AGI
- High speed for attacks
- Cannot be equipped with shields
Rapier
The rapier specializes in quick, accurate attacks. It combines high critical-hit potential with outstanding agility. Its fast-paced move-set makes it ideal for players who prefer darting around opponents while maintaining consistent damage output.
Chain of attack: Light > Heavy
Rapier Features
- Best ACV: AGI
- Medium Damage
- Fast Speed
- Can be equipped with shields
Two-Handed Sword
A powerful weapon favored by players who enjoy heavy-hitting attacks and strikes. Giving up the protection of a shield grants access to devastating damage and a more aggressive combat style. Keep in mind that it has slow attacks.
Chain of attack: Light > Light > Heavy
Two-Handed Sword Features
- Slow speed for attacks
- Best ACV: STR
- High damage
- Cannot be equipped with shields
Two-Handed Axe
Designed for pure offensive power, the two-handed axe trades defensive options for crushing attacks and unique techniques. Its heavy blows can knock enemies off balance and deal tremendous damage in a single swing.
If you prefer a slower, more strategic combat style, the Two-Handed Axe is an excellent choice in Echoes of Aincrad.
Invest heavily in VIT to improve your survivability, as you will often need to trade blows with enemies.
Pair it with a high END stat to maintain enough Stamina for its heavy attacks and powerful Sword Skills. To maximize the weapon’s effectiveness, use Mines (especially the Numbing Mine) to slow or disable enemies and gain better control of the battlefield.
Chain of Attack: Light > Light > Heavy
Two-Handed Axe Features
- Slow speed for attacks
- Best ACV: STR
- High damage
- Cannot be equipped with shields
Every Character Weapon in Echoes of Aincrad
From specialized swords to heavy-hitting axes, each hero in Echoes of Aincrad wields a unique weapon tailored to their specific combat style. Browse the complete armory breakdown in the table below.
| Character | Weapon | Image |
|---|---|---|
| Iori | Sword and Shield (Balanced / Defensive Countering) |  |
| Argo | Dagger (Ultra-Fast / Extreme Mobility) |  |
| Zash | Two-handed Sword (Heavy Damage / Hyper-Aggressive) |  |
| Wyzeman | Mace and Shield (Frontline Disruptor / Crowd Control) |  |
| Saayu | – |  |
Which Echoes of Aincrad Weapons Can Use Shields?
Shield compatibility is one of the first things to consider when selecting a weapon. For new players, defensive options often matter more than raw damage output. Weapons that support shield-style defense make it easier to learn enemy patterns, parry timings, boss mechanics and Iori follow-ups.
This also helps avoid a common mistake: choosing the Dagger for its speed and expecting the same level of defensive safety offered by Sword and Shield.
| Weapon Type | Shield Compatibility | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sword and Shield | Yes | Provides the safest method for blocking, parrying and learning encounters. |
| Rapier | Yes | Offers fast attacks while retaining strong defensive options. |
| Mace | Yes | Combines shield defense with powerful guard-breaking attacks. |
| Dagger | No | Focuses on mobility and thrown blades rather than defensive play. |
| Two-Handed Sword | No | Relies on dodge timing and finding safe openings. |
| Two-Handed Axe | No | Requires careful spacing, AoE timing, and stamina management. |
Echoes of Aincrad Combat Guide
As you explore the world, you will regularly encounter dangerous monsters and unexpected boss battles. Managing your resources effectively is essential for your survival.
Stamina & SP Management
Every basic attack, dodge and block consumes Stamina. If your stamina bar runs out, your combat options become severely limited. Meanwhile, powerful Sword Skills deal heavy damage but rapidly drain your SP. Balance your basic combos with your skills to avoid running dry mid-fight.
Health
Always monitor your health bar. You can restore HP using Healing Crystals, which can be refilled whenever you rest at Safety Areas. Supplement them with healing items when needed.
Weapon Based on Your Playstyle
Choosing the right weapon is equally important. The sword offers a balanced mix of offense and defense through shield use. The two-handed axe sacrifices protection for powerful attacks. You can also use mines, explosive stones and debuff items to gain an advantage in battle.
Companion Party Modes
Before heading out on a quest, you can select a partner to fight alongside you. Every companion provides unique Support Skills and Combination Skills. You can command them using two distinct behavioral modes:
- Switch Mode: Divides an enemy’s attention seamlessly between you and your partner to relieve pressure.
- Free Mode: Allows both characters to focus fire on the exact same target or engage separate enemies independently.
Learning when to swap between Switch and Free mode is the secret to clearing high-level raids efficiently.
