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.

In a secluded life with his grandfather, Lian, Qin Yu struggles to master the internal arts due to his meridian issues. To lift his spirits, Lian presents him with an unusual bird, which Qin Yu affectionately names Xiao Hei. Seeking his father's recognition, Qin Yu begins his cultivation journey under the guidance of Zhao Yunxing, determined to overcome his physical limitations and excel in the external arts. During a training break, Qin Yu stumbles upon a mysterious red crystal that unexpectedly merges with his body, imbuing him with extraordinary abilities. With Xiao Hei by his side, Qin Yu sets out to prove himself worthy of his father's approval, unaware of the transformative power that now resides within him.

In a world where strength and weakness are the only currencies that matter, Tang San's life as a prodigious disciple of the prestigious Tang Sect is marked by great expectations. However, his desire for forbidden knowledge leads him to make a choice that will seal his fate. Jumping from the peak of his former life, Tang's journey takes an unexpected turn as he finds himself reincarnated in a new world. In this mystical realm, the strong thrive while the weak are consumed by the darkness. The key to success lies in cultivating one's innate spirit, which grants its wielder incredible abilities. Born with a spirit deemed useless by the world, Tang's journey as a blacksmith's son takes an extraordinary turn when he discovers his spirit, Blue Silver Grass, at the Spirit Master ceremony. But with his memories of a past life guiding him, Tang's potential as a Spirit Master is far from bleak. As Tang navigates this new world, he must confront the harsh realities of survival and the secrets of his forgotten past. With his unique spirit and the power of his memories, Tang San embarks on a path that will take him to the heights of greatness or the depths of despair.

When her boyfriend suddenly dumps her for another girl, college student Akane Kinoshita is left reeling from the heartbreak. Seeking solace in the virtual world of Forest of Savior, the MMO she and her ex-boyfriend once played together, Akane concocts a plan to get revenge by attending an in-game event. However, her quest for vengeance takes an unexpected turn when she crosses paths with Akito Yamada, a gaming prodigy and her guildmate. As Akane pours her heart out to the initially stoic Yamada, she discovers a complex individual with a hidden depth. Despite their vastly different personalities, the two find themselves drawn to each other's inner qualities. As they navigate the game and their budding friendship, Akane and Yamada begin to realize that their connection may transcend the digital realm. Will their tentative acquaintance evolve into something more, or will the risks of opening up to someone new prove too great to overcome?