The Open Network Test (ONT) in September 2024 wasn’t just a preview—it was a full-scale stress test for both the servers and the players, setting the stage for one of the most ambitious SAO titles yet.
The ONT Experience: More Than Just a Demo
This was not your typical demo. The ONT took the doors to PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC players simultaneously. What put it ahead was the assurance of loot transferability. For the first time, any accessories or weapons gained throughout the ONT could be transferred to the full game, providing early players with a good head start. For enthusiasts who enjoy the rush of pursuing gear, that was an enormous sell.
Multiplayer Mayhem: 20-Player Raids That Require Teamwork
Fractured Daydream is not about one-man heroics. It’s about large-scale, co-op chaos. The ONT had 20-player raids in which teams fought legendary bosses such as The Skull Reaper and Sword Golem. Players were divided into five teams of four, each with their own objectives, before congregating for the grand finale.
The initial phase saw teams battle it out to score points based on objectives, enemy slayings, and loot. Next came everyone coming together for one big co-op battle—be it defending siege-towered objectives that were being attacked or fighting a massive boss. With a bit of friendly competition in the mix, the game provided a special highlight to whoever delivered the killing blow to the boss.
Character Variety: Roles, Skills, and Fan Favorites
One of the largest hooks in this game is its character selection. The ONT provided nine of the final 21, each playing classic RPG roles such as Fighter, Tank, Rogue, Mage, Ranger, and Support. Kirito and Asuna served equal DPS duty, Agil stood in as a Tank, and Argo and LLENN provided agility and quickness as Rogues. Oberon excelled at magic disruption, Sinon and Fukaziroh provided terrifying long-range firepower, and Leafa kept them all alive with heals and buffs.
The diversity didn’t just stop at looks—every character had unique mechanics that shifted how you fought fights.
Loot, Mods, and Progression: Rewards Worth Fighting For
No SAO game would be complete without a gear grind, and the ONT did not disappoint. Players could use mods that increased stats such as damage, critical chance, or health. Mods were available in various rarities, and the gold-tier mods provided the most benefit. The twist? You only carried one, so each pickup was a tactical choice.
Bosses and more formidable enemies dropped the most desirable loot, with legendary equipment providing significant performance increases. All the loot from the ONT was transferred to the regular game if players maintained their save data.
Bandai Namco and Dimps went out of their way to make it obvious they were going big. Fractured Daydream was the ultimate SAO crossover, bringing characters, worlds, and timelines together in ways that no fan ever thought possible. It wasn’t about the flash of the cameo appearances—there were solid story points, enemies turned allies, characters brought back from the dead, and special conversations between unlikely partners.
Since the ONT, the game has only continued to develop. New DLC has introduced characters such as M and Pitohui from Gun Gale Online, as well as additional missions, costumes, and guns. New game modes have been released, and a Nintendo Switch demo has allowed even more players to experience 20-player raids and co-op challenges.
With every update, the prospect of larger battles, additional characters, and greater cross-world interaction keeps the player base interested.
SWORD ART ONLINE Fractured Daydream’s ONT was more than a tech test—it was an intent statement. This is a game designed for fans who wish to see their beloved heroes and villains come together, face insurmountable odds, and possibly walk away with the best loot in the digital world.