As a JRPG with a unique combat system, Chained Echoes lets players link and switch between characters mid-battle. The character swap consumes no TP, but the catch is that it won’t work for incapacitated squad members. Despite being a straightforward action, character swapping buttons confuse beginner Chained Echoes players (mainly because they play the game’s Steam version with console keybinds). But this simplified guide solves the problem for good.
What’s the Character Swap Button?
To switch characters mid-battle, press the RB button (E on PC, R1 on PlayStation, and R on Switch) twice. Pressing the swap button once shows the tag team’s information, and players must press it again to confirm the switch. Note that the character-switching option unlocks after the Formation menu. Players who want to switch between their warriors must create tag teams in the Formation menu by pairing reverse fighters.
The Benefits of the Tag Teams
Switching summons a full-TP and full-HP fighter. With the tag-team mechanic, players get more resources because the substitutes’ stats are unconnected to the main squad. Basically, the substitution lets players exchange a low-health character with new blood.
Switching also cools down the Overdrive bar, pushing it toward the yellow field. The feature is specifically useful during the boss fights as it both prevents Overheat and gives players an alternative Ultra Move.
Another perk of switching characters is Stagger deactivation. Squad members who get staggered by enemy tropes won’t be able to fight unless players swap them with a tag team member.
When To Switch Characters
Although switching takes up no TP, it’s crucial to use it strategically. Swap between primary and secondary fighters in the following situations:
- The main fighter is low on HP or TP.
- The secondary hero is the enemy’s counter.
- The secondary hero’s Ultimate Move has a higher DPS.
- The enemy has used Stagger debuff on the main hero.
How The Character Switch Works
Despite being one of the best modern-day JRPGs, Chained Echoes revives nostalgic combat mechanics like character swapping. The switching process is basic: Players have a primary set of four warriors that can be replaced with four substitutes. In other words, Chained Echoes lets old-school JRPG fans run a team of eight without being overwhelmed by the number of players.
Chained Echoes is available now on PC, Xbox, PlayStation, and Switch.