Bandai Namco, publisher of the Sword Art Online franchise games, unveiled the release date for their upcoming ARPG today. Echos of Aincrad, set in the Sword Art Online universe, will hit PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam on July 10.
Read below for the full press release.
RISK YOUR REALITY IN BANDAI NAMCO’S ACTION RPG ECHOES OF AINCRAD, LAUNCHING THIS JULY
Pre-Orders are Live for this Epic RPG Bringing an Unforgettable Story and Franchise Firsts to the Sword Art Online Universe
IRVINE, Calif. - March 5, 2026 - Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc. today revealed Echoes of Aincrad, a breathtaking new action RPG set in the Sword Art Online universe where players risk their lives in every battle. As a series first, players take on the role of a hero they create and dive into the game’s epic new story and intense action where they will face life-or-death challenges. Echoes of Aincrad will launch on July 10, with preorders available now for PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S, PC via Steam®. Check out the official website for additional details here: www.bandainamcoent.com/games/echoes-of-aincrad
Watch the full-length Echoes of Aincrad announcement trailer here:
Echoes of Aincrad invites adventurers into the dynamic and vibrant world of Sword Art Online, filled with challenges and unforgettable encounters. For the first time in the franchise, which has always put players in the role of established characters, the new game embraces the meta behind the IP, where players enter a virtual world to experience a life-or-death adventure themselves. In Echoes of Aincrad, the protagonist will be what players design through extensive avatar customization and embark on a journey where they will explore diverse cities and beautiful environments, from serene plains to perilous dungeons filled with secrets, and face monsters and bosses that will test their skills and resolve until the very end.
Echoes of Aincrad features fast-paced RPG action with real-time combat, where players will be able to adapt and upgrade their equipment, weapons, and attributes, and select special skills to match their preferred playstyle as they level up and take on ever-greater challenges. They will not journey alone, as their victories in combat rely on their chosen NPC partner, each with different skills and abilities that can be customized. As the bond with their partner deepens, players will unlock new skills and more powerful abilities.
Echoes of Aincrad launches July 10. Be sure to stay with Gaming Trend for all of your favorite RPG coverage.
