"Fate Anime Series: Watch Order Guide"

The Fate series stands as a titan in the anime world, renowned for its intricate storytelling and expansive universe. With a myriad of spin-offs spanning anime, manga, games, and light novels, diving into the Fate universe can initially seem daunting. However, once you grasp the series' roots, navigating through its various seasons becomes more manageable.

Boasting over 20 anime projects, the Fate series is a treasure trove for anime enthusiasts. Whether you're a long-time fan or a newcomer, understanding the optimal watch order can enhance your experience. For additional viewing recommendations, don't forget to 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 franchise originated from the 2004 visual novel, Fate/stay night, developed by Type-Moon, founded by Kinoko Nasu and Takashi Takeuchi. Nasu penned the narrative, while Takeuchi handled the art, roles they continue to fill in subsequent Type-Moon projects, now supported by a larger team.

Initially available only in Japanese, the visual novel became the gateway to the series for non-Japanese speakers through its anime adaptations. In a surprising turn of events in late 2024, Fate/stay night REMASTERED was announced, offering an official English translation playable on Steam and Nintendo Switch.

Fate/stay night is structured around three distinct routes: Fate, Unlimited Blade Works, and Heaven's Feel, each presenting unique battles, character dynamics, and plot developments. Despite sharing a common starting point with Shirou Emiya's involvement in the Holy Grail War, the narratives diverge significantly. Consequently, three separate anime series, each named after its corresponding route, have been produced to cover these stories.

Over the years, the Fate series has expanded into a vast array of spinoffs and subseries, each with its own title, making it easy to get lost among the numerous options. Fortunately, a logical watch order exists, serving as an introduction to the series' core concepts and themes.

Which Fate Anime Should You Watch First?

Despite varying opinions on the ideal starting point, one anime stands out as the best introduction to the series: the 2006 Fate/stay night anime. This series primarily follows the first route, Fate, and, despite its imperfections as an adaptation, it uniquely captures essential elements of Saber's character arc.

Starting with this series may lead to some spoilers for the Unlimited Blade Works and Heaven's Feel adaptations. However, given the interconnected nature of the series, spoilers are inevitable regardless of the watch order. We recommend beginning with the 2006 Fate/stay night to experience the series as intended, from its foundational narrative.

How to Watch the Fate Anime

All Fate anime titles are available to stream on Crunchyroll with a free trial. Physical collectors can also purchase most of the main series and spin-off movies.

See it at Amazon

See it at Crunchyroll

See it at Crunchyroll

See it at Crunchyroll

See it at Amazon

The Best Fate/stay night Series Watch Order

The non-chronological nature of the Fate series allows for flexible viewing, yet a specific watch order can provide a deeper understanding of its elements and themes.

1. Fate/stay night (2006)

Begin your journey with the 2006 Fate/stay night produced by Studio Deen. This series introduces you to the world of Masters, Servants, and the Holy Grail War, following Shirou Emiya's unexpected plunge into a battle for a wish-granting prize.

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

Next, dive into Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works, which explores the second route of the visual novel. This series, split into two seasons with 25 episodes in total, centers on Rin Tohsaka and her intertwined fate with Shirou as they vie for the Holy Grail. Opt for the series over the movie for a more comprehensive adaptation.

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

The first of a trilogy, Fate/stay night [Heaven's Feel] I. presage flower, adapts the third route, focusing on Shirou and Sakura Matou as their peaceful lives are shattered 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, delves into significant changes affecting the narratives of the previous routes, as Shirou decides his purpose and mysterious forces begin to eliminate Masters and Servants.

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

Conclude the Heaven's Feel trilogy with spring song, known for its spectacular battles and satisfying closure to the arc, crafted masterfully by Ufotable.

6. Fate/Zero

Although a prequel to Fate/stay night, watch Fate/Zero last to avoid spoiling key elements from Unlimited Blade Works. This series, based on Gen Urobochi's light novels, follows Kiritsugu Emiya in the 4th Holy Grail War, offering a deep exploration of competing ideologies and the lengths one will go to achieve their dreams.

How to Watch Fate Anime Spinoffs

After completing the main Fate/stay night series, you can explore the numerous Fate spinoffs. Most of these are standalone and can be watched in any order, each set in different time periods with unique Holy Grail War rules. However, the Fate/Grand Order series requires a specific watch order, given its connection to the mobile game's storyline.

Fate Spinoff Watch Order

The following spinoffs 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, 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 through a blend of magic and science, tackling various Singularity events.

The anime adapts Part 1 of the game's story, covering eight Singularities, each representing a unique Holy Grail War set in different eras. The series has so far adapted the Prologue and Singularities 6-8, with the first five available only in the game. Here's the recommended watch order:

1. Fate/Grand Order: First Order

Begin with the prologue, First Order, where Ritsuka Fujimaru and Mash Kyrielight are dispatched to Fuyuki City in 2004 to address an unexpected Singularity threatening humanity's future.

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

The first of two movies covering the 6th Singularity, Camelot - Wandering, follows Ritsuka and Mash as they ally with Bedivere in Jerusalem during 1273 A.D., amidst a war-torn landscape.

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

The second movie, Camelot - Paladin, concludes the 6th Singularity, showcasing intense battles and the resolution of Bedivere's arc, further enriching the narrative of Ritsuka and Mash.

4. Fate/Grand Order Absolute Demonic Front: Babylonia

A beloved arc, Babylonia, set in Uruk, challenges Ritsuka and Mash to resolve the sudden emergence of three goddesses and numerous Demonic Beasts, featuring familiar characters from Fate/stay night.

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

Conclude the Observer on Timeless Temple storyline with Solomon, where Ritsuka and Mash confront their final adversary, Solomon, the King of Mages, in a fitting and impactful conclusion to their journey.

What's Next for the Fate Anime?

The Fate series continues to grow, with numerous ongoing and upcoming projects. The latest addition, Fate/strange Fake, premiered its first episode on December 31 during the Fate Project New Year's Eve TV Special, with the full season anticipated in 2025 on Crunchyroll. Additionally, Type-Moon has several projects in development, including a sequel to Fate/kaleid liner Prisma Illya - Licht Nameless Girl. Beyond Fate, Type-Moon is also working on a movie adaptation of the 2012 visual novel 'Witch on the Holy Night', which received a second teaser trailer last year.