.hack//Z.E.R.O. Marks the First New .hack Game in Nearly a Decade

Get ready for a blast from the past! Japanese developer CyberConnect2 has revealed .hack//Z.E.R.O., the first new entry in the beloved .hack series in almost ten years. The announcement comes as part of the studio's 30th-anniversary celebrations, and fans have already been treated to an exciting teaser trailer.

The .hack franchise is known for its action RPG gameplay that explores The World, a virtual game-space where adventures unfold both in-game and in the real world. Originating from a rich multimedia universe that includes a collectible card game, a Japan-exclusive MMORPG, animated films, manga, and live-action TV series, the series has built a dedicated following over the years.

On February 16, 2026, CyberConnect2 commemorated its 30th anniversary by announcing the start of development for .hack//Z.E.R.O. This new title will be entirely self-published by the studio, handling everything from planning and development to release. The last .hack game, .hack//G.U. Last Recode, launched in 2017, making this a long-awaited return.

Don't worry if you're new to the series—Hiroshi "Piros" Matsuyama recently told Famitsu that .hack//Z.E.R.O. won't directly tie into previous games, so no prior knowledge is needed. While .hack has traditionally been developed by CyberConnect2 and published by Bandai Namco, this time Bandai Namco has granted the studio full control over the entire project.

What can players expect? The game features music composed by world-renowned violinist Taro Hakase, setting the stage for a fresh RPG experience. It blends the series' signature mix of fantasy (the game world) and reality (the real world) with modern gaming expectations, all infused with CyberConnect2's unique spirit. The development team promises that .hack//Z.E.R.O. will be enjoyable for both longtime fans and newcomers alike, so keep an eye out for this exciting new chapter in the .hack saga!