Bandai Namco Entertainment has announced that their Open Network Test (ONT) for Sword Art Online: Fractured Daydream is set to run from 21st September to 23rd September. The ONT will be accessible across multiple platforms, including PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam. This test aims to provide a preview of the game’s multiplayer features ahead of its official release on 4th October 2024, but will presumably provide some valuable insight for the network engineers ahead of release.
Based on the Sword Art Online series multimedia franchise which started with Reki Kawahara’s light novel but eventually expanded into anime, manga, films and more – Fractured Daydream is a multiplayer-focused adventure that lets players step into the shoes of their favourite characters to explore a virtual world and engage in 20-player raids. During the ONT, players will face formidable enemies such as The Skull Reaper and Sword Golem.
During the testing phase, players will be able to play as nine out of the 21 characters from the series to be featured in the game, each filling different roles tailored to their party’s strategy:
Fighter: Kirito and Asuna, known for their well-balanced DPS abilities.
Tank: Agil, who can use provocation skills to draw enemy attention and protect allies.
Rogue: Argo and Llenn, who rely on agility and offensive power to disrupt foes.
Mage: Oberon, who manipulates the battlefield with a variety of disruptive spells.
Ranger: Sinon and Fukaziroh, skilled in long-range attacks.
Support: Leafa, providing magical buffs and healing to support the team.
The ONT sessions are set to run across limited time periods across the event days, specifically:
Test Period 1
From 04:00 CEST on 21st September (Saturday) to 04:00 CEST on 22nd September (Sunday).
Test Period 2
From 08:00 CEST on 22nd September (Sunday) to 05:00 CEST on 23rd September (Monday).
As an incentive for participating in the Open Network Test, participants will be able to carry over obtained equipment, including weapons and accessories, from the test version to the full release of Sword Art Online: Fractured Daydream.
