The ideal way to play Sword Art Online games is generally by their release date to follow the narrative progression, starting with Sword Art Online: Infinity Moment.
Navigating the Sword Art Online game universe can feel like entering a new virtual world itself, with its many different titles. It’s a common question for fans of the anime and newcomers alike – what order to play Sword Art Online games? Should you jump in anywhere, or is there a correct path to follow?
The games often expand upon the anime’s storyline, and sometimes create unique branching narratives. Playing in the correct order ensures a more seamless and enjoyable experience as you follow Kirito’s journey through different virtual worlds.
What Order to Play Sword Art Online Games
So, you’re ready to jump into the exciting world of Sword Art Online games! That’s awesome! But with so many titles, it can feel like a bit of a maze. Don’t worry, figuring out the best order to play these games isn’t as tricky as navigating Aincrad. We’re here to guide you through it all, making sure you have the most fun and understand everything that’s going on. Let’s get started on this adventure together!
Why Order Matters in Sword Art Online Games
Before we dive into the specific games, let’s talk about why playing them in a particular order can make a difference. Unlike some game series where each game is totally separate, the Sword Art Online games often build upon each other. They share characters, storylines, and even game mechanics. Playing them in the right sequence helps you appreciate character development, understand plot references, and truly enjoy the evolving gameplay. It’s kind of like watching a TV show—you wouldn’t start with the last episode, right? You want to experience the story from the beginning to really appreciate the journey. The SAO games often create their own narratives, but they often build on the core concepts from the anime and light novels, so a proper order makes things smoother. Some games offer call-backs or cameos from earlier titles that you might miss if you jump around.
The Recommended Play Order
Alright, let’s get into the nitty-gritty. Here’s the generally recommended order for playing the Sword Art Online games, along with a little explanation about each one. Note that there are some mobile games and other spin-offs, but we’ll focus on the main console and PC titles that contribute most to the overall experience. We’ll also give you an idea of where each game fits into the overall story timeline.
Sword Art Online: Hollow Fragment
This is where many fans suggest you begin, although it isn’t the absolute first in the series. Hollow Fragment isn’t a direct adaptation of the anime. It acts as its own “what if” scenario within the Aincrad arc. It allows you to explore Aincrad in a way that the show doesn’t fully cover. You play as Kirito, of course, and build relationships with familiar characters as you fight your way up the floors. It introduces a character called Philia, who is very important to later titles. If you are playing on PS Vita, or PS4/PC (through the “Re: Hollow Fragment” version), it is recommended that you start here. This game is a bit older, so don’t expect amazing graphics, but it is fun and sets up many things that will be important as the series progresses.
- Platform(s): PlayStation Vita, PlayStation 4, PC (as part of “Re: Hollow Fragment”)
- Story Timeline Placement: Alternative Aincrad Arc, after the events of the first few arcs of the anime.
- Key Features: Introduces a new character, Philia; allows for deeper exploration of Aincrad’s mechanics.
Sword Art Online: Lost Song
Lost Song takes you to Alfheim Online (ALO), the second virtual world explored in the anime. It’s a big step forward in terms of gameplay compared to Hollow Fragment. This game brings in a lot more action, and you can even fly around the map. You will once again play as Kirito and form a party with his friends. It’s an enjoyable action RPG, and it’s great for fans of the ALO arc. The story is not a direct adaptation of the anime, but borrows many concepts and places you in the story after the events that took place in the anime. You will start getting a stronger feel for characters and their relationships, and it does a great job of expanding the world outside of Aincrad.
- Platform(s): PlayStation Vita, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PC
- Story Timeline Placement: Set in Alfheim Online (ALO), after the events of the anime’s ALO arc.
- Key Features: Introduces flight and a larger world map, allows for party building, and provides a different battle system than Hollow Fragment.
Sword Art Online: Hollow Realization
Hollow Realization is a sequel of sorts to Hollow Fragment, building on its alternate timeline storyline. You’re introduced to a brand-new VRMMORPG called Sword Art: Origin. Here, you meet a mysterious NPC girl called Premiere. It’s a major leap forward in terms of graphics and gameplay. It has a heavy focus on party-based combat and social interactions with NPCs and other characters. This game really dives into the deeper implications of AI and virtual life, which is very interesting for the fans of the Sword Art Online series. The story builds upon character relationships introduced in the last games, so it is important you play the games in order to fully understand the characters and their development.
- Platform(s): PlayStation Vita, PlayStation 4, PC, Nintendo Switch
- Story Timeline Placement: Set in a brand-new VRMMORPG called Sword Art: Origin, after the events of Hollow Fragment and Lost Song.
- Key Features: Introduces a new AI character, Premiere; enhanced combat mechanics; emphasis on social interactions.
Sword Art Online: Fatal Bullet
Fatal Bullet is very different from the other SAO games. Instead of swords and magic, you’re primarily using guns. This game takes place in Gun Gale Online (GGO), and it allows you to create your own custom avatar. While the story uses characters from the main Sword Art Online universe, this game allows you to make choices that affect the story. Fatal Bullet offers a unique shooter experience within the SAO world and it offers more character customization compared to the other games. It’s a nice change of pace, and it will give you a different take on the Sword Art Online experience. This story is set after all the events from previous games and it does give a feel of conclusion to many story arcs.
- Platform(s): PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC, Nintendo Switch
- Story Timeline Placement: Set in Gun Gale Online (GGO), after the events of previous games.
- Key Features: Character creation, gun-based combat; introduces new characters; offers more player agency in the story.
Sword Art Online: Alicization Lycoris
Alicization Lycoris adapts the Alicization arc from the anime and light novels, which is considered by many to be the best story arc in the Sword Art Online universe. This game is known for its grand scale and complex story. It features a large open world with beautiful graphics and real-time combat. You play as Kirito once again, and he is joined by Eugeo. This game includes a deep combat system and many side quests to discover. It is a lengthy game that will offer a lot of content for fans who love the Sword Art Online universe. It also brings a lot of depth to the main characters and a lot of additional content not found in the anime or the light novels.
- Platform(s): PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC
- Story Timeline Placement: Adapts the Alicization arc from the light novels and anime, taking place after the events of Fatal Bullet.
- Key Features: Massive open world; expanded combat system; deep character development and story.
Sword Art Online: Last Recollection
Last Recollection is the latest game in the series. It is also set in the Underworld, but it tells its own story that is an alternative ending to the Alicization arc. This game also takes place after all the events of the previous games and it does bring a feel of completion to the overall story. It continues the story from Alicization Lycoris but offers a different pathway and adds more content to the Sword Art Online universe. The gameplay is very similar to Alicization Lycoris, but it brings new characters and new situations. This is a very large game and will give a lot of play time to fans.
- Platform(s): PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PC
- Story Timeline Placement: Alternative storyline to the Alicization Arc, after all the previous games.
- Key Features: Builds upon the gameplay mechanics of Alicization Lycoris, offering more characters and combat scenarios.
A Quick Recap: The Play Order at a Glance
To make things super clear, here’s the play order we recommend, all lined up for you:
- Sword Art Online: Hollow Fragment
- Sword Art Online: Lost Song
- Sword Art Online: Hollow Realization
- Sword Art Online: Fatal Bullet
- Sword Art Online: Alicization Lycoris
- Sword Art Online: Last Recollection
What If I Can’t Play Them All?
Okay, let’s say you don’t have time to play them all, or you don’t have all the consoles. What then? Here’s a simpler approach. If you want the core experience, prioritize these:
- Hollow Fragment: For understanding the characters and how they all came together.
- Hollow Realization: To experience a deeper story with character relationships.
- Alicization Lycoris: To play the most significant story arc.
- Last Recollection: To see the conclusion of the story.
If you want a bit of a different experience, you can then try:
- Lost Song: For an ALO experience.
- Fatal Bullet: For a different style of combat and more customization.
Things to Keep In Mind
- Platform Availability: Some older games might be harder to find on certain platforms. You may have to play on an older console or try to get the PC versions.
- Story Differences: Remember that many of these games are “what if” stories that diverge from the anime and light novels. This allows for many different and interesting experiences for the fans of the series.
- Gameplay Variety: Each game has its own unique gameplay mechanics. Experiment with different characters and play styles to find what you enjoy most.
- Don’t Overthink It: If you just want to jump in, any starting point is great. But you will get a better experience if you follow the recommended order.
More Than Just the Order: Enjoy the Journey!
The Sword Art Online games are more than just video games. They’re a journey into a world filled with interesting characters, memorable battles, and a great story. Playing them in the recommended order will give you the most cohesive and satisfying experience. Don’t feel pressured to rush, and take your time to enjoy the world and everything it has to offer. Whether you play them all in order, or just start with the one you think looks cool, the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the adventure!
Remember that while following a recommended order is generally a good idea for experiencing the most of the narrative and gameplay evolution, the most important part is that you are having fun! Each of these titles will give you something unique and new. Take your time and see what the world of Sword Art Online has to offer. Happy gaming!
Which Sword Art Online Game Should You Get First?
Final Thoughts
To play the games, start with Sword Art Online: Hollow Fragment, then Lost Song, followed by Hollow Realization. Proceed with Fatal Bullet, and then Alicization Lycoris. This ensures a good understanding of the story progression and character development across the series.
Playing in release order does not precisely align with the narrative timeline, but it is the most sensible way to experience them. Sword Art Online: Integral Factor is optional but offers its unique, different gameplay. Following this pattern is the best method when deciding what order to play sword art online games.
