The Fate series is renowned for its complexity and popularity within the anime community. With numerous spinoffs across anime, manga, games, and light novels, it can seem daunting at first. However, understanding its origins from the visual novel, Fate/stay night, can simplify navigating through the series.
Boasting over 20 anime projects, the Fate series is a must-watch for fans of intricate storytelling and engaging characters. Whether you're new to the series or a long-time enthusiast, our comprehensive guide to the Fate anime watch order will help you dive in. Don't forget to explore our list of the best anime of all time for more viewing recommendations.
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 originated from the 2004 visual novel, Fate/stay night, developed by Type-Moon, founded by Kinoko Nasu and Takashi Takeuchi. Nasu penned the story, while Takeuchi designed the art. Initially exclusive to Japanese audiences, the series gained global recognition through its anime adaptations. In late 2024, an exciting announcement introduced Fate/stay night REMASTERED, now available with an official English translation on Steam and Nintendo Switch.
Fate/stay night unfolds through three distinct routes: Fate, Unlimited Blade Works, and Heaven's Feel, each offering unique battles, character developments, and narratives. All routes start with Shirou Emiya entering the Holy Grail War, but their subsequent paths diverge significantly. Consequently, these routes inspired three separate anime series, each named after its corresponding route, making it easy to identify which part of the story you're following.
The series has since expanded into numerous spinoffs and subseries, each with its own unique flavor. While this can be overwhelming, there's a structured watch order that introduces you to the core concepts and themes of the Fate universe.
Which Fate Anime Should You Watch First?
Opinions vary on the best starting point within the Fate series, but the original anime, simply titled Fate/stay night (2006), provides a solid foundation. This series, produced by Studio Deen, primarily follows the Fate route and includes pivotal moments in Saber's character development. While it may not be a flawless adaptation, it's essential for understanding the series' beginning.
Be aware that watching Fate/stay night first will reveal some events from the Unlimited Blade Works and Heaven's Feel routes. However, due to the interconnected nature of the series, some spoilers are inevitable regardless of your starting point. We recommend beginning with Fate/stay night to grasp the series' foundational elements.
How to Watch the Fate Anime
All Fate anime are available on Crunchyroll with a free trial, and physical releases of major series and spinoffs can be purchased for collectors.
See it at Amazon
See it at Crunchyroll
See it at Crunchyroll
See it at Crunchyroll
See it at Amazon
The Best Fate/stay night Series Watch Order
While the Fate series can be watched in various orders, there's an optimal sequence that enhances your understanding of its world and characters:
1. Fate/stay night (2006)
Begin with the Studio Deen production of Fate/stay night, which introduces you to the series' core concepts like Masters, Servants, and the Holy Grail War. Follow Shirou Emiya as he becomes embroiled in the battle for the Holy Grail.
2. Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works (2014-2015)
Next, watch the Unlimited Blade Works series, which focuses on the second route of the visual novel, emphasizing Rin Tohsaka's role. This series spans 25 episodes across two seasons and is a more comprehensive adaptation than the movie of the same name.
3. Fate/stay night [Heaven's Feel] I. presage flower
The Heaven's Feel route begins with the movie presage flower. Witness Shirou's peaceful life disrupted as the Holy Grail War unfolds in Fuyuki City, with Sakura Matou at the center of the conflict.
4. Fate/stay night [Heaven's Feel] II. lost butterfly
Continue with the second movie, lost butterfly, which explores significant changes and the mysterious force causing Masters and Servants to vanish.
5. Fate/stay night [Heaven's Feel] III. spring song
Conclude the Heaven's Feel trilogy with spring song, featuring some of the series' most spectacular battles and a satisfying narrative closure.
6. Fate/Zero
Finally, watch Fate/Zero, a prequel to Fate/stay night, which delves into the 4th Holy Grail War and the story of Kiritsugu Emiya. Despite being a prequel, it's best viewed after the main series to avoid spoiling key plot points.
How to Watch Fate Anime Spinoffs
Once you've completed the main Fate/stay night series, explore the diverse spinoffs. Most spinoffs are standalone and can be watched in any order, each set in different time periods with unique rules for their Holy Grail Wars. However, the Fate/Grand Order series requires a specific watch order:
Fate Spinoff Watch Order
The following 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 a mobile game where players join the Chaldea Security Organization to prevent humanity's extinction by addressing Singularity events. The anime covers Part 1 of the story, focusing on the first eight Singularities. Here's the watch order:
1. Fate/Grand Order: First Order
Start with First Order, the prologue where Ritsuka Fujimaru and Mash Kyrielight investigate the Singularity in Fuyuki City, 2004.
2. Fate/Grand Order: Camelot - Wandering; Agateram
Next, watch the first movie of the 6th Singularity, set in 1273 A.D. Jerusalem, where Ritsuka and Mash ally with Bedivere.
3. Fate/Grand Order: Camelot - Paladin; Agateram
Follow with the second Camelot movie, which concludes the 6th Singularity with intense action and Bedivere's resolution.
4. Fate/Grand Order Absolute Demonic Front: Babylonia
Then, dive into Babylonia, a beloved arc set in Uruk, where Ritsuka and Mash tackle the threat of goddesses and Demonic Beasts.
5. Fate/Grand Order Final Singularity - Grand Temple of Time: Solomon
Conclude with the Solomon movie, which wraps up the Observer on Timeless Temple storyline, facing the final enemy, King Solomon.
What's Next for the Fate Anime?
The Fate universe continues to expand with new spinoffs and adaptations. The latest addition, Fate/strange Fake, premiered its first episode during the Fate Project New Year's Eve TV Special on December 31, 2024, and is now streaming on Crunchyroll. The full first season is anticipated in 2025.
Type-MOON is also developing 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,' showcasing their ongoing commitment to expanding the Fate universe and beyond.
