Like some other series, .hack// is a series that has a story told through a lot of mediums. Anime, games, manga, and light novels expand upon the world. However, as any series with so much to it, one needs to know where to start to get the best possible experience. If you are looking to start .hack// to discovery why these players cannot log out of their game (the Sword Art Online before SAO was even a thing, essentially), here’s how you do it.

Do I Need to Play the Games to Watch the Anime?

Unlike a series like Danganronpa that really requires you to play at least the second game in order to understand the second anime series, .hack// does not really require you to play any of the games, read any light novels, or any manga. In truth, much of the anime series are self-contained stories. However, you will find subtle references in both the games and the anime to each other for the die-hard fans. Having these references go gracefully over your head and not even realizing it is the only thing that will happen if you do not play the games.

There are some instances in which an anime series is just a summary of some games or a prequel to a game that leaves some things open-ended. I’ll be sure to point these out as you can adjust as needed.

How to Watch the .hack// Anime Series Only

Don’t want to fuss with the games? They are old, but fun if you can find them. Regardless, if you only want to explore the .hack// anime, here is your marching orders.

.hack//Sign /hack//Sign: Intermezzo OVA .hack//Unison OVA .hack//Sign Gift OVA .hack//Legend of the Twilight .hack//Roots .hack//G.U. Trilogy (A summery of all three .hack//G.U. Games) .hack//Roots Returner OVA .hack//Quantum Walking Party OVA .hack//Quantum Wired Prisoner OVA .hack//Quantum The World-end Pallbearer OVA

What about .hack//Liminality? I did not include these four OVAs as they come after the first four .hack// games. They don’t really contribute anything important to the story, but they will spoil a bit of the games if you do watch them.

How to Watch the .hack// Series With the Games

The .hack// games are a gem, but not necessary to experience the series. Still, if you want to do yourself a full run. He’s how you do it.

.hack//Sign .hack//Sign Intermezzo OVA .hack//Infection Game .hack//Liminality In the Case of Mai Minase OVA .hack//Mutation Game .hack//Liminality In the Case of Yuki Aihara OVA .hack//Outbreak Game .hack//Liminality In the Case of Kyoko Tohno OVA .hack//Quarantine Game .hack//Liminality Trismegistus OVA .hack//Sign Unison OVA .hack//Sign Gift OVA .hack//Legend of the Twilight .hack//Roots .hack//G.U. Rebirth Game .hack//G.U. Reminisce Game .hack//G.U. Redemption Game .hack//G.U. Trilogy (Not necessary to watch if you played the games) .hack//Roots Returner OVA .hack/Link Game .hack//Quantum Walking Party OVA .hack//Quantum Wired Prisoner OVA .hack//Quantum The World-end Pallbearer OVA