Sword Art Online remains one of the most prevalent anime series in recent times, featuring the protagonist Kirito as he undertakes perilous missions while traversing digital landscapes. The anime realm of Sword Art Online is of such magnitude that it was able to expand its universe with a spin-off anime that traded the fantastical imagery for a more contemporary virtual world aesthetic.
On July 15, 2023, Sword Art Online Alternative: Gun Gale Online Season 2 was officially announced during the 30th Dangeki Bunko Summer Festival that was held on ABEMA TV. During the announcement, a fantastic teaser visual has been released to build excitement among the fans of the Sword Art Online spin-off. The visual prominently features the anime's lead character, Karen Kohiruimaki, also known as Llenn.
The first season of Sword Art Online Alternative: Gun Gale Online anime, animated by studio 3Hz, premiered in April 2018 and ran until June 30, 2018. It consisted of 12 episodes. Now, fans want to know what to expect from Season 2, so if you want to know the latest details, we've put together everything we know so far here.
Sword Art Online Alternative: Gun Gale Online Season 2 Potential Release Date
Sadly, the announcement did not announce an official release date. Nevertheless, Season 1 of Gun Gale Online was disclosed at the Dengeki Bunko's 2017 Fall Festival, precisely on October 1, 2017. The premiere episode was broadcasted on April 8, 2018, approximately six months subsequent to the initial announcement for the anime adaptation.
Given that Season 2 will be helmed by the same team responsible for the first season, we can assume that it will take a relatively the same amount of time to produce the new episodes. Consequently, it is anticipated that the release date will be in Winter 2023. It is important to note, however, that this projection is purely speculative. The anime's creators will undoubtedly disclose the official release date in the forthcoming months. Therefore, it is advisable to remain attentive for further updates.
Sword Art Online Alternative: Gun Gale Online Season 2 Plot
The anime is based on Keiichi Sigsawa’s Sōdo Āto Onrain Orutanatibu Gangeiru Onrain (Sword Art Online Alternative: Gun Gale Online) light novel series, and it follows the story of Karen Kohiruimaki, a university student who plays a virtual reality game titled Gun Gale Online after it gives her the cute avatar she has always desired. Venturing on a digital landscape far more like Apex Legends versus World of Warcraft or Final Fantasy, Karen discovers more than she bargained for. It's a spin-off story to the Sword Art Online light novel series by Reki Kawahara, and Season 2 is expected to continue where the first season left off.
The official description of Sword Art Online Alternative: Gun Gale Online reads:
In the world of guns and steel that is Gun Gale Online, LLENN has been a devoted, female solo player. She is obsessed with two things: donning herself entirely in pink and honing her skills with consistent game play. She soon discovers her love for hunting other players (a.k.a. PK), soon to be known as the "Pink Devil." Meanwhile, LLENN meets a beautiful yet mysterious player, Pitohui, and the two click right away. Doing as she is told by Pitohui, she enters the Squad Jam group battle.
Sword Art Online Alternative: Gun Gale Online Season 2 Cast & Staff
According to the Season 2 announcement, Tomori Kushonoki will return as the main lead Llenn. No other voice cast members have been confirmed, but we will update this page once we get an official update.
The main staff members at Studio 3Hz from the first season are confirmed to return, including:
Director: Masayuki Sakoi (Princess Resurrection, Cautious Hero: The Hero Is Overpowered but Overly Cautious, Matoi the Sacred Slayer)
Series Script Supervisor: Yōsuke Kuroda (My Hero Academia, Gundam Build Fighters, Trigun Mobile Suit Gundam 00)
Character Design/Chief Animation Director: Yoshio Kosakai (The Marginal Service, Needless)
Sword Art Online Alternative: Gun Gale Online Season 2 Trailer
Studio 3Hz hasn't released a full trailer for Sword Art Online Alternative: Gun Gale Online Season 2 yet, but when the production team officially announced the upcoming anime season, a 28-second teaser was released to hype fans up:
The teaser doesn't really reveal any new footages from the upcoming anime episodes, but this should get fans excited for Sword Art Online Alternative: Gun Gale Online Season 2.
Where to watch Sword Art Online Alternative: Gun Gale Online Season 2
The first season of the anime aired in Tokyo MX, BS11, Tochigi TV, Gunma TV, MBS and TV Aichi in Japan, and Aniplex of America licensed the series and simulcast the anime on Crunchyroll and Hulu, so there's a good chance that Sword Art Online Alternative: Gun Gale Online Season 2 will also be available to stream on both streaming services when it begins airing.
