Use Switch Mode when you want the partner to draw an enemy's attention and open a timed attack. Use Free Mode when you want both characters to focus a target or clear enemies together.
Build a plan for the next fight
Choose the pressure your build cannot solve alone. The result stays on this device so you can check it before the next quest.
Trade attention before healing or rebuilding resources. Do not wait until both bars are empty.
Compare the actual Support, Sword, and Combination Skills in your partner menu before committing.
- Enter with the partner close and Concentration available.
- Attack once, then evade to hand over attention.
- Recover first; spend SP only after the enemy turns away.
Choose one partner before each quest
Your companion is autonomous, but the selection is a real build decision. Partners differ in weapon type, Support Skills, Sword Skills, and Combination Skills. Some emphasize healing, buffs, or enemy debuffs; others add direct pressure.
Switch Mode versus Free Mode
| Mode | Use it when | What it changes |
|---|---|---|
| Switch Mode | You want controlled turns against the locked target | Your dodge after attacking can hand initiative to the partner; the mode also restores partner Concentration. |
| Free Mode | You are surrounded or want the partner to attack aggressively | The partner prioritizes enemies you are not locked onto, but prolonged use drains Concentration. |
The modes can be changed in real time. In Switch Mode, watch for the Switch Standby indicator under the partner name and evade after your attack to hand over the turn. In Free Mode, monitor how long the partner has been fighting aggressively because lower Concentration reduces successful dodges and guards.
Heal · recover SP · charge · reposition
Draw focus · create the punish window
Concentration is the limit on partner aggression
Free Mode is not a permanent damage toggle. It drains partner Concentration while the companion acts aggressively, and low Concentration makes successful guards and dodges less reliable. Switch Mode restores Concentration, so the two commands work best as a cycle: use Free Mode to create pressure, then return to Switch Mode before the partner becomes the weak point of the fight.
| Signal | Adjustment | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Partner keeps taking hits | Return to Switch Mode | Rebuild Concentration and make the next handover deliberate. |
| You need to heal or recover SP | Attack safely, evade, and hand over attention | The partner buys a controlled recovery window. |
| Several enemies remain active | Use a short Free Mode burst | The partner can occupy pressure you cannot cover alone. |
| Boss opening is short | Prepare a fast Sword Skill before switching | A readable handover matters more than a theoretical maximum combo. |
Match the partner to your weakness
- Heavy weapon users benefit from a partner who creates safe commitment windows.
- Aggressive dagger or rapier builds may prefer healing, defensive support, or enemy control.
- Shield builds can use an offensive partner to capitalize while the player holds attention.
- SP-heavy Sword Skill builds value support that covers recovery between bursts.
Prepare partner equipment
Partner weapons and skills can be managed from your room at an Inn. Revisit the setup when Cardinal Rank rises or when a partner begins falling behind the current quest. Partner capabilities also grow with Cardinal progression.
Use a two-run partner test
- Run one: keep your usual partner and note the first failure point: healing, opening, group control, or resource recovery.
- Change one thing: select a support role or command plan that addresses that failure. Do not change weapon, skills, difficulty, and partner at the same time.
- Run two: repeat the same route and compare whether the failure happens later or disappears.
- Keep the result: save the plan above and revisit it only when the encounter type changes.
For named characters, weapon classes, route context, and available unlock guides, use the character roster. It is more useful than choosing by familiarity alone because it keeps the decision tied to the current build.