Sword Art Online 2012
“Blurring the line between the virtual and the real.”
What is Sword Art Online?
Sword Art Online is a science fantasy anime series that premiered in 2012, adapted from the light novel series written by Reki Kawahara. The story is set in the near future where a Virtual Reality Massive Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game called Sword Art Online has been released.
- Type
- TV series
- Year
- 2012
- Status
- Ended
- Episodes
- 96
- Runtime
- 24 minutes
- First aired
- Jul 8, 2012
- Last aired
- Sep 20, 2020
- Original language
- JA
- Origin
- JP
- Networks
- Gunma TV, Tokyo MX, tvk, BS11
- Genres
- Animation, Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Action & Adventure
- Updated
Where to watch
Stream
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CrunchyrollCrunchyroll Amazon ChannelBuy
Apple TV Store
Amazon VideoStream
CrunchyrollStream
JioHotstarCrunchyroll
Sony Liv
VI movies and tvCrunchyroll Amazon Channel
Anime Times Amazon ChannelFree
Amazon Prime VideoWith ads
MX Player
Amazon MX PlayerStream
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Amazon VideoStream
Netflix
Disney Plus
Hulu
U-NEXTNetflix Standard with AdsAnime Times Amazon ChanneldAnime Amazon Channel
FODFree
Amazon Prime VideoFODRent
Amazon VideoFODBuy
Google Play MoviesStream
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How long to binge?
Estimate the schedule using 96 episodes and an average 24-minute runtime.
Trailer
Overview
Sword Art Online is a science fantasy anime series that premiered in 2012, adapted from the light novel series written by Reki Kawahara. The story is set in the near future where a Virtual Reality Massive Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game called Sword Art Online has been released. Players use a technology called Nerve Gear to control their avatars with their own bodies. The premise involves players becoming trapped within the game, unable to log out under normal circumstances. The game's creator has decreed that the only way to escape is by defeating the final boss located on the 100th floor of the game's tower. While progress and survival are central themes, the series explores the challenges faced by players in this life-or-death virtual environment. It was produced by A-1 Pictures and directed by Tomohiko Itō, featuring voice performances by Yoshitsugu Matsuoka and Haruka Tomatsu, among others. The series is divided into narrative arcs including "Aincrad" and "Fairy Dance."
Should you watch it?
“Trapped in a deadly virtual reality game, players must survive to escape.”
- innovative VR premise with high stakes
- strong character development and relationships
- visually striking animation and sword fights
- can be slow-paced during exposition
- some plot points rely on gaming tropes
you enjoy sci-fi adventures with emotional depth and virtual worlds.
Contains intense situations and violence typical of survival-themed anime.
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Cast
Episode guide
Spoiler-Safe Browsing Progress
Season 1 · 25 episodes
Open the complete Season 1 guide & lore primer →- E1 The World of Swords Mytharc Jul 8, 2012
- E2 Beater Core Jul 15, 2012
- E3 The Red-Nosed Reindeer Core Jul 22, 2012
- E4 The Black Swordsman Core Jul 29, 2012
- E5 Murder in the Safe Zone Core Aug 5, 2012
- E6 Illusionary Avenger Core Aug 12, 2012
- E7 The Temperature of the Heart Core Aug 19, 2012
- E8 The Sword Dance of Black and White Core Aug 26, 2012
- E9 The Blue-Eyed Demon Core Sep 2, 2012
- E10 Crimson Killing Intent Core Sep 9, 2012
- E11 The Girl of Morning Dew Core Sep 16, 2012
- E12 Yui's Heart Core Sep 23, 2012
- E13 Edge of Hell's Abyss Core Sep 30, 2012
- E14 The End of the World Core Oct 7, 2012
- E15 Return Core Oct 14, 2012
- E16 Land of the Fairies Core Oct 21, 2012
- E17 Captive Queen Core Oct 28, 2012
- E18 To the World Tree Core Nov 4, 2012
- E19 The Lugru Corridor Core Nov 11, 2012
- E20 General of the Blazing Flame Core Nov 18, 2012
- E21 The Truth about Alfheim Core Nov 25, 2012
- E22 Grand Quest Core Dec 2, 2012
- E23 Bonds Core Dec 9, 2012
- E24 Gilded Hero Mytharc Dec 16, 2012
- E25 The World Seed Mytharc Dec 23, 2012
Season 2 · 24 episodes
Open the complete Season 2 guide & lore primer →- E1 The World of Guns Mytharc Jul 5, 2014
- E2 Cold-Hearted Sniper Core Jul 12, 2014
- E3 Memories of Blood Core Jul 19, 2014
- E4 GGO (Gun Gale Online) Core Jul 26, 2014
- E5 Guns and Swords Core Aug 2, 2014
- E6 Showdown in the Wilderness Core Aug 9, 2014
- E7 Crimson Memories Core Aug 16, 2014
- E8 Bullet of Bullets Core Aug 23, 2014
- E9 Death Gun Core Aug 30, 2014
- E10 Death Chaser Core Sep 6, 2014
- E11 What It Means To Be Strong Mytharc Sep 13, 2014
- E12 Bullet of a Phantom Core Sep 20, 2014
- E13 Phantom Bullet Core Sep 27, 2014
- E14 One Little Step Core Oct 4, 2014
- E15 The Queen of the Lake Core Oct 18, 2014
- E16 The King of the Giants Core Oct 25, 2014
- E17 Excalibur Core Nov 1, 2014
- E18 Forest House Core Nov 8, 2014
- E19 Zekken Core Nov 15, 2014
- E20 The Sleeping Knights Core Nov 22, 2014
- E21 The Monument of Swordsmen Core Nov 29, 2014
- E22 The End of the Journey Core Dec 6, 2014
- E23 The Dream Begins Mytharc Dec 13, 2014
- E24 Mother's Rosario Mytharc Dec 20, 2014
Season 3 · 24 episodes
Open the complete Season 3 guide & lore primer →- E1 Underworld Mytharc Oct 7, 2018
- E2 The Demon Tree Core Oct 14, 2018
- E3 The End Mountains Core Oct 21, 2018
- E4 Departure Core Oct 28, 2018
- E5 Ocean Turtle Core Nov 4, 2018
- E6 Project Alicization Mytharc Nov 11, 2018
- E7 Swordcraft Academy Core Nov 18, 2018
- E8 Swordsman's Pride Core Nov 25, 2018
- E9 Nobleman's Responsibilities Core Dec 2, 2018
- E10 Taboo Index Core Dec 9, 2018
- E11 Central Cathedral Core Dec 16, 2018
- E12 The Sage of the Library Core Dec 23, 2018
- E13 Ruler and Mediator Core Jan 6, 2019
- E14 The Crimson Knight Mytharc Jan 13, 2019
- E15 The Relentless Knight Core Jan 20, 2019
- E16 The Osmanthus Knight Core Jan 27, 2019
- E17 Truce Core Feb 3, 2019
- E18 The Legendary Hero Core Feb 10, 2019
- E19 The Seal of the Right Eye Core Feb 24, 2019
- E20 Synthesis Core Mar 3, 2019
- E21 The 32nd Knight Core Mar 10, 2019
- E22 Titan of the Sword Core Mar 17, 2019
- E23 Administrator Mytharc Mar 24, 2019
- E24 My Hero Mytharc Mar 31, 2019
Season 4 · 23 episodes
Open the complete Season 4 guide & lore primer →- E1 In the Far North Mytharc Oct 13, 2019
- E2 Raids Core Oct 20, 2019
- E3 The Final Load Test Core Oct 27, 2019
- E4 Dark Territory Core Nov 3, 2019
- E5 The Night Before Battle Core Nov 10, 2019
- E6 Battle of the Knights Core Nov 17, 2019
- E7 Stigma of the Disqualified Core Nov 24, 2019
- E8 Blood and Life Core Dec 1, 2019
- E9 Sword and Fist Core Dec 8, 2019
- E10 Stacia, the Goddess of Creation Core Dec 15, 2019
- E11 Heartless Choice Core Dec 22, 2019
- E12 Ray of Light Core Dec 29, 2019
- E13 The War of Underworld Core Jul 12, 2020
- E14 End to Eternity Core Jul 19, 2020
- E15 Instigation Core Jul 26, 2020
- E16 Code 871 Core Aug 2, 2020
- E17 Prince of Hell Core Aug 9, 2020
- E18 Memories Core Aug 16, 2020
- E19 Awakening Core Aug 23, 2020
- E20 The Night-Sky Blade Core Aug 30, 2020
- E21 Beyond Time Core Sep 6, 2020
- E22 Alice Mytharc Sep 13, 2020
- E23 New World Mytharc Sep 20, 2020
Frequently asked questions
Is the show based on a game?
It's based on a light novel series, not a real game.
Do players die in real life?
Yes, if their avatar dies in the game, the player dies in reality.
How many seasons does it have?
The series has multiple seasons, though this synopsis covers the first.
Is it suitable for kids?
It contains violence and mature themes, best for teens and up.
Are there sword fights?
Yes, sword combat is a central element of the show.