The Sword Art Online Character You Are Based On Your Zodiac Sign
What would you do if you suddenly found yourself living in a virtual world and the only way to survive in the real one was to stay alive in the game? This terrifying premise is the basis of "Sword Art Online," a surprisingly accessible anime that explores complex issues about the very nature of reality. It also delves into the moral and ethical aspects of online interactions while emphasizing the value of connection and community, both online and in the real world. As the impact of the digital world and the interactions that take place in it continue to shape our social, political, and moral spheres, "Sword Art Online" has never been more relevant than it is today.
As Kirito and Asuna learn while defeating digital foes for the greater good, what we do in the virtual world matters just as much as the things we do offline. Whether a player spends their time online helping others or creating mayhem just for the fun of it, every action has a consequence in the digital realm. To find out where you fit into Aincrad, ALfheim, and beyond, let's look at the "Sword Art Online" character you are based on your zodiac sign.
Aries: Heathcliff
Those born under the sign of Aries (March 21 – April 19) share traits with the original "Sword Art Online" foe Akihiko Kayaba — avatar name Heathcliff. This spicy fire sign has a natural flair for drama, which is clear from the moment Heathcliff first appears to the locked-in players. He looms above them as a giant, faceless, hooded figure, delivering the news that he has trapped them all in the game. The NerveGear designer and development director of Sword Art Online, Heathcliff is a corporate geek IRL, usually seen in a lab coat and tie. Like many Aries, this defiant ram exudes a confidence far beyond what is earned. And as is so often the case, he uses the anonymity of the digital world to play out his fantasies at the expense of others.
Confident Aries can become self-centered if they're not careful, taking advantage of others to further their goals as Heathcliff does when he fulfills his dream of creating a death game with no regard for other players' safety. One of Aries most prominent traits is a drive for competition and Heathcliff is no exception, reimagining himself as the buff avatar Heathcliff and vying to triumph in his own game. But he also understands that no contest is worth winning if it isn't a fair challenge, designing his game to be beatable and positioning himself among the other players.
Taurus: Asuna
The second sign of the zodiac, Taurus (April 20 – May 20) is the sign most associated with comfort, home, and close relationships, all of which come naturally for Asuna in "Sword Art Online." The bulls of the zodiac, earthy Taurans are known for their stubbornness, something Kirito learns soon after meeting Asuna, who tells him defiantly, "I won't lose to this game or this world, no matter what." Although Taurus bulls can have a difficult time navigating dramatic changes as Asuna does when she realizes she is trapped in the game, their all-or-nothing attitudes give them a competitive edge that keeps them going in the game just as they do in the real world.
Ruled by Venus, a Taurus makes a faithful friend and lover. For Asuna, this means committing to Kirito through thick and thin, even marrying him in the game as they create a life together for the two years they are trapped there. And it's no wonder Kirito falls for her since her Taurus warmth and positivity bring joy to their virtual lives even as they face the threat of imminent death every day in Aincrad. By showing Kirito that it's okay to enjoy the pleasures of the world they're stuck in and building a home with him, she brings meaning to their lives, despite the trauma and pain they are forced to endure. In combat, few fighters are more dependable than Asuna, who is naturally good at teamwork, thanks in part to her trusting nature.
Gemini: Death Gun
Those with a Gemini birth date falling between May 21 and June 21 embody the spirit of teamwork and comradery shown by Death Gun, the villain of Gun Gale Online. Equipped with a rare item known as the Metamaterial Optical Camouflage mantle, this clever avatar has the Gemini ability to blend in and adapt to almost any setting. The Gemini twin spirit is all too appropriate for Death Gun, who is actually brothers Shouichi and Kyouji Shinkawa working together.
While all Geminis have a natural sense of curiosity, Shouichi allows his curious nature to become toxic, following players around to spy on them in-game and taking down their IRL personal information. For unpredictable Geminis, their natural restlessness and boredom can combine with their manipulative tendencies if left unchecked, which can be dangerous — Death Gun hatches a plan to kill players in-game and IRL at the same time. Changeable Geminis can also be highly adaptable, often going with the flow to get the job done. In the case of Death Gun, this adaptability means inviting third member Atsushi Kanamoto into the brothers' murder club.
Cancer: Sinon
Do you kick off your birthday festivities between June 21 and July 22? As a sensitive Cancer, you identify most with "Sword Art Online" character Sinon, or Shino Asada in real life. Arguably one of the coolest-dressed avatars in the "SAO" universe, Sinon befriends Kirito in Gun Gale Online and they quickly bond over bullets and bike rides. The tough Cancer that she is, Sinon joins Gun Gale Online in an effort to overcome her own fear of firearms after enduring a traumatic experience as a child when she shot and killed a robber who was threatening her mother.
Like crabs, Cancers are naturally cautious, a trait often manifested through the need to protect themselves physically through their clothing. For Sinon, this means wearing protective glasses in the real world to prevent her eyes from injury in case she encounters another gunman one day. Although Cancers are generally pretty calm and collected, they can be hot-headed when pushed. Sinon shows her temperamental side after realizing that Kirito is actually a boy while changing in front of him in-game. Most of the time, though, they keep a level head, and Sinon is no exception.
Cancers are also deeply kind souls who are capable of great forgiveness, as Sinon demonstrates when she forgives her friend Kyouji Shinkawa for his betrayal as Death Gun. She even promises to visit him after he is sent to prison for his crimes.
Leo: Kirito
Anyone born under the fire sign of Leo (July 23 – August 22) has Kirito, the main protagonist of the franchise, as their "Sword Art Online" zodiac character. Leos naturally tend to run in prides, and Kirito's group of friends — regardless of whether you believe they qualify as an anime harem — is a perfect example. While he isn't as skilled at finding the right words as he is at sword fighting and has a tendency to be a bit closed-off, the friendships he forms are lasting ones. Naturally loving and nurturing to those around him, Kirito is a warm-hearted soul whose love language is giving, as seen when he offers Asuna cream for her food when first meeting her.
Like the bold lion he is, Kirito likes to appear confident even when he isn't and can even appear arrogant, at one point even bragging about his status as a "beater" despite others getting angry at him for it. Unlike other signs, Leos like Kirito don't become fixated on what other people think about him. As a fire sign, they thrive on excitement. Kirito embraces the virtual world despite its dangers, at one point musing, "In this world, a single blade can take you anywhere you want to go. And even though it's a virtual world, I feel more alive in here than I ever did in the real one." A natural teacher, this dual-wielder jumps right into teaching Klein how to succeed in the game without a second thought.
Virgo: Leafa
The green-clad, flower-crowned Leafa is the perfect icon for the earth sign Virgo. "Sword Art Online" fans born between August 23 and September 22 will find they have a good deal in common with this kendo-loving Sylph avatar. The online persona of Kirito's adoptive sister Suguha, Leafa is beloved by her ALfheim companions for her friendly, outgoing, and upbeat personality. But, while she is a good friend to those around her, anyone who upsets this earth sign should watch out, as Recon learns after admitting that he has feelings for her.
Virgos are known to fall in love with the idea of being in love. For Leafa, this troubling trait materializes as feelings for her adoptive brother Kirito in both the real and the virtual worlds, despite the fact that he is literally her first cousin. Like other Virgos, Leafa has a natural thirst for knowledge, especially when that knowledge pertains to Greek mythology. Virgos also love to travel, which is probably why Leafa can't get enough flying time in-game. In battle, Leafa can be fierce thanks to the Virgo trait of strong spatial awareness and her status as one of the five fastest Sylphs in the game. Her years of kendo practice have also enhanced her Virgo tendency to remain alert and aware of her surroundings at all times.
Libra: Yui
If you blow your birthday candles out between September 22 and October 23 each year, your zodiac lines up with "Sword Art Online" character Yui, a sentient A.I. who evolved beyond what she was designed for — she came into existence as Mental Health Counseling Program 001. Made to monitor players' mental health but forbidden from comforting them as intuitive Libras are naturally inclined to do, Yui found herself overwhelmed by the pain and trauma she witnessed. With her childlike personality, Yui was drawn to the love and peace shared between Kirito and Asuna, who adopted her believing she was a child player in need of companionship.
As a gentle Libra, Yui excels at finding solutions for others and has the innate ability to see every side of the most complex situations, empathizing with all parties. Despite her childlike persona, Yui is both reliable and dependable, especially in her later role as a Navigation Pixie after Kirito revives her in ALfheim Online. While she is usually pretty laid back, this intelligent program can become difficult when she doesn't agree with what she's being told to do. But, at the end of the day, if the request is a fair one, she's usually happy to get on board — another Libra trait.
Scorpio: Prince of Hell
The most dangerous sign in the zodiac is Scorpio, as anyone who encounters the Prince of Hell in "Sword Art Online" can attest to. The founder of the murderous guild Laughing Coffin, PoH has an intense personality and should be avoided at all costs. While his actions in the game and in the real world are genuinely unconscionable, there's an argument to be made that this Scorpio didn't have much of a shot in life from the word go.
PoH has his reasons for being the way he is. He was subjected to unfathomable betrayal by those he should have been able to trust. Brought into the world for the sole purpose of becoming a potential organ donor for his brother and named after a minor demon by his resentful mother, it's hard to imagine this dark-hearted Scorpio taking a lighter path in life. It's little wonder that he became a cold and sadistic villain who is willing to cut down strangers for sport and sacrifice his own people on a whim.
Despite the challenges he has been handed during his lifetime, PoH has proven himself adaptable, making dramatic life changes when necessary — like becoming an assassin for a Korean crime syndicate. As most Scorpios are, he is naturally striking in appearance with his wavy raven locks, face tattoo, and eyes that stare deep into his victims' souls. He's also highly intelligent, speaking three languages fluently and reasoning his way through many challenges as he navigates the virtual world.
Sagittarius: Oberon
Those who celebrate their birthdays between November 22 and December 21 share a zodiac sign with Sagittarius evil-doer Oberon. A research geek named Nobuyuki Sugou in real life, Oberon is naturally good with computers and psychology, though he has a habit of using his talents for evil instead of good. When there is profit to be made, this slippery foe has no qualms about using the already traumatized survivors of SAO as test subjects in his potentially lucrative mad science experiment.
While his real-world appearance is dull and corporate to the extreme, Nobuyuki has an artistic flair for cosplay, going full Legolas by choosing the Fairy King Oberon as his avatar. When he's not engaging in sketchy corporate dealings, hacking into proprietary tech, or experimenting on innocents, sadistic Oberon relishes in more directly harming others. The way he treats Asuna is sickening, with one scene in particular going way too far according to "Sword Art Online" fans.
One of Oberon's better traits is his optimism in the face of great adversity. This doesn't always work in his favor, however. The scheming Sagittarius has a complete lack of awareness when it comes to his battle skills, which are nowhere near up to the standard of Kirito.
Capricorn: Lisbeth
If you chow down on your birthday cake between December 22 and January 19 each year, your "Sword Art Online" character is the cutest little blacksmith in all of Aincrad: Lisbeth, known as Rika Shinozaki in the real world. Despite trading her naturally auburn hair for a bubble gum pink in SAO, Lisbeth is a highly responsible person, especially when it comes to her work. Because of the high level of artisanship she aspires to, this hardworking Capricorn takes a great deal of pride in her trade, becoming angry with Kirito when he slices up one of her swords while testing it. She's also very practical, quickly agreeing to make a better sword for the dual-wielder as long as he is willing to help obtain the metal for it.
She takes a while to warm up to people, but Lisbeth is a good friend to those she eventually lets in. As a Capricorn, she has some strong opinions, at one point launching into a lengthy monologue about why the virtual world is every bit as real as the real world to inspire those around her. As her one-handed spiked mace is a testament to, Lisbeth is certainly one of the most relentless and determined fighters in "Sword Art Online," the perfect embodiment of the Capricorn sign.
Aquarius: Klein
If you're an Aquarius who unwraps their birthday gifts between January 20 and February 18, your "Sword Art Online" persona is the perpetually cheerful Klein. A gregarious soul who crosses paths with Kirito early in the game, likely saving his life, Klein embodies the quirky and free-spirited energy that Aquarians are known for. His offbeat and unconventional personality are even apparent in his dinner choice when he orders a teriyaki mayo pizza and ginger ale, which sadly he never receives after realizing he is locked into the game.
A friendly bachelor, Klein is always on the search for the right girlfriend — or, more accurately, any girlfriend. At one point he even asks Kirito about his sister Leafa. Although Klein has a little trouble figuring out the game at first, with Kirito's assistance, he quickly acclimates, becoming an incredibly skilled fighter. Good-natured and charming, Klein is a loyal friend who loves helping others and enjoys giving other players nicknames. And despite his free-spirited ways, this water-bearer can be quite rational and serious when it comes to fighting for the greater good. As is always the case with Aquarius souls, when something serious is at stake, it's go time.
Pisces: Yuuki
Pisces have a reputation for getting drawn into fantasy, but for Yuuki, the fantasy world is her lifeline. Like PoH, Yuuki has had a difficult life from the start, but rather than become bitter and externalize her pain, this empowered Pisces finds a way to connect with others and live a beautiful life. A twin whose entire family became infected with a terminal illness due to a blood transfusion at her birth, Yuuki understands better than anyone the value of living life to the fullest. As a Pisces, she values freedom, something she is able to experience while receiving palliative care — her advanced FullDive machine allows her to live in the virtual world for three years.
By the end of her life, Yuuki is one of the few players to have surpassed the SAO survivors in terms of time spent logged into the virtual world. As a Pisces, Yuuki is naturally easygoing and helpful. When the group needs a rare beetle, she puts in the work to catch it with her bare hands. She is naturally scrappy and unafraid of a fight thanks to her samurai skills. Ruled by Neptune, this water element goes with the flow no matter where life takes them. Although her short life is marked by suffering and loss, Yuuki gets more joy out of her time than most manage in a long lifetime.