If you’re a fan of Sword Art Online (SAO) like me, you know that the world of Aincrad, Alfheim, and GGO goes beyond the anime and light novels. Sword Art Online has an exciting lineup of video games that capture the essence of the show—virtual reality, MMORPGs, and intense battles. But if you’re new to the SAO gaming world or looking for a guide to playing the games in the right order, this post is for you..
1. Sword Art Online: Infinity Moment (2013)
This is the first official Sword Art Online game, originally released on the PlayStation Portable (PSP). It takes place after the events of the anime’s Aincrad arc, where Kirito must deal with new threats in the virtual world.
- Platform: PSP
- Storyline: Continues the Aincrad arc from the anime.
Why Play it First?
It sets the foundation for the game series and gives you a glimpse into what happens after Aincrad.
2. Sword Art Online: Hollow Fragment (2014)
Hollow Fragment is an enhanced version of Infinity Moment but also includes a new storyline with the Hollow Area, which introduces a more expansive world for players to explore. Released for PlayStation Vita, it has enhanced graphics and additional features.
- Platform: PlayStation Vita, PlayStation 4, PC
- Storyline: It combines Infinity Moment and new content in the Hollow Area.
Why It’s Important:
Even if you’ve played Infinity Moment, Hollow Fragment adds new content, making it a must-play.
3. Sword Art Online: Lost Song (2015)
Lost Song moves from Aincrad to Alfheim Online, the world of fairies and magic. It features flying mechanics and lets players explore the floating islands.
- Platform: PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, PC
- Storyline: Set in the Alfheim Online universe with a new original story.
What Makes It Fun:
If you enjoyed the fairy-like world of Alfheim in the anime, you’ll love the aerial combat and open-world exploration.
4. Sword Art Online: Hollow Realization (2016)
This game is set in a new VRMMORPG, Sword Art: Origin, which is built on the remnants of the original Sword Art Online server. It brings new characters and introduces an engaging multiplayer experience.
- Platform: PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, PC, Nintendo Switch
- Storyline: Kirito and friends explore the new world of Sword Art: Origin.
Why Play It?
It gives a fresh story while staying true to the SAO roots. Multiplayer mode adds more excitement.
5. Sword Art Online: Fatal Bullet (2018)
In Fatal Bullet, we shift to Gun Gale Online (GGO), the post-apocalyptic world of firearms. This is a big departure from the usual swordplay, introducing third-person shooter mechanics.
- Platform: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC, Nintendo Switch
- Storyline: Explore the futuristic GGO world where guns replace swords.
Why It’s Unique:
If you want a mix of action and shooting in a Sword Art Online setting, this game is for you.
6. Sword Art Online: Alicization Lycoris (2020)
This game covers the Alicization arc, one of the most popular storylines in the SAO universe. It follows the anime closely and introduces the Underworld, a complex, highly advanced virtual world.
- Platform: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC
- Storyline: Based on the Alicization arc, with an open-world RPG format.
Why Play It?
If you love the intense story of Alicization, this game brings it to life with faithful detail.
7. Sword Art Online: Last Recollection (2024)
This is the latest entry in the SAO game series, featuring a new story and advanced gameplay. It expands on the Alicization story and focuses on even larger battles with enhanced AI and graphics.
- Platform: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PC
- Storyline: An original storyline expanding the Alicization war narrative.
Why Play It?
As the newest game, it offers the best graphics, improved mechanics, and a fresh story for long-time fans.
Bonus: Sword Art Online Mobile Games
There are also mobile versions like Sword Art Online: Memory Defrag and Sword Art Online: Integral Factor, which provide RPG experiences on your smartphone. While they don’t follow the main game timeline, they offer fun side stories and extra content for fans.
Which Game Should You Start With?
To follow the story chronologically, start with Infinity Moment or Hollow Fragment, then continue with the rest. If you’re more into the world of GGO or Alicization, you can jump into Fatal Bullet or Alicization Lycoris, but playing the games in release order gives you the complete experience.
Conclusion
With such a rich selection of games, the Sword Art Online universe offers something for everyone, from sword-wielding battles to gunfights and even magic. Whether you’re new to SAO or revisiting the series, this guide will help you navigate the games in the correct order to get the most out of the storylines.
Dive in, gear up, and let the virtual adventures begin!