8 Anime Like Sword Art Online

In a world of virtual reality, a timid high school student named Kaede Honjou takes a leap of faith into the popular online game New World Online, following the enthusiastic urging of her friend. Donning the avatar name Maple, she embarks on a journey that will change her life forever. With a peculiar approach, Kaede allocates all her stat points to vitality, prioritizing defense over offense. As a result, Maple's defense becomes remarkably high, rendering her nearly invulnerable to harm. This peculiar strategy, however, proves to be a game-changer. Maple discovers she can wield overpowered skills like Total Defense, Poison Immunity, and Devour, which, combined with her incredible defense, allow her to decimate enemies with ease. Within a few days, she claims a top-three spot in a server-wide event, earning a reputation as an unstoppable force. Despite her overpowered character, Kaede still has much to learn and discovers as she progresses through the game. As she navigates the virtual world, Kaede meets new friends and acquaintances, who help her conquer new levels and events. Along the way, she may uncover even more extraordinary skills that defy expectation, further solidifying her status as a force to be reckoned with in the world of New World Online.

In a world of virtual reality gaming, high school student Rakurou Hizutome, aka Sunraku, is an oddity among gamers. He has a peculiar fondness for playing glitch-ridden and unbalanced games, which sets him apart from the mainstream crowd. But when he's recommended the popular game Shangri-La Frontier, Rakurou sees an opportunity to take a break from his usual fare. Upon entering the game, Rakurou makes a bold decision to divest himself of most of his starting gear, opting instead for a pair of boxers, a bird mask, and a few weapons. As he meticulously levels up his avatar, he becomes increasingly hooked. However, his confidence is soon shaken when he encounters formidable foes that leave him questioning his underpreparedness. Rakurou must draw upon the skills he's honed from his years of playing problematic games to survive. As Sunraku's unconventional playstyle gains traction, he becomes an unlikely sensation in Shangri-La Frontier. With his unorthodox approach, Rakurou must navigate the challenges of a mainstream game while staying true to his gaming roots. Will his unique style be enough to propel him to the top, or will his lack of preparation prove to be his downfall?

In the span of a single moment, thousands of Japanese gamers find themselves transported into the virtual world of Elder Tale, a popular MMORPG, after a sudden update renders logouts impossible. Amidst the chaos, Shiroe, a college student with a background in the game, quickly adapts to his new reality and sets out to uncover the boundaries of his new existence. As he navigates this unfamiliar world, Shiroe must navigate the complexities of politics and leadership, forging alliances with non-player characters and other trapped gamers to establish order in the virtual city of Akihabara. He is joined by Naotsugu, a longtime gamer who finds himself stuck in the game after a years-long hiatus, and Akatsuki, a feisty assassin who claims Shiroe as her master. Through his strategic mind and quick thinking, Shiroe seeks to make the most of his predicament, embarking on a thrilling adventure that explores the intricacies of gaming and the human experience.

In the aftermath of their six-month odyssey in the world of Elder Tale, Shiroe and his fellow Adventurers have adapted to their new surroundings, forging a sense of community and stability in Akiba. The Round Table Alliance, led by Shiroe, has brought law and order to the city, allowing it to thrive once more. However, this hard-won progress is threatened by a new set of challenges: dwindling funds and the infiltration of Minami district spies. As tensions simmer in other districts, Shiroe recognizes the need to explore the vast, uncharted world beyond Akiba's borders. He sets his sights on uncovering its secrets, accompanied by his trusted friend Naotsugu and the enigmatic Sage of Mirror Lake, Regan. With his calculated approach, Shiroe hopes to uncover new opportunities and, ultimately, find a way back to his own world.

In feudal Japan, where demons roam free, 15-year-old Kagome Higurashi's life takes an unexpected turn when a demon drags her into her family's ancient well. As she materializes in the past, she's pursued by malevolent demons seeking the Shikon Jewel, a powerful artifact she unwittingly possesses. With her life in peril, Kagome crosses paths with Inuyasha, a half-demon with a troubled past. Initially, Inuyasha mistakes Kagome for Kikyou, a shrine maiden he harbors resentment towards. His hostility towards Kagome is palpable, but as they face a common enemy, he sets aside his animosity and joins forces with her. Their fragile alliance is put to the test when the Shikon Jewel is shattered into pieces, scattering its fragments across the land. The potential consequences of this catastrophe are dire, and Kagome and Inuyasha embark on a perilous quest to recover the shards before they fall into the wrong hands. As they navigate treacherous landscapes and battle formidable foes, Kagome and Inuyasha must confront their own demons and forge an unlikely bond. With the fate of the Shikon Jewel hanging in the balance, their journey becomes a thrilling adventure filled with action, romance, and self-discovery.

Third season of Xue Ying Ling Zhu.

In the tranquil sun-drenched province of the empire, a humble lordship, the Xue Ying Territory, holds court. This is the domain of the Dong Bo clan, where our protagonist Xue Ying calls home. His family is marked by contrasts: his father, a commoner who rose to nobility, and his mother, a noble who defied convention to follow her heart. But the tranquility of Xue Ying's life is short-lived, as a series of events sets him on a perilous path to reclaim his peace.

After a tragic traffic accident claims the life of 20-year-old college student Haruto Amakawa, he finds himself reborn in a mystical realm, now inhabiting the youthful body of Rio. As their consciousnesses merge, Rio discovers that he has also inherited extraordinary magical abilities. His burning desire for vengeance against those responsible for his mother's demise remains unwavering, despite his new identity. Rio's life takes a dramatic turn when he rescues the kidnapped princess of the Bertram Kingdom, earning the gratitude of the monarch. In a surprising twist, the king offers him a spot at the prestigious Bertram Royal Academy, an opportunity Rio seizes with gusto. However, his humble beginnings as a slum-dweller make it challenging for him to navigate the elite environment, surrounded by classmates who hail from noble bloodlines.