Last updated: 2026-07-10.
If you are comparing Echoes of Aincrad edition differences, the main confirmed takeaway is this: Standard, Deluxe, and Ultimate editions exist, but the exact full content differences are not listed in the available reference. During the preorder period, a Steam user who owned Standard reported that Steam did not offer a direct upgrade path to Deluxe or Ultimate, and the practical workaround was to refund the preorder and buy the edition they wanted instead.
Quick answer
| Question | Current answer |
|---|---|
| Are there Standard, Deluxe, and Ultimate editions? | Yes, these edition names are referenced by players on Steam. |
| Are the full edition contents listed here? | Not listed in the available reference. |
| Can Standard be upgraded to Deluxe or Ultimate on Steam? | Not confirmed as a built-in option. A Standard owner reported no upgrade option during preorder. |
| Can Deluxe be upgraded to Ultimate? | Unknown. |
| Is refunding and rebuying an option? | A Steam discussion user reported that refunding the preorder and buying Ultimate worked for them. |
| Will missing edition content be sold separately later? | Not confirmed. Players speculated based on past SAO games, but this is not guaranteed. |
| Will the price decrease if you upgrade later? | Unknown. |
Echoes of Aincrad edition differences: what is actually known
The available Steam discussion confirms that players were choosing between at least three editions:
- Standard Edition
- Deluxe Edition
- Ultimate Edition
However, the discussion does not provide a complete official breakdown of what each Echoes of Aincrad edition includes. Because of that, any exact list of bonuses, DLC, outfits, artbooks, soundtracks, weapons, skins, or apps would need confirmation from the current Steam store page or another official product listing.
The main useful information from the discussion is about upgrading editions, not the exact contents of each edition.
Can you upgrade from Standard to Deluxe or Ultimate?
As of the Steam discussion dated May 23, one player who had purchased the Standard Edition said there were no upgrade options to the other two editions on Steam at that time.
That means you should not assume you can buy Standard now and pay only the difference later. A direct Steam upgrade path was not confirmed in the available reference.
If you already bought Standard and want Ultimate, the workaround mentioned by players was:
- Request a refund for the preorder.
- Wait for the refund process to complete.
- Buy the higher edition instead.
One user in the discussion said this worked for them and then bought Ultimate.
Should you buy Standard first and upgrade later?
If you already know you want the extras from Deluxe or Ultimate, the safer choice is to buy the edition you actually want from the start.
Buying Standard first may be fine if you only want the base game, but it carries a risk: there may not be a simple upgrade button later, and the price behavior is unknown.
What about post-release DLC or missing content?
Players in the Steam discussion compared the situation to previous Sword Art Online games and suggested that some content may become available later through DLC or upgrades.
However, that is speculation based on past games, not a confirmed Echoes of Aincrad policy.
The safe way to treat it is:
- Expansion-style content may be sold separately later: Not confirmed
- Artbook, soundtrack, or app-style extras may be sold later: Not confirmed
- Preorder weapons, skins, or bonus items may be available later: Not confirmed
- Edition-exclusive cosmetics may remain unavailable separately: Unknown
If a specific bonus matters to you, check the current official store listing before choosing an edition.
Best choice by buyer type
| Buyer type | Best approach |
|---|---|
| You only want the base game | Standard may be enough. |
| You want edition extras and do not want upgrade uncertainty | Buy Deluxe or Ultimate directly. |
| You bought Standard but now want Ultimate | Consider refunding the preorder and rebuying the desired edition, if eligible. |
| You are waiting for DLC later | Wait for official confirmation; later availability is not guaranteed. |
| You are buying as a gift | Ask the recipient which edition they actually want, because upgrades may not be available. |
Common mistakes
Assuming Steam will only charge the difference
The discussion does not confirm that Steam offers a discounted edition upgrade for Echoes of Aincrad. A Standard owner reported no upgrade option during preorder.
Assuming all edition bonuses will be sold separately
Some players expect this based on previous SAO games, but Echoes of Aincrad’s future DLC or bonus availability is not confirmed in the available reference.
Waiting too long to change editions
If you preorder the wrong edition, refunding and rebuying may be easier before release or before playing. Steam refund handling can depend on timing, playtime, and policy details.
FAQ
What are the Echoes of Aincrad editions?
The available reference mentions Standard, Deluxe, and Ultimate editions. The exact official contents of each edition are not listed in the reference.
Is there a Standard to Deluxe upgrade?
Not confirmed. A Steam user who owned Standard reported that there was no upgrade option to Deluxe or Ultimate during the preorder period.
Is there a Deluxe to Ultimate upgrade?
Unknown. The available discussion does not confirm whether Deluxe owners can upgrade to Ultimate.
If I preorder Standard, can I refund and buy Ultimate?
A Steam user in the discussion said they refunded their preorder and bought Ultimate successfully. Your result may depend on Steam refund eligibility and timing.
Will preorder bonuses be available later?
Not confirmed. A commenter noted that store wording suggested some weapon or skin items may be available later, but the available reference does not provide a confirmed official guarantee.
Which edition should I buy?
If you are unsure and only want the game, Standard is the simplest choice. If you know you want the extras, buy Deluxe or Ultimate directly rather than relying on a later upgrade.
Update note
Details can change after updates. If a code, price, event, stock item, ability, schedule, or feature behaves differently, treat the newest official or in-context source as the current version.