Echoes of Aincrad Complete Guide
Use this page to find the right guide for your current question. Organized by player task — not by URL list. Each section tells you what it covers and what it does not. If you are new, start with the Beginner Guide.
Start Here
Not sure where to begin? These are the recommended starting points for new players.
What to read and test in your first session — based on confirmed facts only.
Available now on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Steam — five missions, Level 15 cap.
July 9 (US Steam) or July 10, 2026 — time-zone difference explained.
Demo & Release
These pages cover what is officially confirmed about the demo and the game's launch.
Platforms, mission count, level cap, Weapon Proficiency cap, save-transfer rules.
ConfirmedFive missions confirmed. Level 15, Proficiency 3. Mission names NOT_CONFIRMED.
PartialPS5, Xbox Series X|S, Steam. July 9/10. Time-zone difference explained.
ConfirmedSame platform only. Cross-platform transfer is not supported.
ConfirmedCombat & Weapons
Weapons and combat mechanics. No tier list, damage numbers, or best-weapon claims are published — those require hands-on testing.
Six weapon types, Sword Skills (max 3), Weapon Exp, weapon switching in Town.
ConfirmedCanonical list: Sword and Shield, Two-Handed Axe, Dagger, Rapier, Two-Handed Sword, Mace.
ConfirmedLight, heavy, and special attacks, parry, evasion, Stamina and SP, Partner and Switch.
ConfirmedSwitch Mode, Free Mode, Combination Skills, Support Skills. No best-partner claims.
ConfirmedProgression & Builds
Growth Points, EX-MOD customisation, and how the two systems connect. No best-build, optimal allocation, or tier ranking is published from official sources.
How Growth Points, EX-MODs, and Cardinal Rank connect — and what official sources confirm.
ConfirmedSeven stats: STR, DEX, AGI, INT, VIT, END, MND. Stat-to-skill scaling exists. Stat-to-weapon mapping NOT_CONFIRMED.
PartialSame-type fusion, 4 EX-MOD cap, smithy location. Optimal combinations NOT_CONFIRMED.
PartialTown of Beginnings Col merchant, craftable healing items and mines. No full recipe table.
ConfirmedWorld & Map
Confirmed locations and map discovery mechanics. No interactive map, coordinates, routes, or hidden-area lists are published by Bandai Namco.
Six named areas: Town of Beginnings, 1st Floor, 2nd Floor, Tolbana, Citadel Ruins, Labyrinth.
ConfirmedNo interactive map published. Exploration reveals quest and dungeon layouts. Checkpoints mark surrounding areas.
PartialUpdates & FAQ
Official updates, patch notes, and quick answers to the most common player questions.
Chronological archive of official announcements with 100–200 word summaries and source links.
ConfirmedQuick answers to common questions, each linking to the canonical guide page.
ConfirmedVer.1.0.3 scope and one listed workaround. Links to official Bandai Namco source.
ConfirmedSave deleted on in-game defeat, exit, or interruption. Access conditions are official.
ConfirmedGuide Status — What Is Confirmed and What Is Not
This site publishes only what official Bandai Namco sources confirm. The boundary below tells you what you will not find here.
Choose the guide that matches your next question
It routes first-session questions to the demo, weapons, build, and world pages without adding a walkthrough.
These pages separate demo limits, save-transfer scope, platforms, and release information.
Weapons covers types and progression; Combat covers attacks, resources, partners, and Switch mechanics.
The Build page is the overview; the two supporting pages narrow the question to stats or weapon customisation.
Map covers discovery mechanics and evidence limits; Locations is the canonical list of confirmed area names.
Confirmed
- Demo: 5 missions, Level 15 cap, Weapon Proficiency 3 cap, same-platform save transfer, 3 platforms
- Weapons: 6 types, Sword Skills (max 3 equipped), Weapon Exp, weapon switching in Town
- EX-MOD: same-type fusion, up to 4 per weapon, smithy location
- Growth Points: 7 stats (STR/DEX/AGI/INT/VIT/END/MND), stat-to-skill scaling
- Cardinal Rank: affects merchants, smithy, monster difficulty, item drops, partner abilities
- Locations: Town of Beginnings, 1st Floor, 2nd Floor, Tolbana, Citadel Ruins, Labyrinth
- Map: no interactive map published; exploration-reveal mechanic confirmed
- Release: July 9 (US Steam) / July 10, 2026; PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Steam
Not Confirmed
- Mission names, objectives, boss mechanics, walkthrough steps
- Weapon damage, speed, role rankings, best weapon, tier list
- Stat-to-weapon mapping, optimal Growth Point allocation, best build
- EX-MOD effect pool, costs, probabilities, optimal combinations
- Floor coordinates, exact routes, checkpoint positions, treasure/shortcut locations
- Full-game level/proficiency caps beyond what the demo confirms
- System requirements (no first-party source published)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this site officially affiliated with Bandai Namco?
No. EchoesCompass.com is an unofficial fan guide. It is not affiliated with Bandai Namco Entertainment America or the Sword Art Online franchise.
Where do I start as a new player?
Start with the Beginner Guide for the recommended reading order and a first-session checklist. Then check the Demo Guide if you want to try the game before buying.
Does this site have a walkthrough or tier list?
No. Mission walkthroughs, tier lists, and best-build guides require hands-on play to write accurately. This site does not publish them. See the evidence boundary above for what is confirmed.
Is there an interactive map?
No interactive map has been published by Bandai Namco. The Map & Discovery page explains the exploration-reveal mechanic, and the Locations page lists the six confirmed areas.
Can I trust the facts on this site?
Every factual claim traces to a source ID in the Sources & Corrections page. All claims are reviewed against official Bandai Namco sources. Nothing is published from speculation or single-source community claims.
How is this guide updated?
Updates are made when official sources change — such as a new patch, DLC, or correction. See the Official Updates page for the current change archive.