Let’s be honest, Echoes of Aincrad is far from perfect, and the game is lacking in several areas. Thankfully, those playing on PC can install mods that improve many of the features and mechanics that should have been addressed before the game was released. Below are several mods I recommend checking out, as each one helps make Echoes of Aincrad a much better experience.
AincradOpenWorld Mod
One of the biggest issues with Echoes of Aincrad is how the game handles its quests and world exploration. In order to enter the world, you normally have to select a quest first. But what happens when you simply want to explore and search for things you missed, such as Arcs, Golden Gates, and treasure chests? It can be a pain trying to figure out which quest gives you enough freedom to explore properly.
That is where the AincradOpenWorld mod comes in. It adds a free-roam option for Aincrad’s first and second floors, giving you access to the entire map without forcing you to start a specific quest first.
The mod does not affect quests, so you can use it without interfering with your normal game progression. However, I would recommend waiting until after you have beaten the game before using it, especially if you are trying to clean up collectibles and other things you may have missed.
Download the AincradOpenWorld mod
Companion Be Quiet!
I don’t know about you, but the endless chatter from the CPU-controlled companions eventually got on my nerves. They are constantly talking, commenting on everything, and pointing out nearly every object they see.
Thankfully, the Companion Be Quiet! mod puts an end to all of that. Once installed, you will be able to explore and fight in peace without your companions constantly announcing everything happening around them.
Download the Companion Be Quiet! mod
Field Equipment Mod
Finding a new weapon and being unable to equip it while out in the field is a really dumb mechanic. Thankfully, the Field Equipment Mod removes that restriction and allows you to equip weapons and other gear as soon as you find them.
The mod adds an Equipment option to the Echoes of Aincrad Start Menu, allowing you to open the game’s native Equipment screen while exploring. From there, you can change your weapons, armor, and other equipped gear without having to return to a storage chest. No more unnecessary restrictions, which is how the game should have worked from the start.
Download the Field Equipment Mod
Echoes of Aincrad – Enhanced Visuals Mod
The Echoes of Aincrad – Enhanced Visuals Mod is pretty nifty, as it improves the game’s overall presentation through ReShade. It enhances the image quality, colors, lighting, and clarity without completely changing the game’s original art style.
The visual improvements are noticeable without making the game look overly processed or completely different from what the developers intended. If you only install one mod from this list, I would strongly recommend making it this one.
Download the Echoes of Aincrad – Enhanced Visuals Mod
Auto Pickup Mod
I hate having to press a button every time I want to pick up loot in Echoes of Aincrad. I mean, I really hate doing it, especially because the game drops so much loot that you constantly find yourself stopping to collect items.
Thankfully, the Auto Pickup Mod removes that frustration entirely. Once installed, any nearby loot or items dropped by defeated creatures are automatically sent to your inventory without requiring you to press a button. It might sound like a small change, but it quickly becomes a massive timesaver and makes exploring the world far less tedious.
I definitely recommend installing all of these mods and make Echoes of Aincrad a better overall experience. It just stinks that you can install these mods on the console versions.
