The Fate series stands as a cornerstone of the anime world, renowned for its complexity and expansive universe. With a multitude of spin-off series spanning anime, manga, games, and light novels, it can initially seem overwhelming. However, by grasping the series' origins, navigating through the various seasons becomes more straightforward.
Boasting over 20 different anime projects, the Fate series is a treasure trove for enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Whether you've been curious about it for a while or are just discovering it, understanding the optimal Fate anime watch order can enhance your viewing experience. Additionally, for those looking to explore more, consider checking out our guide to 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 expansive world of Fate anime originated from a visual novel titled Fate/stay night, released in 2004 by Type-Moon. Founded by Kinoko Nasu and Takashi Takeuchi, Type-Moon brought this game to life with Nasu as the writer and Takeuchi handling the art. Despite the studio's growth over the years, these two have remained pivotal in their roles for subsequent visual novels.
Initially available only in Japanese, Fate/stay night was primarily experienced through its anime adaptations. However, a surprise announcement in late 2024 introduced Fate/stay night REMASTERED, now playable with an official English translation on Steam and Nintendo Switch.
The visual novel features three distinct routes: Fate, Unlimited Blade Works, and Heaven's Feel, each offering unique battles, character interactions, and narrative arcs. Though all routes start similarly with Shirou Emiya being thrust into the Holy Grail War, their developments diverge significantly. Consequently, three corresponding anime series were created, each named after its respective route, making it easy to identify which part of the story you're watching.
Over time, the Fate universe has expanded tremendously, spawning numerous spinoffs and subseries. Navigating these can be daunting due to their varied names, but a structured watch order can serve as a helpful introduction to the series' themes and conventions.
Which Fate Anime Should You Watch First?
Among the diverse opinions on starting points within the Fate series, one anime stands out as an ideal introduction: the 2006 Fate/stay night. Produced by Studio Deen, this series primarily follows the first route of the visual novel, known as Fate. While not a perfect adaptation, it uniquely includes crucial elements of Saber's character arc, providing a foundational understanding of the series.
Be aware that watching this series first may spoil certain aspects of the Unlimited Blade Works and Heaven's Feel adaptations. However, given the interconnected nature of the series, some spoilers are inevitable regardless of watch order. Starting with the 2006 Fate/stay night is recommended, as it sets the stage for the entire series.
How to Watch the Fate Anime
All Fate anime are available for streaming on Crunchyroll with a free trial. Physical collectors can find most of the main series and spin-off movies on Blu-ray and DVD.
The Best Fate/stay night Series Watch Order
The Fate series offers flexibility in watch order, as each series can be understood independently. However, for a comprehensive grasp of the narrative and its elements, following this recommended sequence is advised:
1. Fate/stay night (2006)
Begin with the 2006 Fate/stay night produced by Studio Deen. This series introduces you to the concepts of Masters, Servants, and the intricacies of the Fate universe through Shirou Emiya's journey in the Holy Grail War.
2. Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works (2014-2015)
Next, watch Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works. This series delves into the second route, focusing on Rin Tohsaka and her interactions with Shirou as they navigate the Holy Grail War. Opt for the series over the movie for a more thorough adaptation.
3. Fate/stay night [Heaven's Feel] I. presage flower
The first movie in the Heaven's Feel trilogy, Fate/stay night [Heaven's Feel] I. presage flower, introduces the third route. It follows Shirou and Sakura Matou as their peaceful lives are disrupted by the Holy Grail War.
4. Fate/stay night [Heaven's Feel] II. lost butterfly
Continue with the second movie, Fate/stay night [Heaven's Feel] II. lost butterfly, which explores significant changes and developments in the storyline, including the disappearance of Masters and Servants.
5. Fate/stay night [Heaven's Feel] III. spring song
Conclude the Heaven's Feel trilogy with Fate/stay night [Heaven's Feel] III. spring song. This movie features some of the most visually stunning battles and offers a satisfying conclusion to the trilogy.
6. Fate/Zero
Finally, watch Fate/Zero, a prequel to the events of Fate/stay night. It follows Kiritsugu Emiya in the 4th Holy Grail War and explores deep themes of ideology and ambition. Be mindful that watching Fate/Zero before the main series might spoil key elements.
How to Watch Fate Anime Spinoffs
Once you've completed the core series, explore the diverse Fate spinoffs. Most of these can be watched in any order, as they are standalone stories set in different time periods with unique Holy Grail War rules. However, the Fate/Grand Order series requires a specific watch order due to its connection to the mobile game.
Fate Spinoff Watch Order
The following spinoffs can be watched in any order:
- 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, understanding its source material is crucial. The mobile game, available on iOS and Android, features an ongoing story centered around the Chaldea Security Organization's mission to prevent humanity's extinction by combating Singularity events.
The anime adaptations cover the first part of the story, focusing on eight Singularities. Here is the recommended watch order:
1. Fate/Grand Order: First Order
Start with Fate/Grand Order: First Order, the prologue adaptation that introduces Ritsuka Fujimaru and Mash Kyrielight's mission in Fuyuki City in 2004.
2. Fate/Grand Order: Camelot - Wandering; Agateram
Next, watch Fate/Grand Order: Camelot - Wandering; Agateram, 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
Follow up with Fate/Grand Order: Camelot - Paladin; Agateram, the second movie that concludes the 6th Singularity arc with intense action and Bedivere's story resolution.
4. Fate/Grand Order Absolute Demonic Front: Babylonia
Continue with Fate/Grand Order Absolute Demonic Front: Babylonia, a beloved arc set in Uruk, where Ritsuka and Mash confront goddesses and Demonic Beasts.
5. Fate/Grand Order Final Singularity - Grand Temple of Time: Solomon
Conclude with Fate/Grand Order Final Singularity - Grand Temple of Time: Solomon, the final chapter where Ritsuka and Mash face off against Solomon, the King of Mages, in their quest to save humanity.
What's Next for the Fate Anime?
The Fate series continues to expand with new anime and manga adaptations. The latest addition, Fate/strange Fake, premiered its first episode during the Fate Project New Year's Eve TV Special and is now streaming on Crunchyroll, with the rest of the first season expected in 2025.
Type-Moon has several projects in development, including a sequel to Fate/kaleid liner Prisma Illya - Licht Nameless Girl. Additionally, they are working on a movie adaptation of their 2012 visual novel Witch on the Holy Night, which has released a second teaser trailer.
