.hack
Season 1
2002 • 26 Episodes
Tsukasa wakes up inside The World, a massive online role-playing game full of magic and monsters, and finds himself unable to log out. With no knowledge of what’s happening in the real world, Tsukasa must discover how he ended up stuck in the game, and what connection he has with the fabled Key of the Twilight—an item that’s rumored to grant ultimate control over the digital realm.
Episodes
1. Role Play
April 4, 2002
Tsukasa is trapped in an MMORPG called The World. With his conscious inaccessible, Tsukasa attempts to find his purpose for being in the game.
2. Guardian
April 11, 2002
Tsukasa’s inability to log out of the world worries Mimiru. The Crimson Knights, on the other hand, see Tsukasa as a threat.
3. Folklore
April 18, 2002
BT and Sora suspect that Tsukasa is somehow connected to a very important artifact, the Key of the Twilight.
4. Wanted
April 25, 2002
Tsukasa's rampaging Guardian monster wreaks havoc in The World, and an edict from Subaru makes him a wanted man.
5. Captured
May 2, 2002
Tsukasa finally tames his Guardian monster, but unbeknownst to him, someone is plotting his capture.
6. Encounter
May 9, 2002
Subaru carefully observes Tsukasa, gradually getting to know him. Sora mounts a rescue mission.
7. Reason
May 16, 2002
Mimiru encounters a novice player and offers her guidance in The World. This new relationship helps Mimiru uncover her own motivation for playing.
8. Promise
May 23, 2002
Mimiru extends Tsukasa an invitation to meet; BT and Crim share an interesting encounter.
9. Epitaph
May 30, 2002
An elite hacker proves instrumental in the quest for the Key of the Twilight, and Tsukasa gets stuck with a sick Grunty.
10. Compensation
June 6, 2002
Bear's shortcomings as a father may be the root of his concern for Tsukasa. Clues arise as the search for the Key of the Twilight continues.
11. Party
June 13, 2002
Mimiru, Bear, and Tsukasa join forces before embarking on a non-fighting quest.
12. Entanglement
June 20, 2002
Tsukasa stumbles upon Aura, an advanced AI, that is being held captive.
13. Twilight Eye
June 27, 2002
A way to open the Twilight Eye is discovered, and the group decides to follow the new path unfolding before them.
14. Castle
July 4, 2002
After the Eye is opened, a secret area appears, complicating the group's search for the key.
15. Evidence
July 11, 2002
Revisit all the major moments from this groundbreaking anime in a series of vivid flashbacks that may shed new light on past events!
16. Depth
July 18, 2002
Tsukasa logs back into The World, only to discover that he cannot die. Shocked, he turns to Subaru for answers.
17. Conflict
July 25, 2002
Crim refuses to meet BT outside of the game. Later, Tsukasa mounts a rescue attempt – and secrets are revealed.
18. Declaration
August 1, 2002
Silver Knight disrupts any and all potential rendezvous between Subaru and Tsukasa. Subaru ponders the future of the Crimson Knights.
19. Recollection
August 8, 2002
Subaru drifts aimlessly through The World, reflecting on her past experiences. Her connection with Tsukasa grows even stronger after an unexpected attack.
20. Tempest
August 15, 2002
Aura goes missing, Morganna attacks Tsukasa, and the search for the Key of the Twilight continues.
21. Despair
August 23, 2002
Tsukasa lingers in a catatonic state, and some immensely powerful monsters make their presence felt in The World.
22. Phantom
August 29, 2002
Bear, Mimiru, and Subaru are attacked by yet another seemingly-unstoppable monster, but Balmung comes to the rescue.
23. The Eve
September 5, 2002
Tsukasa is too frightened to pass through Helba's gate, and Crim explains Subaru's true life condition.
24. Net Slum
September 12, 2002
Upon arriving in Helba's realm – Net Slum – the group is forced to defend Subaru from an attack by Morganna.
25. Catastrophe
September 19, 2002
As the battle intensifies, the group seeks shelter in the Cathedral. Morganna summons Guardians to do her bidding.
26. Return
September 26, 2002
Drawing strength from Subaru, Tsukasa summons the courage to awaken Aura. Outside of The World, players share a true life encounter.