The *Fate* series, a wildly popular anime franchise, often gets a reputation for complexity. With numerous spin-offs across anime, manga, games, and light novels, it can be daunting to know where to begin. However, understanding the series' origins simplifies navigating its vast landscape.
Boasting over 20 anime projects, *Fate* is a worthwhile investment of your time. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer, this guide provides a clear *Fate* anime watch order.
**Jump to:**
- Which *Fate* Anime to Watch First
- *Fate/stay night* Watch Order
- *Fate/Grand Order* Watch Order
- *Fate* Anime Spin-offs
- What Is *Fate*?
What Is *Fate*?
The entire Fate anime universe originated from the 2004 visual novel, Fate/stay night, created by Type-Moon, a studio founded by Kinoko Nasu (story) and Takashi Takeuchi (art). Nasu and Takeuchi continue to play key roles in most Type-Moon projects, although the studio has significantly expanded since then.
For years, *Fate/stay night* was only available in Japanese. This made the anime adaptations the primary way for international audiences to experience the story. However, late 2024 brought a surprise: *Fate/stay night REMASTERED*, with an official English translation, launched 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 storylines. While starting similarly with Shirou Emiya thrust into the Holy Grail War, the narratives diverge significantly. Consequently, three separate anime series adapt these routes, each bearing the route's name for easy identification.
The *Fate* franchise has since expanded dramatically, spawning countless spin-offs and sub-series. The sheer number of anime can be overwhelming. Fortunately, a logical watch order exists, serving as an excellent introduction to the series' core concepts and themes.
Which *Fate* Anime Should You Watch First?
While opinions vary, the 2006 *Fate/stay night* anime offers the clearest entry point. Primarily adapting the "Fate" route, it provides a foundational understanding of Masters, Servants, and the *Fate* universe's intricacies. Although not a perfect adaptation, it uniquely includes crucial moments from Saber's character arc.
While this choice may spoil elements from *Unlimited Blade Works* and *Heaven's Feel*, some degree of spoiling is unavoidable regardless of viewing order. Starting with *Fate/stay night* (2006) is recommended for its intended role as the series' introduction.
How to Watch the *Fate* Anime
Most *Fate* anime are available on Crunchyroll (free trial available). Physical releases (Blu-ray/DVD) are also available for collectors.
The Best *Fate/stay night* Series Watch Order
While the *Fate* series allows flexibility in viewing order, an optimal sequence enhances understanding. This order isn't strictly chronological but provides the most cohesive experience:
- Fate/stay night (2006): Introduces the core concepts and characters, following Shirou Emiya's involvement in the Holy Grail War.
- Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works (2014-2015): Focuses on Rin Tohsaka and explores the second route of the visual novel.
- Fate/stay night [Heaven's Feel] I. presage flower: Begins the Heaven's Feel movie trilogy, centering on Sakura Matou.
- Fate/stay night [Heaven's Feel] II. lost butterfly: The second Heaven's Feel movie, continuing the story.
- Fate/stay night [Heaven's Feel] III. spring song: Concludes the Heaven's Feel trilogy.
- Fate/Zero: A prequel exploring the 4th Holy Grail War and Kiritsugu Emiya. (Note: Watching after the main *stay night* routes is recommended to avoid spoilers.)
How to Watch *Fate* Anime Spin-offs
After completing the core *Fate/stay night* adaptations, numerous spin-offs await. Most can be watched in any order, as they are largely self-contained stories. However, the *Fate/Grand Order* series requires a specific viewing order.
*Fate* Spin-off Watch Order (Flexible):
- 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* mobile game's context is crucial for appreciating its anime adaptations. The game follows Chaldea Security Organization's mission to prevent humanity's extinction by tackling "Singularity" events.
Part 1 of the game features eight Singularities, each acting as a unique Holy Grail War. The anime adaptations cover a portion of this storyline. The watch order for the available anime is:
- Fate/Grand Order: First Order: The prologue.
- Fate/Grand Order: Camelot - Wandering; Agateram: Part of the 6th Singularity.
- Fate/Grand Order: Camelot - Paladin; Agateram: Conclusion of the 6th Singularity.
- Fate/Grand Order Absolute Demonic Front: Babylonia: A popular arc set in Uruk.
- Fate/Grand Order Final Singularity - Grand Temple of Time: Solomon: The culmination of the story.
What's Next for the *Fate* Anime?
The *Fate* franchise continues to expand. *Fate/strange Fake* premiered on December 31, 2024, with the rest of season 1 expected in 2025. Type-Moon has also announced several projects, including a sequel to *Fate/kaleid liner Prisma Illya* and a movie adaptation of *Witch on the Holy Night*.
