"Fate Anime Series: Watch Order Guide"

The Fate series is a beloved and intricate anime franchise that has captivated fans worldwide. With its roots in the 2004 visual novel, *Fate/stay night*, created by Type-Moon, the series has expanded into a vast universe encompassing anime, manga, games, and light novels. Navigating the numerous spinoffs can be daunting, but understanding the series' origins simplifies the process of enjoying its various seasons and adaptations.

With over 20 anime projects, the Fate series is a treasure trove for fans and newcomers alike. Whether you're a long-time enthusiast or a curious newcomer, our comprehensive guide to the Fate anime watch order will help you dive into this expansive world. For more anime recommendations, 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 Fate franchise originated from the visual novel *Fate/stay night*, developed by Type-Moon, founded by Kinoko Nasu and Takashi Takeuchi. Nasu penned the story, while Takeuchi handled the art, roles they continue to fulfill for Type-Moon's subsequent visual novels. Initially available only in Japanese, the series gained international popularity through its anime adaptations. In late 2024, *Fate/stay night REMASTERED* was released with an official English translation, now playable 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. All routes start with Shirou Emiya being drawn into the Holy Grail War, but the subsequent events diverge significantly. This structure has led to three corresponding anime series, each named after its respective route, making it easier to identify which part of the story you're watching.

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

Which Fate Anime Should You Watch First?

While opinions vary on the best starting point, the 2006 anime *Fate/stay night* is the ideal introduction. Produced by Studio Deen, it primarily follows the Fate route of the visual novel, offering a foundational understanding of the series' world, including the roles of Masters and Servants, and the intricacies of the Holy Grail War. Although not a perfect adaptation, it includes crucial moments of Saber's character arc, making it an essential starting point despite some spoilers for other routes.

How to Watch the Fate Anime

All Fate anime series are available to stream on Crunchyroll with a free trial. For collectors, physical releases of the main series and spinoff movies are also available.

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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

The Fate series allows for flexible viewing, but there's an optimal order to fully grasp its narrative and elements:

1. Fate/stay night (2006)

Begin with the 2006 *Fate/stay night* anime by Studio Deen. This series introduces you to the world of Fate, following Shirou Emiya as he becomes entangled in the Holy Grail War, a competition where the winner's wish is granted.

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

Next, watch *Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works*, which follows the second route of the visual novel. This series focuses on Rin Tohsaka and her interactions with Shirou, spanning 25 episodes across two seasons. Note that while there's a movie version, the series provides 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*, introduces the third route. It follows Shirou and Sakura Matou as their peaceful life is disrupted by the Holy Grail War.

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

The second movie, *lost butterfly*, released in 2019, continues the Heaven's Feel route with significant developments and the disappearance of Masters and Servants.

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

The final movie, *spring song*, concludes the Heaven's Feel route with stunning battles and a satisfying narrative resolution.

6. Fate/Zero

Although a prequel, *Fate/Zero* should be watched last to avoid spoilers for the main series. It follows Kiritsugu Emiya in the 4th Holy Grail War, offering a deep dive into the series' themes and ideologies.

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.

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

To fully appreciate the *Fate/Grand Order* anime, understanding its source material is crucial. The mobile game, available on iOS and Android, 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, each a unique Holy Grail War set in different time periods.

1. Fate/Grand Order: First Order

Start with the prologue, *First Order*, where Ritsuka Fujimaru and Mash Kyrielight are sent to Fuyuki City in 2004 to investigate the first Singularity.

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

The second movie concludes the Camelot arc, featuring intense battles and the resolution of Bedivere's story.

4. Fate/Grand Order Absolute Demonic Front: Babylonia

Set in Uruk, *Babylonia* is a fan-favorite arc with engaging characters and a thrilling plot, including familiar faces like Gilgamesh.

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

The final movie, *Solomon*, concludes the Observer on Timeless Temple storyline, with the Chaldea Security Organization facing off against the King of Mages.

What's Next for the Fate Anime?

The Fate series continues to expand with new spinoffs and adaptations. The latest addition, *Fate/strange Fake*, premiered its first episode on December 31, 2024, as part of the Fate Project New Year's Eve TV Special, and is now streaming on Crunchyroll. The rest of the first season is expected in 2025.

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