Bandai Namco and Dimps announced that players eager to play Sword Art Online: Fractured Daydream can participate in an upcoming Opeen Network Test on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam.
The Sword Art Online: Fractured Daydream Open Network Test will be available from September 20 through September 22, 2024. During this time, players can take part in raids of up to 20 other players and take on the role of a few beloved characters from the animated series.
The Open Network Test lets players explore the virtual world and engage in epic 20-player raids against unique and vicious enemies such as The Skull Reaper and Sword Golem, all while stepping into the roles of their beloved Sword Art Online characters. During the Open Network Test, players can choose from nine of the 21 beloved characters from the full roster depending on the party’s needs:
- FIGHTER – Kirito and Asuna who are versatile with their well-balanced DPS abilities
- TANK – Agil who specializes in provocation skills to attract enemies and shield their allies
- ROGUE – Argo and LLENN who use their offensive prowess and agility to disrupt and confuse foes
- MAGE – Oberon who creates battlefield anomalies through various disruptive spells
- RANGER – Sinon and Fukaziroh who excel in long-range attacks
- SUPPORT – Leafa who provides magical buffs and healing to aid her team
The SSword Art Online: Fractured Daydream ONT sessions are scheduled as follows:
- Friday, September 20, 7 p.m. PDT – Saturday, September 21, 7 p.m. PDT: ONT available
- Saturday, September 21, 7 p.m. PDT – Saturday, September 21, 11 p.m.: 4-hour Maintenance; ONT unavailable
- Saturday, September 21, 11 p.m. PDT – Sunday, September 22, 8 p.m. PDT: ONT available
Sword Art Online: Fractured Daydream is described as a multiplayer co-op battle action game with an offline story mode and online modes that support up to 20 players. The former is unique in the sense that it’s the first time the first time throughout the Sword Art Online video games that the narrative is centered around worlds from the original anime.
After logging into the virtual world, numerous individuals experience their memories being rewritten amidst intertwining virtual realities, resulting in Kirito teaming up with allies and past enemies to resolve this divergence.
Combat encourages players to mix their combos with the two basic maneuvers, Normal and Strong attacks. Each character also has three special moves and an Ultimate skill, making them invincible throughout their respective durations.
Another mechanic is Switch Chains, which occur during boss encounters. Players can take turns with their comrades and launch coordinated attacks, and if all party members participate successfully, you’ll all be rewarded with significant damage output.
Synchro Counter is a combat technique against bosses where players joining a newly spawned circle can negate an incoming special attack. Moreover, some characters have special actions like Hover and Aim, aiding distinction. All characters also have cosmetic alterations with costumes and weapon skins.
Sword Art Online: Fractured Daydream will be released for PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam on October 4, 2024.
