"Fate Anime Series: Watch Order Guide"

The Fate series is a beloved and complex anime franchise that has captivated fans worldwide. With over 20 different anime projects, it's a series that can be overwhelming at first glance, but understanding its origins can help you navigate its various seasons and spinoffs.

If you're new to the series or a long-time fan looking for guidance, we've compiled a comprehensive Fate anime watch order to help you dive into this expansive universe. 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 entire Fate franchise 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 wrote the story, while Takeuchi handled the art. Initially available only in Japanese, the series became more accessible when Fate/stay night REMASTERED was announced in late 2024, featuring an official English translation playable on Steam and Nintendo Switch.

Fate/stay night offers three distinct routes: Fate, Unlimited Blade Works, and Heaven's Feel, each with unique battles, character interactions, and story arcs. The narrative begins with Shirou Emiya being thrust into the Holy Grail War, but the subsequent events diverge significantly across the routes. This has led to three corresponding anime series, each named after its respective route, making it straightforward to identify which part of the story you're watching.

Over the years, the Fate series has expanded into numerous spinoffs and subseries, each with its own unique setting and rules. Despite the complexity, there's a recommended order that introduces the series' core concepts effectively.

Which Fate Anime Should You Watch First?

While opinions vary on the best starting point, Fate/stay night (2006) is often recommended as it follows the first route of the visual novel, titled Fate. This series, produced by Studio Deen, isn't a perfect adaptation but includes crucial elements of Saber's character arc, providing a foundational understanding of the series. Although it may spoil some elements of the other routes, starting with the original is a logical choice to grasp the series' beginnings.

How to Watch the Fate Anime

All Fate anime are available to stream on Crunchyroll with a free trial. For those interested in physical copies, many main series and spinoff movies are available as Blu-ray releases.

### 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 allows for flexible viewing, but following a specific order enhances your understanding of its intricate elements:

1. Fate/stay night (2006)

Start with this series to understand the basics of Masters, Servants, and the Holy Grail War. It follows Shirou Emiya's introduction to the war and his journey to win the Holy Grail.

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

Next, watch this series, which focuses on the second route and delves into the relationship between Shirou and Rin Tohsaka. It's split into two seasons totaling 25 episodes. Note that there's also a movie version, but the series is recommended for a more comprehensive experience.

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

Begin the Heaven's Feel trilogy with this movie, which introduces Sakura Matou and the third route's unique storyline.

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

Continue with the second movie, which expands on the changes introduced in the Heaven's Feel route and deepens the narrative.

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

Conclude the Heaven's Feel trilogy with this final movie, known for its stunning battles and satisfying narrative closure.

6. Fate/Zero

Finally, watch Fate/Zero, a prequel that explores the 4th Holy Grail War. While it can be watched earlier, it's best viewed after the main series to avoid spoilers.

How to Watch Fate Anime Spinoffs

After completing the main Fate/stay night series, you can explore the spinoffs, which are mostly standalone and can be watched in any order. However, the Fate/Grand Order series requires a specific viewing sequence.

Fate Spinoff Watch 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 crucial. The mobile game, available on iOS and Android, follows the Chaldea Security Organization's mission to prevent humanity's extinction by addressing Singularity events.

The anime adaptations cover Part 1 of the story, focusing on eight Singularities. Here's the recommended watch order:

1. Fate/Grand Order: First Order

This prologue introduces the Chaldea Security Organization and the mission to investigate the first Singularity in Fuyuki City.

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

The first movie covering the 6th Singularity, set in Jerusalem in 1273 A.D., follows the journey of Bedivere and the protagonists.

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

The second movie concludes the Camelot arc, providing resolution to the 6th Singularity and Bedivere's story.

4. Fate/Grand Order Absolute Demonic Front: Babylonia

Set in Uruk, this arc is beloved for its engaging storyline and characters, including familiar faces from Fate/stay night.

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

The final movie wraps up the Observer on Timeless Temple storyline, delivering a satisfying conclusion to the Chaldea Security Organization's mission.

What's Next for the Fate Anime?

The Fate franchise continues to grow, with new adaptations and projects on the horizon. The latest addition, Fate/strange Fake, premiered its first episode on December 31, 2024, and is now streaming on Crunchyroll, with the full first season expected in 2025.

Type-MOON is also developing 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. These projects promise to expand the Fate universe even further, offering fans more to explore and enjoy.