Last updated: 2026-07-10.

The available Echoes of Aincrad weapon types are Sword and Shield, Two-Handed Axe, Dagger, Rapier, Two-Handed Sword, and Mace. Each weapon type defines your combat style, including attack speed, range, defensive options, movement feel, and whether you can use a shield.

Quick answer

Sword Art Online: Echoes of Aincrad uses a weapon-based progression system instead of a fixed class system. Your weapon determines how you fight, and using a weapon type earns Weapon EXP that unlocks more weapon skills.

All Echoes of Aincrad weapon types

Sword and Shield

Sword and Shield is the starting weapon setup and the most balanced option listed so far. It gives you both offensive and defensive tools, making it a natural pick if you are new to the game or unsure what style you want.

You can also unequip the shield for faster, riskier attacks. That makes Sword and Shield useful for learning the game while still giving you room to experiment with a more aggressive approach.

Two-Handed Axe

The Two-Handed Axe is slower and more aggressive. It trades speed for area-of-effect attacks, so it rewards deliberate timing and positioning.

If you mistime your swings, you can leave yourself open to counterattacks. This weapon cannot be paired with a shield.

Dagger

Daggers are light and fast. They hit often, but each hit deals lower average damage and has shorter reach than many other weapon types.

Their standout feature is the ability to throw blades for ranged attacks. That gives daggers more flexibility than their short melee range might suggest. Daggers cannot be paired with a shield.

Rapier

The Rapier is a graceful, long-reach weapon built around chaining attacks and countering enemies. It can also be used with a shield, which makes it one of the more flexible options.

If you want reach and defense at the same time, Rapier is one of the strongest fits based on the listed weapon behavior.

Two-Handed Sword

The Two-Handed Sword is the heavy hitter. It can charge attacks for significantly increased damage.

It also changes your dodge into a roll instead of a sidestep, so movement will feel different compared with other weapon types. The Two-Handed Sword cannot be used with a shield.

Mace

The Mace is another shield-compatible weapon, alongside Sword, Rapier, and the Sword and Shield setup. Maces specialize in breaking enemy defenses, helping stagger or knock enemies down.

That makes the Mace especially useful against heavily armored enemies or foes that tend to block.

Best weapon choice for beginners

The best beginner weapon is Sword and Shield. It is the starting weapon setup, gives you both offense and defense, and lets you unequip the shield if you want faster but riskier attacks.

If you already know what kind of combat you like, consider these instead:

• Want speed? Try Dagger.
• Want reach and defense? Try Rapier.
• Want heavy damage? Try Two-Handed Sword.
• Want area attacks? Try Two-Handed Axe.
• Want to break defenses? Try Mace.

How weapons work in Echoes of Aincrad

Echoes of Aincrad is described as a classless, MMO-like game. Instead of picking a fixed class, you build your playstyle around the weapon types you use.

The more you fight with a weapon type, the more Weapon EXP you earn for it. Earning Weapon EXP unlocks more weapon skills for that weapon type.

You can equip up to three Sword Skills at one time, which gives you some room to customize your loadout even when sticking with a single weapon type.

Weapon upgrades and EX-Mods

Weapons can be upgraded at the Smithy, which is found in most cities and villages.

You can combine weapons of the same type to pool up to four EX-Mods onto a single weapon. These bonuses can include effects such as:

• Reduced stamina cost
• Improved attack damage

Weapon level can also be raised by spending specific materials. Raising weapon level increases base damage separately from Sword Skill proficiency.

When can you swap weapon types?

You can only swap weapon types between quests when you are back in the Town of Beginnings.

That means your weapon choice matters before entering a dungeon or mission. If you bring a slow, heavy weapon into content where you would rather have speed or range, you may need to wait until you are back between quests to change your setup.

Companions and party play

When going on missions and dungeons, you can bring companions with their own fighting styles. This can help you create different combinations depending on your weapon choice.

For example, a defensive or stagger-focused weapon may feel different depending on what your companions bring to the party. Specific companion combinations are not listed in the available information, so those details need in-game confirmation.

FAQ

How many weapon types are in Echoes of Aincrad?

There are six listed weapon types: Sword and Shield, Two-Handed Axe, Dagger, Rapier, Two-Handed Sword, and Mace.

Which weapons can use a shield?

Sword, Rapier, and Mace are listed as shield-compatible. The Sword and Shield setup starts with a shield, and you can unequip it for faster, riskier attacks.

Which weapons cannot use a shield?

Two-Handed Axe, Dagger, and Two-Handed Sword cannot be paired with a shield.

Does Echoes of Aincrad have classes?

The game is described as classless. Your build is shaped by the weapon type you use, the Weapon EXP you earn, and the Sword Skills you equip.

How many Sword Skills can you equip?

You can equip up to three Sword Skills at one time.

Can weapons be upgraded?

Yes. Weapons can be upgraded at the Smithy in most cities and villages. You can also combine same-type weapons to pool up to four EX-Mods on one weapon.

Are more weapon features coming later?

Not confirmed. The available information suggests more features may appear with the full game, but anything beyond the listed systems needs official or in-game confirmation.

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.