While the new Sword Art Online game Echoes of Aincrad will involve us creating a new, original character and learning from our ally Iori, Bandai Namco confirmed series staple Argo will return for this title. She’ll serve as an information broker for players, just as she did for Kirito in other adaptations. There’s also initial official art for her and a profile.
Some of the classic Argo Sword Art Online design elements are present in the depiction of the character in Echoes of Aincrad. For example, she still has her whiskers on her face, with three on each side under her eyes. She’s shown wielding a dagger in the image, and there are no signs of the claws she’s known for in the series. In addition to appearing in the original story and games, she also was known for appearances in other MMOs in the series thanks to titles like Sword Art Online: Lost Song and Sword Art Online: Fatal Bullet.
Here’s the official art and profile Bandai Namco shared:
While Argo will be back, so far the Sword Art Online icons Kirito and Asuna aren’t confirmed as being part of the Echoes of Aincrad game. However, they will be connected to it in a way. The Unanswered//butterfly anime will feature the two of them and new characters Emirun and Rex. That is the bonus included in the Ultimate Upgrade Pack DLC with the Ultimate Edition of the game.
Here’s the official trailer for that Polygon Pictures anime, in case you missed it.
The Sword Art Online game Echoes of Aincrad will come to the PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC on July 10, 2026, the original anime series is on Crunchyroll, and Yen Press handles manga, audiobooks, and light novels based on the series.