The Open Network Test (ONT) in September 2024 was not merely a glimpse; it was a limit test of both the servers and the players; consequently, it functioned as the teaser for one of the most daring SAO titles ever.
The Online Network Test (ONT) for Sword Art Online: Fractured Daydream didn’t feel like a typical demo—it felt like an invitation to something much bigger. Players across PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC were pulled into the same shared event, competing and cooperating at the same time, regardless of platform. That alone made the experience stand out, but what really hooked fans was the promise that any gear earned during the ONT would carry over into the full game. For players who live for the thrill of loot hunting, this was more than a perk—it was a real head start worth chasing.
At its core, Fractured Daydream thrives on large-scale cooperative chaos, and the ONT made that clear immediately. The test featured massive 20-player raids against iconic enemies like the Skull Reaper and Sword Golem. Players were first split into five squads of four, each tackling their own objectives across the battlefield. Once those tasks were complete, everything escalated into a single, all-hands-on-deck showdown that felt closer to an MMO raid than a traditional action RPG encounter.
The structure of these battles kept things competitive as well as cooperative. During the early phase, teams raced against one another to rack up points by clearing objectives, defeating enemies, and collecting loot. Then came the twist: all groups merged into one enormous team for a climactic fight, whether that meant defending siege-style objectives or taking down a towering boss. Landing the final blow even put a player in the spotlight, adding bragging rights and extra motivation to stay engaged until the very end.
Character choice proved to be one of the game’s biggest strengths. The ONT showcased nine characters from the final roster of 21, each filling a classic RPG role. Kirito and Asuna handled consistent damage output, Agil anchored the team as a sturdy tank, while Argo and LLENN leaned into speed and evasive rogue-style gameplay. Magic disruption came from Oberon, long-range pressure from Sinon and Fukaziroh, and vital healing and buffs from Leafa, rounding out a well-balanced lineup.
What made these characters shine wasn’t just their visual flair or familiar faces—it was how differently they played. Each character brought unique mechanics that directly affected combat flow, forcing players to think beyond button-mashing and adapt to their role within the larger team. Switching characters didn’t just change stats; it completely altered how you approached fights.
Naturally, no Sword Art Online experience would be complete without a deep focus on gear, and the ONT delivered. Players could earn mods that boosted key stats like damage output, critical hit rates, or survivability. These upgrades came in varying rarities, with gold-tier mods offering the biggest power spikes. The catch was that you could only equip one at a time, turning every mod drop into a meaningful choice rather than a mindless upgrade.
The most valuable rewards dropped from bosses and elite enemies, with legendary gear providing noticeable performance boosts. Better yet, all loot earned during the ONT could be transferred to the full game, as long as players kept their save data intact. That sense of permanence made every raid feel worthwhile, even during a test phase.
Bandai Namco and Dimps clearly treated Fractured Daydream as more than just another SAO spinoff. The game positions itself as the ultimate crossover, blending characters, timelines, and worlds in ways the franchise hasn’t attempted before. Familiar enemies return as allies, fallen characters resurface, and unexpected conversations unfold between figures who were never meant to meet. It’s fan service, but with narrative intent behind it.
Since the ONT, the game has continued to grow. New downloadable content has introduced characters like M and Pitohui from Gun Gale Online, along with additional missions, outfits, and weapons. New modes and a Nintendo Switch demo have expanded access, giving even more players a taste of the game’s large-scale raids and cooperative challenges.
Each update keeps the community buzzing, with players eagerly anticipating bigger encounters, fresh character additions, and deeper cross-world interactions. There’s a clear sense that Fractured Daydream is designed to evolve alongside its audience rather than remain static after launch.
The ONT for Sword Art Online: Fractured Daydream was more than a stress test—it was a declaration of what the game wants to be. This is a title built for fans who want to see their favorite heroes and villains collide, overcome impossible odds together, and walk away stronger than before. And if that journey comes with rare loot and unforgettable raid moments, all the better.