"Fate Anime Series: Watch Order Guide"

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 rewarding journey for both newcomers and long-time fans. Whether you're just discovering the series or looking to dive deeper, this guide will help you understand the Fate anime watch order. 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 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. All routes start with Shirou Emiya being thrust into the Holy Grail War, but diverge significantly afterward. These routes have been adapted into separate anime series, each named after its respective route.

Over time, the Fate series has expanded into numerous spinoffs and subseries, each with its own unique setting and storyline. Understanding the watch order can help you appreciate the series' depth and complexity.

Which Fate Anime Should You Watch First?

For newcomers, the best starting point is the 2006 anime Fate/stay night, which follows the first route of the visual novel. Although not a perfect adaptation, it provides a solid introduction to the series' core concepts, including Masters, Servants, and the Holy Grail War. It also includes crucial moments of Saber's character arc, which are essential for understanding the series.

Starting with Fate/stay night may spoil some elements of the other routes, but this is unavoidable given the interconnected nature of the series. We recommend beginning with the original to fully appreciate the narrative progression.

How to Watch the Fate Anime

All Fate anime series 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 allows for flexible viewing, but following this order will provide the best understanding of its elements:

1. Fate/stay night (2006)

Start with the 2006 anime by Studio Deen, which introduces the world of Fate and the Holy Grail War through Shirou Emiya's journey.

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

Next, watch the 2014-2015 series, which follows the second route and focuses on Rin Tohsaka. Opt for the series over the movie for a more comprehensive experience.

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

Begin the Heaven's Feel trilogy with this 2017 movie, which introduces Sakura Matou and the third route's unique storyline.

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

Continue with the second movie, released in 2019, which explores significant changes and developments in the Heaven's Feel route.

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

Conclude the Heaven's Feel trilogy with this 2020 movie, featuring some of the series' most memorable battles and a satisfying conclusion.

6. Fate/Zero

Finally, watch Fate/Zero, a prequel set during the 4th Holy Grail War. Although it can be watched earlier, it's best viewed after the main series to avoid spoilers.

How to Watch Fate Anime Spinoffs

After completing the main series, explore the numerous Fate spinoffs. Most can be watched in any order, as they are standalone stories set in different time periods with unique rules for their Holy Grail Wars. However, the Fate/Grand Order series requires a specific watch order.

Fate Spinoff Watch Order

You can watch these 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

Start with the prologue, which introduces Ritsuka Fujimaru and Mash Kyrielight's mission in Fuyuki City.

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

Watch the first movie covering the 6th Singularity, set in 1273 A.D. Jerusalem.

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

Continue with the second movie, which concludes the 6th Singularity and Bedivere's story.

4. Fate/Grand Order Absolute Demonic Front: Babylonia

Experience the fan-favorite 7th Singularity, set in Uruk, with familiar characters like Gilgamesh.

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

Conclude with the final Singularity, where Ritsuka and Mash face Solomon, the King of Mages.

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, and is available on Crunchyroll. The rest of the first season is expected in 2025.

Type-Moon is also developing 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. These projects promise to further enrich the Fate universe for fans.