"Fate Anime Series: Correct Viewing Order Guide"

The Fate series is a beloved and intricate anime franchise that has captivated audiences worldwide. Known for its complexity, the series spans numerous spin-offs across anime, manga, games, and light novels. However, grasping the series' origins can significantly simplify navigating its various seasons and adaptations.

With over 20 anime projects, the Fate series is a rich tapestry that deserves exploration. Whether you're a long-time fan or a newcomer, understanding the correct watch order can enhance your viewing experience. Additionally, for more viewing options, you can explore 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 originated from the 2004 visual novel, Fate/stay night, developed by Type-Moon, founded by Kinoko Nasu and Takashi Takeuchi. Nasu penned the narrative, while Takeuchi handled the artwork. This dynamic duo continues to lead the creative direction of Type-Moon's projects, now supported by a larger team.

For years, Fate/stay night was exclusively available in Japanese, making the anime adaptations the primary entry point for many fans. However, in late 2024, the series received a significant update with the release of Fate/stay night REMASTERED, now featuring an official English translation on Steam and Nintendo Switch.

The visual novel offers three distinct routes—Fate, Unlimited Blade Works, and Heaven's Feel—each presenting unique battles, character interactions, and plot developments. Although they share a common starting point with protagonist Shirou Emiya entering the Holy Grail War, the narratives diverge significantly. Consequently, each route has been adapted into separate anime series, clearly labeled by their respective route names.

Over time, the Fate universe has expanded to include numerous spin-offs and subseries, each with unique titles that can be confusing. Yet, there is a logical order to follow that introduces the series' core concepts effectively.

Which Fate Anime Should You Watch First?

While opinions vary on the best starting point, the 2006 anime Fate/stay night is recommended for newcomers. Produced by Studio Deen, it primarily follows the Fate route, providing essential insight into Saber's character arc. Although not a perfect adaptation, it serves as a foundational entry into the series, despite potential spoilers for the Unlimited Blade Works and Heaven's Feel adaptations. Starting with this series ensures a comprehensive understanding from the beginning.

How to Watch the Fate Anime

All Fate anime series are available for streaming on Crunchyroll with a free trial. For collectors, physical releases of the main series and spin-off movies can be found.

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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 can enhance your understanding of its complex world:

1. Fate/stay night (2006)

Start with Studio Deen's Fate/stay night to grasp the basics of the series. This adaptation introduces the concepts of Masters, Servants, and the Holy Grail War, following Shirou Emiya's journey into this mystical battle.

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

Next, dive into Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works, which focuses on the second route of the visual novel. This series highlights Rin Tohsaka's role and her interactions with Shirou as they navigate the Holy Grail War. Opt for the series over the movie for a more comprehensive experience.

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, focusing on Sakura Matou's pivotal role 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, where significant changes alter the course of the previous routes. Shirou's motivations and the mysterious threat in Fuyuki City come to the forefront.

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 film delivers spectacular battles and a satisfying resolution to the trilogy's narrative arcs.

6. Fate/Zero

Finally, watch Fate/Zero, a prequel to the events of Fate/stay night. Based on Gen Urobuchi's light novels, this series explores the 4th Holy Grail War and the ideological conflicts faced by Kiritsugu Emiya. Be aware that watching Fate/Zero before the main series can spoil elements of Unlimited Blade Works.

How to Watch Fate Anime Spinoffs

After completing the core Fate/stay night series, explore the numerous Fate spinoffs. Most are standalone and can be watched in any order, each 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

Understanding the Fate/Grand Order series requires familiarity with its source material, a mobile game available on iOS and Android. The game follows the Chaldea Security Organization's mission to prevent humanity's extinction by resolving Singularity events. Part 1 of the story involves eight Singularities, with the anime adaptations covering the Prologue and Singularities 6-8. To experience the first five Singularities, you'll need to play the game:

1. Fate/Grand Order: First Order

Begin with the prologue, Fate/Grand Order: First Order, where Ritsuka Fujimaru and Mash Kyrielight are dispatched to 2004 Fuyuki City to investigate the first Singularity.

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

Follow with the first movie of the 6th Singularity, Fate/Grand Order: Camelot - Wandering; Agateram, 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, Fate/Grand Order: Camelot - Paladin; Agateram, to see the resolution of the 6th Singularity and Bedivere's story.

4. Fate/Grand Order Absolute Demonic Front: Babylonia

Next, watch Fate/Grand Order Absolute Demonic Front: Babylonia, set in ancient Uruk. This popular arc involves Ritsuka and Mash tackling the threat of three goddesses and numerous 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 off against the King of Mages, Solomon, in their final battle to save humanity.

What's Next for the Fate Anime?

The Fate franchise continues to expand with new spin-offs. 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 available on Crunchyroll, with the full season expected in 2025. Additionally, Type-Moon is working on 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 received a second teaser trailer last year.