Table of Contents
The Sword Art Online (SAO) franchise has captivated audiences with its unique blend of virtual reality, adventure, and emotional storytelling. With multiple seasons, spin-offs, and movies, navigating the SAO universe can be a daunting task for both newcomers and long-time fans. This article aims to provide a comprehensive watch order guide to help you enjoy the series and movies in the most coherent way possible.
Overview of the Sword Art Online Series
Set in a near-future world where virtual reality technology has advanced significantly, Sword Art Online explores the lives of players trapped within various MMORPGs (Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games). The series delves into themes of survival, friendship, and the psychological impacts of gaming.
Watch Order for Sword Art Online
To fully appreciate the story arcs and character development, it is essential to watch the series and movies in a specific order. Below is the recommended viewing order:
- Sword Art Online (2012)
- Sword Art Online: Extra Edition (2013)
- Sword Art Online II (2014)
- Sword Art Online: Ordinal Scale (2017)
- Sword Art Online: Alicization (2018)
- Sword Art Online: Alicization – War of Underworld (2019-2020)
- Sword Art Online: Progressive – Aria of a Starless Night (2021)
- Sword Art Online: Progressive – Scherzo of Deep Night (2022)
Detailed Breakdown of Each Series and Movie
Sword Art Online (2012)
The first season introduces players who become trapped in the game Sword Art Online, where death in the game means death in real life. It follows Kirito, a skilled player, as he navigates challenges and forms bonds with other players while trying to escape.
Sword Art Online: Extra Edition (2013)
This special episode serves as a recap of the first season, with additional content that includes new scenes and character interactions. It is a great way to refresh your memory before diving into the next season.
Sword Art Online II (2014)
The second season continues Kirito’s adventures as he explores new virtual worlds. It includes the Phantom Bullet arc, focusing on a new game called Gun Gale Online, and the Calibur and Mother’s Rosario arcs, which delve into different aspects of gaming and relationships.
Sword Art Online: Ordinal Scale (2017)
This movie takes place after the events of Sword Art Online II and introduces a new augmented reality game called Ordinal Scale. It explores the characters’ lives outside of virtual reality and how they cope with their past experiences.
Sword Art Online: Alicization (2018)
The Alicization arc marks a significant shift in the series, featuring a new world and deeper storytelling. Kirito finds himself in a mysterious world called Underworld, where he must navigate complex political and ethical dilemmas.
Sword Art Online: Alicization – War of Underworld (2019-2020)
This sequel to Alicization continues the story as the battle for the Underworld escalates. It explores themes of sacrifice, friendship, and the impact of technology on society.
Sword Art Online: Progressive – Aria of a Starless Night (2021)
This movie retells the story of the original Sword Art Online series but with a focus on character development and world-building. It provides a fresh perspective on the events of the first arc.
Sword Art Online: Progressive – Scherzo of Deep Night (2022)
The sequel to Aria of a Starless Night, this film continues to explore the events of the SAO universe with a focus on new characters and challenges that arise within the game.
Conclusion
Following this watch order will ensure that you experience the Sword Art Online universe in a coherent and engaging manner. Whether you are a long-time fan or a newcomer, each installment offers unique stories and character developments that contribute to the overall narrative.