SAO: Variant Showdown recruiting closed beta testers

Sword Art Online: Variant Showdown will be conducting a closed beta test, with fans able to apply to participate. Applications will be accepted until 16 May 2022, 09:00 UTC though this appears subject to change. The test will be available for both iOS and Android devices, but if your primary device is a tablet, you will unfortunately not be able to play on that.

10,000 players will be accepted into the Variant Showdown closed beta. The test itself is scheduled for 10 June 2022, 04:00 UTC to 14 June 2022, 03:59 UTC, quite a short window at that. However, it’s interesting to note that load testing will begin once the closed beta ends. You won’t be able to keep any data from the closed beta, and you’re recommended to uninstall the client prior to getting the launch version.

Content in the beta includes:

• Story Quests, chapter 1 – 4
• Boss fight against The Gleam Eyes
• Daily Quests for enhancement items
• Enhance, edit character teams and their Ability Cards
• Gacha for characters and Ability Cards
• Kirito, Asuna, Silica, Leafa and Lisbeth will be playable. Each have one SAOVS outfit and one from their original series. Skills will differ based on character costume and rarity

Full details about the closed beta can be found through the testing registration portal here. You’ll be required to answer a short survey before submitting your application, with successful applicants getting an email on or after 26 May 2022.

Join Us!