Last updated: 2026-07-10.
If you want the best partner in Echoes of Aincrad on the First Floor, pick Argo for Story or Normal Mode and Iori for Hard, Very Hard, or Death Mode. Argo is best for exploration and extra damage, while Iori is the safer choice when survival matters most.
Spoiler warning: Partner names and unlocks can spoil who you meet as you progress.
Quick answer
| Difficulty or mode | Best First Floor partner | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Story Mode | Argo | Analyze helps with exploration and adds damage. |
| Normal Mode | Argo | Great utility for finding enemies and treasure chests. |
| Hard Mode | Iori | Healing Circle helps keep your HP topped off. |
| Very Hard Mode | Iori | Better sustain when mistakes are more punishing. |
| Death Mode | Iori | Healing support helps conserve recovery items. |
Echoes of Aincrad partner guide for the First Floor
After the Prologue, you properly begin the First Floor of Aincrad. At this stage, you have three partners available, but the best choice depends heavily on your difficulty setting.
The available third partner is not listed in the reference information, so this guide only compares the confirmed recommendations: Argo and Iori.
Best partner for Story and Normal Mode: Argo
For Story and Normal difficulty, Argo is the best partner choice.
Her biggest advantage is Analyze, a partner skill that affects a large area and highlights:
- Enemies
- Treasure chests
- Objects through walls
This makes Argo especially useful when entering a new region for the first time, before you have map markers filled in. If you like clearing areas thoroughly and avoiding missed chests, she is the most practical pick.
Analyze also gives you added damage while active, making it useful in combat as well as exploration.
Argo’s other listed skill, Twin Moon, is also described as a reliable source of damage.
Pick Argo if you want to:
- Explore new areas more efficiently
- Spot enemies and treasure chests through walls
- Avoid missing loot
- Add extra damage through Analyze
- Play on Story or Normal difficulty
Best partner for Hard, Very Hard, and Death Mode: Iori
For Hard, Very Hard, and Death Mode, Iori is the recommended partner.
Iori’s key partner skill is Healing Circle, which helps restore your health during and between battles. That makes her especially valuable on harder settings, where damage matters more and healing resources are more important.
The main benefit is item conservation. By using Healing Circle to top off your HP, you can save Potions and Healing Crystals for emergencies.
Pick Iori if you want to:
- Survive longer on higher difficulties
- Heal during or between fights
- Save Potions
- Save Healing Crystals
- Play with Death Mode enabled
Argo vs. Iori
| Partner | Best for | Main listed skill | Main benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Argo | Story and Normal Mode | Analyze | Highlights enemies and treasure chests through walls; adds damage while active. |
| Iori | Hard, Very Hard, and Death Mode | Healing Circle | Restores health and helps conserve Potions and Healing Crystals. |
Which partner should beginners choose?
If you are new to Echoes of Aincrad and playing on Story or Normal, choose Argo. Her Analyze skill makes exploration easier because it helps you find enemies and treasure chests before you would otherwise see them.
If you are new but started on Hard or above, choose Iori instead. The extra healing from Healing Circle is more valuable when fights are riskier.
Common mistakes
- Using Argo on harder modes when you need sustain: Argo is useful, but Iori’s healing is more important on Hard, Very Hard, and Death Mode.
- Using Iori on easier modes when you want full exploration help: Iori is safer, but Argo’s Analyze is better for finding hidden opportunities in new regions.
- Burning through Potions too quickly: If you are playing on a harder difficulty, Iori can help you save Potions and Healing Crystals for more dangerous moments.
FAQ
Who is the best partner in Echoes of Aincrad?
For the First Floor, the best partner depends on difficulty. Argo is best for Story and Normal Mode, while Iori is best for Hard, Very Hard, and Death Mode.
What does Argo do?
Argo’s listed partner skill, Analyze, highlights enemies and treasure chests through walls across a large area. It also gives added damage while active. Her other listed skill, Twin Moon, provides reliable damage.
What does Iori do?
Iori’s listed partner skill is Healing Circle, which helps restore health during and between battles. This is especially useful on higher difficulties and in Death Mode.
How many partners are available on the First Floor?
After the Prologue, the First Floor gives you three partners to choose from. Only Argo and Iori are specifically detailed in the available reference information.
Is Death Mode different for partner choice?
Yes. For Death Mode, Iori is recommended because Healing Circle helps keep your health topped off and lets you conserve Potions and Healing Crystals.
Update note
Details can change after updates. If a code, price, event, stock item, ability, schedule, or feature behaves differently, treat the newest official or in-context source as the current version.