- GENESIS MAIDENS - 3 September 2026
Genesis Maidens brings a new storyline and side quests that extend players’ journey across new areas of Floors 1 and 2 of Aincrad, while introducing a new ally: Misumi Tozawa, better known as Mito. Making her entrance from the SWORD ART ONLINE Progressive films, she will join the party to support the players although she still struggles to overcome the guilt she bears from her past actions. Mito will introduce a new weapon type, the curved sword and will sport her own combination skills and support skills. This DLC also adds a new system of enhancing armors, allowing players to upgrade them with passive effects, creating new customisation for their builds.
- Echoes of Aincrad | Patchnote v1.0.5 - 7 August 2026
\Today, we released Update Ver. 1.0.5An update file（Ver.1.0.5）has been released on August 7, 2026 to adjust game balance and address identified issues.This update includes balance adjustments for both new and returning players. We're also planning a new difficulty level beyond Very Hard later in 2026.To ensure the best possible experience in Echoes of Aincrad, please make sure to install the latest update before playing.Please refer the detail from below:■Version After Applying This UpdateVer.1.0.5 (The version number can be checked on the title screen.)■Supported PlatformsSTEAM®■Purpose of Balance AdjustmentsThank you for playing Echoes of Aincrad. We, as the development team, deeply appreciate and are filled with joy as we watch various strategies and enthusiastic adventures produced by each user from the title release onward. We provide balance adjustment at this update with the purp…
- Echoes of Aincrad | Take the Survey - 16 July 2026
How is your DEATHGAME so far?Let us know your feedback for Echoes of Aincrad at the following link: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2244210/Echoes_of_Aincrad/
- Echoes of Aincrad | Patchnote v1.0.4 - 16 July 2026
\Today, we released Update Ver. 1.0.4To ensure the best possible experience in Echoes of Aincrad, please make sure to install the latest update before playing.Please refer the detail from below:An update file has been released to address several issues.Please make sure to install the latest update before continuing your adventure.■ Version After Applying This Update: Ver. 1.0.4(The version number can be checked on the title screen.)■ Fixes Included in This Update- Fixed an issue in the subquest "Opportunity" where the Arc Boss "Thicket Visgo" could remain underground if hit by certain attacks while performing its digging animation.- Fixed an issue where the player character could occasionally fail to display correctly during certain event scenes under specific equipment conditions.- Fixed an issue in the quest "Original Sin" where the screen would remain black after quest completion if…
- Steam Global Top Sellers for week of 7 Jul — 14 July 2026 - 14 July 2026
* Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced ; * Palworld ; * Granblue Fantasy: Relink ; * MECCHA CHAMELEON ; * Granblue Fantasy: Relink - Endless Ragnarok Upgrade Kit (Standard Edition) ; * Echoes of Aincrad ; * Dead by Daylight ; * Steam Deck ; * Cyberpunk 2077 ; * EA SPORTS FC™ 26 ; * excluding free to play games View top 100 on SteamDB
- Echoes of Aincrad | Notice - 10 July 2026
We have confirmed an issue related to Main Quest "Original Sin".Please refer to the attached image for details and a workaround.We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
- The Journey Begins - 9 July 2026
Are you ready to RISK YOUR REALITY? ⚔️
- Differences in Gameplay Experience by Difficulty - 9 July 2026
Echoes of Aincrad offers multiple difficulty settings designed to accommodate a wide range of players.⚠️Too easy when death isn't the end? Why not try Death Game Mode × Very Hard difficulty⚠️In the virtual world of SWORD ART ONLINE, created by Akihiko Kayaba, a game over means death in the real world.With Death Game Mode and Very Hard difficulty, you can experience a simulation of the “there’s no turning back” tension that Kirito and the others faced.■ What is Death Game Mode?Game Over = Immediate Save Data DeletionThis title features Death Game Mode, where once you die, it’s over.*Content unlocked after clearing the main story.*Early access to Death Game Mode is included in the DLX/ULT edition.*Death Game Mode can only be selected when starting the game using a second or subsequent save file.■ What is Very Hard Difficulty?Monster action speed is increased, requiring a more careful appr…
- Weapons Highlights - 8 July 2026
Do your friends know what you'd go for? There's only one way to find out. Sword, dagger, rapier, mace, two-handed axe, two-handed sword - Take up a weapon to conquer Aincrad! Echoes of Aincrad releases on July 10th, pre-order now!
- Are you brave enough to try the Death Game Mode? - 7 July 2026
One Save File. No Respawn. Are you brave enough to try the Death Game Mode? Pre-order the Deluxe or Ultimate Edition now to play early and risk your reality from the very first fight. More Information HERE!
- Characters Introduction (Part 2) - 2 July 2026
A two-handed sword-wielding young man that cares for his allies. He meets your party while you were looking for a new member for the raid.Your party member since the beta test. A lore enthusiast, eager to clear the Sword Art Online death game. A sword-wielding solo player, who thaught you the basics of Sword Art Online when you met in the beta test.
- Characters Introduction (Part 1) - 1 July 2026
A veteran gamer who wields a two-handed axe. He has an easygoing personality and is good at lightening the mood, but his true intentions remain unclear. A polite and quiet mace-wielder from Sweden. Your cheerful party member since the beta test. She is cheerful and the heart of the party
- Opening Cinematic - 30 June 2026
You have no choice but to keep moving forward! Check out Echoes of Aincrad's opening cinematic, featuring Aimer's "Live to Survive".
- Story Trailer #2 - 26 June 2026
And so, Aincrad became our reality.Echoes of Aincrad will launch in two weeks! Pre-order the Deluxe or Ultimate editions now to unlock the Death Game Mode early
- How to transfer your demo save data - 23 June 2026
Aincrad will remember you ⚔️ To transfer save data, the main game must be updated to the latest version. Please connect to the network and install the latest update. Be sure to carefully read the notes at the bottom of this page before proceeding. Launch the full version of the main game and confirm the required agreements. If demo save data is detected, select “Carry over” from the prompt that appears. *All save data slots will be transferred. On the transfer confirmation screen, press and hold “Confirm”. Once the transfer is successful, select “Close”, then choose “Game Start” from the title screen. You can load your demo save data from the save data selection screen. Notes To transfer save data, the main game must be updated to the latest version. Even if you start the full version of the main game without applying the latest update, you can still transfer save data after updating la…
- Demo starter guide - 17 June 2026
Delve into Danger Your adventure begins at the start of an unexplored dungeon. The rest of your team is already deeper inside. You rush to join them, but as you do… disaster strikes. Can you escape a monster-infested maze alone? The demo for Echoes of Aincrad drops you right into the beta release of a brand new online fantasy VRMMORPG game named Sword Art Online. Launch day isn’t far away, but no one is aware that when the full game finally drops… survival is not guaranteed. This guide will help you through your first moments in the Echoes of Aincrad Demo. We’ll explore the core concepts and gameplay systems, leaving plenty of room for your own discoveries when you start to play. Welcome to your new digital life. Weapons Are Your Class Spellcasters and magical powers don’t exist in the world of Aincrad. You’ll have to forge your destiny with the weapons you wield. The more you use a typ…
- System Requirements - 16 June 2026
*Minimum and recommended system requirements were updated on June 17th.The minimum and recommended system requirements for Steam are now available. Get ready to step into Aincrad!
- Play the demo now! - 16 June 2026
Tackle five full missions, test every type of weapon, and get a head start before the real death game begins 🔥 Play the demo now! *Save data carried over from the DEMO Version cannot be switched to Death Game mode. *In the beta test era, the player's avatar is fixed. *Please note that some specifications of the DEMO Version may differ from those of the full version. *In this demo, level and Weapon Proficiency are capped (Level 15 / Weapon Proficiency 3). You can continue playing after reaching these caps, but you will no longer gain experience. *To transfer save data, the main game must be updated to the latest version. *Data transfer is ONLY possible between the same platform. *For more information on carrying over save data from the DEMO to the full game, please check the official Bandai Namco website.
- Demo Coming Soon! - 11 June 2026
This is your first step into your new life⚔️The demo for Echoes of Aincrad will be available on Steam June 15, 17:00 UTC! Pre-order now on Steam:
- Echoes of Aincrad Hands-On Preview: Like An Episode Of The Anime - 10 June 2026
Since Sword Art Online dropped its first season way back in 2012, I’ve always assumed a video game tie-in would be a no-brainer. Previous attempts to recapture the magic produced on screen by A-1 Pictures in video game form were met with mixed reception, and fans felt the developers didn’t seem to understand what made SAO special. So, when I was offered the chance to go hands-on with the most promising SAO video game development to date, Echoes of Aincrad , I broke the Nerve Gear out of retirement and couldn’t wait to strap in. What Echoes of Aincrad does is bring players into a full-fledged season of Sword Art Online before the conclusion of the First Arc, and lets fans off-leash in a sprawling Aincrad. This Aincrad is loaded with challenges to take on and lush biomes to explore, exploding off the screen with visuals that are hungry for the player’s eyes. Sword Art Online is finally ba…
