Home News > Sword Art Online: Variant Showdown relaunched with enhanced features, controls, and UI

Sword Art Online: Variant Showdown relaunched with enhanced features, controls, and UI

by Mila May 13,2025

After a year-long hiatus, the much-anticipated ARPG, Sword Art Online: Variant Showdown, is making a grand return. Initially pulled from launch to address several issues, the game is now back with a bang, boasting new features, a revamped UI, and much more!

Sword Art Online: Variant Showdown, inspired by the iconic anime series, follows the adventures of protagonist Kirito and other players trapped in the immersive world of the full-dive VR game, Sword Art Online. This 3D ARPG captures the essence of the series, allowing players to engage in thrilling battles against formidable bosses and enemies alongside beloved characters from the show.

The re-release introduces exciting updates to enhance your gaming experience. Now, you can team up in groups of three for multiplayer battles, tackling powerful bosses for rare rewards. Additionally, armor items are now obtainable as rewards from stages, with higher grades available based on the difficulty level. To top it off, the main story is now fully voiced, adding a new layer of immersion to the narrative.

A sword by any other nameThe decision to pull Sword Art Online: Variant Showdown from release was a bold move, and while the new additions are promising, there's a hint of skepticism about whether they'll be enough to recapture the hearts of players. After all, first impressions are crucial. However, for die-hard fans of the series and Kirito's epic journey, this return is undoubtedly a cause for celebration.

For those who enjoy animesque mobile ARPGs, there's no shortage of options. If you're looking for more anime-inspired gaming experiences, why not explore our list of the top 15 best anime games that capture the spirit of this beloved animation medium?

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