KEY POINTS

  • Bandai Namco announced an upcoming cross-over DLC between "Tales Of Arise" and "Sword Art Online"
  • The DLC will feature Asuna and Kirito as optional enemies in a special battle for powerful gear
  • Alphen and Shionne will also appear as guests in the "Sword Art Online: Alicization Lycoris" game

The first post-launch DLC for “Tales Of Arise” has been officially announced and it will feature a slew of goodies from the popular “Sword Art Online” anime, much to the surprise of the fans of both titles.

Bandai Namco officially announced that they will be collaborating with “Sword Art Online,” particularly the “Alicization Lycoris” game, to bring the protagonists of the hit anime series into the world of “Tales Of Arise.” The DLC pack will add both Kirito and Asuna as opponents in a special battle set on what appears to be Viscint’s training grounds.

Kirito and Asuna will be especially difficult to fight, according to “Tales Of Arise” producer Yusuke Tomizawa, Dualshockers reported. The difficult battle will reward players with new weapons that can supposedly rival the strongest ones in the game. Alphen will also be getting a new Mystic Arte that has him teaming up with Asuna and Kirito in a powerful finishing move.

Other contents of the DLC pack include new “Sword Art Online” costumes. Alphen and Shionne will get Kirito and Asuna’s costumes, respectively. Meanwhile, Law will get Kirito’s Elite Disciple outfit from the “Alicization” anime as a nod to the fact that his Japanese voice actor, Yoshitsugu Matsuoka, also voices Kirito.

Tales of Arise tells the story of Alphen, a slave-turned-hero in an adventure to liberate his people
Tales of Arise tells the story of Alphen, a slave-turned-hero in an adventure to liberate his people Bandai Namco

The DLC for “Tales Of Arise” is a mutual collaboration with the “Sword Art Online: Alicization Lycoris” team, as per Siliconera. This means that Alphen and Shionne will also make an appearance in the “Sword Art Online” game. Both games are licensed under Bandai Namco.

“Tales Of Arise” received very positive reviews from the majority of critics thanks to its satisfying combat system, engaging story, gorgeous environmental design and interesting characters. However, Bandai Namco’s treatment of the game’s DLC was frowned upon by many players because of its pay-to-win nature.

DLC items included troves of in-game Gald, HP and CP restoration items and instant level-up tickets, all of which removed the need to grind for resources and XP. The summer and samurai outfit packs also came with unique character skills that many players considered unfair to non-DLC owners.

Bandai Namco previously announced that there will be no story DLCs for “Tales Of Arise,” so it’s likely that the “Sword Art Online” collaboration event will take place before the game’s ending.

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