"Fate Anime Series: How to Watch in Order"

The Fate series, a cornerstone of anime culture, is renowned for its complexity and expansive universe. With numerous spinoffs spanning anime, manga, games, and light novels, it's no surprise that navigating this series can feel overwhelming. However, understanding its roots can simplify the journey, making it easier to dive into the various seasons and adaptations.

Boasting over 20 anime projects, the Fate series is a must-watch for fans of intricate storytelling and epic battles. Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast or a newcomer, our comprehensive guide to the Fate anime watch order is here to help you get started. And if you're looking for more anime recommendations, don't miss our list of the best anime of all time.

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Which Fate anime to watch firstFate Stay/night watch orderFate/Grand Order watch orderFate anime spinoffsWhat Is Fate?

The Fate universe originated from the visual novel "Fate/stay night," released in 2004 by Type-Moon, founded by Kinoko Nasu and Takashi Takeuchi. Nasu penned the narrative, while Takeuchi handled the art, a dynamic that has continued through many of Type-Moon's subsequent projects. Initially exclusive to Japanese audiences, the visual novel became more accessible globally with the announcement of "Fate/stay night REMASTERED" in late 2024, now available with an official English translation on Steam and Nintendo Switch.

Saber in Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works"Fate/stay night" presents three distinct routes: Fate, Unlimited Blade Works, and Heaven's Feel, each offering unique battles, character interactions, and story arcs. These routes all begin with Shirou Emiya being drawn into the Holy Grail War, a competition where the victor's wish is granted. Over time, the series has evolved into a vast network of spinoffs and subseries, each with its own unique flavor, yet all tied to the central themes of the Fate universe.

Which Fate Anime Should You Watch First?

Rin Tohsaka & Archer in Fate/stay night (2006)Choosing where to start with the Fate series can be daunting, but the 2006 anime "Fate/stay night" is an ideal entry point. Produced by Studio Deen, it primarily follows the Fate route, offering a foundational understanding of the series' core elements, including the roles of Masters and Servants, and the dynamics of the Holy Grail War. While not a perfect adaptation, it's crucial for experiencing Saber's character arc, which is pivotal to the series.

Be aware that starting with this series might spoil some events from the later adaptations, "Unlimited Blade Works" and "Heaven's Feel." However, given the interconnected nature of the series, some spoilers are inevitable. We recommend beginning with the 2006 series to grasp the foundational story.

How to Watch the Fate Anime

All Fate anime are readily available on Crunchyroll with a free trial. For those who prefer physical media, many of the main series and spinoff movies are available for purchase.

### 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 AmazonThe Best Fate/stay night Series Watch Order

Archer in Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works (2014)Despite the non-chronological nature of the Fate series, a strategic watch order enhances your understanding of the story and its universe.

1. Fate/stay night (2006)

Start with the 2006 "Fate/stay night" anime, which introduces you to the world of Masters and Servants and the Holy Grail War. Follow Shirou Emiya as he becomes entangled in this epic battle, striving for his wish.

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

Next, watch "Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works," which explores the second route of the visual novel. This series focuses on Rin Tohsaka and her interactions with Shirou, leading to a thrilling race for the Holy Grail. Spanning two seasons and 25 episodes, this series is preferred over the movie adaptation for its comprehensive coverage.

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

Dive into the first of the Heaven's Feel trilogy movies, where Shirou's peaceful life is upended by the onset of the Holy Grail War in Fuyuki City. Sakura Matou's central role in this route adds depth to the narrative.

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

Continue with the second movie, "lost butterfly," released in 2019. Here, the story takes dramatic turns, with Shirou making pivotal decisions amidst the disappearance of Masters and Servants.

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

Conclude the Heaven's Feel route with the third movie, "spring song," renowned for its stunning battles and satisfying narrative closure.

6. Fate/Zero

Though a prequel, "Fate/Zero" is best watched after the main series due to potential spoilers. This series, based on Gen Urobochi's light novel, explores the 4th Holy Grail War and Kiritsugu Emiya's quest, offering a deep dive into the series' themes of sacrifice and ambition.

How to Watch Fate Anime Spinoffs

Gilgamesh in Fate/strange Fake: Whispers of Dawn (2023)Once you've navigated the core Fate/stay night series, the expansive world of spinoffs awaits. Most spinoffs can be watched in any order, as they are largely standalone stories with unique settings and rules for their Holy Grail Wars. However, the "Fate/Grand Order" series requires a specific watch order.

Fate Spinoff Watch Order

Feel free to explore these spinoffs in any order that suits your interest:

Today's Menu for the Emiya FamilyLord El-Melloi II Case FilesFate/PrototypeFate/strange Fake: Whispers of DawnFate/ApocryphaFate/EXTRA Last EncoreFate/kaleid liner PRISMA ILLYACarnival PhantasmFate/Grand Order Watch Order

Understanding the "Fate/Grand Order" series requires familiarity with its source material, a mobile game available on iOS and Android. The game follows the Chaldea Security Organization's mission to prevent humanity's extinction by resolving Singularity events. The anime adaptations cover the first part of the story, focusing on eight Singularities.

1. Fate/Grand Order: First Order

Begin with "First Order," the prologue that sets the stage for the Chaldea Security Organization's mission to save humanity by investigating the Singularity in Fuyuki City in 2004.

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

Next, watch the first movie covering the 6th Singularity, set in Jerusalem in 1273 A.D., where Ritsuka and Mash team up with Bedivere amidst a raging war.

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

Continue with the second movie, which concludes the 6th Singularity and offers more action and resolution for Bedivere's story.

4. Fate/Grand Order Absolute Demonic Front: Babylonia

Experience the fan-favorite "Babylonia" arc, set in Uruk, where Ritsuka and Mash tackle the challenges posed by three goddesses and numerous Demonic Beasts.

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

Conclude with "Solomon," the final Singularity, where the Chaldea Security Organization faces off against the King of Mages to save humanity and conclude the Observer on Timeless Temple storyline.

What's Next for the Fate Anime?

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