Sword Art Online is a masterpiece and is loved by all anime fans across the globe. In that era, when anime was released, it was the first anime based on the gaming genre, which created hype amongst the fans.
The story revolves around our main protagonist, Kirito, and his friends who are trapped in a game, and the only way to get out of the game is to get on top of the dungeon or die in the game.
But do you want some more anime like Sword Art Online? Are you craving more gaming anime like Sword Art Online? If yes, here are some top battle royale anime like Sword Art Online for all the SAO fans.
Check out these 11 battle royale anime like Sword Art Online
1. No Game, No life
The series follows a group of shut-in siblings known as the “Blank” group, who are exceptionally skilled at playing games and are known for their victory streak.
They are summoned to another world where all conflicts are resolved through games and become embroiled in a war between different races for the ultimate prize: the throne of the gods.
The only thing they know and are well-versed in is gaming. The anime series aired in 2014 and was produced by Madhouse. It received widespread acclaim for its animation, world-building, and characters and has become a popular title in the “isekai” (otherworldly) genre of anime and manga.
2. Btooom!
The only anime on this list that is based on the Battle Royale theme. Btooom! is about survival, where random strangers are dropped on an unknown island.
The only way of survival is to kill each other, and the only person left will be the winner!
The anime has no end, but if you want to know the end of the series, you can always refer to manga for the same.
3. Summer Wars
Summer Wars is a Japanese animated film directed by Mamoru Hosoda and produced by Madhouse. It was released in Japan in 2009 and later received a limited release in the United States.
The film tells the story of a high school student named Kenji Koiso, who is invited to participate in a summer vacation project at the home of his crush, Natsuki Shinohara.
While there, he becomes embroiled in a conflict between Natsuki’s family and a mysterious virtual entity threatening to destroy the world’s digital infrastructure.
The film combines elements of science fiction, romance, and comedy and was well-received by critics and audiences alike
4. Overlord
One of the anime based on MMO gaming. It much a popular anime as it has many seasons and is loved by anime fans.
The plot revolves around the main protagonist, Momonga, who owns a guild. He decided to put the party online to count down his servers, which were shutting down. But sadly, no one comes to an end.
When the clock reached zero, he saw that he could not leave the game, and the story continued.
5. Log Horizon
Log Horizon is a Japanese anime television series adapted from the light novel series of the same name written by Mamare Touno.
The series follows a group of players who become trapped in the online game “Elder Tale” virtual world after the game’s latest expansion and must find a way to return to the real world.
The series aired from 2013 to 2014 and was produced by Satelight. It received a mixed reception from critics and audiences, with some praising its characters and story, while others found it slow-paced and lacking in excitement.
6. Accel World
The series is set in a future where people can use a virtual reality game called “Brain Burst” to accelerate their brain waves and gain superhuman abilities. The protagonist, Haruyuki Arita, is a short and overweight boy bullied at school.
After being humiliated by a classmate, he is approached by the most popular girl in his school, Kuroyukihime, who introduces him to Brain Burst.
Together, they enter the accelerated world to fight against other users and uncover the game’s mystery. The anime series aired in 2012 and was produced by Sunrise.
7. The World Ends With You: The Animation
This anime series is inspired by its game version and was popular. The World Ends with You: The Animation is based on the action role-playing video game of the same name developed by Square Enix and Jupiter.
The game was initially released for the Nintendo DS in 2007 and has since been re-released on other platforms. The anime series is produced by David Production and was released in 2021.
The story follows a teenage boy named Neku Sakuraba, who is transported to a parallel universe in the Shibuya shopping district of Tokyo, where he is forced to participate in a deadly game to return to the real world.
8. Demon Slayer
Well, this anime is not similar to Sword Art Online, not that it is based on gaming, but it’s worth watching. I only need to recommend this anime if you have watched it.
The series has been adapted into an anime television series that aired in 2019, and a second season is set to premiere in 2021.
Demon Slayer follows a young boy named Tanjirō Kamado who becomes a demon slayer after demons slaughter his family and his younger sister Nezuko is turned into a demon.
He sets out on a journey to find a way to turn Nezuko back into a human and protect her from demon hunters while also seeking revenge against the demon who killed his family.
Don’t wait. Just start watching it. It’s one of the top shonen and action anime, plus with top-notch animation.
9. Tomodachi Game
Tomodachi Game is a popular anime with a thick plot that keeps you on the edge of your sets.
This anime is full of mystery and suspense and, ofcourse, games. But it’s not a typical virtual reality game, nor are people trapped inside another gaming world.
Even though the characters are forced to play games to pay off their debt. A must-watch for though who love to watch dark-fantasy anime.
10. Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?
Not a gaming theme anime, but Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon is worth watching. It’s the most popular anime of all and has some good waifus. The story follows the adventures of Bell Cranel, a young man who becomes an adventurer in a world where people can interact with gods and monsters.
The light novel series has been adapted into a manga series, an anime television series, and several other media. The anime television series, produced by J.C.Staff, aired in Japan from 2015 to 2019 and has been licensed for release in North America by Sentai Filmworks.
Suppose you are eager to Zero to Hero type main protagonist anime with a lot of ecchi scenes and, ofcourse, fan service and a good storyline. This anime is just for you!
11. In Another World with My Smartphone
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T2K4OsCLIKY
Last but not least, the anime was hyped for its storyline but later lost its popularity because of an uncertain ending. Even though it’s a must-try if loved SAO!
The story follows the adventures of Mochizuki Touya, a young man who is killed by a bolt of lightning and is reborn in a fantasy world with a smartphone that has all of the knowledge of the modern world.
The light novel series has been adapted into a manga series and an anime television series. The anime television series, produced by Production Reed, aired in Japan in 2017 and has been licensed for release in North America by Sentai Filmworks.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “Sword Art Online” is a highly influential and popular anime series that has garnered a massive following in Japan and worldwide.
It has inspired several other anime series with similar themes and elements, such as being transported to a virtual world or fighting for survival in a deadly game.
While each series has its unique twist on the formula, they all owe a debt to “Sword Art Online” and its innovative storytelling.
Whether you’re a fan of action, romance, or both, there’s sure to be an anime like Sword Art Online that will satisfy your cravings for high-stakes adventure in a virtual world.
