The Fate series is a renowned and cherished anime franchise, often considered one of the most intricate due to its expansive universe. With numerous spinoffs across anime, manga, games, and light novels, understanding the series can be daunting. However, once you grasp the origins, navigating the various seasons becomes much more manageable.
Boasting over 20 anime projects, the Fate series is a treasure trove for fans and newcomers alike. Whether you're a long-time enthusiast or just discovering the series, our comprehensive Fate anime watch order guide will help you dive in. 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 franchise originated from a visual novel titled Fate/stay night, released in 2004 by Type-Moon, a studio founded by Kinoko Nasu and Takashi Takeuchi. Nasu penned the story, while Takeuchi handled the art. Despite the game initially being available only in Japanese, the anime adaptations became the primary way for fans to experience the story. Excitingly, in late 2024, Fate/stay night REMASTERED was announced, featuring an official English translation playable on Steam and Nintendo Switch.
Fate/stay night features three distinct routes: Fate, Unlimited Blade Works, and Heaven's Feel, each offering unique battles, character interactions, and story arcs. Although they start similarly with Shirou Emiya entering the Holy Grail War, the subsequent events diverge significantly. This has led to three corresponding anime series, each named after its respective route, making it straightforward to identify which part of the story you're watching.
Over time, the Fate series has expanded into numerous spinoffs and subseries, each with its own unique title. This can be overwhelming, but there's a logical watch order that introduces you to the series' core concepts and themes.
Which Fate Anime Should You Watch First?
While opinions vary on the best starting point, the 2006 anime Fate/stay night is recommended as it follows the first route, titled Fate. Though not a perfect adaptation, it's the only one that covers critical moments of Saber's character arc. Be aware that watching this series will spoil some events in Unlimited Blade Works and Heaven's Feel, but spoilers are inevitable regardless of your watch order. Starting with Fate/stay night provides a foundational understanding of the series.
How to Watch the Fate Anime
All Fate anime are available to stream on Crunchyroll with a free trial. Physical collectors can find most main series and spinoff movies on Blu-ray.
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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 there's an optimal order to fully appreciate its narrative and elements:
1. Fate/stay night (2006)
Start with the 2006 Fate/stay night by Studio Deen, which introduces you to the world of Masters, Servants, and the Holy Grail War. Follow Shirou Emiya as he's thrust into this battle for a wish-granting prize.
2. Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works (2014-2015)
Next, watch Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works, which focuses on the second route and features Rin Tohsaka prominently. This series spans two seasons, totaling 25 episodes. Note that while there's a movie version, the series provides a more comprehensive adaptation.
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, as Shirou's peaceful life is disrupted by the Holy Grail War.
4. Fate/stay night [Heaven's Feel] II. lost butterfly
Continue with Fate/stay night [Heaven's Feel] II. lost butterfly, released in 2019, which explores significant changes and the disappearance of Masters and Servants.
5. Fate/stay night [Heaven's Feel] III. spring song
Conclude the Heaven's Feel route with Fate/stay night [Heaven's Feel] III. spring song, featuring some of the series' most spectacular battles and a satisfying narrative closure.
6. Fate/Zero
Finally, watch Fate/Zero, a prequel to Fate/stay night based on Gen Urobochi's light novel. It follows Kiritsugu Emiya in the 4th Holy Grail War, offering deep insights into the series' themes and characters. Although a prequel, it's best watched after the main series to avoid spoilers.
How to Watch Fate Anime Spinoffs
After completing the main series, explore the numerous Fate spinoffs. Most can be watched in any order as they are standalone stories set in different time periods with unique Holy Grail War rules. However, some series, like Fate/Grand Order, require a specific watch order.
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, follows the Chaldea Security Organization's mission to prevent humanity's extinction by addressing Singularity events. The anime covers Part 1 of the story, focusing on eight Singularities, each a unique Holy Grail War set in different eras.
1. Fate/Grand Order: First Order
Begin with Fate/Grand Order: First Order, the prologue that introduces Ritsuka Fujimaru and Mash Kyrielight as they investigate the Singularity in Fuyuki City, 2004.
2. Fate/Grand Order: Camelot - Wandering; Agateram
Next, watch Fate/Grand Order: Camelot - Wandering; Agateram, the first of two movies covering the 6th Singularity. Set in 1273 A.D. Jerusalem, Ritsuka and Mash ally with Bedivere amidst a war-torn land.
3. Fate/Grand Order: Camelot - Paladin; Agateram
Continue with Fate/Grand Order: Camelot - Paladin; Agateram, which concludes the 6th Singularity and offers thrilling battles and Bedivere's resolution.
4. Fate/Grand Order Absolute Demonic Front: Babylonia
Then, dive into Fate/Grand Order Absolute Demonic Front: Babylonia, a beloved arc set in Uruk, where Ritsuka and Mash tackle the sudden appearance of 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, where the Chaldea Security Organization faces their final challenge against Solomon, the King of Mages, wrapping up the Observer on Timeless Temple storyline.
What's Next for the Fate Anime?
The Fate series continues to expand with new spinoffs and adaptations. The latest addition, Fate/strange Fake, premiered its first episode on December 31, 2024, during the Fate Project New Year's Eve TV Special, and is now streaming on Crunchyroll. The rest of the first season is anticipated in 2025.
Type-Moon has also announced 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 received a second teaser trailer last year.
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