"Fate Anime Series: Watch Order Guide"

The Fate series stands out as a highly acclaimed and beloved anime franchise, renowned for its complexity and vast array of spin-offs across anime, manga, games, and light novels. At its core, the series originated from the 2004 visual novel, *Fate/stay night*, developed by Type-Moon, founded by Kinoko Nasu and Takashi Takeuchi. This game introduces players to three distinct routes—Fate, Unlimited Blade Works, and Heaven's Feel—each offering unique storylines, battles, and character developments. The journey begins with Shirou Emiya, who finds himself embroiled in the Holy Grail War, a fierce competition where the winner's wish is granted. Originally only available in Japanese, the visual novel has now been remastered with an official English translation, available on Steam and Nintendo Switch as of late 2024.

Interested in diving into the Fate universe? Whether you're a long-time fan or a newcomer, understanding the watch order can enhance your experience. You can also explore our guide to the best anime of all time for more viewing options.

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 the visual novel *Fate/stay night*. This game, developed by Type-Moon, was crafted by the duo Kinoko Nasu and Takashi Takeuchi, with Nasu focusing on the narrative and Takeuchi on the art. Over the years, the series has expanded into numerous spin-offs, each offering a unique take on the Holy Grail War and its participants. The visual novel's three routes have been adapted into anime series, each named after their respective route, making it easier to follow the storyline.

Which Fate Anime Should You Watch First?

Navigating the Fate series can be daunting due to its multiple entry points. However, the 2006 anime *Fate/stay night*, produced by Studio Deen, is the ideal starting point. This series follows the first route of the visual novel, titled Fate, and introduces viewers to the world of Masters and Servants, as well as the Holy Grail War. Although it may not be a perfect adaptation, it is crucial for understanding Saber's character arc and setting the stage for the series.

How to Watch the Fate Anime

All Fate anime titles are available for streaming on Crunchyroll, with a free trial option. For those interested in physical copies, many of the main series and spin-off movies can be purchased 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 Best Fate/stay night Series Watch Order

The Fate series offers flexibility in its viewing order, as each series stands somewhat independently. However, for a comprehensive understanding, follow this ideal watch order:

1. Fate/stay night (2006)

Begin your journey with *Fate/stay night* by Studio Deen. This series introduces you to the Holy Grail War, Masters, and Servants, through the eyes of Shirou Emiya, who is unexpectedly thrust into this battle for a wish.

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

Next, dive into *Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works*, which follows the second route and focuses on Rin Tohsaka and her interactions with Shirou. This series is split into two seasons, totaling 25 episodes. Note that while there is a movie adaptation, the series offers a more detailed exploration of the route.

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

The first movie in the Heaven's Feel trilogy, *presage flower*, marks the beginning of the third route. It follows Shirou and Sakura Matou as their peaceful lives are disrupted by the Holy Grail War.

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

Continue with the second movie, *lost butterfly*, which introduces significant changes to the narrative established in the previous routes. Shirou's resolve is tested as he navigates the escalating conflict in Fuyuki City.

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

Conclude the Heaven's Feel route with the third movie, *spring song*. This film delivers some of the series' most visually stunning battles and provides a satisfying closure to the trilogy.

6. Fate/Zero

Finally, watch *Fate/Zero*, a prequel that explores the 4th Holy Grail War. Despite being a prequel, it's recommended to watch this after the main series to avoid spoilers. The series delves into the backstory of Kiritsugu Emiya and offers a deep look into the moral complexities of the Fate universe.

How to Watch Fate Anime Spinoffs

Once you've explored the main series, numerous Fate spinoffs await. Most of these can be watched in any order as they are standalone stories, each set in different time periods with unique rules for the Holy Grail War. However, for the *Fate/Grand Order* series, a specific watch order is recommended.

Fate Spinoff Watch Order

Here are some of the Fate spinoffs you can enjoy 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

*Fate/Grand Order* is based on the mobile game of the same name, which follows the Chaldea Security Organization's mission to prevent humanity's extinction. The anime adaptations cover the first part of the game's story, focusing on the Singularities, which are different Holy Grail Wars set in various time periods. Here's the recommended watch order for the anime:

1. Fate/Grand Order: First Order

Start with *First Order*, the prologue to the series. It introduces Ritsuka Fujimaru and Mash Kyrielight as they investigate a Singularity in 2004 Fuyuki City.

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

Follow with the first movie covering the 6th Singularity, set in 1273 A.D. Jerusalem. Ritsuka and Mash join forces with Bedivere to navigate the war-torn land.

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

Continue with the second Camelot movie, which resolves the 6th Singularity and offers more insight into the characters and their world.

4. Fate/Grand Order Absolute Demonic Front: Babylonia

Next, watch *Babylonia*, set in Uruk, where Ritsuka and Mash face off against three goddesses and numerous Demonic Beasts.

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

Conclude with the *Final Singularity* movie, where Ritsuka and Mash face their ultimate challenge against Solomon, the King of Mages, wrapping up the Observer on Timeless Temple storyline.

What's Next for the Fate Anime?

The Fate series continues to expand with new adaptations and projects. The latest addition, *Fate/strange Fake*, premiered its first episode during the Fate Project New Year's Eve TV Special and is now streaming on Crunchyroll, with the rest of the season expected in 2025. Type-Moon also has several projects in development, including a sequel to *Fate/kaleid liner Prisma Illya - Licht Nameless Girl* and a movie adaptation of the 2012 visual novel *Witch on the Holy Night*.