"Fate Anime Series: Watch Order Guide"

The Fate series is renowned for its complexity and depth, making it one of the most celebrated anime franchises. With numerous spinoffs spanning anime, manga, games, and light novels, it can be overwhelming at first glance. However, once you grasp the series' origins, navigating through its various seasons becomes more manageable.

With over 20 distinct anime projects, the Fate series is a captivating universe that demands your time and attention. Whether you're a long-time fan or a newcomer, our comprehensive guide to the Fate anime watch order will help you dive into this rich world. And if you're looking for more anime to explore, don't miss 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 entire Fate franchise originated from the 2004 visual novel, Fate/stay night, developed by Type-Moon. Founded by Kinoko Nasu and Takashi Takeuchi, Type-Moon saw Nasu pen the story while Takeuchi handled the art. As the studio expanded, they continued to create engaging visual novels, though Fate/stay night remained a cornerstone of their work.

Initially available only in Japanese, the anime adaptations became the primary way for fans worldwide to experience the story. However, in late 2024, Fate/stay night REMASTERED was released with an official English translation, now available on Steam and Nintendo Switch.

Fate/stay night features three distinct routes: Fate, Unlimited Blade Works, and Heaven's Feel. Each route offers unique battles, character interactions, and plot developments, all starting with Shirou Emiya's involvement in the Holy Grail War. These routes have been adapted into separate anime series, each named after its respective route for clarity.

Over the years, the Fate series has expanded into numerous spinoffs and subseries, each with its unique flavor and setting. Despite the potential confusion, a structured watch order can serve as an effective introduction to the series' overarching themes and elements.

Which Fate Anime Should You Watch First?

There are varying opinions on the ideal starting point for the Fate series, but the 2006 anime, Fate/stay night, provides a foundational understanding. This series primarily follows the Fate route, offering insights into Saber's character arc, despite not being a perfect adaptation. While watching this series first may spoil elements from Unlimited Blade Works and Heaven's Feel, starting at the beginning aligns with the series' intended narrative flow.

How to Watch the Fate Anime

All Fate anime series are available to stream on Crunchyroll, with a free trial option. For those interested in physical copies, many main series and spinoff movies are available for purchase.

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The Best Fate/stay night Series Watch Order

The Fate series offers flexibility in viewing order, as each series can be understood independently. However, following a specific sequence enhances your understanding of the narrative and its elements.

1. Fate/stay night (2006)

Begin your journey with Fate/stay night, produced by Studio Deen. This series introduces you to the world of Fate, including the concepts of Masters, Servants, and the Holy Grail War. Follow Shirou Emiya as he becomes embroiled in a battle for the Holy Grail, where the winner's wish is granted.

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

Next, watch Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works, which explores the second route of the visual novel. This series focuses on Rin Tohsaka and her interactions with Shirou, as they navigate the complexities of 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

The first movie in the Heaven's Feel trilogy, Fate/stay night [Heaven's Feel] I. presage flower, introduces the third route. Witness Shirou and Sakura Matou's lives unravel as the Holy Grail War engulfs 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 deeper into the evolving narrative, showcasing significant shifts in the story's trajectory.

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 final installment offers stunning battles and a satisfying resolution to the trilogy's storyline.

6. Fate/Zero

Finally, watch Fate/Zero, a prequel to the events of Fate/stay night. Based on Gen Urobochi's light novel, this series follows Kiritsugu Emiya in the 4th Holy Grail War. While it can be watched earlier, it's best enjoyed after the main series to avoid spoilers.

How to Watch Fate Anime Spinoffs

After exploring the core Fate/stay night series, you can delve into the numerous spinoffs. Most spinoffs are standalone and can be watched in any order, as they often feature different settings and rules for their Holy Grail Wars. However, certain series like Fate/Grand Order require a specific watch order.

Fate Spinoff Watch Order

The following spinoffs can be enjoyed 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

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 addressing Singularity events.

Part 1 of the story covers eight Singularities, with the anime adaptations focusing on these. Here is the recommended watch order for the Fate/Grand Order anime:

1. Fate/Grand Order: First Order

Start with the prologue, Fate/Grand Order: First Order. Join Ritsuka Fujimaru and Mash Kyrielight as they travel to Fuyuki City in 2004 to investigate and resolve the first Singularity.

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

Next, watch the first movie covering the 6th Singularity, Fate/Grand Order: Camelot - Wandering; Agateram. Follow Ritsuka and Mash as they ally with Bedivere in a war-torn Jerusalem in 1273 A.D.

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

Continue with the second movie, Fate/Grand Order: Camelot - Paladin; Agateram, which concludes the 6th Singularity. Experience the resolution of Bedivere's story and the continuation of Ritsuka and Mash's journey.

4. Fate/Grand Order Absolute Demonic Front: Babylonia

Move on to Fate/Grand Order Absolute Demonic Front: Babylonia, a fan-favorite arc set in Uruk. Join Ritsuka and Mash as they tackle the challenges posed by 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. In this final chapter, Ritsuka and Mash face their ultimate challenge against Solomon, the King of Mages, to save humanity.

What's Next for the Fate Anime?

The Fate series continues to expand with new spinoffs and adaptations. The latest addition, Fate/strange Fake, premiered its first episode on December 31 during the Fate Project New Year's Eve TV Special and is available on Crunchyroll, with the remainder of the first season expected in 2025.

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