The Fate series stands out as a highly popular and beloved anime, often considered complex due to its extensive range of spinoffs across various media, including anime, manga, games, and light novels. However, once you grasp the series' origins, navigating through the different seasons becomes much simpler. With over 20 anime projects, the Fate series is definitely worth exploring, whether you're a long-time fan or a newcomer. We've compiled a comprehensive Fate anime watch order to guide you through this epic saga. For more anime recommendations, don't miss our guide to the best anime of all time.
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Which Fate anime to watch first
Fate Stay/night watch order
Fate/Grand Order watch order
Fate anime spinoffs
The expansive world of Fate anime originated from a visual novel titled "Fate/stay night," released in 2004 by Type-Moon, a studio founded by Kinoko Nasu and Takashi Takeuchi. Nasu penned the story, while Takeuchi handled the artwork. Although the game was initially only available in Japanese, it has since been remastered and released in English on Steam and Nintendo Switch in late 2024, making it accessible to a wider audience.
"Fate/stay night" offers three distinct routes: Fate, Unlimited Blade Works, and Heaven's Feel, each featuring different battles, character interactions, and story developments. These routes begin similarly, with Shirou Emiya entering the Holy Grail War, but diverge significantly. Consequently, there are three corresponding anime series, each named after its respective route, providing a clear path for viewers to follow.
Over the years, the Fate series has expanded into numerous spinoffs and subseries, each with unique names, which can be overwhelming. Fortunately, a structured watch order exists to introduce you to the series' core concepts and themes effectively.
Despite varying opinions on the starting point for the Fate series, the original "Fate/stay night" anime from 2006 is the recommended entry point. This series primarily follows the Fate route of the visual novel and offers a crucial look at Saber's character arc. While watching this series will reveal some spoilers for the other routes, starting with the original provides the foundational context for the entire series.
All Fate anime are available for streaming on Crunchyroll with a free trial. For those who prefer physical copies, many of the main series and spinoff movies are available as Blu-ray collections.
### 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 Fate series offers flexibility in viewing order, as each series can be understood independently. However, following a specific sequence provides the best insight into the series' elements and overarching narrative:
Start with the 2006 "Fate/stay night" anime by Studio Deen, which introduces you to the world of Fate through the first route. You'll learn about Masters, Servants, and the intricacies of the Holy Grail War, following Shirou Emiya as he becomes embroiled in this fierce competition.
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 as they navigate the Holy Grail War. Opt for the series over the movie for a more comprehensive experience.
The first movie in the Heaven's Feel trilogy, "presage flower," introduces the third route. It follows Shirou Emiya and Sakura Matou as their peaceful lives are disrupted by the Holy Grail War.
The second movie, "lost butterfly," released in 2019, brings significant changes to the narrative. Shirou's resolve and the mysterious disappearances of Masters and Servants heighten the tension in Fuyuki City.
The final movie in the trilogy, "spring song," delivers some of the most visually stunning battles in the series. Ufotable's craftsmanship ensures a memorable conclusion to the Heaven's Feel route.
Although a prequel to "Fate/stay night," "Fate/Zero" should be watched last to avoid spoiling key elements of the main series. It explores the 4th Holy Grail War and the journey of Kiritsugu Emiya, offering a deep dive into the themes of ideology and sacrifice.
Once you've completed the main Fate/stay night series, you can explore the numerous spinoffs. Most of these can be watched in any order, as they are standalone stories set in different time periods with unique rules for their Holy Grail Wars. However, the Fate/Grand Order series requires a specific watch order:
You can watch the following spinoffs in any order you prefer:
To fully appreciate the Fate/Grand Order anime, it's helpful to understand 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 tackling Singularity events. The anime adaptations cover the first part of the story, focusing on eight Singularities. Here's the recommended watch order:
Begin with "First Order," the prologue that sets the stage for the series. It follows Ritsuka Fujimaru and Mash Kyrielight as they investigate a Singularity in Fuyuki City in 2004.
Next, watch the first movie of the 6th Singularity, "Camelot - Wandering," which takes place in 1273 A.D. in Jerusalem. Ritsuka and Mash team up with Bedivere amidst a war-torn land.
Continue with the second movie, "Camelot - Paladin," to see the resolution of the 6th Singularity and Bedivere's story.
Then, dive into "Babylonia," set in Uruk, where Ritsuka and Mash tackle the challenges posed by three goddesses and numerous Demonic Beasts. Familiar characters like Gilgamesh make an appearance here.
Conclude with "Solomon," the final Singularity, where the Chaldea Security Organization faces off against the King of Mages, Solomon, to save humanity.
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. It's now available on Crunchyroll, with the rest of the season expected in 2025. Additionally, Type-Moon is developing several 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.
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