The Fate series stands as a cornerstone of the anime world, celebrated for its complexity and expansive universe. With a multitude of spinoffs across anime, manga, games, and light novels, it's no wonder that diving into the series can seem daunting at first. However, grasping the origins of the series can significantly simplify navigating its various seasons and projects.
Boasting over 20 different anime projects, the Fate series is a rich tapestry that rewards dedicated viewers. Whether you're a long-time fan or a newcomer intrigued by its reputation, this guide will help you understand the optimal Fate anime watch order. For more anime recommendations, don't forget to check out our list of the best anime of all time.
Jump to:
- Which Fate anime to watch first
- Fate/stay night watch order
- Fate/Grand Order watch order
- Fate anime spinoffs
What Is Fate?
The entire Fate universe originated from a visual novel titled Fate/stay night, released in 2004 by Type-Moon. Founded by Kinoko Nasu and Takashi Takeuchi, Type-Moon saw Nasu as the story creator and Takeuchi as the art director. Despite its initial exclusivity to Japanese audiences, the visual novel's story inspired numerous anime adaptations, becoming the primary gateway to the series for non-Japanese fans. Excitingly, in late 2024, an English-translated remastered version of Fate/stay night became available on Steam and Nintendo Switch, broadening its accessibility.
Fate/stay night unfolds across three distinct routes—Fate, Unlimited Blade Works, and Heaven's Feel—each offering unique battles, character interactions, and story arcs. The narrative begins with Shirou Emiya being thrust into the Holy Grail War, a battle royale where the victor's wish is granted. Each route diverges significantly, leading to three corresponding anime series, each named after its respective route for clarity.
Over the years, the Fate series has evolved into a vast array of spinoffs and subseries, each with its own unique setting and story. While this might seem overwhelming, there's a structured watch order that introduces newcomers to the series' core concepts and themes effectively.
Which Fate Anime Should You Watch First?
While opinions vary on the best starting point, the 2006 anime Fate/stay night provides a comprehensive introduction to the series. Produced by Studio Deen, it primarily follows the Fate route, offering critical insights into Saber's character arc. Although it's not a perfect adaptation, it sets the stage for the rest of the series. Note that watching this series first will spoil some elements of Unlimited Blade Works and Heaven's Feel, but given the interconnected nature of the series, some spoilers are inevitable.
How to Watch the Fate Anime
You can stream all Fate anime on Crunchyroll with a free trial. For avid collectors, physical releases of the main series and spinoff movies are also available.
See it at Amazon!
See it at Crunchyroll!
See it at Crunchyroll!
See it at Crunchyroll!
See it at Amazon!
The Best Fate/stay night Series Watch Order
The Fate series allows for flexible viewing, but following a specific order enhances your understanding of its narrative and universe:
1. Fate/stay night (2006)
Start with the 2006 Fate/stay night anime by Studio Deen, which introduces you to the world of Masters, Servants, and the Holy Grail War. It follows Shirou Emiya as he becomes entangled in the battle for the Holy Grail.
2. Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works (2014-2015)
Next, watch Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works, which delves into the second route of the visual novel. This series focuses on Rin Tohsaka and her interactions with Shirou, unfolding over 25 episodes across two seasons. Note that the movie adaptation of the same name is less comprehensive, so opt for the series.
3. Fate/stay night [Heaven's Feel] I. presage flower
Begin the Heaven's Feel trilogy with Fate/stay night [Heaven's Feel] I. presage flower. This movie introduces the third route, centered around Sakura Matou, and the upheaval of Shirou's peaceful life as the Holy Grail War escalates in Fuyuki City.
4. Fate/stay night [Heaven's Feel] II. lost butterfly
Continue with the second movie, lost butterfly, which explores significant changes to the established routes. Shirou faces new challenges as the war intensifies.
5. Fate/stay night [Heaven's Feel] III. spring song
Conclude the Heaven's Feel trilogy with spring song, featuring some of the series' most visually stunning battles and a satisfying narrative closure.
6. Fate/Zero
Finally, watch Fate/Zero, a prequel set during the 4th Holy Grail War. Although it's a prequel, it's best viewed after the main series to avoid spoilers. It follows Kiritsugu Emiya and offers a deep dive into the series' themes of ideology and ambition.
How to Watch Fate Anime Spinoffs
After exploring the core Fate/stay night series, dive into the spinoffs. Most of these can be watched in any order, as they are standalone stories with different settings and rules for the Holy Grail War. However, the Fate/Grand Order series requires a specific watch order due to its continuity from the mobile game.
Fate Spinoff Watch Order
These spinoffs can be enjoyed in any sequence:
- Today's Menu for the Emiya Family
- Lord El-Melloi II Case Files
- Fate/Prototype
- Fate/strange Fake: Whispers of Dawn
- Fate/Apocrypha
- Fate/EXTRA Last Encore
- Fate/kaleid liner PRISMA☆ILLYA
- Carnival Phantasm
Fate/Grand Order Watch Order
To fully appreciate the Fate/Grand Order anime series, it's essential to understand its source material—a mobile game available on iOS and Android. The game follows the Chaldea Security Organization's efforts to prevent humanity's extinction by addressing Singularity events across different time periods. The anime adaptations cover Part 1 of the story, focusing on the first eight Singularities. To experience the first five Singularities, you'll need to play the game, but the anime covers the Prologue and Singularities 6-8.
1. Fate/Grand Order: First Order
Start with First Order, the prologue to the series, where Ritsuka Fujimaru and Mash Kyrielight are sent to 2004 Fuyuki City to investigate the first Singularity.
2. Fate/Grand Order: Camelot - Wandering; Agateram
Next, watch the first movie covering the 6th Singularity, set in 1273 A.D. Jerusalem, where Ritsuka and Mash join forces with Bedivere.
3. Fate/Grand Order: Camelot - Paladin; Agateram
Continue with the second movie, which concludes the 6th Singularity arc and features intense action sequences.
4. Fate/Grand Order Absolute Demonic Front: Babylonia
Follow with Babylonia, a beloved arc set in Uruk, where Ritsuka and Mash tackle the emergence of goddesses and Demonic Beasts.
5. Fate/Grand Order Final Singularity - Grand Temple of Time: Solomon
Conclude with the movie covering the Final Singularity, where Ritsuka and Mash face their ultimate challenge against Solomon, the King of Mages.
What's Next for the Fate Anime?
The Fate universe continues to expand with new adaptations. The latest addition is Fate/strange Fake, which premiered its first episode during the Fate Project New Year's Eve TV Special on December 31, 2024, and is now streaming on Crunchyroll. The rest of the season is expected to arrive in 2025. Additionally, Type-Moon is developing several projects, including a sequel to Fate/kaleid liner Prisma☆Illya - Licht Nameless Girl and a movie adaptation of the 2012 visual novel Witch on the Holy Night, which recently released a second teaser trailer.
