Death Game Mode
Everything you need to know about Echoes of Aincrad's permadeath mode — how it works, how to survive, and whether you should enable it.
Death Game Mode adds permadeath — if your character dies, your save is permanently deleted.
What Is Death Game Mode?
Death Game Mode is an optional permadeath system in Echoes of Aincrad. If your character dies while the mode is active, your save file is permanently deleted — no continues, no reloads, no second chances. It is a direct reference to the original premise of the Sword Art Online series, where death in the game meant death in reality.
The mode was detailed by Sword Art Online producer Yosuke Futami in an interview with Denfaminicogamer, where he confirmed the save-deletion mechanic and emphasized that the team designed it to replicate the tension of the source material.
How It Works
Permadeath Rule
When Death Game Mode is active and your HP reaches zero, the game immediately deletes your save file. There is no checkpoint reload or continue screen — the run ends permanently.
Toggle Any Time
Death Game Mode can be turned on or off freely during your playthrough. You can activate it for boss encounters and disable it during exploration — giving you control over when to accept the risk.
Difficulty Independent
The mode is separate from the four difficulty settings (Story, Normal, Hard, Very Hard). You can combine Death Game Mode with any difficulty, from a relaxed Story stroll to a punishing Very Hard run.
Save File Location
On PC, save files are stored at C:\Users\AppData\Echoes of Aincrad. On consoles, saves are managed through the platform's cloud storage. Note that manual backups are not prevented.
Difficulty Layers
Death Game Mode is a separate toggle that layers on top of the standard difficulty settings. Understanding how these layers interact is crucial for planning your run.
| Setting | Enemy Damage | Enemy HP | Resources | Death Penalty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Story | Low | Low | Abundant | Checkpoint reload |
| Normal | Standard | Standard | Standard | Checkpoint reload |
| Hard | High | High | Scarce | Checkpoint reload |
| Very Hard | Very High | Very High | Minimal | Checkpoint reload |
| + Death Game | Same as base difficulty | Save deleted | ||
Survival Strategies
Prioritize Defensive Stats
Invest Growth Points in Vitality and Endurance before damage stats. A dead character deals zero DPS. Aim for a 2:1 ratio of defensive to offensive stats in the early game, especially if you are new to action RPGs.
Use a Shield
Weapons compatible with shields (One-Handed Sword, Rapier, Mace) offer a massive safety advantage. Perfect blocks and guard breaks give you breathing room that two-handed weapons simply cannot provide. In Death Game Mode, a shield is the difference between a close call and a deleted save.
Over-Prepare at the Smithy
Before every boss encounter, visit the Smithy. Upgrade your weapon, apply EX-Mods, craft Tempered Steel enhancements, and stockpile Healing Crystals. Treat the Smithy as a mandatory checkpoint — never skip it. A well-upgraded weapon reduces the number of attack cycles needed, which means fewer chances for mistakes.
Master Parrying
Parrying is the highest-skill, highest-reward defensive tool in Echoes of Aincrad. A successful parry opens the enemy to a Reversal Slash counter, deals stagger damage, and consumes no stamina. Practice on fodder enemies in the prologue dungeon before attempting it against bosses like Illfang the Kobold Lord.
Use Switch Mode Wisely
Switch Mode splits enemy aggro between you and your AI partner. Use it to disengage, heal, and reposition. In Free Mode, both you and your partner focus the same target for maximum burst damage. Learn to toggle between the two mid-fight — it is one of the most powerful tools for survival.
Should You Enable Death Game Mode?
Play with DGM if...
- · You want the authentic SAO experience
- · You have completed the demo and know the combat system
- · You enjoy high-stakes, no-retry gameplay
- · You plan to do multiple playthroughs anyway
- · You are comfortable with manual save backups
Skip DGM if...
- · This is your first SAO game
- · You have limited gaming time per week
- · You dislike losing progress to unexpected bugs
- · You want to explore every corner without pressure
- · You are playing on Very Hard already
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I back up my save file to bypass permadeath?
Technically yes — on PC you can manually copy save files from the AppData folder before risky encounters. However, this goes against the intended design of the mode. The developer has not implemented any anti-backup measures.
Does Death Game Mode affect achievements or trophies?
Bandai Namco has not confirmed whether completing the game with Death Game Mode active unlocks exclusive achievements. Given the precedent in similar games, it is possible that a hidden trophy exists for finishing the game in permadeath mode.
Can I enable Death Game Mode mid-battle?
No. The toggle is only available from the pause menu or at Safety Areas. You cannot activate it during active combat — which means you cannot cheese a near-death situation by toggling it off.
Is Death Game Mode available in the demo?
The demo does not include Death Game Mode. It is a full-release feature. The demo uses a fixed beta character on Normal difficulty without permadeath, allowing players to learn the combat system risk-free.