The Fate series stands out as one of the most beloved and intricate anime franchises, captivating fans worldwide with its rich storytelling and expansive universe. With its roots deeply embedded in the 2004 visual novel, *Fate/stay night*, the series has evolved into a vast array of anime, manga, games, and light novels. Navigating the numerous spinoffs can be daunting, but understanding the series' origins simplifies the journey through its various seasons and adaptations.
Boasting over 20 anime projects, the Fate series is a treasure trove of storytelling that merits exploration. Whether you're a seasoned fan or a newcomer, this guide provides a comprehensive Fate anime watch order. Additionally, feel free to explore our list of 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 entire Fate franchise originated from the visual novel *Fate/stay night*, released in 2004 by Type-Moon, a studio founded by Kinoko Nasu and Takashi Takeuchi. Nasu penned the narrative, while Takeuchi handled the artwork. Although initially only available in Japanese, the game's popularity led to anime adaptations as the primary way to experience the story. In late 2024, fans were delighted with the announcement of *Fate/stay night REMASTERED*, featuring an official English translation playable on Steam and Nintendo Switch.
*Fate/stay night* presents three distinct routes: Fate, Unlimited Blade Works, and Heaven's Feel, each offering unique battles, character interactions, and story developments. All routes begin with Shirou Emiya being thrust into the Holy Grail War, yet each route unfolds differently. Consequently, three corresponding anime series were developed, each named after its respective route, making it straightforward to identify which part of the story you're following.
Over time, the Fate series has expanded into numerous spinoffs and subseries, each with its own unique narrative. While the variety can be overwhelming, there's a logical viewing order that introduces you to the series' core concepts and themes.
Which Fate Anime Should You Watch First?
While opinions vary on where to start, the 2006 anime *Fate/stay night* is the ideal entry point. This series primarily follows the Fate route of the visual novel, offering crucial moments of Saber's character arc. Though not a perfect adaptation, it sets the foundation for the series. Be aware that watching this series first will reveal some plot points from *Unlimited Blade Works* and *Heaven's Feel*, but spoilers are inevitable within the interconnected narratives. Starting with the original series provides the best introduction to the world of Fate.
How to Watch the Fate Anime
All Fate anime are available to stream on Crunchyroll with a free trial. For those who prefer physical copies, most main series and spin-off 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 Best Fate/stay night Series Watch Order
The Fate series offers flexibility in viewing order, as most series can be understood independently. However, following a specific sequence enhances your comprehension of the series and its elements:
1. Fate/stay night (2006)
Start with the 2006 *Fate/stay night* anime by Studio Deen, which introduces you to the Fate route. This series immerses you in the world of Masters and Servants, following Shirou Emiya as he's drawn into 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 and focuses on Rin Tohsaka. As Shirou and Rin's paths cross, they race to claim the Holy Grail. Opt for the series over the movie for a more comprehensive experience.
3. Fate/stay night [Heaven's Feel] I. presage flower
Begin the Heaven's Feel route with the first movie, *presage flower*. Shirou must abandon his peaceful life as the Holy Grail War erupts in Fuyuki City, with Sakura Matou as the central heroine.
4. Fate/stay night [Heaven's Feel] II. lost butterfly
Continue with the second movie, *lost butterfly*, which introduces significant changes to the previous routes. Shirou chooses his cause, and Masters and Servants start disappearing to an unknown evil.
5. Fate/stay night [Heaven's Feel] III. spring song
Conclude the Heaven's Feel trilogy with *spring song*, showcasing some of the series' most stunning battles. Ufotable delivers a memorable finale with strong narrative moments for each character.
6. Fate/Zero
Lastly, watch *Fate/Zero*, a prequel to *Fate/stay night*. Set during the 4th Holy Grail War, it follows Kiritsugu Emiya and explores the clash of ideologies and the lengths one will go to achieve their dream. Note that watching *Fate/Zero* before the main series may spoil elements of *Unlimited Blade Works*.
How to Watch Fate Anime Spinoffs
After experiencing the main *Fate/stay night* series, you can delve into the numerous spinoffs. Most of these are standalone and can be watched in any order. However, the *Fate/Grand Order* series requires a specific sequence due to its connection to the mobile game.
Fate Spinoff Watch Order
The following spinoffs can be enjoyed 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 essential. *Fate/Grand Order* is a mobile game where the Chaldea Security Organization works to prevent humanity's extinction by addressing Singularity events. The anime covers Part 1 of the game's story, focusing on eight Singularities, each set in a different time period and featuring unique Holy Grail Wars.
1. Fate/Grand Order: First Order
Start with the prologue, *First Order*, where Ritsuka Fujimaru and Mash Kyrielight are dispatched to 2004 Fuyuki City to investigate a Singularity threatening humanity's future.
2. Fate/Grand Order: Camelot - Wandering; Agateram
Next, watch the first movie of the 6th Singularity, *Camelot - Wandering*, set in 1273 A.D. Jerusalem. Ritsuka and Mash join forces with Bedivere amidst a war-torn landscape.
3. Fate/Grand Order: Camelot - Paladin; Agateram
Continue with the second Camelot movie, *Paladin*, which concludes the 6th Singularity and offers action-packed resolutions to Bedivere's story.
4. Fate/Grand Order Absolute Demonic Front: Babylonia
Move on to *Babylonia*, a beloved arc set in Uruk. Ritsuka and Mash tackle the emergence of goddesses and Demonic Beasts, encountering familiar faces from *Fate/stay night* like Gilgamesh.
5. Fate/Grand Order Final Singularity - Grand Temple of Time: Solomon
Conclude with the final movie, *Solomon*, where the Chaldea Security Organization faces off against the King of Mages to save humanity and secure a future.
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 during the Fate Project New Year's Eve TV Special, available now on Crunchyroll, with the rest of the first season expected in 2025.
Type-Moon is also working on several projects, including a sequel to *Fate/kaleid liner Prisma Illya - Licht Nameless Girl*. Beyond the Fate universe, Type-Moon is developing a movie adaptation of its 2012 visual novel *Witch on the Holy Night*, which recently received a second teaser trailer.
