The Fate series stands out as a beloved and intricate anime franchise, captivating fans with its rich storytelling and expansive universe. With numerous spinoffs across anime, manga, games, and light novels, navigating the series can seem daunting. However, understanding its origins simplifies the journey through its various seasons and adaptations.
Boasting over 20 anime projects, the Fate series is a testament to its enduring appeal. Whether you're a long-time fan or a newcomer intrigued by its reputation, this guide will help you navigate the Fate anime watch order. For additional 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 expansive world of Fate originated from the 2004 visual novel, Fate/stay night, developed by Type-Moon. Founded by Kinoko Nasu and Takashi Takeuchi, Type-Moon has continued to expand its universe with Nasu penning the stories and Takeuchi designing the art. Initially available only in Japanese, Fate/stay night became more accessible globally with the 2024 announcement of Fate/stay night REMASTERED, now playable with an English translation 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 plot developments. The story kicks off with Shirou Emiya being drawn into the Holy Grail War, where each route explores different facets of this intense competition. These routes have been adapted into separate anime series, making it straightforward to follow the narrative thread of each path.
Over the years, the Fate series has expanded into a vast array of spinoffs and subseries, each with its unique title and setting. Navigating this extensive universe can be overwhelming, but a structured watch order can introduce you to the core concepts and themes effectively.
Which Fate Anime Should You Watch First?
While opinions vary on the ideal starting point, the 2006 anime, Fate/stay night, serves as a foundational entry into the series. This adaptation primarily follows the Fate route, providing essential context for Saber's character arc despite its imperfections. Starting here may spoil elements from other routes, but it's crucial for understanding the series' foundation.
How to Watch the Fate Anime
All Fate anime series are available to stream on Crunchyroll, with a free trial option. For those who prefer physical copies, many main series and spinoff movies are available on Blu-ray and DVD.
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The Best Fate/stay night Series Watch Order
The Fate series offers flexibility in viewing order, but following a specific sequence enhances your comprehension of its intricate world and characters.
1. Fate/stay night (2006)
Begin with the 2006 Fate/stay night series by Studio Deen. This series introduces the first route of the visual novel, acquainting you with the concepts of Masters, Servants, and the Holy Grail War. Follow Shirou Emiya's journey as he navigates this mystical battle for a wish-granting prize.
2. Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works (2014-2015)
Next, dive into Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works, which explores the second route of the visual novel, focusing on Rin Tohsaka. This 25-episode series split into two seasons follows Shirou and Rin as they vie for the Holy Grail. Opt for the series over the movie for a more comprehensive experience.
3. Fate/stay night [Heaven's Feel] I. presage flower
The Heaven's Feel route begins with the movie Fate/stay night [Heaven's Feel] I. presage flower. This first installment of a trilogy introduces Sakura Matou and the upheaval of Shirou's peaceful life as the Holy Grail War erupts in Fuyuki City.
4. Fate/stay night [Heaven's Feel] II. lost butterfly
Continue with Fate/stay night [Heaven's Feel] II. lost butterfly, released in 2019. This movie delves into significant changes to the narrative, with Shirou making pivotal choices and mysterious forces causing Masters and Servants to vanish.
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, which delivers stunning battles and a satisfying resolution to the storyline. Ufotable's craftsmanship shines in this final chapter.
6. Fate/Zero
Although a prequel, watch Fate/Zero after the main series to avoid spoilers. This series, based on Gen Urobochi's light novel, explores Kiritsugu Emiya's participation in the 4th Holy Grail War, offering a deep dive into the series' thematic roots.
How to Watch Fate Anime Spinoffs
After completing the core Fate/stay night series, explore the numerous spinoffs. Most of these can be watched in any order, as they often feature standalone stories set in different time periods with unique Holy Grail War rules. However, certain series, like Fate/Grand Order, require a specific watch order.
Fate Spinoff Watch Order
Feel free to watch these 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
To fully appreciate the Fate/Grand Order anime, understanding the mobile game's storyline is helpful. The game follows the Chaldea Security Organization's mission to prevent humanity's extinction by resolving Singularity events. The anime adaptations cover Part 1 of the story, focusing on eight Singularities.
1. Fate/Grand Order: First Order
Begin with the prologue, Fate/Grand Order: First Order, where Ritsuka Fujimaru and Mash Kyrielight are dispatched to Fuyuki City in 2004 to investigate the first Singularity.
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 ally with Bedivere.
3. Fate/Grand Order: Camelot - Paladin; Agateram
Continue with Fate/Grand Order: Camelot - Paladin; Agateram, the second movie completing the 6th Singularity storyline with action-packed resolutions.
4. Fate/Grand Order Absolute Demonic Front: Babylonia
Explore the fan-favorite 7th Singularity in Fate/Grand Order Absolute Demonic Front: Babylonia, set in Uruk and featuring familiar characters like Gilgamesh.
5. Fate/Grand Order Final Singularity - Grand Temple of Time: Solomon
Conclude with Fate/Grand Order Final Singularity - Grand Temple of Time: Solomon, where Ritsuka and Mash face their final challenge against the King of Mages, Solomon.
What's Next for the Fate Anime?
The Fate universe 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, now available on Crunchyroll. The first season is expected to continue in 2025.
Type-Moon has also announced ongoing projects, including a sequel to Fate/kaleid liner Prisma Illya - Licht Nameless Girl. Additionally, a movie adaptation of the 2012 visual novel Witch on the Holy Night is in development, with a second teaser trailer released last year.
