The Fate series is renowned for its complexity and vast array of anime projects, making it a standout in the anime community. With its origins rooted in the 2004 visual novel "Fate/stay night" created by Type-Moon, the series has expanded into numerous spin-offs across various media, including anime, manga, games, and light novels. Understanding the series' beginnings can significantly simplify navigating its intricate web of stories.
Boasting over 20 anime projects, the Fate series is a treasure trove for enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Whether you're a long-time fan or just discovering the series, our guide to the Fate anime watch order will help you dive in seamlessly. Additionally, explore our list of 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 series originated from the visual novel "Fate/stay night," released in 2004 by Type-Moon, a studio founded by Kinoko Nasu and Takashi Takeuchi. Nasu penned the story, while Takeuchi handled the art, roles they continue to fulfill in subsequent Type-Moon projects. Initially available only in Japanese, the series became more accessible with the late 2024 announcement of "Fate/stay night REMASTERED," now 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 with unique battles, character interactions, and storylines. Although they start similarly with Shirou Emiya entering the Holy Grail War, the narratives diverge significantly. Consequently, three corresponding anime adaptations exist, each named after its respective route.
Over time, the series has birthed numerous spin-offs and subseries, each with distinct names, which can be overwhelming. However, a structured watch order can provide a clear introduction to the series' themes and conventions.
Which Fate Anime Should You Watch First?
Opinions vary on the best starting point, but the 2006 "Fate/stay night" anime, which follows the Fate route, is recommended as the ideal introduction. While not a perfect adaptation, it covers crucial moments of Saber's character arc, essential for understanding the series. Be aware that watching this series first may spoil elements of the subsequent "Unlimited Blade Works" and "Heaven's Feel" adaptations, though spoilers are inevitable regardless of the watch order.
How to Watch the Fate Anime
All Fate anime are available for streaming on Crunchyroll with a free trial. Physical collectors can find most main series and spin-off movies in boxed sets.
### 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 allows for flexible viewing, but a specific order enhances comprehension of its elements:
1. Fate/stay night (2006)
Start with the 2006 "Fate/stay night" anime by Studio Deen, which introduces the series' core concepts, including Masters, Servants, and the Holy Grail War. Follow Shirou Emiya as he navigates this mystical battle for a wish-granting prize.
2. Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works (2014-2015)
Next, watch "Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works," which explores the second route, focusing on Rin Tohsaka. This series, spanning 25 episodes across two seasons, follows Shirou and Rin's intertwined journey to claim the Holy Grail. 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 "presage flower," where Shirou's peaceful life is disrupted by the Holy Grail War in Fuyuki City. Sakura Matou becomes central to the story as her life with Shirou unravels.
4. Fate/stay night [Heaven's Feel] II. lost butterfly
Continue with "lost butterfly," released in 2019, which introduces significant changes to the narrative fabric. Shirou's motivations evolve, and mysterious forces begin eliminating Masters and Servants.
5. Fate/stay night [Heaven's Feel] III. spring song
Conclude the Heaven's Feel route with "spring song," featuring some of the series' most visually stunning battles. Ufotable's craftsmanship ensures a memorable finale with impactful character moments.
6. Fate/Zero
Finally, watch "Fate/Zero," a prequel set during the 4th Holy Grail War. Despite being a prequel, it's best viewed after the main series to avoid spoilers. Follow Kiritsugu Emiya's intense journey and the clash of ideologies in Fuyuki City.
How to Watch Fate Anime Spinoffs
After completing the main Fate/stay night series, explore the numerous spinoffs. Most can be watched in any order, as they are standalone stories set in different time periods with unique Holy Grail War rules. However, the Fate/Grand Order series requires a specific watch order due to its connection to the mobile game.
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 for iOS and Android. The game follows the Chaldea Security Organization's mission to prevent humanity's extinction by addressing Singularity events. The anime adaptations cover Part 1 of the story, focusing on eight Singularities.
1. Fate/Grand Order: First Order
Begin with "First Order," the prologue that introduces Ritsuka Fujimaru and Mash Kyrielight's mission to 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 amidst a war-torn land.
3. Fate/Grand Order: Camelot - Paladin; Agateram
Continue with the second Camelot movie, which concludes the 6th Singularity and offers action-packed battles and Bedivere's resolution.
4. Fate/Grand Order Absolute Demonic Front: Babylonia
Experience the beloved Babylonia arc, set in Uruk, where Ritsuka and Mash tackle the sudden emergence of goddesses and Demonic Beasts, featuring familiar characters like Gilgamesh.
5. Fate/Grand Order Final Singularity - Grand Temple of Time: Solomon
Conclude with the Final Singularity movie, where the Chaldea Security Organization faces Solomon, the King of Mages, in a thrilling finale to the Observer on Timeless Temple storyline.
What's Next for the Fate Anime?
The Fate series continues to expand with new spin-offs and adaptations. The latest addition, "Fate/strange Fake," premiered its first episode on December 31, 2024, during the Fate Project New Year's Eve TV Special, now streaming on Crunchyroll with more episodes expected 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 the franchise's ongoing evolution.
