What are the best Sword Art Online games, and will Echoes of Aincrad join them? Fans of the anime are still hoping for a fully fledged MMO set in its universe, but that dream hasn’t become a reality just yet. Instead, we’ve received a steady stream of action RPGs and hack-and-slash adventures, with varying levels of success.
Thankfully, a handful of them stand above the rest. If you’re looking to spend more time in the world of Sword Art Online, these are the games worth playing. While anime adaptations don’t always hit the mark, several entries in this series are genuine hidden gems.
If you’re only going to play one Sword Art Online game, it’s a close call between Last Recollection and Fatal Bullet. For us, Last Recollection just edges it.
Set during the Underworld arc, the game expands on one of the anime’s darkest storylines. It combines satisfying combat, enjoyable exploration, and some of the strongest visuals in the series. While Sword Art Online has never been known for cheerful adventures, Last Recollection delivers one of the franchise’s most polished experiences.
Fatal Bullet is one of the biggest departures in the series, and that’s exactly why it deserves a place on this list.
Inspired by Gun Gale Online, it swaps swords for firearms and transforms the usual hack-and-slash formula into a fast-paced third-person shooter. The game captures the feel of the anime’s Gun Gale arc while offering a refreshing change of pace. If you want to experience another side of the Sword Art Online universe, Fatal Bullet is well worth your time.
Fractured Daydream comes closer to recreating the feeling of an MMO than almost any other Sword Art Online game.
Its standout mode supports up to 20 players, split into five teams of four, before everyone joins forces against a powerful boss. Even if you can’t fill every slot with real players, NPC companions step in to keep the action flowing. Alongside the multiplayer, there’s also a substantial story mode packed with missions, characters, and plenty of content to explore.
As a crossover spin-off, Accel World vs. Sword Art Online occupies an unusual place in both franchises. It’s not considered canon, but it’s still an enjoyable adventure.
The game sees the worlds of ALfheim Online and Accelerated World collide, giving Kirito and company an entirely new setting to explore. It’s also a great introduction for fans of either series who have never experienced the other.
Hollow Realization marked an important step forward for the series. While it isn’t perfect, it feels much closer to the MMO-inspired experience fans had been hoping for.
The world is larger, more players populate the environment, and exploration feels far more rewarding than in earlier entries. Add in a generous selection of equipment and loot, and customising your version of Kirito becomes part of the fun. Even years after release, Hollow Realization remains one of the best Sword Art Online games for players who enjoy RPG progression.
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