Official Game Tutorials

128 topics · 169 pages · 131 pages with official images

Controls

Camera

Use [AxisRotateCamera] to adjust the camera's perspective. You can revert the camera to its default position by pressing [LockOn] when no enemies are nearby.

Target Lock-on

When an enemy is nearby, use [LockOn] to lock on and center them on the screen. Alternate targets to the left or the right by using [AxisRotateCamera].

Movement

Press [Group_AxisMove] in any direction to move accordingly.

Jump

Press [Jump] to jump.

Sprint

Pressing [Sprint] while moving will allow you to travel at a higher speed. Being spotted by an enemy and entering battle will cause sprinting to consume stamina.

Standard Light Attacks

Press [NormalAttack] to perform a standard Light Attack. While these attacks aren't very powerful, they consume less stamina and can be executed in quick succession. The possible number of combo attacks depends on your equipped weapon type.

Standard Heavy Attacks

Press [HeavyAttack] to unleash a standard Heavy Attack. While powerful, these attacks not only leave you vulnerable, but also consume a large amount of stamina. The possible number of combo attacks depends on your equipped weapon type.

Break Markers

A marker that indicates when parts of an enemy can be destroyed. Executing Destructive attacks on parts displaying this Break Marker will destroy them. Break Markers trigger in a variety of ways, depending on the enemy being fought; where one enemy may be vulnerable to Guard Breaks, another may need to be knocked down.

Crush Attacks

By pressing and holding [HeavyAttack], a Crush Attack will be unleashed upon release. These attacks are extremely powerful, but consume a lot of stamina and leave you vulnerable for a considerable amount of time.

Guard Breaks

While attacking a guarding enemy, a Break Gauge will be displayed. This gauge is lowered by unleashing attacks with break effects, such as Crush Attacks. When a Break Gauge is fully depleted, a Guard Break will occur, leaving the enemy wide open to attack.

Extra Attacks

A general term for Jump Attacks and Sprint Attacks. You can perform these by pressing [NormalAttack] or [HeavyAttack] when sprinting or jumping.

Dodge

Press [Roll] to dodge. Dodging while in combat will consume stamina. There is a brief period of invincibility at the start of each dodge during which you are impervious to damage from enemies. If you have a shield equipped, a dodge roll will be performed. Without a shield, you will dodge step.

Perfect Dodges

You can execute a Perfect Dodge by dodge stepping (dodging without a shield equipped) right before an enemy's attack lands. Successfully performing a Perfect Dodge will recover a set amount of stamina. Attacks that can be Perfect Dodged differ between enemies.

Guard

You can defend against enemy attacks by holding [Guard]. Upon a successful guard, stamina is depleted relative to the strength of the enemy's attack.

Parrying

With a shield equipped, press [Guard] just before an enemy's attack lands to parry it and stagger your foe. Attacks that can be parried differ between each enemy.

Parry Slash

A slash technique that deals high damage. Pressing [SlashTrigger] within a set time after a successful parry will trigger a follow-up attack by your Partner. Enemies hit by a Parry Slash will also be greatly staggered.

Dodge Slash

A slash technique that deals high damage. Pressing [SlashTrigger] within a set time after a perfect dodge will trigger a follow-up attack by your Partner. Enemies hit by a Dodge Slash will also be greatly staggered.

Reversal Slash

A slash technique that deals high damage. When a blue ring appears during an enemy attack, press [SlashTrigger] with the right timing to execute a Reversal Slash, repelling the attack and granting your Partner a window to strike. Enemies hit by a Reversal Slash will also be greatly staggered.

Healing Crystals

Press [ActiveSkill_Down] to consume a Healing Crystal and recover a set amount of HP. The number of available Healing Crystals is indicated by <img id="TI_Recovery"/>, which is reset upon resting at a Safe Area or Warp Terminal.

Using Consumable Items

Press [ItemBelt_Active_Up] / [ItemBelt_Active_Left] / [ItemBelt_Active_Right] to use the consumable item assigned to each input. Press and hold [ItemBelt_Active_Up] / [ItemBelt_Active_Left] / [ItemBelt_Active_Right] to change the assigned item.

AI Command: Free Mode

An AI command for Partners that prioritizes enemies the player is not locked on to. Alternate between Free Mode and Switch Mode by pressing [AIModeChange].

AI Command: Switch Mode

An AI command for Partners that prioritizes enemies the player is locked on to. Alternate between Free Mode and Switch Mode by pressing [AIModeChange].

Focus

If you manage to avoid damage in combat while attacking for a set period, you will be able to enter a state of pure focus.

Town: Warp Commands

In towns, you can display warp options by holding down [WarpWheel]. This feature allows you to instantly travel to key destinations around town.

Examination

Waypoints

Markers indicate points of interest you should visit during quests or while visiting towns. They can be displayed on both the mini-map and full map using <img id="TI_DestinationMarkers"/>.

Full Map

Press [OpenSubMenu] to display the map screen. Whether you're in a town, dungeon, or out in the field, you can check out a detailed map of the area.

Safe Areas: Resting

Resting at a Safe Area will recover your HP and replenish your healing items. The last Safe Area you rest at will also act as a checkpoint: should the party fall in battle, they will respawn at this location.

Safe Areas: Teleporting

Selecting Teleport at a Safe Area allows you to instantly travel between any activated Safe Areas or Warp Terminals. Teleporting will also heal you, update your checkpoint, and respawn all non-boss enemies, just as if you had taken a rest.

Safe Areas: Mapping

The map for your current area will be revealed after activating its Safe Area. The map displays various bits of information that will aid in exploration, such as paths and treasure chests.

Overworld Exploration: Blue Pillars of Light

Inactive Safe Areas appear as blue pillars of light. These beacons serve as important landmarks when progressing through unexplored areas—it's a good idea to head there first.

Overworld Exploration: Paths

Paths are often visible on the ground or map. If you get lost, following one of these paths will eventually lead you to a Waypoint. Straying from these well-trodden roads is a good way to get lost. Paths aren't always available, however—so keep an eye out for blue pillars of light when you're lost in the wilds.

Overworld: Radiant Chests

The Radiant Chests you encounter in the overworld contain valuable items and can only be looted once.

Falling & Deep Water

There are many treacherous heights and deep pools of water in Aincrad. But fear not—should you take a tumble or go under, you'll simply be returned to your original location. So don't be scared to peer over the edge.

Dungeons: Random Dungeons

Dungeons function as mazes, their corridors shifting each time you start a quest. While exploring each corridor will allow you to obtain items from chests, this can also be quite risky. Deciding whether to prioritize exploration or reach the next Safe Area is paramount while in a dungeon.

Dungeons: Dungeon Map

A dungeon's map is gradually revealed as you make your way through its winding corridors. Waypoints are not displayed in dungeons, so it's crucial to keep track of where you've been and what ground you have yet to cover.

Golden Gates

An emblem that summons a powerful boss enemy somewhere in the vast Overworld. However, in order to open the gate, a Gold Crystal is required, and one is consumed each time the gate is opened or the boss is challenged. Defeated bosses summoned from a Golden Gate will drop weapons with powerful EX-MODs attached. Golden Gate bosses and the weapons they drop will grow stronger in proportion to you Cardinal Rank.

Warped Dungeons

Special dungeons, warped by the power of the Sacred Tree Brooch. They differ from the usual dungeons in the following ways: • The dungeon quest will automatically fail and you will be sent back to town if you are incapacitated four times. • You cannot rest in safe areas. • Completing the dungeon will reward you with Key Stones or improvements to your character.

Arks

Sanctums found throughout Aincrad that contain the relics of ancient elven saints. Defeating the Guardian sealed away inside will release the barrier seal connected to it, opening passageways previously closed to you.

Side Quest Trinkets

In the overworld, you will sometimes find trinkets that relate to a certain side quest. This may cause the relevant NPC to spawn in the town and offer the quest.

Key Stones

Gemstones with mysterious powers. Insert them into the Sacred Tree Brooch from the Chest screen to imbue your character with various bonuses. You can obtain Key Stones by clearing Warped Dungeons, which will level up according to the highest difficulty cleared.

Skills

Sword Skill

Powerful weapon techniques that consume SP. Press [SwordSkill1Hold] / [SwordSkill2Hold] / [SwordSkill3Hold] while holding down [ShiftModifier] to perform the skill assigned to that input. Additional skills become available as your weapon proficiency increases. Skills can be assigned and reassigned via the main menu.

Support Skills

Support Skills are Partner abilities that consume Support SP. Each Partner has their own Support Skill, with varying effects. To activate a Support Skill, hold [ShiftModifier] and press [SupportSkill_UI].

Special Effect Icon

When a Support Skill or equipment mod effect activates in battle, an icon will appear. This will display the effect's duration, cooldown, and stack count (if applicable).

Combination Skills

Extremely powerful weapon attacks made in conjunction with your Partner that consume Combo SP. Execute by holding [ShiftModifier] and pressing [CombinationSlashHold]. Combination Skills vary depending on your Partner.

Follow-up Combos: Swords

Perform a unique sword combo using the following inputs. Heavy Attack Chain: [NormalAttack] > [NormalAttack] > [NormalAttack] > [NormalAttack] > [HeavyAttack]

Follow-up Combos: Rapiers

Perform a unique rapier combo using the following inputs. Heavy Attack Chain 1: [NormalAttack] > [HeavyAttack]

Follow-up Combos: Daggers

Perform a unique dagger combo using the following inputs. Heavy Attack Chain: [NormalAttack] > [NormalAttack] > [NormalAttack] > [NormalAttack] > [HeavyAttack]

Follow-up Combos: Maces

Perform a unique mace combo using the following inputs. Heavy Attack Chain: [NormalAttack] > [NormalAttack] > [NormalAttack] > [NormalAttack] > [HeavyAttack]

Follow-up Combos: Two-Handed Swords

Perform a unique two-handed sword combo using the following inputs. Heavy Attack Chain: [NormalAttack] > [NormalAttack] > [HeavyAttack]

Follow-up Combos: Two-Handed Axes

Perform a unique two-handed axe combo using the following inputs. Heavy Attack Chain: [NormalAttack] > [NormalAttack] > [HeavyAttack]

Items

Consumable Items

Items that can be used during quests to bestow a variety of effects. Press [ItemBelt_Active_Left] / [ItemBelt_Active_Up] / [ItemBelt_Active_Right] to use the consumable item assigned to that input. Press and hold [ItemBelt_Active_Left] / [ItemBelt_Active_Up] / [ItemBelt_Active_Right] to change the assigned item.

Weapons: Swords

A weapon which deftly balances offense and defense. Can be used with a shield.

Weapons: Rapiers

A weapon capable of chaining multiple attacks together and countering enemy strikes with ease. Can be used with a shield.

Weapons: Daggers

A weapon that allows for countless swift strikes, ranged attacks (via thrown blades), and hit-and-run maneuvers. Cannot be used with a shield.

Weapons: Maces

A weapon that excels at breaking down an enemy's defenses; its attacks stagger, cause Guard Breaks, and knock enemies down with ease. Can be used with a shield.

Weapons: Two-Handed Swords

A weapon that makes up for its slow strikes with powerful charged attacks and a long reach. Cannot use with a shield, and your dodge becomes a roll.

Weapons: Two-Handed Axes

A weapon whose slow area-of-effect strikes hit very hard. Cannot use with a shield, and your dodge becomes a roll.

Shields

Shields can only be equipped when using certain weapon types. With a shield equipped, you are able to parry attacks, and your dodge becomes a roll.

Attributes

The Player

The term used to refer to the main character controlled by you, the player.

Partner

The player's companion is equipped with various abilities. You can only bring one partner on a quest. If incapacitated, partners will automatically revive after some time has passed; however, you can speed up the process by approaching them and holding [ValuableAction].

HP

Your health. When it reaches zero, you'll be incapacitated and sent back to the last checkpoint.

Stamina

The player's stamina. Attacking, jumping, dodging, or sprinting during combat consumes varying amounts of stamina relative to the action performed.

SP

The player's mental fortitude. Using Sword Skills consumes varying amounts of SP relative to the skill performed. SP will accrue when attacking enemies.

Weapon Proficiency

The proficiency level of a weapon increases with prolonged use. Each weapon type has its own proficiency level that increases when the Weapon EXP earned by defeating enemies reaches a certain threshold. As your weapon proficiencies increase, you can learn new Sword Skills or level up those you already know.

Sword Skill Points

Points obtained by each weapon type as their respective weapon proficiency increases. Allocate these points while in the Chest to level up Sword Skills.

EX-MOD

A passive ability attached to a weapon. These are set when creating a weapon at the Smithy, or randomly applied to drops found in treasure chests. These abilities can be passed on to other weapons at the Smithy via synthesis.

Status Effects

Some enemy attacks are imbued with status ailments. Being attacked will gradually fill a bar, which will inflict you with the corresponding ailment when full. The effect will only end once the bar depletes.

Status Effects: Poison

Slowly chips away at HP for a set duration. Can be cured and prevented with antidotes.

Status Effects: Burn

Slowly chips away at HP and reduces ATK temporarily. Can be cured and prevented with items such as Ice Essences. In addition, dodging will reduce the duration of this ailment.

Status Effects: Freeze

Deals large damage when activated and increases damage taken. Can be cured and prevented by items such as Heat Essences.

Status Effects: Paralysis

Prevents movement temporarily. Can be cured and prevented by items such as Holy Water.

Status Effects: Sleep

Prevents movement and reduces DEF temporarily. Can be cured and prevented by items such as Spicy Herbs. Those afflicted with sleep are woken when damaged.

Status Effects: Daze

Reduces vision and restricts movement temporarily.

Status Effects: Blind

Reduces vision temporarily. Can be cured and prevented with eye drops.

Status Effects: Fatigue

Increases stamina consumption temporarily. Can be cured and prevented with energy herbs.

Status Effects: Instant Death

Instantly kills afflicted characters when the status effect bar reaches its maximum.

Growth Points

Growth Points are earned upon leveling up. Use the Chest in town to allocate them and increase your attributes.

Enemies

Enemies: Mobs

Common monsters. While not particularly strong on their own, you'd better not let your guard down if you find them in groups.

Enemies: Elites

Monsters of a higher caliber than common mobs. Even a single elite enemy poses a significant threat. Turn and run from one and it will chase you down relentlessly.

Enemies: Bosses

Monsters of the highest caliber. Trigger a battle with one and you will be trapped in a Boss Fight arena, and cannot leave until it is defeated.

Enemy Cursor

A cursor will appear above enemies when you are locked onto them. It also displays the danger the target represents to you—the more the cursor shines, the larger the difference between the enemy's ATK and your DEF.

Entering Combat

Being discovered by an enemy begins combat, causing actions such as sprinting and dodging to begin costing stamina. Enemies that see you will also appear as red icons on the mini-map.

Enemy Level

Enemy levels scale with yours—up to a certain point. To raise this limit, you'll need to increase your Cardinal Rank.

Game Hints

Danger Attacks

Some enemy attacks are preempted by a yellow glow before activation. These are Danger Attacks, and cannot be guarded against.

Enemy Counterattacks

If an enemy's behavior changes, and it suddenly stops reacting to attacks, it may be a sign that it's about to counterattack. Watch out!

Downing Enemies

If you keep attacking an enemy, they may drop to their knees; this means they have been downed, and is a great time to inflict massive damage. A Crush Attack with a sword, or normal attacks from maces and two-handed axes, ensure opponents are swiftly downed.

Warning Indicators

During combat, red arrows will appear around your character, pointing toward enemies that are about to attack. Keep an eye out for these warning indicators to avoid any off-screen surprises.

Stubborn Enemies

It's important to run away if you feel like you're in danger, but enemies will typically pursue you wherever you go. Instead of fighting and fleeing, try picking off enemy stragglers one by one while you have the numerical advantage.

Enemy Spawns

Enemies spawn in waves. If you keep fighting with all your might, the spawn rate of enemies will decrease. However, should you choose a more passive approach, and habitually run from enemies, this spawn rate will increase. Be careful—like life's responsibilities, avoidance will lead to a hard lesson down the line.

Active Safe Areas

You won't be attacked by enemies while in a Safe Area you have activated. Bear this in mind whenever you need a break during a quest.

Traversing Unexplored Lands I

The mini-map will not be displayed in areas where a Safe Area has not yet been activated. Look for a pillar of blue light, the telltale sign of a dormant Safe Area. Upon activation, you will be rewarded with a map of your surroundings.

Traversing Unexplored Lands II

You'll need to rely on your sense of direction and know-how when exploring new areas without a mini-map. Use paths and roads to navigate your route. After all, they're bound to lead somewhere.

The Guardian's Blockade

Arks are littered all throughout the world map. Defeating the Guardian sealed away inside an Ark will release the barrier seal connected to it, opening passageways previously closed to you.

Gifts from the Association

As you walk through the world, you may encounter Survey Flags marked with a magnifying glass. Investigating these will register a variety of information into the world database. Doing so will earn you rewards from the Adventurer's Association, so be sure to look in every nook and cranny!

Dead End

A dead end on a map is usually much more than it appears. Explore these areas for treasure chests, survey flags, and side quest items. It pays to be thorough.

Light Before a Valley

When traveling, a yellow light will occasionally appear in front of an impassable valley or chasm. These spaces can be traversed with a Blink Talisman, which allows you to teleport past many such obstacles.

Weapon Crafting

You can create weapons using Craft, but you're better off focusing on enemy drops. Remember: once you have all the weapons you need, you can use Craft to supplement any upgrade materials you might be missing.

Shallow Water Terrain

You can cross shallow water that reaches up to your knees. Even if a river or a pond looks deep at first glance, there may be a shallow area you can wade through—and who knows what treasures await on the other side? Be sure to take a dip every once in a while.

Outdoor Quest Areas

When questing out in the world map, you will be placed within a designated quest area, ensuring you remain close to your objective. Leaving this area will force you to return to it.

Leveling up your Partner

As your character levels up, your Partner will, too. This process is automatic, and will see their attributes increase in tandem with your own.

Consecutive Sword Skills

Sword Skills can leave you vulnerable to attack after they are used—yet chaining multiple in succession can cancel out that opening, allowing for a continuous string of attacks.

Howling Enemies

Certain enemies may hinder nearby players with their piercing howls. Try to put yourself out of the range of these attacks by rolling or using other dodging techniques.

Obstacles

Out in the overworld and within dungeons, you may encounter obstacles such as rock piles, brambles, or wide ravines. These can be dealt with by using specific consumables. Stone Walls: Destroyed with a Bomb Stone or Mine. Bramble Walls: Burned away with a Flame Stone or Flame Mine.

Inaccessible Chests and Arks

Some of the chests and Arks shown on the map may be impossible to reach from your current quest area. The path to them may be unclear, or blocked by obstacles or barriers. Don't lose heart, though. By thoroughly exploring the world, completing quests, or using certain consumable items, you will eventually gain access.

Difficulty and Item Drops

Weapons dropped by enemies and treasure chests are more likely to have a higher rating at higher difficulty levels. You'll also earn more experience, so if you want to grow stronger more quickly, try increasing the difficulty. Note: You can change the difficulty from the Settings tab in the Main Menu while in town.

Restock Items

When departing on a quest, you can choose to restock consumable items from the chest to your pouch in bulk at the quest selection screen. Bulk restock is carried out according to the following rules. ・Restock up to the quest limit for consumable items. ・For empty pouch slots, items from the Sacred Crystal and Healing Potion categories will be added in order of effectiveness.