"Fate Anime Series: Watch Order Guide"

The Fate series is a beloved and complex anime franchise that has captured the hearts of fans worldwide. With numerous spinoffs spanning anime, manga, games, and light novels, it can be overwhelming to dive into. However, understanding the origins and watch order can help you navigate this intricate universe.

With over 20 different anime projects, the Fate series is definitely worth exploring. Whether you're a long-time fan or a newcomer, our comprehensive Fate anime watch order guide will help you get started. For more anime recommendations, check out 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 a visual novel called Fate/stay night, released in 2004 by Type-Moon, founded by Kinoko Nasu and Takashi Takeuchi. Nasu wrote the story, while Takeuchi handled the art. The visual novel was initially only available in Japanese, making the anime adaptations the primary way to experience the series. However, in late 2024, an English remastered version of Fate/stay night 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 developments, starting with Shirou Emiya being thrust into the Holy Grail War. Consequently, there are three anime series, each named after their respective route, making it straightforward to identify which you're watching.

Over time, the Fate series has expanded into numerous spinoffs and subseries, each with unique names. While this can be confusing, there's a logical order that serves as an introduction to the series' themes and conventions.

Which Fate Anime Should You Watch First?

While opinions vary on the best starting point, the 2006 Fate/stay night anime, produced by Studio Deen, is the ideal entry point. This series primarily follows the Fate route of the visual novel, offering crucial insights into Saber's character arc. Although it's not a perfect adaptation, it's the only anime that covers the first route comprehensively.

Watching this series first may spoil elements of Unlimited Blade Works and Heaven's Feel, but spoilers are inevitable due to the interconnected nature of the series. Starting with Fate/stay night provides a foundational understanding of the series.

How to Watch the Fate Anime

All Fate anime are available to stream on Crunchyroll with a free trial. For collectors, many main series and spinoff movies are also available as physical 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 you to watch any series and still understand the events, as it's not strictly chronological. However, there's an optimal watch order that enhances your understanding of the series and its elements:

1. Fate/stay night (2006)

Begin with Fate/stay night by Studio Deen. This series introduces you to the world of Fate, covering the first route and explaining the concepts of Masters, Servants, and the Holy Grail War. It follows Shirou Emiya as he becomes involved in a battle that leads him to the Holy Grail War, 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 covers the second route of the visual novel. This series focuses on Rin Tohsaka and her interactions with Shirou Emiya as they navigate the Holy Grail War. The series spans two seasons and 25 episodes. Note that while there is a movie version, the series provides a more comprehensive adaptation.

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 life is disrupted by 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, explores significant changes from the previous routes. Shirou decides his purpose in the war, and mysterious forces begin eliminating Masters and Servants.

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

The final movie, spring song, concludes the Heaven's Feel route with stunning battles and a satisfying narrative resolution. Ufotable's craftsmanship ensures a memorable conclusion.

6. Fate/Zero

Fate/Zero is a prequel set before the events of Fate/stay night. Written by Gen Urobochi, it follows Kiritsugu Emiya in the 4th Holy Grail War. While it's a prequel, watching it after the main series prevents spoiling key elements from Unlimited Blade Works. It offers a deep dive into the ideologies and sacrifices involved in the pursuit of a dream.

How to Watch Fate Anime Spinoffs

After completing the main Fate/stay night series, you can explore the numerous spinoffs. Most are standalone and can be watched in any order, as they feature unique settings and rules for their Holy Grail Wars. However, some spinoffs, like the Fate/Grand Order series, require a specific watch order.

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 understand the Fate/Grand Order anime, you need to know its source material—a mobile game available on iOS and Android. The game follows the Chaldea Security Organization's mission to prevent human extinction by resolving Singularity events. Part 1 of the story features eight Singularities, each representing a Holy Grail War in a different time period.

The anime adaptations cover the Prologue and Singularities 6-8. To experience the first five Singularities, you'll need to play the mobile game. Here's the watch order for the Fate/Grand Order anime:

1. Fate/Grand Order: First Order

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

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

The first of two movies covering the 6th Singularity, Wandering; Agateram follows Bedivere in 1273 A.D. Jerusalem, as Ritsuka and Mash unite with him to resolve the Singularity.

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

The second movie, Paladin; Agateram, concludes the 6th Singularity arc, featuring intense battles and Bedivere's resolution.

4. Fate/Grand Order Absolute Demonic Front: Babylonia

Set in Uruk, Babylonia is a fan-favorite with engaging characters and a thrilling plot. Ritsuka and Mash tackle the appearance of goddesses and Demonic Beasts, encountering familiar faces from Fate/stay night.

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

The final movie, Solomon, concludes the Observer on Timeless Temple storyline. Ritsuka and Mash face off against Solomon, the King of Mages, to save humanity.

What's Next for the Fate Anime?

The Fate series continues to expand with new spinoffs and adaptations. The latest addition is Fate/strange Fake, which premiered its first episode on December 31 during the Fate Project New Year's Eve TV Special. The episode is available on Crunchyroll, with the rest of the first season expected in 2025.

Type-MOON has also announced several projects in development, including a sequel to Fate/kaleid liner Prisma Illya - Licht Nameless Girl. Additionally, a movie adaptation of the 2012 visual novel Witch on the Holy Night is in the works, with a second teaser trailer released last year.