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The Best Episodes of Sword Art Online Season 1

Every episode of Sword Art Online Season 1 ranked from best to worst. Discover the Best Episodes of Sword Art Online Season 1!

The Best Episodes of Sword Art Online Season 1

In the near future, a Virtual Reality Massive Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game (VRMMORPG) called Sword Art Online has been released where players control their avatars...

Seasons4

  1. Background image for The World of Swords
    8.1/10(1.4k votes)

    #1 - The World of Swords

    S1:E1

    It's launch day for one of the most highly-anticipated video games of all time. Join the character "Kirito" as he begins his journey in the virtual world of Sword Art Online.

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  2. Background image for Beater
    7.7/10(1.2k votes)

    #2 - Beater

    S1:E2

    It’s been one month since the players have been locked in the game. 2000 people have died; the first floor hasn’t been cleared yet.

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  3. Background image for The Red-Nosed Reindeer
    7.9/10(1.2k votes)

    #3 - The Red-Nosed Reindeer

    S1:E3

    Kirito has finally joined a guild made up of close friends in reality. Everything is going well until a tragic accident changes Kirito completely.

    Director:Yuki Ito
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  4. Background image for The Black Swordsman
    7.7/10(1.1k votes)

    #4 - The Black Swordsman

    S1:E4

    Silca is known as Dragon Tamer Silca, but after leaving her group she is caught and her pet, Pina paid the ultimate price. Before she is killed, Kirito saves her and offers her a choice.

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  5. Background image for Murder in the Safe Zone
    7.3/10(1.0k votes)

    #5 - Murder in the Safe Zone

    S1:E5

    A player has been killed inside a safe zone and not by the known means. Asuna and Krito take it upon themselves to find out how and why this is happening.

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  6. Background image for Illusionary Avenger
    7.4/10(1.0k votes)

    #6 - Illusionary Avenger

    S1:E6

    Kirito has figured out the how and now he has to figure out the why.

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    The 20 BEST Episodes of Sword Art Online

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  8. Background image for The Temperature of the Heart
    7.6/10(1.0k votes)

    #7 - The Temperature of the Heart

    S1:E7

    A trip to get a new sword leaves Kirito battling a dragon and his fears.

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  9. Background image for The Sword Dance of Black and White
    7.6/10(994 votes)

    #8 - The Sword Dance of Black and White

    S1:E8

    After 2 years, people have got used to living in SAO, with a dwindling front line it might just be up to Kirito and Asuna to continue the charge.

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  10. Background image for The Blue-Eyed Demon
    8.4/10(1.2k votes)

    #9 - The Blue-Eyed Demon

    S1:E9

    To save a group of players and Asuna from a Boss character, Kirito is forced to play his trump card.

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  11. Background image for Crimson Killing Intent
    8.2/10(1.1k votes)

    #10 - Crimson Killing Intent

    S1:E10

    Kirito has agreed to a duel with the head of the Blood Alliance Knights. If Kirito wins, Asuna is free to leave the Knights and if he loses…

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  12. Background image for The Girl of Morning Dew
    7.2/10(998 votes)

    #11 - The Girl of Morning Dew

    S1:E11

    The newly married couple is enjoying their time away from the front lines. But a new guest will take them all the way back to the beginning.

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  13. Background image for Yui's Heart
    7.7/10(998 votes)

    #12 - Yui's Heart

    S1:E12

    Yulier, second in command, of the Liberation Army has approached Kirito and Asuna for help saving her friend and her guild.

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  14. Background image for Edge of Hell's Abyss
    7.9/10(948 votes)

    #13 - Edge of Hell's Abyss

    S1:E13

    While enjoying a fishing tournment Kirito receieves an urgent e-mail from the leader of the guild requesting their return.

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  15. Background image for The End of the World
    8.9/10(1.4k votes)

    #14 - The End of the World

    S1:E14

    Game over.

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  16. Background image for Return
    7.2/10(902 votes)

    #15 - Return

    S1:E15

    Kirigaya is adjusting to his life outside of the game, but he hasn't forgotten about Asuna. A recent visit to her in the hospital, he meets Sugou Nobuyuki.

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  17. Background image for Land of the Fairies
    7.1/10(854 votes)

    #16 - Land of the Fairies

    S1:E16

    A new MMO allows users to fly and encourages player killing. Kirito has joined this new game in search of Asuna and is pleasantly surprised with what he finds.

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  18. Background image for Captive Queen
    7.0/10(824 votes)

    #17 - Captive Queen

    S1:E17

    As Kirito learns about the game from Leafa and the hatred between the races, Asuna learns the truth of her role from the Fairy King.

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  19. Background image for To the World Tree
    6.8/10(825 votes)

    #18 - To the World Tree

    S1:E18

    Leafa is making enemies leaving her area and group to team up with Kirito. On their way to neutral Territory, they speak more of the rules and areas of the ALO.

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  20. Background image for The Lugru Corridor
    7.1/10(808 votes)

    #19 - The Lugru Corridor

    S1:E19

    Something isn’t right; Recon has sent Leafa a message “I was right. Be careful. S." What does he mean and will Leafa and Kirito have the time to figure it out?

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  21. Background image for General of the Blazing Flame
    7.4/10(819 votes)

    #20 - General of the Blazing Flame

    S1:E20

    Kirito and Leafa have made it to the meeting and Kirito’s bluff as an ambassador has been called out. If he can survive in a fight against the Salamanders General Eugene, his plan to prevent a war might work.

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  22. Background image for The Truth about Alfheim
    6.7/10(819 votes)

    #21 - The Truth about Alfheim

    S1:E21

    While Asuna continues her attempt to escape, another woman in Kirito’s life tries to make sense of her emotions.

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  23. Background image for Grand Quest
    7.5/10(819 votes)

    #22 - Grand Quest

    S1:E22

    Kirito’s determination to save Asuna borders on the insane. His reckless is stopped when Leafa suddenly logs out.

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  24. Background image for Bonds
    7.6/10(812 votes)

    #23 - Bonds

    S1:E23

    Even though a wall has been built between Kirito and Sugu, he must save Asuna. The next time he challenges the final dungeon he won’t be alone.

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  25. Background image for Gilded Hero
    7.6/10(864 votes)

    #24 - Gilded Hero

    S1:E24

    Kirito, Asuna, and Yui are finally together again, but the locks placed on Asuna are unbreakable. Before they have a chance to come up with a plan, the fairy king makes his grand entrance.

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  26. Background image for The World Seed
    7.6/10(891 votes)

    #25 - The World Seed

    S1:E25

    Kirigaya Kazuto has beaten death twice but there is one more thing he must do.

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Season 1 Ratings Summary

"The World of Swords" is the best rated episode of "Sword Art Online" season 1. It scored 8.1/10 based on 1442 votes. Directed by Tomohiko Ito and written by Yukie Sugawara, Yukito Kizawa, it aired on 7/8/2012. This episode is rated 0.4 points higher than the second-best, "Beater".