Many fans are constantly on the lookout for anime similar to Accel World, a highly popular Japanese sci-fi novel and anime series. The show follows the journey of Haruyuki Arita, a middle school student who is being bullied, and how his life changes when Kuroyukihime, a second-year student at his school, introduces him to the secretive program called Brain Burst.
The program enables users to enhance their brainwaves and experience time differently, providing them with an advantage in battles. Haruyuki utilizes this tool to conquer his oppressors and develop a sense of self-assurance. As he navigates the fantastical Accelerated World alongside Kuroyukihime, he uncovers the intense battles, virtual realities, and adversities that comprise Brain Burst.
Fans have been drawn to the original concept, captivating romance, and expertly crafted dystopian world. If these elements captured your interest, then you are sure to enjoy the adrenaline-fueled anime, Accel World, included in this curated list.
Recommended Anime Similar to Accel World
Sword Art Online
Undoubtedly, Sword Art Online is the most popular anime similar to Accel World. Both share the concept of virtual reality gone wrong, with players being trapped in a game world and unable to log out. While Sword Art Online centers on VRMMORPGs instead of fighting games, it rivals Accel World in its imaginative storyline.
Despite being trapped in the virtual world of Sword Art Online by the highly advanced NerveGear system, protagonist Kirito and other skilled players must navigate through all 100 levels in order to escape the treacherous game. If they fail and die within the virtual reality, their minds will be destroyed by the NerveGear.
As the story unfolds, Kirito teams up with Asuna, whom he meets in SAO, and their relationship eventually blossoms into love. Together, they become an unbeatable duo, conquering bosses, tackling challenging quests, and making their way towards the upper levels of the treacherous game.
2. Log Horizon
Log Horizon is another immensely popular virtual reality anime similar to Accel World. It follows the story of over 30,000 players who are trapped inside the fantasy VRMMORPG world of Elder Tale from different parts of the globe.
Similarly to Sword Art Online, the characters do not face permanent death in the real world if they are killed in the game. Instead, they are able to be revived within the game. However, the main storyline is still driven by the characters’ pursuit to escape the game and the unknown reality of living within it.
Shiroe, the main character, is a skilled strategist who creates a guild consisting of outcasts to confront obstacles such as forming alliances with NPCs, conflicts with PK guilds, understanding complex game mechanics, and establishing a functional society within the game.
No Game No Life
For those who are fans of Accel World and are drawn to the futuristic game setting and intense competition, No Game No Life is the perfect choice. In this world, Sora and Shiro are transported to a new reality where they must prevail against 16 different races in various games in order to unite the world of Disboard and ultimately confront the powerful god, Tet.
Similar to Accel World, this anime also provides thrilling tactics and turns as the pair faces various challenges ranging from basic card games to warfare simulations, utilizing their brilliant minds to rise to the highest rank. Their partnership proves to be invincible as they combine their intellect and cunningness to manipulate all the races with clever schemes.
Btooom!
Btooom! offers an intense and thrilling battle royale experience set in a gaming universe that will captivate fans of Accel World. After awakening on a tropical island, unemployed Ryōta Sakamoto learns that he has been chosen to participate in a real-life version of the popular online game Btooom!, where players use specialized bombs known as BIMs to eliminate their opponents.
In order for Ryōta to make it back home, he must accumulate sufficient points by collecting chips from vanquished adversaries and successfully eliminate other players with strategic and skillful tactics to complete the game. This thrilling anime blends gaming elements with survival drama, resulting in a captivating viewing adventure that makes it a fantastic choice for fans of Accel World.
Overlord
Overlord presents a unique perspective on the concept of being trapped inside a video game world, appealing to fans of Accel World. As the most popular virtual reality game, Yggdrasil is about to shut down, guild leader Momonga logs in for one last time before the server goes offline.
At midnight, when the forced logout is triggered, Momonga realizes that the NPCs have gained sentience while he is still stuck in his overpowered sorcerer form.
Momonga embarks on an unpredictable journey to uncover the truth behind the real world, all while expanding his underground tomb, commanding his fiercely devoted NPC followers, and taking on the persona of an all-powerful ruler of darkness. This distinct concept makes Overlord a captivating anime similar to Accel World.
The King’s Avatar (Quan Zhi Gao Shou)
Devoted followers of Accel World who also happen to be gaming enthusiasts will find The King’s Avatar to be a highly enjoyable experience. The show delves into the competitive world of eSports in China, while also highlighting the complexities of guild dynamics in online games. The main character, Ye Xiu, was once a renowned player and leader in the popular MMO game Glory. However, he was forced to depart from his elite team, and now he must begin anew and strive to regain his former glory.
The King’s Avatar is a must-watch anime for gaming enthusiasts looking for a similar experience to Accel World. It offers unique gaming goals, level progression, intense PvP battles, and massive eSports tournaments that capture the competitive spirit and in-game action of Accel World.
7. Darwin’s Game
Like Accel World, Darwin’s Game is an anime that revolves around a deadly game and the use of special abilities. Kaname Sudō, the main character, is invited by a friend to play a mobile game called Darwin’s Game. However, he quickly realizes that the game is a matter of life and death.
In this game, participants use special Sigils to gain powerful abilities and engage in lethal battles that are broadcasted online. Kaname joins this brutal competition and forges connections with fellow players as he unravels the mysteries surrounding the addictive game that cannot be deleted. The intense fights and unique powers make Darwin’s Game an exhilarating anime similar to Accel World.
.hack//Sign
The “trapped in an MMORPG”trope was first introduced by the. hack franchise well before Sword Art Online or Log Horizon, providing an unforgettable viewing experience for fans of Accel World.
In the anime series. hack//Sign, the main character Tsukasa finds himself inside the virtual world of The World MMORPG with no recollection of how he arrived or his true self. He is unable to log out and has the strange ability to not feel pain while playing. As Tsukasa navigates this unfamiliar world, he encounters other players, including Subaru, Mimiru, Bear, BT, and Crim, as he searches for answers.
Working together, they strive to uncover the truth behind Tsukasa’s predicament. With its compelling blend of virtual and reality, the enigmatic themes of. hack//Sign will undoubtedly capture the attention of Accel World fans, solidifying its place as another must-watch anime in the genre.
Re:Zero − Starting Life in Another World
For those who appreciated the virtual reality, gaming, and action elements of Accel World, Re:Zero is another anime similar to Accel World worth exploring. While Re:Zero incorporates more fantasy elements, it also centers around a male protagonist who is suddenly transported to a fantasy world with augmented reality features.
Subaru Natsuki, the protagonist, comes to realize that he possesses the extraordinary power of “respawning”after death at specific locations in the same world. This gift gives him distinct advantages and enables him to gain an upper hand.
In this new world, his bond and dependence on the half-elf girl Emilia mirror the distinctive connection and virtual capabilities formed between the protagonists in Accel World. These resemblances make Re:Zero an interesting anime for fans of the genre, similar to Accel World.
Tower of Druaga: The Aegis of Uruk
Completing this list is Tower of Druaga: The Aegis of Uruk, a fantasy action RPG anime featuring enigmatic towers and mystical abilities similar to those found in Accel World. The story takes place in the Third Age, when the Tower of Druaga has transformed into a perilous maze overrun by monsters and filled with valuable treasures.
The goal of Warriors is to conquer the tower and uncover the mysteries of the powerful “rue”artifacts that bestow special abilities. The protagonist, Jil, is a guardian soldier who joins forces with the enigmatic and incredibly strong Kaaya in their quest to ascend the tower.
Accompanied by archer Neeba, young cleric Coopa, and other comrades, they embark on a journey to conquer creatures on each level of the tower, all while unraveling the mysteries of its past. With its quest-driven format and unique abilities, Tower of Druaga: The Aegis of Uruk is a captivating anime similar to Accel World.
Conclusion
The anime Accel World offers a one-of-a-kind virtual reality gaming experience, complete with thrilling duels and a captivating love story. Those who are drawn to its cyberpunk setting, distinctive powers, and exciting battles will surely find joy in discovering similar worlds in the anime recommendations listed below.
Whether one’s preference is for dangerous death matches, intense eSports competitions, RPG elements and monster hunts, hidden mysteries, unforgettable romances, or any combination of these, the following ten anime similar to Accel World provide exciting adventures that viewers will thoroughly enjoy immersing themselves in.
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