Navigate the starting town in SAO: Hollow Realization. Every important NPC, shop, and facility location explained.
Your Hub in Ainground
The starting town is your primary hub. Learn the layout to save time navigating between NPCs, shops, and facilities.
Key Locations
Central Plaza / Fountain
• Teleport stone (activate immediately).
• Asuna often near fountain early.
• Quest board/bulletin board -- check EVERY time in town.
Blacksmith (Lisbeth's Shop)
• Repair gear (Col fee based on damage).
• Upgrade/enhance weapons and armor with materials.
• Crafting (unlocked later).
Inn / Rest Area
Fully restores HP/SP for free/cheap; NPCs often present for affinity dialogue.
Party Member Locations
• Asuna -- near fountain/plaza/item shop.
• Lisbeth -- at blacksmith shop.
• Silica -- shopping streets/outskirts, sometimes with Pina.
• Sinon -- open areas/higher vantage points/quieter sections.
• Premiere -- story-specific spots; follow markers.
Player Tip: Talk to every NPC with a dialogue indicator every time you return. Side quests, affinity, free items, and information are easily missed if you beeline to the shop.
Efficient Town Navigation
• Use mini-map icons (shop, anvil, bed, exclamation marks).
• Teleport from anywhere in town to other activated stones.
• NPCs move with story progression; check quest markers if missing.
• No combat in town; organize inventory/skill tree safely.