"Fate Anime Series: How to Watch in Order"

The Fate series is renowned for its complexity and expansive universe, captivating fans worldwide across various media including anime, manga, games, and light novels. With over 20 anime projects under its belt, understanding the origins of the series can significantly enhance your viewing experience. Whether you're a long-time fan or a newcomer, diving into the Fate anime watch order can enrich your appreciation of this intricate world. For more anime recommendations, don't miss 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 Fate franchise began with the visual novel 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, a dynamic they have maintained for subsequent Type-Moon visual novels. Initially available only in Japanese, Fate/stay night became more accessible globally with the surprise release of Fate/stay night REMASTERED in late 2024, featuring an official English translation on Steam and Nintendo Switch.

Saber in Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works

The visual novel presents three distinct routes: Fate, Unlimited Blade Works, and Heaven's Feel, each offering unique battles, character interactions, and story developments. These routes, starting with protagonist Shirou Emiya's entry into the Holy Grail War, have each been adapted into separate anime series, clearly labeled by their respective route names.

Over the years, the Fate universe has expanded with numerous spinoffs and subseries, each adding depth and variety to the overarching narrative. Navigating the dozens of anime can be daunting, but a structured watch order helps introduce you to the series' core concepts.

Which Fate Anime Should You Watch First?

Rin Tohsaka & Archer in Fate/stay night (2006)

Opinions vary on the best starting point within the Fate series, but the 2006 Fate/stay night anime, produced by Studio Deen, is the most straightforward introduction. It primarily follows the Fate route of the visual novel and includes crucial moments in Saber's character arc. While it may not be a perfect adaptation, it sets the stage for the series. Be aware, however, that watching this will reveal some elements of the Unlimited Blade Works and Heaven's Feel adaptations, though spoilers are inevitable due to the interconnected nature of the series.

How to Watch the Fate Anime

The entire Fate anime catalog is available for streaming on Crunchyroll with a free trial. For those who prefer physical media, many main series and spin-off movies are also available as Blu-ray collections.

### Fate/stay night: Complete Collection (Blu-ray)

0See it at Amazon### Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works (Complete Box Set)

0See it at Crunchyroll### Fate/Zero (Complete Box Set)

0See it at Crunchyroll### Fate/Grand Order - Absolute Demonic Front: Babylonia (Box Set I)

0See it at Crunchyroll### Fate/kaleid liner PRISMA ILLYA Complete Collection

0See it at Amazon

The Best Fate/stay night Series Watch Order

Archer in Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works (2014)

The non-linear nature of the Fate series allows viewers to watch the series in various orders, but following a specific sequence enhances comprehension and enjoyment:

1. Fate/stay night (2006)

Begin with the 2006 Fate/stay night anime by Studio Deen. This series introduces you to the world of Masters and Servants and the Holy Grail War, following Shirou Emiya's journey after he's thrust into the conflict.

2. Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works (2014-2015)

Next, watch Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works, which explores the second route of the visual novel, focusing on Rin Tohsaka. This series spans two seasons and 25 episodes, offering a deeper look into the Holy Grail War.

Note: Opt for the series over the movie of the same name for a more comprehensive experience.

3. Fate/stay night [Heaven's Feel] I. presage flower

The first movie in the Heaven's Feel trilogy, presage flower, introduces the third route, centered around Sakura Matou and Shirou Emiya's struggle in Fuyuki City.

4. Fate/stay night [Heaven's Feel] II. lost butterfly

The second movie, lost butterfly, released in 2019, continues the Heaven's Feel narrative, showcasing significant changes and escalating tensions.

5. Fate/stay night [Heaven's Feel] III. spring song

Conclude the Heaven's Feel trilogy with spring song, which delivers stunning battles and a satisfying resolution to the storyline.

6. Fate/Zero

Finally, watch Fate/Zero, a prequel to Fate/stay night. Despite being a prequel, it's best viewed after the main series to avoid spoilers. It follows Kiritsugu Emiya in the 4th Holy Grail War, offering a deep dive into the series' themes and ideologies.

How to Watch Fate Anime Spinoffs

Gilgamesh in Fate/strange Fake: Whispers of Dawn (2023)

After completing the main Fate/stay night series, explore the numerous 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, the Fate/Grand Order series, based on the mobile game, requires a specific watch order.

Fate Spinoff Watch Order

Feel free to watch the following spinoffs 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

Understanding Fate/Grand Order requires familiarity with its source material, a mobile game for iOS and Android. The game follows the Chaldea Security Organization's mission to prevent humanity's extinction by addressing Singularity events. The anime adaptations cover Part 1 of the story, focusing on eight Singularities.

Here's the recommended watch order for the Fate/Grand Order anime:

1. Fate/Grand Order: First Order

Start with the prologue, First Order, where Ritsuka Fujimaru and Mash Kyrielight investigate the Singularity in Fuyuki City, 2004.

2. Fate/Grand Order: Camelot - Wandering; Agateram

Follow with the first movie of the 6th Singularity, set in 1273 A.D. Jerusalem, where Ritsuka and Mash ally with Bedivere.

3. Fate/Grand Order: Camelot - Paladin; Agateram

Continue with the second movie, concluding the Camelot arc and resolving Bedivere's story.

4. Fate/Grand Order Absolute Demonic Front: Babylonia

Next, watch the beloved Babylonia arc, set in Uruk, where Ritsuka and Mash tackle the threat of goddesses and Demonic Beasts.

5. Fate/Grand Order Final Singularity - Grand Temple of Time: Solomon

Conclude with the Final Singularity movie, where the Chaldea Security Organization faces off against Solomon, the King of Mages, to save humanity.

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 during the Fate Project New Year's Eve TV Special, now available on Crunchyroll, with the rest of the season expected in 2025. Type-Moon is also developing 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.