Editions Comparison
Standard $69.99, Deluxe $89.99, Ultimate $109.99, or the PS5-only Aincrad Edition $149.99 — compare every Echoes of Aincrad edition side by side to find the right one for you.
Four editions available. Pre-order bonuses apply across all digital tiers.
Quick Summary
Standard Edition
Digital — PS5 / Xbox / Steam
Best for budget-conscious players who only want the base game.
Deluxe Edition
Digital — PS5 / Xbox / Steam
Best value for most players. Adds the Expansion DLC, Starter Pack, and early Death Game Mode for $20 more.
Ultimate Edition
Digital — PS5 / Xbox / Steam
For dedicated fans who want the complete digital package — special anime, digital artbook, soundtrack, and exclusive armor.
Aincrad Edition
Physical — PS5 only
PS5-only physical collector's box sold through the Bandai Namco Store. For SAO collectors who want the merch.
Full Comparison
| Content | Standard | Deluxe | Ultimate | Aincrad |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $69.99 | $89.99 | $109.99 | $149.99 |
| Base Game | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Proto-Elucidator Weapon PackPre-order bonus | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Expansion DLCBy Dec 31, 2026 | — | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Starter Pack | — | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Death Game Mode Early Unlock | — | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Unanswered//butterfly App (anime, artbook, OST) | — | — | Yes | Yes |
| Armor Pack: Flutter Boots & Robes | — | — | Yes | Yes |
| Physical Disc (Ultimate content) | — | — | — | Yes |
| Beanie & Wall Scroll | — | — | — | Yes |
| Patches & Sticker Pack | — | — | — | Yes |
Pre-Order Bonus: Proto-Elucidator Weapon Pack
Pre-ordering any digital edition of Echoes of Aincrad grants the Proto-Elucidator Weapon Pack. This pack includes early-access versions of all 6 weapon types plus a shield, each styled after the legendary Elucidator — Kirito signature weapon from the original SAO series.
Note: The Proto-Elucidator weapons are early-game gear. They provide a visual and statistical head start but are not intended to be endgame equipment. Pro tip: upgrade them at the Smithy to extend their usefulness into the mid-game.
Which Edition Should You Buy?
Standard — $69.99
If you just want the base game and are not sure whether you will engage with DLC content, Standard is a safe entry point. The pre-order Proto-Elucidator pack is included with any pre-purchase.
Deluxe — $89.99
The sweet spot for most players. For $20 more than Standard, you get the Expansion DLC (by Dec 31, 2026), the Starter Pack with helpful early-game items, and early access to Death Game Mode from day one. If you plan to play through all content, Deluxe pays for itself.
Ultimate — $109.99
For dedicated fans who want the Unanswered//butterfly bonus content app — the special anime, digital artbook, and digital soundtrack — plus the exclusive Flutter Boots & Flutter Robes armor pack. It is a $20 step over Deluxe for cosmetics and extras, not for gameplay power.
Aincrad Edition — $149.99
The PS5-only physical box, sold through the Bandai Namco Store. Includes the Ultimate Edition disc and all of its digital content, plus a beanie, wall scroll, patches, and a sticker pack. Only worth it if physical merch matters to you — and note it is not available on Xbox or PC.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Proto-Elucidator worth pre-ordering for?
Yes, if you plan to buy the game anyway. The weapons are early-game gear with unique visual designs. They are not game-breaking but provide a meaningful head start and are a nice nod to SAO fans who recognize the Elucidator from the anime.
Can I upgrade from Standard to Deluxe later?
Bandai Namco has not confirmed whether upgrade paths will be available at launch. If you are unsure, purchasing Deluxe upfront is safer than hoping for a later upgrade option.
Is the Demo save compatible with all editions?
Yes. Demo save data carries over to any edition of the full game. Progress is tied to your platform account (Steam / PSN / Xbox Live), not to the edition purchased.