Asuna Sword Guide: Lore Tidbits and How to Get One IRL

The Asuna sword from Sword Art Online (SAO) may not be the anime’s most prominent blade, but it’s a close second to those wielded by Kirigaya Kazuto, better known as Kirito, in both the main story arc and its sequel. 

Asuna Yuki’s blade is among the most visually appealing blades to be featured in the series. While not a katana, the slender sword is incredibly powerful and sharp, allowing it to help Asuna vanquish the many enemies they encounter in both the manga and anime for Sword Art Online.

The Lore Behind Asuna’s Sword

Sword Art Online Asuna Yuki is recognized as the fastest swordsman in the anime SAO. The game’s video game inspirations and themes mean that these skills are hard-earned and well practiced, pointing to Asuna’s personality as a serious, determined, and passionate person. That said, Asuna wouldn’t be able to do it without her sword.

1. Asuna’s Sword Is Called Lambent Light

Asuna’s SAO sword is called Lambent Light though some translations may refer to it as “Radiant Light”. Created by Lisbeth after three months of continuous work, the sword is a thin-bladed sword similar to Kirito’s Elucidator that features a light blue hilt and cross guard with an Art Nouveau style design.

The sword was used in the Aincrad Arc by SAO Asuna to help bring Grimlock to justice together with SAO Kirito. 

2. Lambent Light Lets Asuna Break Class Conventions

Sword Art Online’s Asuna Yuuki’s class is actually a healer rather than a fighter. This goes back to SAO and its other video game themed shows: Gun Gale Online (GGO), Alfheim Online (ALO) and Sword Art Online Alicization. The role-playing games in the anime typically divide characters into different classes with specific powers, similar to those used in Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) to allow people to put themselves into complementary roles and large parties.

Despite being a healer, Asuna is able to break boundaries of her character class by focusing on her fighting abilities. Instead of capitalizing on her strength, Asuna refined her speed and chose her sword to suit her style, making her known as “The Lightning Flash”.

3. Lambent Light Is Designed for Asuna’s Fighting Style

If you’re familiar with your swords, you may have noticed that Asuna’s lambent light resembles a rapier.

A rapier is a French sword used in a speed-based sword art that focuses on thrusting using fast and small movements. This is in contrast to Sword Art Online’s Kirito who has a more hack-and-slash style that’s better suited to the European medieval longsword, incidentally the blade type his sword is based on. 

4. Asuna Only Uses Two Other Swords

While anime shows based on video games typically allow their main characters to change their swords to reflect character growth and level ups in terms of power, Asuna never really changed swords. This may be because she already started off as a skilled player. 

Asuna later gains a substitute sword in the Alfheim Online story arc that retains the same design as her Sword Art Online blade, but with a more streamlined hilt and crossguard designs. The Sword Art Online: Ordinal Scale movie has her using a plain real-world fencing rapier.

A Guide to Buying Asuna Sword Replicas

Asuna’s sword may originally be from an anime, but you can get a real-life copy of the sword in the form of a sword replica. 

Anime sword replicas are often used in cosplay and as a way to collect merchandise related to an anime. When it comes to Asuna cosplays, steel and plastic are preferred for their durability and ability to resemble the natural appearance of battle-ready sword blades. Meanwhile, if you identify as an otaku who is on a budget, you can opt for foam or wooden swords which are cheaper yet offer a comparable level of durability for their price.

Our Pick For the Best Asuna Sword Replicas

Whether you prefer your Asuna as Stacia, the Goddess of Creation, or as a swimsuit clad regular girl, these Asuna sword replicas are the best picks you can find online to add to your collection together with your SAO Funko pops.

1. Asuna’s Lambent Light Sword Replica

Asuna’s Lambent Light is typically seen in the anime together with a red scabbard and this replica includes just that. The stainless steel sword features a long thin blade designed with a stylized crossguard and hilt reminiscent of Art Nouveau facade designs. 

• Material: Stainless steel
• Length: 107 cm

2. Asuna’s Alfheim Online Sword

This version of Asuna’s sword is a copy of the rapier featured on Alfheim Online. Much like Lambent Light, it has a thin blade but has no crossguard to give it a more elegant and light-weight appearance. The sword has a cool color palette complimented by a white scabbard that’s cut at the entrance to let the gem on its blade show even while the sword is sheathed.

• Material: Stainless steel
• Length: 118 cm

Conclusion

Sword Art Online wouldn’t be the same without Asuna’s sword and the adventures that Lambent Light has supported our favorite ginger heroine on. These Lambent Light sword replicas are a great reminder that skill comes with practice (and the right tools!).