"Fate Anime Series: Watch Order Guide"

The Fate series stands out as a beloved and intricate anime franchise, boasting an array of spin-offs across anime, manga, games, and light novels. Initially, the complexity of the series might seem daunting, but understanding its origins can significantly simplify navigating its various seasons and entries.

With over 20 different anime projects under its belt, the Fate series is certainly worth diving into. Whether you're a long-time fan or a newcomer intrigued by the buzz, we've compiled a comprehensive Fate anime watch order guide. For more anime recommendations, you can also explore 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 expansive world of Fate originated from a visual novel titled Fate/stay night, released in 2004 by Type-Moon. This studio was founded by Kinoko Nasu, the story's creator, and Takashi Takeuchi, who handled the artwork. Both continue to play pivotal roles in Type-Moon's visual novel projects, despite the studio's growth.

For many years, Fate/stay night was exclusively available in Japanese, making the anime adaptations the primary gateway to the series. However, in late 2024, a remastered version with an official English translation was released on Steam and Nintendo Switch, broadening its accessibility.

Fate/stay night features three distinct routes—Fate, Unlimited Blade Works, and Heaven's Feel—each offering unique battles, character interactions, and story developments. Although they share a common starting point with protagonist Shirou Emiya entering the Holy Grail War, the routes diverge significantly. Consequently, three separate anime series were created, each named after their respective route for easy identification.

Over time, the Fate universe has expanded with numerous spin-offs and subseries, each with its own unique name, which can be overwhelming. Thankfully, there's a logical watch order that serves as an introduction to the series' themes and norms.

Which Fate Anime Should You Watch First?

Opinions may vary on where to start, but the 2006 anime Fate/stay night is a solid choice for newcomers. This series primarily follows the Fate route of the visual novel and is crucial for understanding Saber's character arc, despite not being a perfect adaptation. While watching this first may spoil elements of Unlimited Blade Works and Heaven's Feel, it's recommended as the starting point to grasp the foundational aspects of the series.

How to Watch the Fate Anime

All Fate anime can be streamed on Crunchyroll with a free trial. For collectors, many main series and spin-off movies are available in physical formats.

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 a flexible viewing order, as each series can be understood independently. However, a specific sequence enhances comprehension and appreciation of the series' elements:

1. Fate/stay night (2006)

Start with the 2006 Fate/stay night by Studio Deen. This series introduces you to the world of Masters, Servants, and the Holy Grail War, following Shirou Emiya's unexpected involvement in this battle for a wish-granting Grail.

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

Next, watch Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works, which delves into the second route of the visual novel, focusing on Rin Tohsaka and her intersection with Shirou. This series spans 25 episodes across two seasons. Note: Opt for the series over the movie for a more comprehensive adaptation.

3. Fate/stay night [Heaven's Feel] I. presage flower

The first movie in the Heaven's Feel trilogy, presage flower, follows Shirou and Sakura Matou as their peaceful life is disrupted by the Holy Grail War in Fuyuki City.

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

The second movie, lost butterfly, released in 2019, introduces significant changes to the story, with Shirou determining his purpose in the war amidst the disappearance of Masters and Servants.

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

Conclude the Heaven's Feel route with spring song, featuring spectacular battles and a satisfying end to the trilogy, highlighted by strong narrative moments from key characters.

6. Fate/Zero

Although a prequel, Fate/Zero should be watched after the main series to avoid spoilers. This series explores the 4th Holy Grail War and the moral dilemmas faced by Kiritsugu Emiya, offering a deep dive into the series' darker themes.

How to Watch Fate Anime Spinoffs

After completing the main series, explore the diverse Fate spin-offs. 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 sequence.

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

To fully appreciate the Fate/Grand Order anime, understanding its source, a mobile game for iOS and Android, is essential. The game's story centers on 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. To experience the first five Singularities, you'll need to play the game. Here's the recommended watch order for the Fate/Grand Order anime:

1. Fate/Grand Order: First Order

The prologue, First Order, introduces the sudden threat to humanity's future, sending Ritsuka Fujimaru and Mash Kyrielight to Fuyuki City in 2004 to investigate the Singularity.

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

The first of two movies covering the 6th Singularity, Wandering; Agateram, follows Ritsuka and Mash as they ally with Bedivere in Jerusalem during 1273 A.D., amidst a raging war.

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

The second movie, Paladin; Agateram, concludes the 6th Singularity arc, featuring intense battles and the resolution of Bedivere's story.

4. Fate/Grand Order Absolute Demonic Front: Babylonia

Set in Uruk, Babylonia follows Ritsuka and Mash as they tackle the appearance of three goddesses and numerous Demonic Beasts, with familiar characters like Gilgamesh making appearances.

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

The final movie, Grand Temple of Time: Solomon, concludes the Observer on Timeless Temple storyline, with Ritsuka and Mash facing the ultimate enemy, Solomon, to secure humanity's future.

What's Next for the Fate Anime?

The Fate universe 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 available on Crunchyroll with the rest of the season expected in 2025.

Type-MOON is also working on several projects, including a sequel to Fate/kaleid liner Prisma Illya - Licht Nameless Girl. Additionally, a movie adaptation of the 2012 visual novel 'Witch on the Holy Night' is in development, with a second teaser trailer released last year.