The Fate series is a beloved and complex anime franchise that has captivated fans worldwide. With its origins rooted in the 2004 visual novel Fate/stay night by Type-Moon, the series has expanded into numerous anime projects, manga, games, and light novels. Understanding the series' origins can simplify navigating its various seasons and spin-offs.
With over 20 different anime projects, the Fate series is a rich tapestry worth exploring. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to the series, this guide will help you understand the best way to watch the Fate anime.
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 Fate franchise began with the visual novel Fate/stay night, created by Type-Moon founders Kinoko Nasu and Takashi Takeuchi. Nasu wrote the story, while Takeuchi handled the art. Initially available only in Japanese, the series gained international popularity through its anime adaptations. In late 2024, Fate/stay night REMASTERED was released with an official English translation 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 story arcs. These routes all start with Shirou Emiya being drawn into the Holy Grail War but diverge significantly afterward. Each route has been adapted into separate anime series, making it easier to identify which part of the story you're watching.
Over time, the Fate series has expanded into numerous spinoffs and subseries, each with its own unique setting and characters. Understanding the core concepts and watching in a logical order can enhance your appreciation of the series.
Which Fate Anime Should You Watch First?
For newcomers, the best starting point is the 2006 anime Fate/stay night, produced by Studio Deen. This series follows the first route of the visual novel, titled Fate, and introduces key elements such as Masters, Servants, and the Holy Grail War. While not a perfect adaptation, it provides a solid foundation and includes crucial moments of Saber's character arc.
Starting with this series may spoil some elements of the other routes, but given the interconnected nature of the series, some spoilers are inevitable. We recommend beginning with the original to fully appreciate the series' progression.
How to Watch the Fate Anime
All Fate anime are available to stream on Crunchyroll with a free trial. Physical collectors can find most main series and spin-off movies on Blu-ray.
The Best Fate/stay night Series Watch Order
The Fate series can be watched in various orders, but the following sequence provides the most comprehensive understanding:
1. Fate/stay night (2006)
Begin with the original Fate/stay night anime to understand the basics of the Holy Grail War and the relationships between Masters and Servants. This series follows Shirou Emiya as he becomes embroiled in the battle for the Holy Grail.
2. Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works (2014-2015)
Next, watch Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works, which follows the second route of the visual novel. This series focuses on Rin Tohsaka and her interactions with Shirou as they navigate the Holy Grail War. Opt for the series over the movie for a more detailed adaptation.
3. Fate/stay night [Heaven's Feel] I. presage flower
The first movie in the Heaven's Feel trilogy introduces the third route, centered around Sakura Matou. It sets the stage for the dramatic events that unfold in Fuyuki City.
4. Fate/stay night [Heaven's Feel] II. lost butterfly
The second movie continues the Heaven's Feel storyline, showcasing significant changes and the escalating conflict.
5. Fate/stay night [Heaven's Feel] III. spring song
The final movie in the trilogy delivers stunning battles and a satisfying conclusion to the Heaven's Feel route.
6. Fate/Zero
Although a prequel, Fate/Zero should be watched after the main series to avoid spoiling key elements. It explores the 4th Holy Grail War and the backstory of Kiritsugu Emiya, offering deep insights into the series' themes.
How to Watch Fate Anime Spinoffs
After completing the main series, you can explore the numerous Fate spinoffs. Most of these are standalone stories set in different time periods with unique rules for their Holy Grail Wars. The order in which you watch these is flexible, except for the Fate/Grand Order series, which follows a specific storyline.
Fate Spinoff Watch Order
You can watch the following spinoffs 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
Fate/Grand Order is based on the mobile game and follows the Chaldea Security Organization's mission to prevent humanity's extinction. The anime adaptations cover the first part of the game's story, focusing on eight Singularities.
1. Fate/Grand Order: First Order
This prologue introduces the Chaldea Security Organization and the mission to save humanity, starting with the Singularity in Fuyuki City in 2004.
2. Fate/Grand Order: Camelot - Wandering; Agateram
The first movie covering the 6th Singularity, set in 1273 A.D. Jerusalem, follows the journey of Bedivere and the protagonists Ritsuka Fujimaru and Mash Kyrielight.
3. Fate/Grand Order: Camelot - Paladin; Agateram
The second movie completes the Camelot arc, resolving the Singularity and Bedivere's story.
4. Fate/Grand Order Absolute Demonic Front: Babylonia
Set in Uruk, this series is a fan-favorite, featuring engaging characters and a compelling storyline involving three goddesses and Demonic Beasts.
5. Fate/Grand Order Final Singularity - Grand Temple of Time: Solomon
The final movie concludes the first part of the story, focusing on the battle against Solomon, the King of Mages, and the resolution of the Chaldea Security Organization's mission.
What's Next for the Fate Anime?
The Fate series continues to expand with new projects. The latest addition is Fate/strange Fake, which premiered its first episode on December 31, 2024, as part of the Fate Project New Year's Eve TV Special. The rest of the first season is expected to be released in 2025.
Type-Moon is also working on other projects, including 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.
Latest Downloads
Downlaod
Top News
