F.A.Q.
This list has been arranged to capture the release order of .hack as it came out in Japan. While there is an agreed upon chronology of events among English-speaking fans, the release order of .hack media in Japan was arranged to synchronize specific story beats in such a way that it would create a totally holistic experience of .hack. For example--you might have heard that .hack//Roots spoils one of the most major twists of G.U.; this is because those episodes were broadcast after the release of G.U. vol. 2, which would've had those spoilers. This list is by no means complete. I will likely continue to add to it over time.
CHANGELOG:
08/09/21: .hack//List is released.
09/07/21: Added title values to Translation and Canon status crystals on hover.
02/06/22: Added G.U. Begins and updated translation status of Zero.
Q: What are T, C, and M?
A:
T - Translation status
C - Canonicity
M - Medium
Q: Weren't some novels or manga serialized in magazines before they were collected in print editions?
A: You are correct. If this list was organized by serialization, then the first chapter of .hack//Legend of the Twilight would actually precede SIGN. For simplicity's sake I've arranged it by tankobon releases, as these would count as the "definitive" versions of those stories anyway. In the future I may add alternative views to view a serialization timeline.
A: Around Link's time, it became difficult for CC2 to talk about this series without clearly defining its specific sections. Link and its sequels became known as the "3rd season project," while the previous two series were retroactively deemed season 1 and 2--R:1 and R:2 era stories respectively. I've adapted this term for this list.
Q: Why bother making a list like this when there are plenty others like it?
A: Most lists in English are ordered in a sometimes loose, sometimes strict chronological order. While these might be useful for longtime fans wanting to apply a chronology to the series, the way the series was originally told by the people who made it has not really been a talking point in English circles. You can compare this to the Japanese Wikipedia's list, which is largely organized by release order.
Q: What about Online Jack, or Thanatos Report?
A: These are not included since they technically cannot be viewed outside of the context and disk of G.U./Versus.
Q: What does “Dubiously Canon” mean?
A: Some works have clear contradictions with others--for example, XXXX cannot be deemed canon considering the liberties it takes with the original series’ plot. Other titles like, for example, the new novelization of the original PS2 games, may have minor contradictions of the sequence of events, but ultimately only add information to the story. Whether or not this information will have any bearing on future titles is dependent on your interpretation of it, hence “dubiously canon.” In general I encourage you to check out all the non-canon works as well, since while largely contradictory they still might offer you insight into specific nooks and crannies of lore you were unsure of before. The reason these works exist is to encourage you to make your own divergent works.
Q: Where can I find fan-translations?
A: Either on my own translation page, or Kazetrigger’s website (dothacktranslate). Most of the entries that are marked "fantranslated" can be clicked to take you to that fantranslation's location. ISOs and links to torrents cannot be provided.
Q: What is “beyond?” I thought .hack had only 3 seasons?
A: Beyond is exactly that--beyond Season 3. These titles were released after the development cycle of Season 3 stories, even if they may take before the events of Season 3 (like Last Recode’s new volume). Archive 05 is only listed because it offers substantial new story information.
Q: What about info books, like Analysis or the Archives?
A: I may put these up at a later date, and include a toggle feature to turn them on or off. They’re not as important as the main titles themselves (save for Archive 05).