"Fate Anime Series: How to Watch in Order"

The Fate series stands out as a beloved and intricate anime franchise, renowned for its complexity and expansive universe. With numerous spin-offs spanning anime, manga, games, and light novels, understanding the series can seem daunting at first. However, once you grasp the origins and structure of the Fate universe, navigating its various seasons becomes much more manageable.

With over 20 different anime projects, the Fate series is well worth exploring. Whether you're a long-time fan or a newcomer, this guide will help you understand the Fate anime watch order. For more viewing options, don't forget to 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 entire Fate franchise originated from a visual novel titled Fate/stay night, released in 2004 by Type-Moon, founded by Kinoko Nasu and Takashi Takeuchi. Nasu wrote the story, while Takeuchi handled the art. This dynamic duo continues to lead the creative direction for Type-Moon's visual novels, now supported by a larger team.

Initially available only in Japanese, the visual novel's story was best experienced through its anime adaptations. However, in late 2024, an exciting announcement revealed Fate/stay night REMASTERED, now playable in English on Steam and Nintendo Switch.

Fate/stay night features three distinct routes: Fate, Unlimited Blade Works, and Heaven's Feel, each offering unique battles, character interactions, and story arcs. Despite starting with the same premise—Shirou Emiya being drawn into the Holy Grail War—the routes diverge significantly. Consequently, three separate anime series were created, each named after its corresponding route, making it straightforward to identify which storyline is being adapted.

Over the years, the Fate series has expanded into numerous spinoffs and subseries, each with its own unique setting and characters. While this diversity can be overwhelming, there's a logical order to follow that introduces the core concepts and themes of the series.

Which Fate Anime Should You Watch First?

Opinions vary on the ideal starting point for the Fate series, but one anime stands out as a comprehensive introduction: the original Fate/stay night from 2006. This series primarily follows the Fate route of the visual novel, providing crucial insights into Saber's character arc. Although not a perfect adaptation, it's the only one covering the first route and is essential for understanding the series' foundations.

Be aware that starting with Fate/stay night will reveal some plot points for Unlimited Blade Works and Heaven's Feel. However, spoilers are unavoidable within the series. We recommend beginning with the original to appreciate the narrative as intended.

How to Watch the Fate Anime

All Fate anime are available to stream on Crunchyroll with a free trial. Physical collectors can also find main series and spin-off movies on Blu-ray.

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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, a specific sequence enhances your understanding of its intricate elements:

1. Fate/stay night (2006)

Begin with the Fate/stay night anime by Studio Deen, which introduces the first route of the story. This series immerses you in the world of Masters and Servants and follows Shirou Emiya as he's drawn into the Holy Grail War.

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

Next, watch Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works, which covers the second route and focuses on Rin Tohsaka. This series, split into two seasons, follows Shirou and Rin as they navigate 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, presage flower, introduces the third route. Here, Shirou and Sakura Matou face the upheaval of their peaceful lives as the Holy Grail War begins in Fuyuki City.

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

The second movie, lost butterfly, continues the Heaven's Feel route with significant developments that alter the course set by the previous routes.

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

The final movie, spring song, concludes the Heaven's Feel trilogy with spectacular battles and a satisfying resolution to the characters' arcs.

6. Fate/Zero

Despite being a prequel, watch Fate/Zero after the main series to avoid spoilers. This series, based on Gen Urobochi's light novel, follows Kiritsugu Emiya in the 4th Holy Grail War and explores deep themes of ideology and sacrifice.

How to Watch Fate Anime Spinoffs

After the core series, explore the numerous Fate spinoffs. Most can be watched in any order, as they are standalone stories set in different times and with unique Holy Grail War rules. However, some series, like Fate/Grand Order, require 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

To fully appreciate the Fate/Grand Order anime, understand its connection to the mobile game, which follows the Chaldea Security Organization's mission to prevent humanity's extinction. The anime adaptations cover Part 1 of the story, focusing on eight Singularities, each a unique Holy Grail War set in different historical periods.

1. Fate/Grand Order: First Order

Start with the prologue, First Order, 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, as Ritsuka and Mash team up with Bedivere.

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

Continue with the second Camelot movie, which resolves the 6th Singularity and provides deeper insights into the characters and universe.

4. Fate/Grand Order Absolute Demonic Front: Babylonia

The beloved Babylonia arc follows Ritsuka and Mash in Uruk, tackling the challenges posed by goddesses and Demonic Beasts.

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

Conclude with the final Singularity, where the Chaldea team faces off against Solomon, the King of Mages, in a thrilling finale.

What's Next for the Fate Anime?

The Fate universe continues to expand with new anime and manga 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, and is now streaming on Crunchyroll, with the full season expected in 2025.

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