Sword Art Online Action RPG Announced

*Echoes of Aincrad* will be released on July 10, 2026, on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. The game is being developed by Game Studio Inc. and published by Bandai Namco. Pre-orders are already available. The game is set on the first and second floors of Aincrad. Players will create their own characters and customize their gear. The story will include original character Iori, as well as Argo, Kirito, and Asuna. *Echoes of Aincrad* is an action RPG without online multiplayer. Combat is in real-time, and players can adapt their equipment and skills. Players can also team up with AI NPC partners, some new and some returning. As the bond with their partner deepens, players will unlock new skills and more powerful abilities. The game will feature dynamic weather and day-night cycles that affect lighting. There will be a variety of skills to utilize and rare items to find. According to developers, it will be "very easy to die" in *Echoes of Aincrad*. A promotional animated film, *Sword Art Online: Unanswered//butterfly*, will be available alongside the game. It will premiere at a special screening event on May 9, 2026. The Japanese premium edition of the game will include the Blu-ray disc and 2-disc soundtrack CD set for the film.