Sword Art Online (SAO) has become a juggernaut in the isekai genre, transporting viewers into captivating virtual worlds alongside the legendary Kirito.
But with a sprawling narrative that encompasses multiple seasons, movies, and a spin-off series, navigating the Sword Art Online watch order can feel like venturing into a labyrinth itself.
Fear not, aspiring warriors, for this guide will equip you with the knowledge to chart your course through the world of SAO.
Below is the complete Sword Art Online watch order, including the main anime series, movies, OVAs, and more.
What is Sword Art Online?
Sword Art Online, or SAO for short, is a science fiction anime franchise that takes viewers on a thrilling ride through virtual reality worlds.
The story unfolds in the early 2020s with the release of a revolutionary VR game called Sword Art Online. Players control their avatars with their minds using NerveGear technology.
But what starts as a dream experience turns into a nightmare when thousands find themselves trapped inside the game. They are unable to log out, and death in the game translates to death in the real world.
The series follows Kirito, a skilled beta tester who becomes a lone wolf player within SAO. He fights for survival alongside fellow players, including the formidable Asuna.
As they navigate the deadly game’s world, they forge deep bonds and uncover the secrets behind their imprisonment.
Sword Art Online explores themes of survival, friendship, and the complexities of human interaction within a captivating virtual reality setting.
Now, if you’re ready to dive into the world of Kirito, Asuna, and their party, here is the complete Sword Art Online watch order.
Sword Art Online watch order
There are two main ways to watch the Sword Art Online anime series: release order and chronological order.
The release order is when the anime series and movies were originally released. The chronological order follows the story in the order it happens within the series’ fiction.
Release order is generally recommended for first-time viewers, as it introduces the characters and world in the way the creators intended.
Chronological order can be a good choice for viewers who want to see the Aincrad arc (the first part of Sword Art Online) in more detail, as Sword Art Online Progressive provides a more fleshed-out version of this arc.
It is also important to note that Sword Art Online Alternative Gun Gale Online is a spin-off series that takes place in the same universe as Sword Art Online, but it can be watched independently of the main series.
Sword Art Online watch order according to year of release
- Sword Art Online season 1 (2012)
- Sword Art Online Extra Edition (2013)
- Sword Art Online season 2 (2014)
- Sword Art Online the Movie: Ordinal Scale (2017)
- Sword Art Online season 3: Alicization (2018 to 2019)
- Sword Art Online season 3 part 2: Alicization – War of Underworld (2019)
- Sword Art Online season 3 part 3: Alicization – War of Underworld Part 2 (2020)
Sword Art Online watch order according to chronological order
- Sword Art Online season 1, episodes 1 and 2
- Sword Art Online Progressive: Aria of a Starless Night (Movie)
- Sword Art Online Progressive: Scherzo of Deep Night (Movie)
- Sword Art Online season 1, episodes 3 to 25
- Sword Art Online Extra Edition OVA
- Sword Art Online season 2
- Sword Art Online Alternative: Gun Gale Online
- Sword Art Online the Movie: Ordinal Scale (Movie)
- Sword Art Online: Alicization
- Sword Art Online: Alicization – War of Underworld
- Sword Art Online: Alicization – War of Underworld Part 2
Recaps (optional):
- Sword Art OFFline
- Sword Art Offline: Extra Edition
- Sword Art Online II: Debriefing
- Sword Art Offline II
- Sword Art Online: Alicization: Recollection
- Sword Art Online: Alicization – War of Underworld: Reflection
- Sword Art Online: Alicization – War of Underworld: Reminiscence
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