"Fate Anime Series: Watch Order Guide"

The Fate series is a beloved and complex anime franchise that has captivated fans worldwide. With over 20 anime projects, numerous manga, games, and light novels, it can be daunting to navigate the vast universe of Fate. However, understanding its origins can simplify the experience. If you're new to the series or a long-time fan, this guide will help you with the optimal Fate anime watch order. For more anime recommendations, 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 Fate series originated from the 2004 visual novel Fate/stay night, developed by Type-Moon, founded by Kinoko Nasu and Takashi Takeuchi. Nasu wrote the story, while Takeuchi handled the art. Initially available only in Japanese, the series gained broader accessibility with the late 2024 release of Fate/stay night REMASTERED, featuring an official English translation on Steam and Nintendo Switch.

Fate/stay night offers three distinct routes: Fate, Unlimited Blade Works, and Heaven's Feel, each presenting different battles, character interactions, and story developments. These routes start similarly with Shirou Emiya entering the Holy Grail War but diverge significantly. The anime adaptations reflect these routes, making it clear which part of the story they cover.

Over time, the series has expanded into numerous spinoffs and subseries, each with unique names, which can be confusing. However, there's a structured watch order that introduces the series' core concepts effectively.

Which Fate Anime Should You Watch First?

For newcomers, the recommended starting point is the 2006 anime Fate/stay night. Produced by Studio Deen, it primarily follows the Fate route, offering an introduction to the series' world, including the concepts of Masters, Servants, and the Holy Grail War. Though not a perfect adaptation, it includes crucial moments of Saber's character arc, setting a solid foundation for the series.

While starting with this series will reveal some elements of the other routes, this is unavoidable due to their interconnected nature. Starting from the beginning with Fate/stay night provides the most coherent introduction to the Fate universe.

How to Watch the Fate Anime

All Fate anime are available to stream on Crunchyroll with a free trial. Physical collectors can find many main series and spinoff movies as Blu-ray releases.

### 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 offers flexibility in watch order, but following this sequence provides the best understanding of the series:

1. Fate/stay night (2006)

Start with this Studio Deen production, which introduces the Fate route and the core elements of the series, such as Masters, Servants, and the Holy Grail War. It follows Shirou Emiya as he gets entangled in the battle for the Holy Grail.

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

Next, watch the Unlimited Blade Works route, focusing on Rin Tohsaka and her interactions with Shirou. This series spans two seasons with 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 route with the first movie, where Shirou and Sakura Matou's peaceful lives are disrupted by the Holy Grail War in Fuyuki City.

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

Continue with the second movie, which introduces significant changes and sees Shirou choosing his path amidst disappearing Masters and Servants.

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

Conclude the Heaven's Feel route with this movie, known for its spectacular battles and strong narrative closure.

6. Fate/Zero

Watch this prequel after the main series to avoid spoilers. Fate/Zero explores the 4th Holy Grail War and the story of Kiritsugu Emiya, offering deep insights into the series' themes and ideologies.

How to Watch Fate Anime Spinoffs

Once you've completed the main Fate/stay night series, you can explore numerous spinoffs. Most spinoffs are standalone and can be watched in any order, as they feature unique settings and rules for their Holy Grail Wars. However, the Fate/Grand Order series requires a specific watch order.

Fate Spinoff Watch Order

These 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

Fate/Grand Order is based on the mobile game, which follows the Chaldea Security Organization's mission to prevent humanity's extinction by addressing Singularity events. The anime series covers Part 1 of the game's story, focusing on eight Singularities.

1. Fate/Grand Order: First Order

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

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

Watch the first movie of the 6th Singularity, set in Jerusalem during 1273 A.D., where Ritsuka and Mash join forces with Bedivere.

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

Follow with the second movie, concluding the 6th Singularity and Bedivere's story.

4. Fate/Grand Order Absolute Demonic Front: Babylonia

Experience the beloved 7th Singularity, set in Uruk, with Ritsuka and Mash battling goddesses and Demonic Beasts.

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

Conclude Part 1 with the final Singularity, facing off against Solomon, the King of Mages.

What's Next for the Fate Anime?

The Fate series continues to expand with new spinoffs. The latest addition is Fate/strange Fake, which premiered its first episode during the Fate Project New Year's Eve TV Special and is available on Crunchyroll. The rest of the first season is expected in 2025.

Type-Moon is also working on several projects, including a sequel to Fate/kaleid liner Prisma☆Illya - Licht Nameless Girl. Additionally, they're adapting their 2012 visual novel Witch on the Holy Night into a movie, which received a second teaser trailer last year.