: Kirito encounters Premiere , a mysterious 14-year-old AI NPC with no background data or stats. The plot revolves around uncovering her "null coding" and protecting her from "Blue Cursor" players who hunt NPCs that cannot respawn.

: Unlike the original series, there are no real-world mortal stakes; it is played as a standard VR game. Gameplay Mechanics

The game is designed as a "faux MMO," simulating the feel of an online RPG in a single-player experience. Sword Art Online: Hollow Realization Review - IGN