SAO Alicization Rising Steel tells its tale through a series of sequential story and combat nodes.  In some nodes, the player maneuvers the lead character in two dimensions on a battle map that contains treasure chests and items.  Enemies are randomly encountered during movement original RPG style, and a boss battle awaits the player at the end. Other nodes contain only story, or only battles.

The players party consists of 4 Main Members, 2 Sub Members, and an optional Support Member.  The 4 Main Members are active at the beginning of combat, and the Sub and Support Members will replace a Main Member when either a Main Member dies or when it is commanded by the player.  Each character has an element type, a weapon proficiency, 3 battle skills, an Incarnate technique, and their own set of equipment.

Combat is turn-based, with turn order being determined by speed, and displayed along the top of the battle screen.  Different actions can impact the turn order, and those results are displayed before the action is confirmed. Each character has a normal attack, 3 sword skills, and an Incarnate Technique.  An Incarnate Technique is a flashy and powerful move that can be executed once the Incarnation Charge reaches 100%. Normal attacks are basic attacks that increase the Incarnation Charge. There are 5 types of Swords Skills: Assault skills that are primarily meant to deal damage, Break Skills that are meant to delay enemy Incarnation attacks, Heal skills that heal the party, Charge skills that increase the parties Incarnation Charge, and Enhance Skills that enhance a character’s attack or defense.

The player can also strategically choose to “delay action” in an attempt to set up battle combos or better time abilities.  For another strategic option, frontline characters can be swapped with backline characters at any time without turn penalty.  Each character has an HP and MP bar, with Sword Skills requiring the us of MP. Characters and enemies both have an elemental attribute, and there is a system of elemental weakness and strength (for example, fire is weak to water).  Combat can be controlled manually, or automated for easier farming.

See a gameplay video clip here: