The *Fate* series, a wildly popular anime franchise, often gets a reputation for being complex. With numerous spin-offs across anime, manga, games, and light novels, it can be daunting to know where to begin. However, understanding the series' origins simplifies navigating its vast landscape. Featuring over 20 anime projects, *Fate* is a captivating journey well worth the investment, whether you're a longtime fan or a curious newcomer. This guide provides a clear *Fate* anime watch order.
You can also explore our guide to the best anime of all time for more viewing options.
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* anime universe originated from the 2004 visual novel, *Fate/stay night*, created by Type-Moon, a studio founded by Kinoko Nasu (story) and Takashi Takeuchi (art). Nasu and Takeuchi continue to hold these roles in most Type-Moon visual novels, though the studio has significantly expanded since its inception.
For years, *Fate/stay night* was only available in Japanese, making the anime adaptations the primary way for international audiences to experience the story. However, late 2024 brought a significant development: *Fate/stay night REMASTERED*, featuring an official English translation, launched on Steam and Nintendo Switch.
*Fate/stay night* offers three distinct routes: Fate, Unlimited Blade Works, and Heaven's Feel. Each route presents unique battles, character interactions, and plot points. While beginning similarly with Shirou Emiya's involvement in the Holy Grail War, the narratives diverge significantly. This accounts for the three separate anime series, each named after its corresponding route.
The *Fate* franchise has since expanded dramatically, resulting in numerous spin-offs and sub-series. While the diverse titles can be confusing, a logical viewing order exists to provide a comprehensive introduction to the series' themes and conventions.
Which *Fate* Anime Should You Watch First?
While opinions vary, the 2006 *Fate/stay night* anime offers the most accessible entry point. Primarily adapting the "Fate" route of the visual novel, it provides a foundational understanding of Masters, Servants, and the core *Fate* world. Although not a perfect adaptation, it uniquely includes crucial moments from Saber's character arc.
While some elements from *Unlimited Blade Works* and *Heaven's Feel* will be spoiled, this is largely unavoidable regardless of viewing order. We recommend starting with *Fate/stay night* (2006) as the intended series entry point.
How to Watch the *Fate* Anime
All *Fate* anime are available on Crunchyroll (free trial available). Physical releases of the main series and spin-off movies are also available for collectors.
Fate/stay night: Complete Collection (Blu-ray)
Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works (Complete Box Set)
Fate/Zero (Complete Box Set)
Fate/Grand Order - Absolute Demonic Front: Babylonia (Box Set I)
Fate/kaleid liner PRISMA ILLYA Complete CollectionThe Best *Fate/stay night* Series Watch Order
While the *Fate* series allows flexibility in viewing order, an optimal sequence enhances understanding. This order isn't strictly chronological but provides the most cohesive narrative experience:
1. *Fate/stay night* (2006)
As previously discussed, the Studio Deen *Fate/stay night* anime is the ideal starting point. It introduces the core concepts and characters, following Shirou Emiya's involvement in the Holy Grail War.
2. *Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works* (2014-2015)
Next, watch *Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works*. Focusing on Rin Tohsaka, this series explores the second route, intertwining Shirou and Rin's paths in their pursuit of the Holy Grail. The series spans two seasons (25 episodes). Choose the series over the movie for a more comprehensive adaptation.
3. *Fate/stay night [Heaven's Feel]* I. presage flower
The *Heaven's Feel* trilogy begins here, adapting the third route and featuring Sakura Matou. Shirou's peaceful life is disrupted as the Holy Grail War unfolds in Fuyuki City.
4. *Fate/stay night [Heaven's Feel]* II. lost butterfly
The second *Heaven's Feel* movie, *lost butterfly*, introduces significant changes compared to the previous routes. Shirou's motivations are clarified as Masters and Servants disappear amidst a growing threat in Fuyuki City.
5. *Fate/stay night [Heaven's Feel]* III. spring song
The concluding *Heaven's Feel* movie, *spring song*, delivers spectacular battles and a satisfying resolution, providing strong narrative closure for each main character.
6. *Fate/Zero*
*Fate/Zero*, a prequel to *Fate/stay night*, is a unique addition. While it could precede the main series, it might spoil elements of *Unlimited Blade Works*. It follows Kiritsugu Emiya in the 4th Holy Grail War, exploring clashing ideologies and the lengths one will go to achieve their goals.
How to Watch *Fate* Anime Spinoffs
After completing the core *Fate/stay night* adaptations, numerous spin-offs await. Most spin-offs can be watched in any order as they are largely self-contained stories with different settings and rules. However, the *Fate/Grand Order* series requires a specific viewing order.
*Fate* Spinoff Watch Order (Flexible Order)
The following spin-offs 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
To understand the *Fate/Grand Order* anime, familiarity with the source material (the mobile game) is beneficial. The game follows the Chaldea Security Organization's mission to prevent humanity's extinction. Part 1 of the game features eight Singularities (essentially different Holy Grail Wars), with anime adaptations covering the Prologue and Singularities 6-8. The first five Singularities are best experienced through the game. The anime watch order is as follows:
1. *Fate/Grand Order: First Order*
This prologue introduces Ritsuka Fujimaru and Mash Kyrielight as they investigate a Singularity in Fuyuki City (2004).
2. *Fate/Grand Order: Camelot - Wandering; Agateram*
The first of two films covering Singularity 6, set in 1273 A.D. Jerusalem, featuring Bedivere.
3. *Fate/Grand Order: Camelot - Paladin; Agateram*
The second *Camelot* film concludes Singularity 6.
4. *Fate/Grand Order Absolute Demonic Front: Babylonia*
A popular arc set in Uruk, featuring familiar characters like Gilgamesh.
5. *Fate/Grand Order Final Singularity - Grand Temple of Time: Solomon*
The climactic conclusion of Part 1, featuring the final confrontation with Solomon.
What's Next for the *Fate* Anime?
The *Fate* franchise continues to expand, with new anime and manga adaptations in development. *Fate/strange Fake* premiered its first episode on December 31, 2024, and further episodes are expected in 2025. TYPE-MOON also announced projects including a *Fate/kaleid liner Prisma Illya* sequel and a movie adaptation of *Witch on the Holy Night*.
