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Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →For the main story-driven Sword Art Online console and PC games, play in release order: Hollow Fragment, Lost Song, Hollow Realization, Accel World vs. Sword Art Online (optional crossover), Fatal Bullet, Alicization Lycoris, Last Recollection, then Fractured Daydream. Most international players can start with Hollow Fragment; the Japan-only PSP game Infinity Moment is its predecessor, but is not essential for this practical route. Bandai Namco lists Echoes of Aincrad as a 2026 release, but its place in the established game order is not clear from the publisher catalogue.
What order should I play the SAO games in?
This is a release-order guide to the major story-driven console and PC entries listed by Bandai Namco, not a complete inventory of every SAO mobile, browser, Japan-only, or discontinued game. Release order is a useful route through the series, but the games do not all retell one continuous version of the anime story. The publisher’s Bandai Namco Europe catalogue lists the major titles and dates; its 2019 series retrospective provides context for the earlier Japanese entry and its connection to Hollow Fragment.
- Sword Art Online: Hollow Fragment (2014) — The recommended starting point for most international players. It follows the events of Infinity Moment and introduces Philia in its Aincrad story. Bandai Namco’s retrospective and catalogue list it for PS Vita, PS4, and PC. Bandai Namco’s retrospective.
- Sword Art Online: Lost Song (2015) — An original story set in ALfheim Online. The retrospective and catalogue list PS4, PS Vita, and PC among its platforms; consult the publisher’s current listing for region-specific support. Bandai Namco’s retrospective.
- Sword Art Online: Hollow Realization (2016) — Kirito and his friends enter Sword Art: Origin, a VRMMORPG running on servers that hosted the original SAO death game. The catalogue and retrospective list PS Vita, PS4, Switch, and PC. Bandai Namco’s official game page.
- Accel World vs. Sword Art Online (2017) — An optional crossover. Its release places it here in the practical list, but the available publisher pages do not establish that it is a required chapter in the core SAO game story. Bandai Namco’s catalogue.
- Sword Art Online: Fatal Bullet (2018) — A third-person shooter/RPG set in Gun Gale Online. You create a player character and are accompanied by an ArFA-sys support AI. It is listed for PS4, Xbox One, Switch, and PC. Bandai Namco’s official game page.
- Sword Art Online: Alicization Lycoris (2020) — Set in the Underworld and based on the Alicization setting and storyline. Publisher listings include PS4, Switch, Xbox One, and PC. Bandai Namco’s official game page.
- Sword Art Online: Last Recollection (2023) — An original alternate take on War of Underworld, exploring what might have happened if Eugeo and others had not met their tragic ends. It is listed for PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Bandai Namco’s official game page.
- Sword Art Online: Fractured Daydream (2024) — An original co-op action game drawing characters from across the SAO universes. Its official feature listing specifies 20-player co-op. It is listed for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Switch, and PC. Its broad crossover premise makes it a natural later play, though the catalogue does not describe it as a direct sequel in the gameverse. Bandai Namco’s official game page.
Where does Infinity Moment fit?
Sword Art Online: Infinity Moment (2013) comes before Hollow Fragment in the game story lineage: Bandai Namco says Hollow Fragment follows its events. Infinity Moment was released for PSP only in Japan, so it is not a straightforward starting point for most international players. If you can access it and want that earlier context, play it first; otherwise begin with Hollow Fragment. Bandai Namco’s retrospective.
What is Echoes of Aincrad’s place in the order?
Bandai Namco’s catalogue lists Sword Art Online: Echoes of Aincrad with a 10 July 2026 date and PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S platforms. The catalogue does not establish how it fits with the earlier gameverse entries, so it is best treated as a newer SAO game rather than called a direct follow-up to Fractured Daydream. The official store also lists console editions; availability and edition details depend on region. Bandai Namco’s catalogue and Bandai Namco store.
#1 Best Overall
- The ULTIMATE EDITION includes the Base Game, Death Game Mode Early Unlock, Expansion Pack (Expansion DLC + Starter Pack that includes 50,000 Col, High Healing Potion x 10, High SP Potion x 10, and Mystic Crystal x 10), and the Ultimate Pack (Ultimate Pack that includes Special Anime, Digital Soundtrack, and Digital Artbook + Armor Pack)
- FORGE YOUR HERO: Design your own avatar and craft your path. Customize your appearance, gear, and combat style through variety of weapons and skills. Build synergy with your AI partner, adapt their tactics, and their equipment to create a team dynamic that turns every battle into a triumph.
- DEFINE YOUR PROGRESSION: Level up, master powerful Sword Skills, and tailor your stats to match your unique playstyle. Whether you favor speed, strength, or endurance, your growth reflects your choices.
- EXPLORE A THRIVING WORLD: Wander across diverse cities and journey through stunning environments, from serene plains to perilous dungeons filled with secrets. Complete quests, hunt rare treasures, and challenge formidable foes in real-time action combat. The map expands as your story unfolds, revealing new areas and dangers at every turn.
Do the SAO games share one continuous story?
No single anime storyline is simply retold from game to game. The entries move between distinct settings and story approaches: original Aincrad and ALfheim adventures, a new VRMMORPG based on SAO’s servers, Gun Gale Online shooter/RPG gameplay, Underworld stories, an alternate War of Underworld scenario, and a broad-cast co-op premise. Hollow Realization, for example, follows an original Sword Art: Origin adventure rather than merely replaying an anime arc; Last Recollection presents an alternate outcome, while Fractured Daydream is built around co-op and characters from across the franchise. Hollow Realization, Last Recollection, Fractured Daydream.
Which games should you choose if you will not play them all?
Choose by the setting and gameplay you want rather than assuming every entry is required preparation for the next one.
Rank #2
- FORGE YOUR HERO: Design your own avatar and craft your path. Customize your appearance, gear, and combat style through variety of weapons and skills. Build synergy with your AI partner, adapt their tactics, and their equipment to create a team dynamic that turns every battle into a triumph.
- DEFINE YOUR PROGRESSION: Level up, master powerful Sword Skills, and tailor your stats to match your unique playstyle. Whether you favor speed, strength, or endurance, your growth reflects your choices.
- EXPLORE A THRIVING WORLD: Wander across diverse cities and journey through stunning environments, from serene plains to perilous dungeons filled with secrets. Complete quests, hunt rare treasures, and challenge formidable foes in real-time action combat. The map expands as your story unfolds, revealing new areas and dangers at every turn.
- Aincrad: Start with Hollow Fragment for its Aincrad story, or Hollow Realization if you want Sword Art: Origin and a new VRMMORPG adventure.
- ALfheim Online: Pick Lost Song for its original ALfheim story.
- Gun Gale Online and shooting: Choose Fatal Bullet for third-person shooting/RPG play and a customizable protagonist.
- Underworld and Alicization: Choose Alicization Lycoris for the Alicization setting, then consider Last Recollection for its alternate War of Underworld story.
- Crossover or co-op: Accel World vs. Sword Art Online is an optional crossover; Fractured Daydream is the co-op-focused choice, with 20-player co-op listed as a feature.
Check platforms and editions before buying
Platform support varies by title and region, and an old platform listing does not guarantee that a physical edition is currently in stock. Confirm the exact console generation, region, and whether a listing is for the base game, a bundle, or a physical copy.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- For the first time ever, players can experience SWORD ART ONLINE’s anime storyline in game format with SWORD ART ONLINE Alicization Lycoris!
- Play as the protagonist Kirito and immerse yourself in “Underworld,” a mysterious virtual world set in the anime’s Alicization arc.
- Featuring intense battle action, stunning JRPG visuals, and an expansive world to explore; your journey through the latest VRMMO SWORD ART ONLINE game is ready to begin!
- Lycoris Flower - Lycoris is a species of flower found in the South of Japan which symbolizes passion, sad memories, reunion, and self-reliance. Experience these themes as you dive into the game’s storyline.
- Faithful to the original work - Kirito has awoken in a mysterious yet somehow familiar virtual world where AIs behave like humans. In this world, Kirito meets a young man named Eugeo. They make a promise where their destinies will soon become entwined. To keep that promise and stay together, they must venture onwards.
Rank #4
- WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF GUNS: Gun Gale Online from Sword Art Online II is visually enhanced, with many landscapes to discover in an all new original story supervised by series creator, Reki Kawahara
- UNREAL VISUALS: Get lost in a lifelike world developed by Dimps with realistic and robust environments and textures made possible by Unreal Engine 4
- Friend or foe: challenge tough bosses that require friends in co-op or play against them in 4-on- 4 battles. Genres: 3rd Person Shooter,Role Playing (RPG) , Action
- Realistic and heroic gun play: plenty of one-of-a-kind and beautifully Designed weapons to choose from and unique skills to create
- New to Xbox One and PC: Sword art online is playable on Xbox One and PC for the first time in the history of the popular gaming series
Rank #3
- Team up with up to 20 players around the world (cross gen support)
- Original Storyline and All-Star Roster
- Take down menacing monsters alongside your favorite heroes and villains
- Developed for new and previous Sword Art Online fans
- For SAO fans, this is a dream come true experience to commemorate the IP's 10th Anniversary
| Game | Publisher-listed platforms | Edition detail |
|---|---|---|
| Fatal Bullet | PS4, Xbox One, Switch, PC | The Complete Edition includes the base game, three DLC packs, the Dissonance of the Nexus expansion, and bonus in-game items. Publisher listing. |
| Last Recollection | PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC | Edition contents vary; check the offer for the platform and region. Publisher listing. |
| Fractured Daydream | PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Switch, Steam/PC | Official feature listing includes 20-player co-op. Publisher listing. |
| Echoes of Aincrad | PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S | The catalogue lists a 10 July 2026 date; the official store also lists console editions. Confirm regional availability and edition details at purchase. Catalogue; store. |
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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