Sword Art Online: Integral Factor News

[h2]Celebrating the Unital King Joint Event![/h2]
We're holding a joint event in SWORD ART ONLINE: Integral Factor that goes beyond the boundaries of the game to celebrate the release of the new short story, "Unital King" by author Reki Kawahara!
The Unital King Incredible Foreigner scenario event is here, where Layla comes from Sword Art Online Variant Showdown!

[h3]Rewards[/h3]
You can get costume avatars of Layla from Sword Art Online Variant Showdown and an event-limited Skill Record ★4[Guided by a Strange Aura] Kirito!
Get up to 1000 "Arcana Gems", up to 100 "Awakening Stars", up to 20 "Medals of Combat Arts", and up to 250 "Memoria Niter S" from the event.

[h3]Costume avatars of Layla[/h3]


[h3]Skill Record ★4[Guided by a Strange Aura] Kirito[/h3]


[h3]Event-limited item[/h3]


Event Period[/h3]
Starts after the April 23, 2025 (Wed) maintenance and ends before the May 28, 2025 (Wed) maintenance (JST/UTC+9).
* The high-difficulty dungeon Exile will be implemented after the April 30, 2025 (Wed) maintenance.

[h3]How to Participate[/h3]
Talk to the "Layla" at the "Teleport Gate Plaza" to start the scenario quest.
There are 4 scenario quests. Clear them all to unlock the dungeon.


[h3]Boss Monster[/h3]

Details
[expand]

Weakness

Resistance

Buffs used

Status Ailments and Debuffs used

[/expand]

The boss monster for this event will also be the target monster hunted for the SAOIF x SAOVS joint event.
Players will receive incredible rewards based on the total number of bosses hunted, so take on the event and try to get all the rewards!

Players will defeat specific monsters in both games and receive fantastic rewards based on the total number of victories!
Give the event a try and aim to get all of the rewards, including 2,500 Arcana Gems and special chat stamps!
Event Period
After the April 23, 2025 (Wed) maintenance - May 8, 2025 (Thu) 13:00 (JST/UTC+9)
An interim report on the victory count is scheduled.
Please check out the SAOIF official X (formerly Twitter) account at @saoif_gameinfo!

[h3]Important[/h3]

• The schedule may be subject to change without notice. Thank you for your understanding.

Scenario Event "The East-West Showdown: Eastern Japan Federation VS Western Japan Alliance" is on now!
It may seem like something out of a fever dream, but it's time to experience this chaotic world...

This scenario quest will have you choose one side or the other during the fourth chapter.
While you will not be able to progress through the quest path that you do not choose, please rest assured:

• Both stories can be viewed in Story Replay.
• Chapter 4 quest reward stamps can be acquired through the Trader.* Please note that stamps you already own can also be exchanged.
  

[h3]Rewards[/h3]
Get the event-limited Skill Record "[Clockwork Pixie] Yui," doll avatar (accessory avatar), chat stamps, and more!
Get up to 1000 "Arcana Gems", up to 100 "Awakening Stars", up to 25 "Medals of Combat Arts", and up to 300 "Memoria Niter S" from the event.

[h3]Skill Record[/h3]


[h3]Avatar[/h3]

Avatar Images


[h3]Chat Stamps[/h3]

[h3]Event-limited item[/h3]

[h3]Event Period[/h3]
April 1, 2025 (Tue) 0:00 - Before the May 8, 2025 (Thu) maintenance (JST/UTC+9).

Major Updates

• "Aincrad 33F" and a new quest has been implemented.
• Added 33F boss avatars.
• The super rare Gale Integral Series weapon transformation has been unlocked.

《New Quest》
[expand]
To unlock the subquest "Holes in the Bug Net", "Carrots Growing in the Desert" and Character Quest "Lunching Factor 1", complete the main quest on 33F.
"Lunching Factor 2 [Eliminator Hunt]" will unlock after you complete "Lunching Factor 1"

Eliminator Armament Stones do not drop when you challenge "Lunching Factor 2 [Eliminator Hunt]" for the first time.
Eliminator Armament Stones drop from the multiple rounds of "Lunching Factor 2 [Eliminator Hunt]".

The drop rate for Gale Integral Series production and transformation materials is highest in Labyrinth - Interior.
[/expand]

Boss Monster
[expand]
* Break: Filling the entire Break Gauge will temporarily immobilize the boss and remove all of its buff effects.
* Skill Break: By completely lowering the Skill Break Gauge, the boss will be temporarily immobilized and all of its buff effects will be removed.
[/expand]

"Gale Integral Series" Transformations


* Image is for visualization purposes only.

The super rare Gale Integral Series 3rd level weapon transformation has been unlocked!
Transform the Gale Integral Series using Eliminator Armament Stones you collect!
Transform to raise weapon stats and add special effects.

How to Transform to the 3rd Level
[expand]
STEP1
Get the Gale Integral Series to ★4 (2nd Level Transformation)!

STEP2
Use the Stone+++ you produced and Eliminator Armament Stone to transform the Gale Integral Series to ★5!
To produce Stone+++, you will need the extremely rare Core Metal+++ and Stone+ materials that drop from the All Out Battle "The Skull Reaper" or All Out Battle [Aincrad].

* Each "Stone+++" is associated with a different weapon type.
Example: For 1H Swords or Daggers, you will need to produce Slicing Stone+++ using Core Metal+++ and Slicing Stone+.

STEP3
Use the Stone+++ you produced and Eliminator Armament Stone to transform the Gale Integral Series to ★5!
[/expand]

Gale Integral Series * Values are based on maximum enhancement at ★5 rarity, Lv. 100.

Producing Gale Integral Series Equipment
"Eliminator Armament Stone" and "Eliminator Waist Tie" dropped by the 33F boss can be used to produce Gale Integral Series equipment.

* The base statuses will not be different to Gale Integral Series equipment that can be produced on 23F and 19F.
* Production recipes that use "Eliminator Armament Stone" and "Eliminator Waist Tie" will be available when you complete the 19F Main Quest.

Random Bonus
Three types of one of the following will be randomly selected when producing the Gale Integral Series.
Example: If three types of attacks are given to "Gale El Nino", attack will increase by 900 total.
* A random bonus will be given.
* Succession cannot be used.

[h2]February 23 is Koharu's birthday![/h2]
[h3]We're holding various events and Orders to celebrate Koharu's birthday in SWORD ART ONLINE: Integral Factor!
We're holding the "Koharu Birthday Festival"![/h3]

Koharu is a central figure in the progression through Aincrad, as well as an incredible partner to the player.
Let's all celebrate her birthday together!
We'll be decorating Aincrad all over with Koharu, through 23 stamps, 23 panels, and more!
Don't miss the free Order with a guaranteed ★4 Koharu starting at February 23 (Sun), 4:00 (JST/UTC+9)!

[h2]Koharu Birthday Festival Defense Battle[/h2]

Koharu takes the Winter Sky Stage without even meaning to.
Defend Koharu as she dances on the stage to the music!
Her current appearance will be applied here, so try enjoying lots of different outfits together with Koharu!

Period
February 23, 2025 (Sun) 0:00 - Before the March 12, 2025 (Wed) maintenance (JST/UTC+9).

[h2]Koharu Masterpiece Showcase[/h2]

It sounds like illustration panels featuring Koharu have been placed all around Aincrad.
Use hints to find their related panel and get rewards at your final destination!

Period
February 23, 2025 (Sun) 0:00 - Before the March 12, 2025 (Wed) maintenance (JST/UTC+9).

[h2]Flower Fest[/h2]

It may not be spring quite yet, but strange monsters with flowers on their heads have appeared!
Defeat them to get Flower Bracelets, so gather them and exchange them for rewards!

Period
February 23, 2025 (Sun) 0:00 - Before the March 12, 2025 (Wed) maintenance (JST/UTC+9).

[h2]Happy Dungeon with Koharu[/h2]

A special Koharu Birthday Festival Happy Dungeon is here!
It will be open for longer than normal Happy Dungeons, and you can get up to 500 Arcana Gems and 350,000 Col from it!

Period
February 23, 2025 (Sun) 4:00 - Before the March 12, 2025 (Wed) maintenance (JST/UTC+9).

[h2]Koharu's Birthday Order[/h2]

All ★4 Skill Records are Koharu!
Featuring new ★4 Skill Records on Step 2 and Step 3!
Koharu's Birthday Order is here!

Duration
February 23, 2025 (Sun) 0:00 - March 4, 2025 (Tue) 23:59 (JST/UTC+9).

[h2]Free Once Daily 100% ★4 Koharu Order[/h2]

It's a ★4 Koharu only free Order to celebrate Koharu's birthday!
Don't miss the Koharu-filled "★4 Koharu Guaranteed Free Once Daily Order"!

Period
February 23, 2025 (Sun) 4:00 - March 1, 2025 (Sat) 3:59 (JST/UTC+9).

[h2]Koharu Character Panel Placement[/h2]
Koharu character panels have been placed all around Aincrad!
There are almost too many to count, 23 in total!
Try taking a screenshot together with them if you come across one!


Placement Period
February 23, 2025 (Sun) 0:00 - Before the March 12, 2025 (Wed) maintenance (JST/UTC+9).

[h2]Koharu's Hairstyle Added[/h2]
As of midnight on February 23, 2025 (Sun) (JST/UTC+9), Koharu's hairstyle has been added to player hairstyle choices!
You can now select Koharu's hairstyle from Makeup or when creating a new character.
* If this hairstyle does not appear on the list, please try rebooting the app.


This hairstyle is only for female characters.

[h2]Arcana Gem Gift[/h2]
Log in on the day of Sachi's birthday to get a gift of 250 Arcana Gems!
Use them for yourself, or use them for Koharu!

Time Limit
Available until February 23, 2025 23:59 (JST/UTC+9).

[h2]Koharu Stamp[/h2]
We're adding 23 Koharu stamps to go with Koharu's birthday!
All of them are adorable, so make sure to use them if you get a hold of them!

Here is a list of stamps you can get during the Koharu Birthday Festival.

Koharu Stamp 22 will be distributed as a present.
It can be accepted until March 12, 2025 (Wed) maintenance (JST/UTC+9), so don't forget to pick it up!

[h2]What Are Chain Skills?[/h2]
When using a Chain Skill by switching, you will temporarily enter a Chain state.
While in a Chain state, you can use all of your skills, not just the one in your first Skill Slot, as switches.
* However, non-Chain Skill skills must be Limit Break +10 to be used as switches while in a Chain state.

Using a Chain Skill while in a Chain state will also provide special effects to skills used as switches while in a Chain state.
Using multiple Chain Skills can cause their special effects to overlap, allowing you to unleash powerful attacks.

Also, special additional damage will be applied beyond the regular chain effects depending on the number of times you switch while in a Chain state.
This is known as a Super Chain.

To see these special effects, go to a skill's details screen and check the tab marked with the blue "CS" icon.


While in a Chain state, special effects will apply to other skills that are Limit Break +10, such as Connect Skills, Accele Skills, and Full Burst Skills.
For example, using Connect Skills while in a Chain state will give each skill the Chain state's effects so long as the linked skills are Limit Break +10.
Also, the Chain Skill's special effects will be applied to those linked skills if a Chain Skill is a linked skill.
Full Burst Skills act similarly, with the Chain state's effects applying to Full Burst or Burst Skills while the Full Burst state is also active.
This can result in powerful effects depending on how you combine them, so try it out in battle!

[h2]Activating a Chain State[/h2]
There are two ways to activate a Chain state by using a Chain Skill.
1: Use a Chain Skill placed in your first Skill Slot during a switch.
2: Use a Chain Skill at the right moment during certain attacks. (Detailed later under "Counter Switch")

The remaining effect time will be displayed on the Switch Gauge when in a Chain state.



You can also extend a Chain state's activation time depending on the amount of Switch Gauge you have.

There will be a set amount of cooldown time after a Chain state ends.
You cannot enter a Chain state by using a Chain Skill during this cooldown time.
You can check on this cooldown time by referencing the color of the Switch Gauge's border.
When the border's gray area is entirely gone and the "CS" area is lit, the cooldown time has ended.



[h2]Chain Skill Abilities[/h2]
Equipping these allow you to raise the maximum damage of your Super Chains and increase the activation time of your Chain states.
Please note that equipping something to an EX Ability slot will not provide any of these effects.

[h2]Counter Switch[/h2]
Use a Chain Skill at the right moment during specific attacks to both nullify that attack's damage and deal damage to your opponent with that Chain Skill.



If you meet the conditions to enter a Chain state as this happens, you will then enter one.
A debuff will be applied to the enemy for a period of time, allowing you to deal increased damage.


Attacks that can be Counter Switched have different visual effects from regular attacks.
The color of the visual effect displayed on the ground will be a deep orange that switches to blue.
In order to successfully Counter Switch, you will need to land a Chain Skill during the moment that this effect is blue.


Not all enemies have these kinds of attacks.
Also, you cannot enter a Chain state by using a Chain Skill during its cooldown time even if you activate a Counter Switch.

[h2]Monster with a Counter Switch Targeted Attacks[/h2]
With the introduction of Counter Switch, not only newly added monsters but also the following existing monsters will now use Counter Switch Targeted Attacks.

• Floor bosses and dungeon bosses of each floor
  
• Each boss of the Chaos Showdown
  

* "Teo the Teaser Tentacles", "The Last Number" and "Last Number Chaos" are not included.

Additional Counter Switch Targeted Attacks may be added to existing monsters in the future.

[h2]Exiting the Chain state[/h2]
The Chain state is primarily exited in the following ways.

• The remaining time in the Chain state runs out.
  
• The area changes.
  
• A Quick Change is performed.
  
• The Menu Screen is displayed.
  
• Your character is defeated.
  

[h3]Major Updates[/h3]

• "Aincrad 19F" and a new quest has been implemented.
  
• Added 19F boss avatars.
  
• The super rare Gale Integral Series weapon transformation has been unlocked.
  
• Relaxed requirements on Integral Series production and transformation, as well as Chaos Showdown.
  

[h3]Avatar Images[/h3]


[h3]Boss Monster[/h3]
[expand]

[/expand]


[h3]"Gale Integral Series" Transformations[/h3]
Rare "Gale Integral Series" transformation and production materials are now available!
Transform "Gale Integral Series" to make it even stronger!

[h3]▼Gale Integral Series[/h3]

* Values are based on maximum enhancement at ★4 rarity, Lv. 80.

Random Bonus
Three types of one of the following will be randomly selected when producing the Gale Integral Series.

Example: If three types of attacks are given to "Gale El Nino", attack will increase by 900 total.
* A random bonus will be given.
* Succession cannot be used.