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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Apple TV Store
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Sony Liv
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Anime Times Amazon ChannelFree
Amazon Prime VideoWith ads
MX Player
Amazon MX PlayerStream
NetflixCrunchyrollCrunchyroll Amazon Channel
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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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HuluCrunchyrollCrunchyroll Amazon Channel
YouTube TVBuy
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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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Your verdict
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Cast
Episode guide
Season 1 · 25 episodes
Open the complete Season 1 guide →- E1 The World of Swords Jul 8, 2012
- E2 Beater Jul 15, 2012
- E3 The Red-Nosed Reindeer Jul 22, 2012
- E4 The Black Swordsman Jul 29, 2012
- E5 Murder in the Safe Zone Aug 5, 2012
- E6 Illusionary Avenger Aug 12, 2012
- E7 The Temperature of the Heart Aug 19, 2012
- E8 The Sword Dance of Black and White Aug 26, 2012
- E9 The Blue-Eyed Demon Sep 2, 2012
- E10 Crimson Killing Intent Sep 9, 2012
- E11 The Girl of Morning Dew Sep 16, 2012
- E12 Yui's Heart Sep 23, 2012
- E13 Edge of Hell's Abyss Sep 30, 2012
- E14 The End of the World Oct 7, 2012
- E15 Return Oct 14, 2012
- E16 Land of the Fairies Oct 21, 2012
- E17 Captive Queen Oct 28, 2012
- E18 To the World Tree Nov 4, 2012
- E19 The Lugru Corridor Nov 11, 2012
- E20 General of the Blazing Flame Nov 18, 2012
- E21 The Truth about Alfheim Nov 25, 2012
- E22 Grand Quest Dec 2, 2012
- E23 Bonds Dec 9, 2012
- E24 Gilded Hero Dec 16, 2012
- E25 The World Seed Dec 23, 2012
Season 2 · 24 episodes
- E1 The World of Guns Jul 5, 2014
- E2 Cold-Hearted Sniper Jul 12, 2014
- E3 Memories of Blood Jul 19, 2014
- E4 GGO (Gun Gale Online) Jul 26, 2014
- E5 Guns and Swords Aug 2, 2014
- E6 Showdown in the Wilderness Aug 9, 2014
- E7 Crimson Memories Aug 16, 2014
- E8 Bullet of Bullets Aug 23, 2014
- E9 Death Gun Aug 30, 2014
- E10 Death Chaser Sep 6, 2014
- E11 What It Means To Be Strong Sep 13, 2014
- E12 Bullet of a Phantom Sep 20, 2014
- E13 Phantom Bullet Sep 27, 2014
- E14 One Little Step Oct 4, 2014
- E15 The Queen of the Lake Oct 18, 2014
- E16 The King of the Giants Oct 25, 2014
- E17 Excalibur Nov 1, 2014
- E18 Forest House Nov 8, 2014
- E19 Zekken Nov 15, 2014
- E20 The Sleeping Knights Nov 22, 2014
- E21 The Monument of Swordsmen Nov 29, 2014
- E22 The End of the Journey Dec 6, 2014
- E23 The Dream Begins Dec 13, 2014
- E24 Mother's Rosario Dec 20, 2014
Season 3 · 24 episodes
- E1 Underworld Oct 7, 2018
- E2 The Demon Tree Oct 14, 2018
- E3 The End Mountains Oct 21, 2018
- E4 Departure Oct 28, 2018
- E5 Ocean Turtle Nov 4, 2018
- E6 Project Alicization Nov 11, 2018
- E7 Swordcraft Academy Nov 18, 2018
- E8 Swordsman's Pride Nov 25, 2018
- E9 Nobleman's Responsibilities Dec 2, 2018
- E10 Taboo Index Dec 9, 2018
- E11 Central Cathedral Dec 16, 2018
- E12 The Sage of the Library Dec 23, 2018
- E13 Ruler and Mediator Jan 6, 2019
- E14 The Crimson Knight Jan 13, 2019
- E15 The Relentless Knight Jan 20, 2019
- E16 The Osmanthus Knight Jan 27, 2019
- E17 Truce Feb 3, 2019
- E18 The Legendary Hero Feb 10, 2019
- E19 The Seal of the Right Eye Feb 24, 2019
- E20 Synthesis Mar 3, 2019
- E21 The 32nd Knight Mar 10, 2019
- E22 Titan of the Sword Mar 17, 2019
- E23 Administrator Mar 24, 2019
- E24 My Hero Mar 31, 2019
Season 4 · 23 episodes
- E1 In the Far North Oct 13, 2019
- E2 Raids Oct 20, 2019
- E3 The Final Load Test Oct 27, 2019
- E4 Dark Territory Nov 3, 2019
- E5 The Night Before Battle Nov 10, 2019
- E6 Battle of the Knights Nov 17, 2019
- E7 Stigma of the Disqualified Nov 24, 2019
- E8 Blood and Life Dec 1, 2019
- E9 Sword and Fist Dec 8, 2019
- E10 Stacia, the Goddess of Creation Dec 15, 2019
- E11 Heartless Choice Dec 22, 2019
- E12 Ray of Light Dec 29, 2019
- E13 The War of Underworld Jul 12, 2020
- E14 End to Eternity Jul 19, 2020
- E15 Instigation Jul 26, 2020
- E16 Code 871 Aug 2, 2020
- E17 Prince of Hell Aug 9, 2020
- E18 Memories Aug 16, 2020
- E19 Awakening Aug 23, 2020
- E20 The Night-Sky Blade Aug 30, 2020
- E21 Beyond Time Sep 6, 2020
- E22 Alice Sep 13, 2020
- E23 New World 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.