GAMES LIKE SAO
- Updated on: July 25, 2022
- by Ernie
Sword Art Online… An anime that has a lot to be discussed. A first season that’s liked by some, hated by others. A second season that isn’t liked by anyone. A spin-off and 3-4th season that people actually liked. Yeah. A mixed bag with a lot of controversy surrounding it.
Though that doesn’t take away from the fact that this show is based off of a videogame and we all love videogames. It’s a show that takes place in an RPG game, a lot of which you’re about to be put onto right now if you’re looking for an experience similar to the game of SAO.
Table of Contents
Table of Content
22. Archeage: Unchained
| Story |
Similarity to SAO |
Gameplay & Graphics |
Total |
|---|---|---|---|
|
5/10 |
13/20 |
10/20 |
28/50 |
Genre: MMORPG
Platforms: Microsoft Windows
Reasons to Play:
There have been a lot of controversies surrounding this game since the Unchained version came out, though it’s still one of the RPGs with better gameplay out there. Its weak points are the non-replayability and the lack of content in the world, as well as the extra money you have to pay for DLC after buying the “entire” game.
Its strong points, and the reason you may or may not wanna play it for, are its combat. When you do fight, the experience is one of the best. It’s fluid and smooth, which makes it extremely enjoyable, though you have to grind a lot for most of the time. If you’re fine with a game that’ll take time, with some good action that you won’t necessarily go back to, Archeage is worth a try.
Get it Here:
21. Dragon Nest M
| Story |
Similarity to SAO |
Gameplay & Graphics |
Total |
|---|---|---|---|
|
4/10 |
11/20 |
15/20 |
30/50 |
Genre: MMORPG
Platforms: Android, iOS
Reasons to Play:
Also an OG. It’s a game so old that the very layout of it takes you back years. That could or could not be something you want. The menu and every option of the game is a button on your screen, instead of being compact or scattered around the map. Yes, that kind of old.
There are a few active players here and there, who play for nostalgia’s sake. And that’s the key to this game;nostalgia. If you want a lesser known, probably new to you, but old in style game, Dragon Nest M might bring you back the feelings from a decade ago through a mobile device.
Get it Here:
20.Echo of Soul
| Story |
Similarity to SAO |
Gameplay & Graphics |
Total |
|---|---|---|---|
|
6/10 |
14/20 |
10/20 |
30/50 |
Genre: MMORPG
Platforms: Microsoft Windows
Reasons to Play:
Echo of Soul is not necessarily anything unheard of. It’s actually quite a traditional MMORPG. Its performance can be glitchy and it doesn’t have a lot of innovative features, but the combat for both PVP and PVE is very nice and entertaining.
Quite a simple and straight-forward RPG experience. If what you want is exactly that, something to feel at home at and play alone or with friends, you might want to give this game a try.
Get it Here:
19.Drakensang Online
| Story |
Similarity to SAO |
Gameplay & Graphics |
Total |
|---|---|---|---|
|
5/10 |
15/20 |
15/20 |
35/50 |
Genre: MMORPG
Platforms: Web browser, Microsoft Windows, Mac OS
Reasons to Play:
The best part about this game is its accessibility. It’s good for casuals. You can go on your browser, look it up, then play it right there and then. It takes literal seconds to get started. It has good combat that’s well-balanced, grinding, all the stuff you love in an RPG.
There’s some graphic glitches here and there, which is reasonable considering it’s a browser game and how old it is, but if you want something easily accessible and enjoyable, this is the game for you.
The reason it has 5 points on its story is because it’s an entirely Online experience, you play with other players and monsters. Storyline isn’t what you pay attention to. There’s also the simple concept of fighting creatures and monsters with your friends. If you liked the team-up against the boar in the first episode or the concept of team fighting a monster like The Gleam Eyes, this game will give you an experience based mostly on that.
Get it Here:
18.Lucent Heart
| Story |
Similarity to SAO |
Gameplay & Graphics |
Total |
|---|---|---|---|
|
5/10 |
13/20 |
18/20 |
36/50 |
Genre: MMORPG, Casual
Platforms: Microsoft Windows
Reasons to Play:
I mean, SAO is a harem… a lot, a lot of romance takes place in that anime. This game is basically a dating MMO. It has a big focus on socializing and relationships.You can have up to 3 soulmates. It’s literally a harem game. There is however, match-making, character classes, zodiac signs which is quite an interesting feature and a lot of other RPG elements. Not the most hardcore competitive game, but a fun one.
Get it Here:
17.Blade & Soul
| Story |
Similarity to SAO |
Gameplay & Graphics |
Total |
|---|---|---|---|
|
7/10 |
15/20 |
15/20 |
37/50 |
Genre: MMORPG, Fantasy
Platforms: Microsoft Windows, Android
Reasons to Play:
Blade & Soul has been and is still known to be a great game. It’s got a story that’s mostly playable solo, so if you like Kirito’s lonely nature you’ll like this. After the story in the late game, there’s a lot to do with other players, especially in combat.
This game and Black Desert have been rivals in the gaming community over which one has the better combat, and of course both are amazing. There’s a lot of voice acting, a simple story, beautiful graphics etc. For a casual player, this game is definitely one of the better ones to get into.
Get it Here:
16.Aura Kingdom 2
| Story |
Similarity to SAO |
Gameplay & Graphics |
Total |
|---|---|---|---|
|
LOL |
LMAO |
AHAHAHAHA |
kneeslapper |
Genre: Action, MMORPG
Platforms: Android, Microsoft Windows, iOS
Reasons to Play:
This game is what you want to play on a special occasion. The special occasion is a hard, severe, life ending laugh. There isn’t a single good thing about this game, other than how funny it is. Everything from its pause menu, to the graphics, to the actual combat are actually insanely horrible.
The voice acting will sound like it was done by your drunk neighbor on a BBQ night. It might be bad, but taking time out of your day to experience this absolute calamity is unironically going to give you a fun time. Especially with friends.
Get it Here:
15.Skyforge
| Story |
Similarity to SAO |
Gameplay & Graphics |
Total |
|---|---|---|---|
|
6/10 |
14/20 |
17/20 |
37/50 |
Genre: MMORPG
Platforms: Microsoft Windows
Reasons to Play:
Do you like Gun Gale Online? The concept of the game in Season 2, or the spin-off series? Well, Sky-Forge is for you. It’s a rare example of a Sci-Fi RPG. With 18 classes to swap between at any given time, it provides a LOT of variety.
PVP isn’t the most balanced, but this game is still an extremely enjoyable experience. It has quite a lot of ways to be played, campaign, regions, PVP, dungeons etc. There is also a hard leveling up process, which can make it a challenge, though if you can get through it you’ll be able to have more interaction with the community of players.
Get it Here:
14.Elsword
| Story |
Similarity to SAO |
Gameplay & Graphics |
Total |
|---|---|---|---|
|
6/10 |
14/20 |
17/20 |
37/50 |
Genre: Fantasy, MMORPG
Platforms: Microsoft Windows
Reasons to Play:
Elsword is a game that a lot of people have strong nostalgia towards. It’s most unique features are its 2d gameplay in 3d graphics, as well as its cool anime-styled character designs. Its two game-modes are PVE and PVP. PVE has a lot of content, as well as a lot of fun waiting for you if you’re playing with a homie.
PVP is pay-to-win and laggy, so not its strongest point, but if you want something to play with friends and have a good time with, Elsword is good for you. Especially ‘cause it literally looks like SAO. An anime.
Get it Here:
13.TERA
| Story |
Similarity to SAO |
Gameplay & Graphics |
Total |
|---|---|---|---|
|
5/10 |
18/20 |
15/20 |
38/50 |
Genre: MMORPG
Platforms: Microsoft Windows
Reasons to Play:
The best way to describe TERA is…fun. Its character customization allows for some of the most bizarre looks or outfits you could look for in a video game. Its combat is amazing, the best aspect of the game. It’s exaggerated and visually amazing. It feels great.
It’s got an SAO feel to it because it’s like an anime, quite literally. While the story isn’t that relevant, its gameplay and visuals make it 100% worth playing if you’re into combat. The monsters running around in the map are quite literally called BAM, which means (big arse monsters).
Get it Here:
12.Age of Conan Unchained
| Story |
Similarity to SAO |
Gameplay & Graphics |
Total |
|---|---|---|---|
|
8/10 |
18/20 |
13/20 |
39/50 |
Genre: Fantasy, MMORPG
Platforms: Microsoft Windows
Reasons to Play:
This game gives you a powerful start on an island with a lot to learn and explore. An extremely unique combat-system focused on direction keys. Also, thoroughly voice acted, which gives it a huge bonus especially considering how old it is. It’s a classic, came out a long time ago, but replayable today as well which makes it a good mix of past and present enjoyment.
Get it Here:
11.Mabinogi
| Story |
Similarity to SAO |
Gameplay & Graphics |
Total |
|---|---|---|---|
|
8/10 |
15/20 |
18/20 |
41/50 |
Genre: MMORPG
Platforms: Microsoft Windows
Reasons to Play:
Yet another game that’s similar to anime. The only issue is with the graphics which is understandable as it came out in 2004. It’s a very similar game to the concept of video game anime, as it allows you to do many things; combat, daily life, socializing etc. The story is what you do in it, which means a lot.
You never run out of things to do, which is good because there’s different things to do. It’s quite literally a shonen anime inside of a videogame. There are a lot of friendly players and funny interactions to have, as well as a decent solo experience. Insane amounts of replayability and progress to be made.
Get it Here:
10.Vindictus
| Story |
Similarity to SAO |
Gameplay & Graphics |
Total |
|---|---|---|---|
|
7/10 |
19/20 |
15/20 |
41/50 |
Genre: Fantasy, MMORPG
Platforms: Microsoft Windows
Reasons to Play:
There are a lot of good things about this game. One of them being the attention to interaction. There’s a lot of things that can be done, used as weapons, attacks, moves etc. that utilize the environment which you rarely see in other games. The character designs and outfits are absolutely amazing.
A lot of very good looking and aesthetically beautiful outfits are usable in this game. There are also a variety of different environments and good worldbuilding. The difficulty progressively gets harder, which makes it interesting and challenging too.
Get it Here:
9.Naraka:Bladepoint
| Story |
Similarity to SAO |
Gameplay & Graphics |
Total |
|---|---|---|---|
|
7/10 |
20/20 |
15/20 |
42/50 |
Genre: MMORPG, Fighting
Platforms: Microsoft Windows
Reasons to Play:
This game has one benefit other than most of the other ones on this list: it’s the newest. One of the newest and most fun Battle Royale games that are out there right now. The graphics are great, the gameplay is absolutely sick, with a lot of different mechanics that really will pay off if you level up your skills as they allow for a lot of good combat.
There isn’t too much content yet as the game is completely new, though it’s soon going to get more and more. This is something you should hop on if you want something absolutely good and absolutely trending.
Get it Here:
8.Genshin Impact
| Story |
Similarity to SAO |
Gameplay & Graphics |
Total |
|---|---|---|---|
|
8/10 |
17/20 |
18/20 |
43/50 |
Genre: Action, Adventure, Role-Playing
Platforms: Android, iOS, Microsoft Windows
Reasons to Play:
An extremely trending game that a lot of people play. A lot of grinding, beautiful graphics, and a story with interesting characters and then more grinding. It’s cool if you want something anime-styled and visually enjoyable and relaxing. If you don’t mind repetition, it’s a fun game to kill time (or get serious) with.
Get it Here:
7.Neverwinter
| Story |
Similarity to SAO |
Gameplay & Graphics |
Total |
|---|---|---|---|
|
7/10 |
18/20 |
18/20 |
43/50 |
Genre: MMORPG
Platforms: Microsoft Windows
Reasons to Play:
Neverwinter is an MMORPG. It is a game that came out in 2013, but keeps on getting updated by its developers. It is a Dungeons & Dragons game, which means it is familiar to the people who like the franchise. Even for non-fans, however, it offers quite an interesting world with a very fun experience for casual and competitive players .
There are a lot of character classes to choose from, which matters in this game because they all play differently and can become very strong unlike other games where the experience is basically the same with every class.
Its story and world size are decent, but not the focus of the game. The focus is the actual gameplay itself, which offers a lot of diversity and interaction. It’s considered one of the best, if not the best when it comes to the combat aspect.
There’s faster progression if you pay, but getting strong is accomplishable through entirely in-game items. When you think of a game like SAO, you think of a game that lets you fight with different types of players and great character customization/ a fun fighting experience, which is Neverwinter’s strongest point.
Get it Here:
6.Final Fantasy 14
| Story |
Similarity to SAO |
Gameplay & Graphics |
Total |
|---|---|---|---|
|
9/10 |
18/20 |
17/20 |
44/50 |
Genre: MMORPG
Platforms: Microsoft Windows
Reasons to Play:
Also a great game. It’s got a lot of different classes, all with their own unique play-style that you can swap between if you get tired of one. There’s a great PVP experience with a lot of game modes, but the environment is the strongest point. That is for two main reasons. The ambiance is great, the tone of the game is engaging and interesting. Challenging while still being enjoyable.
The other reason is the community, it’s a community full of humble and respectful players who make the teamwork one of the best you’ll ever find. There’s actual cooperation needed and followed properly a lot of the time, which makes the team aspect into a really good time for anyone who decides to play this game. There are benefits to paying for content, but it’s not necessary. Overall a good game.
Get it Here:
5.Runescape 3
| Story |
Similarity to SAO |
Gameplay & Graphics |
Total |
|---|---|---|---|
|
9/10 |
17/20 |
18/20 |
44/50 |
Genre: MMORPG
Platforms: Android, Microsoft Windows, iOS
Reasons to Play:
The world is massive. Content is everywhere. Progressing is entertaining and not boring in any way. There’s an insane amount of interaction. Absolutely unmatched feeling that captures you and really makes you feel like you’re part of a fantasy world filled with journeys. Amazing developers that constantly listen to their community and update the game. Worth it.
Get it Here:
4.Black Desert
| Story |
Similarity to SAO |
Gameplay & Graphics |
Total |
|---|---|---|---|
|
8/10 |
20/20 |
17/20 |
45/50 |
Genre: MMORPG
Platforms: Android, Microsoft, iOS
Reasons to Play:
One of Black Desert’s best aspects is its PVP. If you like PVP in RPG games, or to compete with other players like in SAO, it’s going to be a good pick for you. It is open-world as well, for people who are into it. All kinds of wars and group-fights. As time goes on, more online tournaments come out for competitive players.
The map is absolutely giant. It feels somewhat realistic, as there’s no teleport or instant travel. Godly graphics, amazing to look at. The story is replayable at least thrice considering it has different routes.
There’s simply a lot to do and it being a trending game right now that’s still massively growing makes it a great pick. If you like the idea of a huge world that’s there to be explored and amazing player encounters, Black Desert is quite a close experience to SAO.
Get it Here:
3.Guild Wars 2
| Story |
Similarity to SAO |
Gameplay & Graphics |
Total |
|---|---|---|---|
|
8/10 |
20/20 |
18/20 |
46/50 |
Genre: MMORPG
Platforms: Microsoft Windows, macOS
Reasons to Play:
This is an amazing game. You can play for free or pay for the fullest experience (it’s worth it) and it’s got a lot of content. Its worldbuilding is absolutely amazing, if you value exploration in a game this is definitely the one for you. The character species are unique and cool in their own ways. Each race has 8 different classes, which gives you a lot of options. Seriously. A lot.
Leveling up is enjoyable, which is quite rare in RPG, and both PVP and PVE gives you a lot to do. The combat can be lock-on or free combat where you have to aim properly which also suits most people’s preferences.
There’s not a toxic meta, there are always new weapons coming out but they usually don’t make older ones irrelevant. It’s casual-friendly as well. Definitely one of the best MMOs of all time.
Get it Here:
2.Skyrim
| Story |
Similarity to SAO |
Gameplay & Graphics |
Total |
|---|---|---|---|
|
10/10 |
18/20 |
18/20 |
46/50 |
Genre: MMORPG
Platforms: Microsoft Windows
Reasons to Play:
Skyrim is an OG of RPG games. It’s the game that everyone loves, no matter whether they’re new or old to it. It’s got an incredibly detailed world full of content, and gives you the freedom to explore it right away.
There is not only a main quest, but also a vast amount of mini-quests, each of which can take you on an amazing journey. In Sword Art Online, there’s many ways to go about your game, there’s guilds, mini-quests, or just working on OP gear, all of which are entirely possible and of peak quality in Skyrim.
For a 2012 game, it has great visuals and combat, which gives you a lot to do. The amount of weapons and spells there are to be learned is also insane. The same can be said for your character’s species and the amount of enemies you’ll find. It’s arguably the most replayable RPG of all time. There are NPC’s everywhere, all with their own story and they all have voiced dialogue with a total of over 50k voiced lines. It excels in areas that a lot of RPG’s don’t even bother to touch.
Get it Here:
1.World of Warcraft
| Story |
Similarity to SAO |
Gameplay & Graphics |
Total |
|---|---|---|---|
|
10/10 |
20/20 |
20/20 |
46/50 |
Genre: MMORPG
Platforms: macOS, Microsoft Windows
Reasons to Play:
This is a game that originates way back to decades ago. It changed the entire genre that SAO is inspired from. There is a massive sized world. Also, a lot of deep and well detailed stories that really are worth sticking around for. Speaking of a lot, a lot of weapons and items are in this game.
There is a good economy system, as well as crafting which expands possibilities infinitely. The amount of time this game has been long paired with the consistency, quality and expansion of its content make it a pillar of the genre. It’s one of the more time-consuming games, but if you have time, you must check it out.
Get it Here:
Conclusion
What Games Would You Like To Play? Leave A comment Below!
It’s not even a question that you’ve at least heard of a lot of the games mentioned in this list. I wonder which ones you’ve played… or which ones you plan to play. The RPG genre is definitely massive and growing, which gives you a great chance to find an SAO-like game, a lot of them for free right now. The rest is up to you and what you want to do. But you know what you should do? Check them out.
Amazing article thanks for sharing.
No problemmmm. Thanks for the compliment!
such a nice one informative article.