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Demo Guide | Echoes of Aincrad ( SAO EoA )

Demo Guide | Echoes of Aincrad ( SAO EoA )

Last Updated: July 15, 2026 at 1:35 AM
Table of Contents

Echoes of Aincrad Demo Guide

Demo Guide

The Echoes of Aincrad demo is released for players who want a first look at Aincrad before the full game launches on July 10. Check out all the details here, including what carries over into the full version.

How Long is the Echoes of Aincrad Demo?

Demo

The demo covers the first five main quests, all set during the Closed Beta Test arc. Sticking to the story alone takes roughly 3-4 hours, but if you like exploring for treasure chests and extra content, expect to add another 6-7 hours.

If you're planning to buy the full game, it's worth creating a save file here first, since it can transfer over.

What Are the Demo's Limits, and What Carries Over?

Echoes of Aincrad Demo Limitations

Limitations 1

Demo Limitations
X Maximum Level is capped.
X Weapon Proficiency is capped.
X Hard and Very Hard Difficulties are not available.
X Demo Progress cannot be changed to Death Game Mode.
X No Character Creation Yet.

Before the demo starts, a warning appears letting players know that some features and details may differ from the full release. Keep that in mind if you're planning to test the game out!

Demo Progress That Carries Over

Save Data

Elements that Carry Over to the Full Game
1 Story progress
2 Character Level and Weapon Proficiency
3 Items, Gear, and Col

All your progress from the demo carries over to the full game, including your stats, equipment, and story progress. None of the time you spend collecting items or advancing the story goes to waste, unless you're planning to start your save in Death Game Mode.

Related Article
Death Game Mode

Things to Do in the Echoes of Aincrad Demo

Echoes of Aincrad Demo

With the limitations and features out of the way, what are the things worth doing in the demo? Here's a checklist of things to try before diving into the full game:

What to Do in the Echoes of Aincrad Demo
Progress the Main StoryExplore for Treasure
Try Out Different WeaponsLevel Up and Fight Alongside Your Partner

Prioritize the Main Story

Main Story

One of the best reasons to try the demo is getting a feel for the game's lore and story. It's a big factor in deciding whether the full game is worth picking up. While doing this, players can also get familiar with the gameplay mechanics.

Look for Treasure Chests

Chests

It's recommended to collect treasure chests scattered throughout Aincrad, since they can contain blueprints for crafting. Their locations will show up on the map once you've unlocked the area.

Test Out All the Weapons

Weapons

Experiment with all six weapon types (Sword & Shield, Two-Handed Axe, Dagger, Rapier, Two-Handed Sword, and Mace) to see which playstyle fits you best.

Related Article
List of All Weapons

Explore with Party Members and Level Up

Party Members

Take time to learn the Partner System while you're leveling up your stats, weapons, and Cardinal Rank. Before each quest, you get to pick who joins your party, so try out different characters and see how their Combination Skills and Support Skills fit your combat style.

Related Article
List of All Characters

Echoes of Aincrad Demo Walkthrough

Prologue

Prologue

Prologue Walkthrough
1.pngMeet up with the party.
2.pngDefeat all the monsters in the room.
3.pngSearch for the exit.
4.pngDefeat the Sentry Golem.
5.pngSearch for the pink-haired girl's party.
6.pngDefeat Illfang the Kobold Lord.
7.pngFind the exit.

Iori's Request

Iori's Request

Iori's Request Walkthrough
1.pngHead to the inn Iori recommends.
2.pngReunite with your friends.
3.pngGo around town with Iori.
4.pngEmbark on Iori's quest.
5.pngHead for the Safe Area to the Northwest.
6.pngDefeat the Snowcap Boar.

Within the Shadows

Within the Shadows

Within the Shadows Walkthrough
1.pngSearch for the rumored monster.
2.pngSearch for the monster that stole Iori's money.
3.pngDefeat the Shrewman.
4.pngKeep looking for the monster.
5.pngDefeat the Glenspore Grizzly.

The Violet Fencer I

The Violet Fencer I

The Violet Fencer I Walkthrough
1.pngLeave to search for the Teardrop Cave.
2.pngFind the Cave Entrance.
3.pngDefeat the Dire Strife Wolf.
4.pngActivate the Warp Terminal in Teardrop Cave.

The Violet Fencer II

The Violet Fencer II

The Violet Fencer II Walkthrough
1.pngLeave to take on Teardrop Cave.
2.pngReach the deepest part of the Cave.
3.pngDefeat the Glenspore Grizzly.
4.pngContinue exploring the Cave.
5.pngDefeat the Wrathful Shrewman.
6.pngActivate the Terminal in the deepest part of Teardrop Cave.

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