"Fate Anime Series: Watch Order Guide"

The Fate series is an incredibly popular and beloved anime, often considered one of the more complex series to dive into. With dozens of spin-off series spanning anime, manga, games, and light novels, it can be overwhelming at first. However, understanding the origins of the series can simplify the experience of watching the various seasons of the anime.

With over 20 different anime projects, the Fate series is definitely worth exploring. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to the franchise, our comprehensive guide to the Fate anime watch order will help you navigate through it. For more viewing options, you can also explore our guide to the best anime of all time.

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 universe 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. Although Type-Moon has grown significantly since then, these two continue to lead in their respective roles.

For years, Fate/stay night was exclusively available in Japanese, making the anime adaptations the primary way for non-Japanese speakers to experience the story. However, in late 2024, a remastered version with an official English translation became available on Steam and Nintendo Switch.

Fate/stay night features three distinct routes: Fate, Unlimited Blade Works, and Heaven's Feel. Each route offers different battles, character interactions, and story arcs. They all start with Shirou Emiya being drawn into the Holy Grail War, but diverge significantly from there. Consequently, there are three corresponding anime series, each named after its respective route, making it easy to identify which one you're watching.

Over time, the Fate series has expanded with numerous spin-offs and sub-series. With each having a unique name, navigating the vast array of available anime can be daunting. Fortunately, there's a logical order that introduces you to the core concepts and themes of the series.

Which Fate Anime Should You Watch First?

Although opinions vary on the best starting point for the Fate series, one anime stands out as the ideal introduction: the original Fate/stay night anime from 2006. This series primarily follows the Fate route of the visual novel and includes essential moments in Saber's character arc. While it may spoil some elements of Unlimited Blade Works and Heaven's Feel, starting with this series provides a foundational understanding of the Fate universe.

How to Watch the Fate Anime

All Fate anime are available to stream on Crunchyroll with a free trial. For collectors, physical releases of the main series and spin-off movies are also available.

### 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 each series can be understood independently. However, following a specific order can enhance your understanding of the series and its elements.

1. Fate/stay night (2006)

Begin with the 2006 Fate/stay night anime by Studio Deen. This series introduces you to the world of Fate, covering the first route of the story. It follows Shirou Emiya as he gets entangled in 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 adapts the second route of the visual novel. This series focuses on Rin Tohsaka and Shirou's intertwined paths as they compete for the Holy Grail. Spanning 25 episodes across two seasons, this series offers a more comprehensive adaptation than the movie of the same name.

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

The first movie in the Heaven's Feel trilogy, presage flower, adapts the third route of the visual novel. It follows Shirou Emiya and Sakura Matou as their peaceful lives are disrupted by the onset of the Holy Grail War in Fuyuki City.

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

The second movie, lost butterfly, released in 2019, continues the Heaven's Feel story with significant developments that alter the fabric of the previous routes. Shirou must decide whom to fight for as Masters and Servants vanish due to an unknown evil in Fuyuki City.

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

The final movie in the trilogy, spring song, delivers stunning battles and a satisfying conclusion to the Heaven's Feel route. Ufotable's animation ensures a memorable experience with strong narrative moments for each main character.

6. Fate/Zero

Although a prequel to Fate/stay night, it's best to watch Fate/Zero after the main series to avoid spoilers. Based on Gen Urobochi's light novels, Fate/Zero follows Kiritsugu Emiya in the 4th Holy Grail War, exploring themes of clashing ideologies and the pursuit of dreams.

How to Watch Fate Anime Spinoffs

After completing the core Fate/stay night series, you can explore the numerous Fate spinoffs. Most of these are standalone and can be watched in any order, as they feature different settings and rules for their Holy Grail Wars. However, the Fate/Grand Order series requires a specific watch order due to its narrative structure.

Fate Spinoff Watch Order

The following spinoff series can be watched 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, it's helpful to understand its source material. Fate/Grand Order is a mobile game for iOS and Android devices, featuring a story where the Chaldea Security Organization works to prevent humanity's extinction by addressing Singularity events. The anime adaptations cover the first part of this story, known as Observer on Timeless Temple, which includes eight Singularities. To experience the first five Singularities, you'll need to play the mobile game, but here's the watch order for the anime adaptations:

1. Fate/Grand Order: First Order

First Order is the prologue anime, where Ritsuka Fujimaru and Mash Kyrielight are sent to Fuyuki City in 2004 to investigate the first Singularity.

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

This movie covers the first part of the 6th Singularity, set in 1273 A.D. Jerusalem, where Ritsuka and Mash team up with the wandering knight Bedivere.

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

The second part of the 6th Singularity, this movie concludes Bedivere's story and resolves the Singularity.

4. Fate/Grand Order Absolute Demonic Front: Babylonia

Set in Uruk, Babylonia is a beloved arc featuring Ritsuka and Mash tackling the sudden appearance of three goddesses and numerous Demonic Beasts.

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

The final movie in the series, Solomon, sees the Chaldea Security Organization facing off against the King of Mages, Solomon, to save humanity and conclude the Observer on Timeless Temple storyline.

What's Next for the Fate Anime?

The Fate series continues to expand with new spin-offs 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 and is available on Crunchyroll, with the full first season expected in 2025. Type-Moon is also 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'.