"Fate Anime Series: Watch Order Guide"

The Fate series is renowned as one of the most captivating and complex anime franchises, boasting a plethora of spinoffs across anime, manga, games, and light novels. At its core, understanding the origins of the series simplifies navigating its extensive catalog. With over 20 anime projects, the Fate series is a treasure trove for fans and newcomers alike. Whether you're a long-time enthusiast or just discovering this universe, our guide on the Fate anime watch order will help you dive in. And if you're looking for more anime recommendations, don't miss our list of the best anime of all time.

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Which Fate anime to watch firstFate Stay/night watch orderFate/Grand Order watch orderFate anime spinoffs

What Is Fate?

The entire Fate franchise originated from the visual novel Fate/stay night, released in 2004 by Type-Moon, a studio founded by Kinoko Nasu and Takashi Takeuchi. Nasu penned the story, while Takeuchi handled the art, a dynamic that continues in their subsequent works. Initially available only in Japanese, the series gained international popularity through its anime adaptations. However, in late 2024, fans received exciting news with the announcement of Fate/stay night REMASTERED, now 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 plot developments. These routes begin similarly, with Shirou Emiya entering the Holy Grail War, but diverge significantly, leading to three separate anime series named after their respective routes. Over the years, the series has expanded into numerous spinoffs, each with its own unique setting and narrative, yet all tied to the core concepts of the Fate universe.

Which Fate Anime Should You Watch First?

Opinions may vary on the best starting point for the Fate series, but the 2006 anime Fate/stay night serves as a foundational entry. Produced by Studio Deen, this anime adapts the Fate route, offering a comprehensive introduction to the series' world, including the dynamics between Masters and Servants, and the intricacies of the Holy Grail War. While it may not be a perfect adaptation, it's essential for understanding Saber's character arc, despite some spoilers for the other routes.

How to Watch the Fate Anime

The entire Fate anime collection is available to stream on Crunchyroll, with options for a free trial. Physical collectors can also find main series and spin-off movies in Blu-ray and DVD formats.

### 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

While the Fate series allows for flexible viewing, following a specific order enhances comprehension of its intricate elements:

1. Fate/stay night (2006)

Begin with the 2006 Fate/stay night anime, which introduces the series' core concepts, including the Holy Grail War, Masters, and Servants. Follow Shirou Emiya as he navigates this mystical 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, focusing on Rin Tohsaka and her complex relationship with Shirou. Spanning 25 episodes across two seasons, this series offers a deeper look into the characters and their struggles. Note that while there's a movie version, the series provides a more comprehensive adaptation.

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

The Heaven's Feel trilogy begins with presage flower, delving into the third route. Follow Shirou and Sakura Matou as their peaceful life is shattered by the onset of the Holy Grail War.

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

Continue with lost butterfly, the second movie, where significant shifts occur, altering the fabric of the previous routes. Shirou faces critical decisions as mysterious forces eliminate Masters and Servants.

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

Conclude with spring song, the final movie, which delivers some of the series' most visually stunning and emotionally charged battles, culminating in a satisfying resolution.

6. Fate/Zero

Finally, watch Fate/Zero, a prequel set during the 4th Holy Grail War. This series, based on Gen Urobochi's light novel, explores Kiritsugu Emiya's journey and offers a deep dive into the series' themes, though it may reveal spoilers for Unlimited Blade Works.

How to Watch Fate Anime Spinoffs

Once you've explored the core Fate/stay night series, you can venture into the numerous spinoffs, each offering unique narratives and settings. Most spinoffs are standalone, allowing for flexible viewing, except for the Fate/Grand Order series, which requires a specific order due to its connection to the mobile game.

Fate Spinoff Watch Order

Feel free to watch the following spinoffs in any order you prefer:

Today's Menu for the Emiya FamilyLord El-Melloi II Case FilesFate/PrototypeFate/strange Fake: Whispers of DawnFate/ApocryphaFate/EXTRA Last EncoreFate/kaleid liner PRISMA ILLYACarnival Phantasm

Fate/Grand Order Watch Order

To fully appreciate the Fate/Grand Order anime, it's helpful to understand its roots in the mobile game. The game follows the Chaldea Security Organization's mission to prevent humanity's extinction by resolving Singularity events across different time periods. The anime adapts the first part of the game, covering the Prologue and Singularities 6-8. To experience the first five Singularities, you'll need to play the game.

1. Fate/Grand Order: First Order

Start with First Order, the anime adaptation of the prologue, where Ritsuka Fujimaru and Mash Kyrielight are sent to 2004 Fuyuki City to investigate the first Singularity.

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

Next, watch Camelot - Wandering; Agateram, the first movie covering the 6th Singularity, set in 1273 A.D. Jerusalem, where Ritsuka and Mash join forces with Bedivere.

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

Continue with Camelot - Paladin; Agateram, which concludes the 6th Singularity arc, featuring intense battles and Bedivere's resolution.

4. Fate/Grand Order Absolute Demonic Front: Babylonia

Then, immerse yourself in Babylonia, set in the ancient city of Uruk, where Ritsuka and Mash confront three goddesses and numerous Demonic Beasts.

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

Finally, conclude with Grand Temple of Time: Solomon, where the Chaldea team faces their ultimate challenge against the King of Mages, Solomon, wrapping up the Observer on Timeless Temple storyline.

What's Next for the Fate Anime?

The Fate series continues to expand with new adaptations. The latest addition, Fate/strange Fake, premiered its first episode during the Fate Project New Year's Eve TV Special, with the rest of the season expected in 2025. Additionally, Type-Moon is developing several 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, which recently released a second teaser trailer.