Sword Art Online – Season 3 (2018–2020)
Alicization & War of Underworld: The Deepest Dive into Virtual Reality Yet
Season 3 of Sword Art Online marks the series’ most ambitious arc, introducing an entirely new virtual world, deeper philosophical questions, and a massive war that spans two full seasons. Alicization explores what it means to be human through the eyes of artificial souls, while War of Underworld escalates into a battle that will determine the future of both virtual and real worlds.
Sword Art Online – Season 3 Overview
Title: Sword Art Online: Alicization & War of Underworld
Episodes: 47 (24 for Alicization, 23 for War of Underworld)
Air Dates:
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Alicization: Oct 7, 2018 – Mar 31, 2019
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War of Underworld Part 1: Oct 13, 2019 – Dec 29, 2019
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War of Underworld Part 2: Jul 12, 2020 – Sep 20, 2020
Studio: A-1 Pictures
Streaming Platforms: Crunchyroll, Netflix, Funimation
Opening Themes: -
"RESISTER" by ASCA
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"Unlasting" by LiSA
Story Summary
After a new full-dive technology called Soul Translator emerges, Kirito becomes a test subject and is sent into the mysterious Underworld—a VR realm where AI behave like real humans. Trapped in this world after an incident in the real one, Kirito forms a deep bond with Eugeo, a native of the Underworld, and sets out to rescue their childhood friend Alice, who was taken by the church.
As the story progresses into War of Underworld, a massive conflict erupts between the human and dark territories within the Underworld. Meanwhile, the real world races against time to protect the Underworld from external threats trying to steal its secrets. With both worlds at stake, Kirito must awaken from his coma and fight one last war.
Major Arcs Covered
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Alicization Arc
Kirito explores the Underworld, a land populated by “fluctlights” (AI with souls). He meets Eugeo and fights to rescue Alice from the Axiom Church. -
Alicization: War of Underworld (Parts 1 & 2)
Kirito is in a comatose state as Asuna, Sinon, and other allies enter the Underworld to fend off invading forces. The final battle pits AI, humans, and real-world players against one another.
Key Themes
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What Is Humanity? – The existence of sentient AI challenges the definition of life and personhood.
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Sacrifice and Loyalty – Many characters make personal sacrifices for love, duty, or freedom.
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War and Peace – The storyline questions the consequences of warfare, both virtual and real.
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Friendship and Legacy – Eugeo’s journey with Kirito adds emotional depth to the narrative.
Main Characters – Season 3
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Kirito (Kazuto Kirigaya) – Trapped in the Underworld, he becomes a knight in a virtual world that’s more real than any game.
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Eugeo – A kind-hearted Underworld inhabitant and Kirito’s best friend, driven by loyalty and justice.
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Alice Zuberg – A once-brainwashed Integrity Knight who regains her memory and becomes a major figure in the war.
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Asuna Yuuki – Joins the Underworld to protect Kirito and fight in the final battle.
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Gabriel Miller / Subtilizer – The chilling antagonist who seeks to harvest the secrets of human souls.
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Sinon, Leafa, Klein, and others – Return to fight in the Underworld's climactic battles.
Where to Watch Sword Art Online – Season 3
You can stream Season 3 on:
Final Thoughts
Season 3 is Sword Art Online at its most mature and epic. It dives into themes of life, memory, identity, and what it means to be real—blending high-stakes action with emotional storytelling. With its incredible world-building and powerful character arcs, Alicization & War of Underworld is an unforgettable saga that redefines the VR anime experience.
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