10 Isekai Anime Like Sword Art Online
The isekai genre has taken the anime world by storm, with Sword Art Online (SAO) being one of the most recognized titles in the genre. If you’re a fan of SAO and looking for similar anime that blend action, adventure, fantasy, and virtual worlds, here are ten series that will keep you entertained.
These anime share similar themes, from MMORPG settings to strong protagonists navigating through dangerous game-like worlds.
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10. The King’s Avatar
| Original title | Quanzhi Gaoshou |
| Genres | Action |
| Release Date | 2017 |
The King’s Avatar follows Ye Xiu, a top-tier professional player of the online game Glory. After being forced out of his esports team, he finds himself working at an internet café. However, when Glory launches a new server, Ye Xiu decides to start fresh, using his vast knowledge and skills to dominate once again.
Similarities to Sword Art Online:
Both anime revolve around highly skilled gamers in a fantasy MMORPG setting. While The King’s Avatar doesn’t involve players being trapped inside a game, it captures the competitive gaming spirit that Sword Art Online embodies. Ye Xiu, like Kirito, is an overpowered protagonist who uses his experience to outplay opponents, making every battle an intense spectacle.
9. KonoSuba: God’s Blessing on This Wonderful World!
| Original title | Kono Subarashii Sekai ni Shukufuku wo! |
| Genres | Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy |
| Release Date | 2016 |
After dying in an embarrassing accident, Kazuma Satou is given the chance to be reincarnated in a fantasy world. He selects the goddess Aqua to accompany him, but she turns out to be more of a burden than a help. Together, they form a dysfunctional party and embark on humorous and chaotic adventures.
Similarities to Sword Art Online:
While KonoSuba leans heavily into comedy, it still embraces the fantasy MMORPG elements that SAO fans love. It deconstructs typical isekai tropes, but at its core, it shares the adventure-driven and party-building aspects of SAO. If you enjoy the MMO world-building of Sword Art Online but want something lighthearted, KonoSuba is a great pick.
8. Grimgar: Ashes and Illusions
| Original title | Hai to Gensou no Grimgar |
| Genres | Action, Adventure, Drama, Fantasy |
| Release Date | 2016 |
A group of strangers wakes up in a mysterious fantasy world with no memories of their past lives. Forced to become adventurers to survive, they quickly realize that this world is no game—death is permanent, and the challenges they face are brutally real.
Similarities to Sword Art Online:
Unlike SAO’s power fantasy approach, Grimgar focuses on realism, emphasizing the struggles of inexperienced players in a dangerous world. However, both anime share the theme of survival in an RPG-inspired setting, with immersive world-building and emotional character development.
7. hack//Sign
| Genres | Adventure, Fantasy, Mystery |
| Release Date | 2002 |
Tsukasa, a player in the MMORPG The World, finds himself unable to log out. As he searches for answers, he discovers a deeper mystery surrounding the game and his own existence.
Similarities to Sword Art Online:
As one of the pioneers of the trapped-in-a-game genre, .hack//Sign laid the groundwork for series like Sword Art Online. Both anime explore the psychological effects of being stuck in a virtual world, but while SAO leans towards action, .hack//Sign takes a more philosophical and introspective approach.
6. Overlord
| Genres | Action, Adventure, Fantasy |
| Release Date | 2015 |
Momonga, the last active player of the MMORPG Yggdrasil, finds himself trapped in the game after its servers shut down. Embracing his new identity as the powerful overlord Ainz Ooal Gown, he sets out to dominate this world with his formidable abilities.
Similarities to Sword Art Online:
Both anime feature a protagonist stuck in a virtual world with immense power. While SAO’s Kirito fights to survive and protect others, Ainz takes a more strategic and commanding role, making Overlord a darker take on the trapped-in-a-game concept.
5. No Game No Life
| Genres | Comedy, Fantasy, Ecchi |
| Release Date | 2014 |
Gamer siblings Sora and Shiro are transported to a world where everything is decided by games. Using their intellect and gaming skills, they challenge powerful opponents to rise to the top.
Similarities to Sword Art Online:
Both anime center around a gaming world, but No Game No Life replaces SAO’s action with strategic mind games. The vibrant visuals and dynamic storytelling make it a must-watch for fans of game-centric anime.
4. Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?
| Original title | Dungeon ni Deai wo Motomeru no wa Machigatteiru Darou ka |
| Genres | Action, Adventure, Fantasy |
| Release Date | 2015 |
Bell Cranel, an aspiring adventurer, seeks to grow stronger in the dungeon city of Orario while attracting the attention of the goddess Hestia.
Similarities to Sword Art Online:
Like SAO, this anime features a protagonist leveling up through battles, forming strong bonds, and exploring an RPG-style world. Both series mix action, romance, and adventure seamlessly.
3. Btooom!
| Genres | Action, Sci-Fi, Suspense |
| Release Date | 2012 |
Ryouta Sakamoto, an elite gamer, is abducted and forced to play a deadly real-life version of his favorite online game, where players must eliminate each other to survive.
Similarities to Sword Art Online:
Much like SAO’s death game scenario, Btooom! presents a high-stakes battle for survival. The psychological tension and strategic gameplay make it a thrilling alternative.
2. Accel World
| Genres | Action, Romance, Sci-Fi |
| Release Date | 2012 |
Haruyuki Arita discovers Brain Burst, a virtual reality game that allows players to accelerate their perception of time. Guided by Kuroyukihime, he strives to climb the ranks in this futuristic battle world.
Similarities to Sword Art Online:
From the same creator as SAO, Accel World shares many themes, including immersive virtual worlds, intense battles, and a protagonist seeking strength.
1. Log Horizon
| Genres | Action, Adventure, Fantasy |
| Release Date | 2013 |
30,000 players find themselves trapped in Elder Tale, a popular MMORPG. Unlike SAO, rather than focusing on escape, the players work together to adapt and build a new society.
Similarities to Sword Art Online:
Both anime depict a massive player base stuck in a game. However, Log Horizon delves deeper into world-building, politics, and teamwork, making it a more strategic and community-driven take on the genre.
Conclusion
If you loved Sword Art Online, these ten anime offer similar thrills, engaging worlds, and dynamic characters. Whether you’re looking for intense battles, strategic mind games, or immersive MMORPG settings, these series will keep you entertained. Which one is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!
