The Fate series is a beloved and intricate anime franchise that has captivated fans worldwide. With its roots in the 2004 visual novel *Fate/stay night* by Type-Moon, the series has expanded into numerous anime projects, manga, games, and light novels. Navigating the vast universe of Fate can be daunting, but understanding its origins simplifies the journey. Whether you're a long-time fan or a newcomer, this guide will help you navigate the Fate anime watch order, ensuring you get the most out of this expansive series.
Interested in more anime? Check out our guide to the best anime of all time for additional recommendations.
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. 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, making it more accessible to a global audience.
Saber in Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works
Fate/stay night features three distinct routes: Fate, Unlimited Blade Works, and Heaven's Feel, each offering unique storylines and character developments. These routes have been adapted into separate anime series, each named after its corresponding route. Over time, the series has expanded into numerous spinoffs and subseries, each adding to the rich tapestry of the Fate universe.
Which Fate Anime Should You Watch First?
Rin Tohsaka & Archer in Fate/stay night (2006)
For newcomers, the best starting point is the 2006 anime Fate/stay night, which follows the Fate route of the visual novel. While not a perfect adaptation, it provides a foundational understanding of the series' core elements, including the Holy Grail War, Masters, and Servants. Although it may spoil some elements of the other routes, starting here offers a comprehensive introduction to the Fate universe.
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 and DVD.
### 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
Archer in Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works (2014)
While the Fate series can be watched in various orders, the following sequence provides the most coherent narrative experience:
1. Fate/stay night (2006)
Begin with the 2006 Fate/stay night series by Studio Deen. This adaptation introduces you to the world of Fate, focusing on Shirou Emiya's journey in the Holy Grail War.
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, split into two seasons, delves deeper into the characters and the war, with a focus on Rin Tohsaka.
Note: Opt for the series over the movie for a more comprehensive experience.
3. Fate/stay night [Heaven's Feel] I. presage flower
The first movie in the Heaven's Feel trilogy, presage flower, introduces the third route. It follows Shirou and Sakura Matou as their peaceful life is disrupted by the Holy Grail War.
4. Fate/stay night [Heaven's Feel] II. lost butterfly
The second movie, lost butterfly, continues the Heaven's Feel storyline, showcasing significant changes and developments.
5. Fate/stay night [Heaven's Feel] III. spring song
The final movie, spring song, concludes the Heaven's Feel trilogy with stunning visuals and a satisfying narrative resolution.
6. Fate/Zero
Although a prequel, Fate/Zero should be watched after the main series to avoid spoilers. It explores the 4th Holy Grail War and the backstory of Kiritsugu Emiya.
How to Watch Fate Anime Spinoffs
Gilgamesh in Fate/strange Fake: Whispers of Dawn (2023)
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
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
Fate/Grand Order is based on the mobile game, which 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 the Singularities.
1. Fate/Grand Order: First Order
Start with the prologue, First Order, which introduces the Chaldea Security Organization and the first Singularity in Fuyuki City.
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.
3. Fate/Grand Order: Camelot - Paladin; Agateram
The second movie completes the Camelot arc, resolving the 6th Singularity.
4. Fate/Grand Order Absolute Demonic Front: Babylonia
This fan-favorite arc is set in Uruk and involves Ritsuka and Mash tackling the 7th Singularity.
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.
What's Next for the Fate Anime?
The Fate series continues to expand with new projects. The latest addition, Fate/strange Fake, premiered its first episode on December 31, 2024, and is available on Crunchyroll, with the rest of the season 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.
