"Fate Anime Series: Watch Order Guide"

The Fate series stands as a towering pillar in the world of anime, renowned for its complexity and vast universe. With numerous spin-offs encompassing anime, manga, games, and light novels, diving into the series might seem daunting at first. However, once you grasp the series' origins, navigating through its various seasons becomes much more manageable.

Boasting over 20 different anime projects, the Fate series is a rich tapestry that deserves your time and attention. Whether you're a long-time fan or a newcomer, this comprehensive guide to the Fate anime watch order will help you embark on your journey through this epic saga. 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 expansive world of Fate anime originated from the visual novel "Fate/stay night," released in 2004 by Type-Moon, founded by Kinoko Nasu and Takashi Takeuchi. Nasu, the mastermind behind the story, and Takeuchi, the artist, have continued to shape the series, with Type-Moon expanding its team over the years.

For years, "Fate/stay night" was exclusively available in Japanese, making the anime adaptations the primary gateway for non-Japanese audiences. However, a thrilling announcement in late 2024 introduced "Fate/stay night REMASTERED," now available with an official English translation on Steam and Nintendo Switch.

"Fate/stay night" unfolds across three distinct routes: Fate, Unlimited Blade Works, and Heaven's Feel, each offering unique battles, character interactions, and narrative arcs. Although all routes begin with Shirou Emiya being thrust into the Holy Grail War, the subsequent events diverge significantly. Consequently, three separate anime series were created, each named after its corresponding route, making it easier for viewers to identify which storyline they are following.

Over time, the Fate series has evolved into a multitude of spin-offs and subseries, each with its own distinct name. Navigating this vast universe can be challenging, but a strategic watch order can provide a coherent introduction to the series' core concepts and themes.

Which Fate Anime Should You Watch First?

When it comes to starting the Fate series, opinions may vary, but one anime stands out as the best introduction: the original "Fate/stay night" released in 2006. This series primarily follows the Fate route of the visual novel and is crucial for understanding Saber's character arc, despite not being a perfect adaptation.

While watching "Fate/stay night" first may reveal some spoilers for "Unlimited Blade Works" and "Heaven's Feel," the interconnected nature of the series means that some spoilers are inevitable. We recommend beginning with the original to fully appreciate the series' narrative foundation.

How to Watch the Fate Anime

All Fate anime series are available to stream on Crunchyroll, with options for a free trial. For those interested in physical copies, many of the main series and spin-off movies are available for purchase.

### 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

The Fate series allows for flexible viewing, but a recommended order enhances your understanding of its intricate elements:

1. Fate/stay night (2006)

Begin 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 becomes embroiled in the battle for the Holy Grail, where the winner's wish is granted.

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

Next, dive into "Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works," which follows the second route of the visual novel. Focus on Rin Tohsaka and her interactions with Shirou as they navigate the complexities of the Holy Grail War. Opt for the 25-episode series over the movie for a more comprehensive experience.

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

The first movie of the Heaven's Feel trilogy, "presage flower," introduces the third route. Watch Shirou's peaceful life unravel as the Holy Grail War engulfs Fuyuki City, with Sakura Matou at its center.

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

Continue with "lost butterfly," the second Heaven's Feel movie, where significant shifts occur, altering the course of the previous routes. Shirou's resolve is tested as Masters and Servants vanish amid an unknown evil.

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

Conclude the Heaven's Feel trilogy with "spring song," showcasing breathtaking battles and a satisfying narrative closure, crafted meticulously by Ufotable.

6. Fate/Zero

Though a prequel to Fate/stay night, watch "Fate/Zero" last to avoid spoiling key elements of the main series. Explore the 4th Holy Grail War through Kiritsugu Emiya's eyes, a deep dive into conflicting ideologies and the pursuit of dreams.

How to Watch Fate Anime Spinoffs

Once you've explored the core Fate/stay night series, a wealth of spin-offs awaits. These can be watched in any order, as most are standalone stories set in different time periods with unique Holy Grail War rules:

• 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 narrative is essential. The game follows the Chaldea Security Organization's mission to prevent humanity's extinction by eliminating Singularities, which are pivotal events leading to human demise.

The anime adaptations cover Part 1 of the story, focusing on eight Singularities. Each Singularity represents a unique Holy Grail War set in different historical periods, with interconnected plot elements:

1. Fate/Grand Order: First Order

Start with "First Order," the prologue to Fate/Grand Order, where Ritsuka Fujimaru and Mash Kyrielight are dispatched to Fuyuki City in 2004 to address the first Singularity.

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

Follow with the first movie of the 6th Singularity, "Camelot - Wandering," set in Jerusalem during 1273 A.D., where Ritsuka and Mash team up with Bedivere to navigate a war-torn landscape.

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

Continue with the second Camelot movie, "Paladin," which concludes the 6th Singularity with intense battles and the resolution of Bedivere's journey.

4. Fate/Grand Order Absolute Demonic Front: Babylonia

Next, immerse yourself in "Babylonia," a beloved arc set in Uruk, where Ritsuka and Mash confront goddesses and Demonic Beasts, encountering familiar faces like Gilgamesh.

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

Conclude with "Solomon," the final movie that wraps up the Observer on Timeless Temple storyline, pitting the Chaldea team against the King of Mages in a climactic battle for humanity's future.

What's Next for the Fate Anime?

The Fate universe continues to expand with new spin-offs 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 available on Crunchyroll, with the full first season expected in 2025.

Type-Moon is also developing several projects, including a sequel to "Fate/kaleid liner Prisma Illya - Licht Nameless Girl." Beyond the Fate series, Type-Moon is working on a movie adaptation of the 2012 visual novel "Witch on the Holy Night," which has garnered attention with its latest teaser trailer.