The Best “Sword Art Online Watch Order Guide” to Follow!

sword art online watch order guide

Sword Art Online or SAO is one of the popular anime series on the planet. Although it has its flaws and hated by most of the audience, you can still enjoy it. But it has a particular order to follow and that way you can enjoy it to the fullest.

But don’t you worry, we’ve got the best Sword Art Online watch order guide for you. If you follow this order, you’ll have a great watch. So, let’s dive right into it.

Sword Art Online Watch Order Guide!

I. Sword Art Online (Season 1)

Sword Art Online (Season 1)- sword art online watch order guide
Image Credits: Aniplex of America

Sword Art Online is the first part you need to follow before going into any remaining ones. Since it is the introduction of the SAO world and everything begins here, we recommend you watch it from our Sword Art Online watch order guide.

It splits into two arcs: “Aincrad” and “Fairy Dance.” While the first 15 Episodes cover the Aincrad arc, the next 10 Episodes present you the Fairy Dance arc.

II. Sword Art Online: Extra Edition (Movie)

Sword Art Online: Extra Edition- sword art online watch order guide
Image Credits: Aniplex of America

Although Extra Edition is a side story of the anime, according to the timeline, it fits well here. Once you finish watching the first season, instead of jumping right into the second season, try this one out. It is completely fine to skip, though.

It consists of a little recap from season 1 and also additional refreshing content. So, it’s up to you to decide, or you can watch it later when you’re done with all the canon episodes.

III. Sword Art Online (Season 2)

Sword Art Online (Season 2)- sword art online watch order guide
Image Credits: Aniplex of America

Sword Art Online season 2 consists of two arcs: “Phantom Bullet” and “Mother’s Rosario.” Same as the first season, the first 15 episodes cover Phantom Bullet arc, and the rest fill you in with Mother’s Rosario arc.

It introduces you to a similar world to that of Season 1 and definitely a good watch. So, we recommend you watch this from our Sword Art Online watch order guide.

IV. Sword Art Online: Ordinal Scale (Movie)

Sword Art Online: Ordinal Scale - sword art online watch order guide
Image Credits: Aniplex of America

This movie isn’t a must but except that it is. Don’t get my point? Well, the film consists of a different story and sets in a mysterious game, but it is worth the watch. So, if you want to get a better experience, try to watch it.

V. SAO: Alicization War of Underworld (Season 3 Part 1)

SAO: Alicization War of Underworld- sword art online watch order guide
Image Credits: Aniplex of America

Sword Art Online: Alicization is the third season of the anime, covers “Alicization arc” and “War of Underworld Part 1 arc” in 24 episodes. It is just the first part of the third season, and you shouldn’t even be thinking of skipping it.

Later on, the story follows from part 2, which we’ll get into it in a second. For now, we suggest you watch Alicization arc once you’re done with the second season from our Sword Art Online watch order guide.

VI. SAO: Alicization War of Underworld (S3 Part 2)

SAO: Alicization War of Underworld- sword art online watch order guide
Image Credits: Aniplex of America

The first part of Season 3 was great, and part 2 brings you an even more thriller content. War of Underworld Part 2 starts right where the story paused at the end of the third season.

So, once you’re done watching part 1, make sure to watch part 2 which contains the part 2 arc of War of Underworld.

Final Thoughts!

As for now, these should be plenty and this way you will be watching all the original seasons and arcs along with a couple of entertaining side stories. Season 4 of the anime that covers “Unital Ring arc” will return in the upcoming years.

So, if our Sword Art Online watch order guide is helpful to you, that’s all we wish and nothing else. And if you still have any complications in viewing the anime, feel free to drop your thoughts/queries in the comment section below.

You might also like:

Visit the anime community of India-Anime Ukiyo for more content!

For the latest anime news and reviews, follow Anime Ukiyo on TwitterFacebookInstagramPinterest, and Telegram Channel.

Posted by
Hanumanth Reddy

Hanumanth is an enthusiastic author who enjoys writing about anime, movies, and TV shows and aims to share his optimistic views with his readers. His favorite franchise is Star Wars, and he aspires to be a Jedi in the future, but he vows not to fall on the dark side.