The *Fate* series, a wildly popular anime franchise, is often seen as a complex undertaking for newcomers. With a sprawling universe encompassing anime, manga, games, and light novels, it can feel overwhelming. However, understanding the series' origins simplifies navigating its many iterations. Boasting over 20 anime projects, *Fate* is a richly rewarding experience, whether you're a longtime fan or just discovering it now. This guide provides a clear path through the *Fate* anime.
You can also explore our guide to the best anime of all time for more viewing options.
**Jump to**:
Which Fate anime to watch first
Fate/stay night watch order
Fate/Grand Order watch order
Fate anime spinoffs
What Is Fate?
What Is Fate?
The *Fate* anime empire originated from the 2004 visual novel, *Fate/stay night*, created by Type-Moon, a studio founded by Kinoko Nasu (story) and Takashi Takeuchi (art). Nasu and Takeuchi continue to play pivotal roles in most Type-Moon visual novels, though the studio has significantly expanded its team since then.
For years, *Fate/stay night* was only available in Japanese. This made the anime adaptations the primary way for international audiences to experience the visual novel and the broader *Fate* universe. However, late 2024 saw the surprise release of *Fate/stay night REMASTERED*, offering 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 route offers unique battles, character interactions, and storylines. While all begin similarly with Shirou Emiya thrust into the Holy Grail War, their subsequent events diverge significantly. This branching narrative is reflected in the three anime series based on these routes.
The *Fate* series has since expanded into a vast collection of spin-offs and sub-series. The diverse titles can be confusing, but a logical viewing order exists to ease newcomers into the franchise's core concepts and themes.
Which Fate Anime Should You Watch First?
While opinions vary, the 2006 *Fate/stay night* anime provides the clearest introduction to the series. Primarily adapting the "Fate" route of the visual novel, it offers a foundational understanding of Masters, Servants, and the *Fate* world's complexities, though it's not a perfect adaptation. It's crucial for understanding key moments in Saber's character arc.
While this choice might spoil elements from *Unlimited Blade Works* and *Heaven's Feel*, some spoilers are unavoidable regardless of viewing order. Starting with *Fate/stay night* (2006) provides a solid starting point, aligning with the series' intended progression.
How to Watch the Fate Anime
All *Fate* anime are available on Crunchyroll (often with a free trial). Many main series and spin-off films are also available on physical media.
The Best Fate/stay night Series Watch Order
While *Fate*'s non-chronological nature allows for flexible viewing, an ideal order enhances understanding. This recommended sequence offers the best grasp of the series' elements:
1. Fate/stay night (2006)
Studio Deen's *Fate/stay night* (2006) introduces the core concepts, following Shirou Emiya's involvement in the Holy Grail War. It establishes the dynamics between Masters and Servants.
2. Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works (2014-2015)
This two-season series adapts the "Unlimited Blade Works" route, focusing on Rin Tohsaka and her intertwined path with Shirou.
3. Fate/stay night [Heaven's Feel] I. presage flower
The first of a three-part movie trilogy, adapting the "Heaven's Feel" route, introducing Sakura Matou and a drastically different take on the Holy Grail War.
4. Fate/stay night [Heaven's Feel] II. lost butterfly
The second *Heaven's Feel* movie, significantly altering the narrative established in the previous routes.
5. Fate/stay night [Heaven's Feel] III. spring song
The climactic conclusion to the *Heaven's Feel* trilogy, delivering visually stunning action and narrative resolution.
6. Fate/Zero
A prequel series, *Fate/Zero*, offers a different perspective on the Holy Grail War, potentially spoiling elements of *Unlimited Blade Works*. It focuses on Kiritsugu Emiya in the 4th Holy Grail War.
How to Watch Fate Anime Spinoffs
After completing the core *Fate/stay night* adaptations, numerous spin-offs await. Most are self-contained and can be viewed in any order. However, *Fate/Grand Order* requires a specific viewing sequence.
Fate Spinoff Watch Order (Flexible Order)
These spin-offs 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
Understanding the *Fate/Grand Order* mobile game's context is helpful for appreciating the anime adaptations. The anime series covers Part 1 of the game's story, focusing on the Chaldea Security Organization's mission to prevent humanity's extinction by eliminating Singularity events.
Each Singularity represents a different Holy Grail War. While self-contained, they contribute to overarching themes. The anime covers the Prologue and Singularities 6-8; the first five require playing the game. The recommended viewing order is:
1. Fate/Grand Order: First Order
The prologue, introducing Ritsuka Fujimaru and Mash Kyrielight's mission to Fuyuki City in 2004.
2. Fate/Grand Order: Camelot - Wandering; Agateram
The first of two films covering Singularity 6, set in 1273 Jerusalem.
3. Fate/Grand Order: Camelot - Paladin; Agateram
The second film concluding Singularity 6.
4. Fate/Grand Order Absolute Demonic Front: Babylonia
A popular arc set in Uruk.
5. Fate/Grand Order Final Singularity - Grand Temple of Time: Solomon
The final confrontation with Solomon, the King of Mages.
What's Next for the Fate Anime?
The *Fate* franchise continues to expand, with ongoing anime and manga adaptations. *Fate/strange Fake* premiered its first episode in late 2024, with the rest of season 1 expected in 2025. Type-Moon also announced several projects, including a sequel to *Fate/kaleid liner Prisma Illya* and a movie adaptation of *Witch on the Holy Night*.
