Complete guide to the starting fields in SAO: Hollow Realization. Enemy types, gathering spots, secrets, and prep for the first dungeon.
Leaving Town for the First Time
After tutorials, skills equipped, potions bought, teleport stone activated, you head into the starting fields. This is your training ground. Take your time -- rushing the first dungeon makes it much harder.
Area Layout
• Town gate -- Entry point; path always leads back.
• Central crossroads -- Split toward dungeon and side areas.
• Gathering nodes -- Sparkling herbs, ores, respawn over time.
• Field teleport stone -- FIND AND ACTIVATE THIS FIRST.
• Hidden paths -- Side paths lead to chests, extra nodes, ambushes.
• First dungeon entrance -- Far end of main path, guarded by stronger enemies.
Player Tip: Spend 20-30 minutes exploring, fighting every enemy type, practicing Perfect Guard, gathering nodes, before approaching the dungeon. You should handle boars/wasps without taking damage first.
Enemy Types
• Wild Boars -- Slow, non-aggressive until attacked; charge attack with obvious tell. Perfect for Perfect Guard practice.
• Forest Wasps -- Flying; shoot stinger projectiles and dart attacks. Practice dodging projectiles with i-frames.
• Slimes -- Slow bouncers; found in clusters near water; very easy.
• Wolves -- Faster, aggressive, hunt in packs; near the dungeon. Better EXP; test your fundamentals.
• Orcs/humanoids -- Weapon-wielding near dungeon entrance; block and use combos. Treat as miniboss-tier first encounters.
What to Accomplish Before Dungeon
• Gain 1-2 levels (no heavy grinding needed).
• Activate field teleport stone.
• Gather materials/Col for extra potions.
• Find visible chests on side paths (possible upgrades).
• Practice Perfect Guard on boars until consistent.
• Bring Asuna (or another party member).
• Repair gear from field fighting.