What to do in SAO: Hollow Realization's open world after beating the main story. Endgame field activities, rare spawns, and open-world content for post-game players.
The World After the Story
Completing the main story of Hollow Realization does not lock you out of anything or end your save file. After the credits roll, you are returned to the world with all your progress intact, and new layers of endgame field content open up for you to tackle at your own pace. This guide covers what is worth doing out in the open world once the main narrative is complete.
Many players find that the post-game field content is where they spend the most time. Without story pressure, you can explore thoroughly, perfect your build, hunt rare enemies, and tackle challenges at whatever pace you prefer.
Why Explore the Post-Game World
Here is what draws players to endgame field exploration:
• Endgame gear grinding -- Some of the best weapons and armor in the game come from high-level field enemies, hidden chests, and post-game dungeon areas that are fully accessible after the story.
• Rare enemy hunts -- Certain powerful enemies have higher spawn rates or only appear in the post-game. Hunting them down is a fun challenge with great material rewards.
• Completing your bestiary and collectibles -- If you are a completionist, the post-game is when you can fill out any remaining enemy entries, find missed chests, and track down collectibles.
• Leveling for NG+ or superbosses -- If you plan to tackle the optional superbosses or start New Game Plus, post-game field grinding is the most efficient way to get stronger.
• Just enjoying the world -- Ainground is genuinely well-crafted. Wandering around taking in the environments without quest pressure is a valid way to spend time.
Player Tip: If you enjoyed the combat in Hollow Realization, the post-game fields are where you can really cut loose with your endgame build. You have all your skills unlocked, a fully upgraded weapon, and tough enemies that actually require you to play well -- it is the combat system at its best.
Recommended Post-Game Field Activities
• Revisit old regions with your endgame power -- Go back to earlier zones and see how much stronger you have become. It is satisfying to wipe the floor with enemies that once gave you trouble, and you might find hidden chests you missed on your first pass.
• Clear any remaining side quests -- Check your quest log and the quest boards. Any quests you did not finish during the main story are still available, and some post-game quests may unlock.
• Hunt rare spawns -- Talk to NPCs in town or look for unusual enemy markers on your map. Some rare enemies only appear under certain conditions (time of day, weather, after completing certain objectives).
• Experiment with different weapons -- With your high level and plenty of SP, you can afford to invest in alternate weapon trees you did not use during the main story. Try Dual Blades if you have not already, or pick up a weapon type you ignored.
• Material runs for perfect gear -- Farm the rarest materials to push your weapon and armor to maximum enhancement levels. The power difference between a well-upgraded endgame weapon and a partially upgraded one is substantial.
Finding Post-Game Content
The game does not always hold your hand when it comes to post-game content. Here is how to find things to do:
• Talk to NPCs in town -- After the story, NPC dialogue changes and some may hint at new challenges or powerful enemies in the world.
• Revisit teleport stones you rarely use -- Fast travel to older zones and explore outward from stones you did not spend much time near. Enemies may have respawned at higher levels, or new paths may be accessible.
• Follow rumors and visual cues -- If you see a path you never explored, a door you could not open during the story, or an area with particularly strong-looking enemies, investigate.
• Check your Records menu -- The bestiary and records pages show you what you have and have not discovered. If there are enemy slots you have never filled, those enemies are somewhere in the world waiting to be found.