Ever since you first saw Kirito log in to Aincrad, have you wondered what it would be like to step into the world of Sword Art Online yourself? While we’re still waiting for a real-life NerveGear, over a dozen different video games have tried to capture that very magic. This abundance of choice, however, creates a big question for fans looking to finally pick up a controller and dive in. Have the Best information about daftar valid77.
A quick online search for SAO games often feels overwhelming, presenting a confusing list of titles like Hollow Realization, Fatal Bullet, and Last Recollection. Are they connected? Do they follow the anime? It’s enough to make anyone wonder which SAO game they should play first without feeling completely lost.
Don’t worry, we’re here to be your guide. There isn’t one single “best sword art online game”—only the best one for you. Instead of focusing on a complex timeline, this guide will help you find the perfect match based on what you actually want as a player, whether that’s an incredible story, fast-paced combat, or the chance to team up with friends.
Do You Need to Play the SAO Games in Order? (The ‘Gameverse’ Explained)
One crucial thing to understand about the Sword Art Online game timeline is that the games don’t follow the anime’s story exactly. Instead, they exist in their own separate continuity, a unique timeline fans have nicknamed the “Gameverse.” This is the key to figuring out where you should start.
Think of the Gameverse as a massive “what if?” scenario. It branches off from the anime’s story near the end of the first season, during the climactic battle on Floor 75 of Aincrad. In the games, a glitch occurs, and instead of the death game ending, Kirito and the other players find themselves trapped, forced to ascend to floors that were never seen in the show.
Because of this twist, the stories told in the games are not canon to the anime or light novels. This alternate timeline allows you to meet brand-new characters who are exclusive to the games while adventuring through familiar worlds with Kirito and Asuna. It’s like getting a whole new season of the Aincrad arc that goes in a completely different direction.
This is great news for newcomers. You don’t need to have watched every season of the anime to jump in and have a good time. While the games do have their own chronological order, several of them are fantastic starting points all on their own, letting you dive right into the action without feeling lost.
Which SAO Game Should You Play First? The Top Pick for Beginners
For anyone new to the series, our top recommendation is Sword Art Online: Hollow Realization. It strikes the perfect balance between a familiar world and accessible gameplay, making it the ideal entry point.
The game takes place in a brand new VRMMO called “Sword Art: Origin,” which is built from the old server data of Aincrad. This gives you the best of both worlds: a fresh story to discover, but in a setting that feels just like the iconic floating castle from the anime’s first season. You’ll be exploring grassy fields and dark forests with Kirito, Asuna, and the crew, which makes it feel like coming home for any fan of the original arc.
Hollow Realization features action-RPG combat, which simply means you have direct control over your character’s attacks, dodges, and special moves in real-time. The fighting is fast and flashy, centered on using Sword Skills and coordinating with your party members—much like the epic boss raids from the show. It’s complex enough to be engaging but simple enough that you won’t feel overwhelmed learning the ropes.
This title is the most complete “classic SAO” package and the best place to learn the mechanics that appear in later games. While it offers a fantastic starting point for the quintessential sword-fighting experience, maybe you’re looking for something totally different. If you’ve ever wondered what Kirito would be like with a plasma rifle instead of a blade, the next game is for you.
- Why it’s a great start:
- Familiar setting that feels like a return to Aincrad.
- Balanced and exciting action combat that’s easy to learn.
- A massive story with plenty of content.
- Things to consider:
- As an older title, the graphics are a bit dated.
- The main story is very long, requiring a significant time investment.
Prefer Guns Over Swords? The Best SAO Game for Action Lovers
For players who found the idea of guns in the anime’s second season intriguing, Sword Art Online: Fatal Bullet is a must-play. This game ditches the fantasy setting of Aincrad for the gritty, sci-fi world of Gun Gale Online. The experience is a fast-paced action game known as a Third-Person Shooter (TPS), where you trade blades and magic for assault rifles and sniper scopes. Your camera sits over your character’s shoulder as you aim, shoot, and zip around high-tech ruins, offering a completely different flavor of combat.
The biggest and most exciting change Fatal Bullet introduces is that you aren’t playing as Kirito. Instead, you create your very own character from scratch, making you the rookie protagonist of this new story. You’ll fight alongside Kirito, Asuna, and Sinon, but you are the star of the show. This makes it one of the best SAO games for players who want to feel like they’re truly living in the world, not just reliving Kirito’s adventures.
The gameplay will feel instantly familiar to anyone who has played a modern shooter. Imagine the movement and shooting of a game like Fortnite or The Division, but infused with the flashy special skills and dramatic boss fights that make Sword Art Online so exciting. You’ll be dodging laser blasts, activating combat skills, and targeting enemy weak points in high-energy battles. But if you’re less concerned with the style of action and more interested in a story that feels like a direct continuation of the anime, then our next pick is for you.
Want a Game That Feels Like a New Anime Season? The SAO Game with the Best Story
If what you love most about the show is its epic, high-stakes plot, then you’ll want the game that feels the most like a brand-new season. For that, your best choice is Sword Art Online: Alicization Lycoris. This title adapts the massive “Alicization” storyline from the anime’s third season, dropping you into the beautiful but mysterious virtual world known as the “Underworld.” It’s easily the most popular and story-rich Sword Art Online game, offering dozens of hours of narrative to get lost in.
The game begins by faithfully recreating the early adventures of Kirito and his new friend, Eugeo, letting you experience their journey from the beginning. After a certain point, however, the plot diverges into a completely original “what if” scenario. This unique structure gives you the best of both worlds: a familiar starting point followed by a massive, game-exclusive story arc. It feels like watching a director’s cut of the anime, packed with new challenges and deeper character interactions.
Alicization Lycoris is the most cinematic and narrative-heavy game in the entire series, perfect for players who want to settle in for a long adventure. The focus is squarely on its characters and sprawling plot. But what if your main goal isn’t to follow a deep story by yourself, but to team up and create your own adventures?
How Can You Play Sword Art Online With Friends?
One of the biggest draws of the anime is seeing Kirito team up with friends to take on tough challenges. While most SAO games feature a main story that you play with computer-controlled partners, several of them offer robust online multiplayer modes. This means you can invite your real-life friends to join your game, replacing the AI companions with a proper party to tackle quests and powerful bosses together, just like a raid team clearing a floor in Aincrad.
For those looking to find the best SAO games with online multiplayer, a few titles stand out. They each offer a slightly different way to team up, whether you want to explore the world or battle other players.
- Hollow Realization: Lets you and up to three friends explore the world and complete quests together in a 4-player co-op mode.
- Fatal Bullet: The most versatile for multiplayer, offering 4-player co-op for boss fights and a competitive 4-vs-4 player-vs-player mode where you battle another team.
- Last Recollection: The most recent title, designed from the ground up for party play, allowing you to experience its world and combat alongside friends.
It’s important to know that these aren’t giant online worlds like Final Fantasy XIV. Instead, you’re creating a private party to tackle specific missions. This makes choosing a game even more about personal preference. Do you want the best cinematic story that Alicization Lycoris offers, or do you prefer the shooter action and varied multiplayer of a game like Fatal Bullet?
Alicization Lycoris vs. Fatal Bullet: Which Is Right for You?
Two of the most popular modern Sword Art Online games are Alicization Lycoris and Fatal Bullet, but they offer completely different fantasies. Choosing between them comes down to answering one simple question: do you want to be Kirito in a world of swords, or do you want to be your own hero in a world of guns?
Alicization Lycoris is for the anime purists. It puts you directly in the shoes of Kirito to play through the epic story of the Alicization arc. The gameplay is all about fast-paced sword skills and commanding your party, feeling much like the classic SAO you know. If your goal is to relive one of the anime’s best seasons with a controller in hand, this is your game. In contrast, Fatal Bullet is a third-person shooter that lets you create your very own character from scratch, making you the star of a brand-new story alongside Kirito and the crew.
The fundamental difference extends to the type of story you’ll experience. Lycoris faithfully adapts the anime’s plot, making it a great companion piece for fans of the third season. Fatal Bullet, on the other hand, tells a completely original story set in the world of Gun Gale Online. It’s a perfect choice if you want something totally new that still captures the spirit of SAO.
Choose Alicization Lycoris if you want to play as Kirito, wield his iconic swords, and experience a massive, story-rich adventure straight from the anime. Choose Fatal Bullet if you want to create your own character, master a blend of shooting and swordplay, and dive into an original story with lots of multiplayer action.
Where Can You Play the Sword Art Online Games? (PC, Switch, PlayStation & Xbox)
Once you’ve set your sights on the right SAO adventure, the next question is where you can play it. The good news is that most of the major games are widely available across current platforms. If you’re looking for Sword Art Online games on Switch, you’re in luck, as several of the best titles are playable on Nintendo’s console, making it easy to dive into Aincrad or Gun Gale Online from anywhere.
Here’s a breakdown of where to find the most popular titles. Most Sword Art Online games for PC are available on Steam, while console versions can be found on their respective digital storefronts.
- Sword Art Online: Hollow Realization: PC (Steam), PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch
- Sword Art Online: Fatal Bullet: PC (Steam), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
- Sword Art Online: Alicization Lycoris: PC (Steam), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
These games frequently go on sale, so it’s always worth adding them to your wishlist on the PlayStation Store, Microsoft Store, or Nintendo eShop.
Your Adventure Begins
The world of SAO games offers a unique way to experience its iconic settings and stories. The key is to pick the adventure that best suits your playstyle. Now you have a clear path to choosing the right game with confidence.
To make the final call, here’s a quick recap:
- For the perfect beginner-friendly adventure that captures the classic Aincrad feel, your clear choice is Sword Art Online: Hollow Realization.
- If you’d rather trade swords for guns and fast-paced shooter action, Link Start into Fatal Bullet.
- For a story that feels like a brand new anime season, your destination is Alicization Lycoris.
The choice is yours. Now, grab your controller and get ready to dive in.