# What is the best Sword Art Online story arc?

> Death-game tension, fairy-world detours, sniper-scope mysteries and sprawling virtual wars pull the saga in wildly different directions. Cast your vote!

*By YPB Team · Published July 3, 2026 · https://youpick.best/ranking/what-is-the-best-sword-art-online-story-arc*

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## Current results (3 votes)

1. **Aincrad** — 100% (3 votes · score 1000/1000)
   The original death-game arc trapping players inside a floating castle MMO, widely considered the series' best.
2. **Alicization** — 0% (0 votes · score 466/1000)
   The sprawling Underworld saga with Kirito, Eugeo and Alice that revitalized the franchise.
3. **Phantom Bullet** — 0% (0 votes · score 382/1000)
   The Gun Gale Online murder-mystery arc where Kirito hunts a killer in a gunfight VR world.
4. **War of Underworld** — 0% (0 votes · score 280/1000)
   The large-scale Alicization sequel arc depicting an all-out battle for the Underworld.
5. **Mother's Rosario** — 0% (0 votes · score 280/1000)
   The emotional Asuna-focused arc centered on the terminally ill swordswoman Yuuki.
6. **Fairy Dance** — 0% (0 votes · score 156/1000)
   The ALfheim Online fairy-world arc where Kirito races to rescue Asuna from a gilded cage.

Tags: fantasy, animation, japan, sword art online