Sword Art Online Timeline ( Real )

broadcast
July 8, 2012

First Broadcast of Sword Art Online Anime

The Sword Art Online anime series, based on the light novel series by Reki Kawahara, was first aired in Japan.

literature
April 10, 2009

Release of Sword Art Online Light Novel

The original Sword Art Online light novel series by Reki Kawahara began publication.

broadcast
August 2012

International Streaming of Sword Art Online

Sword Art Online became available for streaming on international platforms, expanding its global audience.

film
February 18, 2017

Release of Sword Art Online: Ordinal Scale Movie

A theatrical movie titled Sword Art Online: Ordinal Scale was released, continuing the story of the series.

announcement
August 2020

Announcement of Sword Art Online Progressive Anime Adaptation

Announcement was made for the anime adaptation of Sword Art Online Progressive series, a retelling and expansion of the Aincrad arc.

Sword Art Online Timeline ( Fictional )

game_release
October 6, 2022

Release of Sword Art Online

The full-dive virtual reality MMORPG Sword Art Online (SAO) is released with the Neuron Synchronization Display technology.

crisis
November 6, 2022

SAO Players Trapped in the Game

Players realize that they are trapped inside Sword Art Online; logging out is impossible and death in the game means death in the real world.

game_progress
November 6, 2022

Start of SAO Hardcore Survival

Players start the urgent goal to clear all 100 floors of Aincrad to escape the game and regain freedom.

character_development
December 2022

Formation of Kirito and Asuna’s Partnership

Kirito and Asuna meet and start a strong partnership that develops into a romantic relationship while progressing through Aincrad.

game_progress
January 2023

Clearing Floor 75 of Aincrad

Significant progress is made as the players clear the 75th floor of Aincrad, showing the progressing difficulty.

game_completion
November 6, 2023

Clearing Floor 100 and Escape from SAO

Kirito defeats the final boss on the 100th floor, clearing Aincrad and allowing all survivors to be freed from Sword Art Online.

new_game_entry
December 2023

Kirito Enters Alfheim Online (ALO)

Kirito uses his VR device to enter Alfheim Online, a new virtual game world, to rescue Asuna who is trapped there.

rescue
January 2024

Kirito Rescues Asuna in ALO

Kirito defeats Oberon to free Asuna and other players held captive in Alfheim Online.

climax
May 2024

Kirito Defeats Death Gun in GGO

Kirito confronts and defeats Death Gun, stopping the killings occurring in and out of the game.

new_game_entry
January 2025

Kirito Meets Eugeo and Enters Underworld

Kirito, alongside Eugeo, explores the Underworld virtual world, revealing new mysteries with deep artificial intelligence.

climax
June 2025

Kirito and Eugeo Defeat Administrator

Kirito and Eugeo confront and defeat the Administrator in the Underworld, seeking to save Alice and reveal AI truths.

recovery
July 2025

Return from Underworld and Real-World Healing

Kirito awakens from his coma, recovering from aftereffects of the Underworld experience and reconnecting with friends.