How to Watch the Fate Anime Series in Order

The *Fate* series is a wildly popular anime franchise, known for its intricate storylines and numerous spin-offs across anime, manga, games, and light novels. While its complexity can seem daunting, understanding the series' origins simplifies navigating its vast landscape. With over 20 anime projects, *Fate* is a rewarding journey for newcomers and seasoned fans alike. This guide provides a clear path through the *Fate* anime watch order.

For those unfamiliar, the *Fate* universe originated with the 2004 visual novel, *Fate/stay night*, created by Type-Moon. Kinoko Nasu penned the story, and Takashi Takeuchi provided the art, a collaboration that continues to define many Type-Moon projects.

Initially only available in Japanese, the anime adaptations served as the primary gateway to the *Fate/stay night* visual novel and the wider franchise. However, a 2024 announcement revealed a remastered *Fate/stay night* with an official English translation, now available 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 narrative arcs. While starting similarly with Shirou Emiya's involvement in the Holy Grail War, these routes diverge significantly, resulting in three separate anime adaptations.

The *Fate* series' expansive nature, with its numerous spin-offs and sub-series, can be overwhelming. Fortunately, a logical watch order exists, serving as a smooth introduction to the series' core concepts and established norms.

Which *Fate* Anime Should You Watch First?

While opinions vary, beginning with the 2006 *Fate/stay night* anime provides the clearest introduction. This adaptation, primarily following the "Fate" route of the visual novel, offers a foundational understanding of Masters, Servants, and the *Fate* universe's intricacies. Although not a perfect adaptation, it uniquely includes crucial moments of Saber's character arc. While some elements from *Unlimited Blade Works* and *Heaven's Feel* will be spoiled, this is largely unavoidable regardless of viewing order. Starting with *Fate/stay night* (2006) provides the intended entry point.

How to Watch the *Fate* Anime

Most *Fate* anime are available on Crunchyroll (often with a free trial). Physical releases (Blu-rays and DVDs) are also available for collectors of the main series and spin-off films.

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The Best *Fate/stay night* Series Watch Order

While *Fate* allows for flexible viewing, an ideal order enhances comprehension. This order isn't strictly chronological but prioritizes narrative understanding:

1. *Fate/stay night* (2006)

Introduces the core concepts and characters, setting the stage for the subsequent entries.

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

Focuses on Rin Tohsaka and explores a different perspective on the Holy Grail War. The 25-episode series is preferred over the movie adaptation.

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

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

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

This movie trilogy adapts the final route, featuring Sakura Matou and offering a dramatic conclusion to Shirou's story.

6. *Fate/Zero*

A prequel exploring the 4th Holy Grail War and Kiritsugu Emiya, best viewed after the *Fate/stay night* routes to avoid spoilers.

How to Watch *Fate* Anime Spin-offs

After completing the core *Fate/stay night* adaptations, numerous spin-offs await. Most can be watched in any order, as they often feature independent storylines and settings. However, the *Fate/Grand Order* series requires a specific order.

*Fate* Spin-off Watch Order (Flexible Order)

These can be enjoyed at your leisure:

• 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

Understanding the *Fate/Grand Order* mobile game context is helpful. The anime adaptations cover Part 1's Singularities, each representing a different Holy Grail War. While self-contained, overarching themes connect them. The first five Singularities are best experienced through the game.

1. *Fate/Grand Order: First Order*

The prologue, introducing Ritsuka Fujimaru and Mash Kyrielight.

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

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

These two films cover the 6th Singularity.

4. *Fate/Grand Order Absolute Demonic Front: Babylonia*

A popular arc set in Uruk.

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

The conclusion of Part 1.

What's Next for the *Fate* Anime?

The *Fate* franchise continues to expand. *Fate/strange Fake* premiered its first episode and is expected to continue in 2025. Other projects are in development, including a sequel to *Fate/kaleid liner Prisma Illya* and a movie adaptation of *Witch on the Holy Night*.