The Fate series is a beloved and expansive anime franchise known for its complexity and numerous spin-offs across various media, including anime, manga, games, and light novels. At its core, understanding the origins of the series can greatly simplify navigating its vast universe. With over 20 different anime projects, Fate is definitely worth exploring, whether you're a long-time fan or a newcomer. Below, we provide a comprehensive Fate anime watch order to help you dive into this rich saga.
Curious about more anime? Check out our guide to the best anime of all time for additional 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?
The Fate franchise began with a visual novel titled Fate/stay night, released in 2004 by Type-Moon, a studio founded by Kinoko Nasu and Takashi Takeuchi. Nasu wrote the story, while Takeuchi handled the art. Initially available only in Japanese, the visual novel gained international attention through its anime adaptations. In late 2024, a remastered version, Fate/stay night REMASTERED, was released with an official English translation, playable on Steam and Nintendo Switch.
Fate/stay night features three distinct routes: Fate, Unlimited Blade Works, and Heaven's Feel, each with unique battles, character interactions, and storylines. All routes start with Shirou Emiya being drawn into the Holy Grail War but diverge significantly afterward. These routes have been adapted into separate anime series, each named after their respective route.
Over time, the series has expanded into numerous spinoffs and subseries, each with unique names, making it easy to get lost. However, there's a recommended watch order that introduces you to the series' core concepts and themes.
Which Fate Anime Should You Watch First?
The best starting point for newcomers is the original Fate/stay night anime from 2006. This series, produced by Studio Deen, primarily follows the Fate route and introduces key elements like Masters, Servants, and the Holy Grail War. While it's not a perfect adaptation, it's essential for understanding Saber's character arc and the series' foundational story.
Starting here will provide context for the other adaptations, though it will spoil some elements from Unlimited Blade Works and Heaven's Feel. However, due to the interconnected nature of the series, some spoilers are unavoidable regardless of the watch order.
How to Watch the Fate Anime
All Fate anime series are available to stream on Crunchyroll with a free trial. Physical collectors can also find many of the main series and spin-off movies on DVD and Blu-ray.
### 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 orders, a structured approach can enhance your understanding of its intricate elements.
1. Fate/stay night (2006)
Begin with the 2006 Fate/stay night series to grasp the basics of the Holy Grail War and the relationship between Masters and Servants. Follow Shirou Emiya as he navigates his sudden involvement in this magical conflict.
2. Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works (2014-2015)
Next, watch Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works, which adapts the second route of the visual novel. This series focuses on Rin Tohsaka and her interactions with Shirou, unfolding over two seasons totaling 25 episodes. Note that while there's a movie adaptation, the series is recommended for a more comprehensive experience.
3. Fate/stay night [Heaven's Feel] I. presage flower
Start the Heaven's Feel trilogy with presage flower, which introduces the third route. Here, Shirou and Sakura Matou confront the escalating tensions of the Holy Grail War in Fuyuki City.
4. Fate/stay night [Heaven's Feel] II. lost butterfly
Continue with lost butterfly, released in 2019, where significant changes impact the storyline, and Shirou's resolve is tested amidst the disappearance of Masters and Servants.
5. Fate/stay night [Heaven's Feel] III. spring song
Conclude the trilogy with spring song, showcasing some of the series' most memorable battles and providing a satisfying end to the Heaven's Feel narrative.
6. Fate/Zero
Finally, watch Fate/Zero, a prequel to Fate/stay night, to understand the origins of the Holy Grail War. This series, set during the 4th Holy Grail War, follows Kiritsugu Emiya and provides deep insights into the series' themes and ideologies.
How to Watch Fate Anime Spinoffs
After completing the core Fate/stay night series, explore the diverse spinoffs. Most spinoffs are standalone and can be watched in any order, each set in different time periods with unique Holy Grail War rules.
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
To fully appreciate the Fate/Grand Order anime, it's helpful to understand its source material, a mobile game for iOS and Android. The game follows the Chaldea Security Organization as they combat Singularity events to prevent humanity's extinction.
There are eight Singularities in Part 1 of the story, and the anime covers the Prologue and Singularities 6-8. To experience the first five Singularities, you'll need to play the game. Here's the recommended watch order for the Fate/Grand Order anime:
1. Fate/Grand Order: First Order
Start with the prologue, First Order, where Ritsuka Fujimaru and Mash Kyrielight investigate the Singularity in Fuyuki City, 2004.
2. Fate/Grand Order: Camelot - Wandering; Agateram
Next, watch the first of two movies 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 the second movie, which concludes the 6th Singularity and resolves Bedivere's storyline.
4. Fate/Grand Order Absolute Demonic Front: Babylonia
Then, delve into the fan-favorite Babylonia arc, set in Uruk, where Ritsuka and Mash face three goddesses and numerous Demonic Beasts.
5. Fate/Grand Order Final Singularity - Grand Temple of Time: Solomon
Finish with the Final Singularity, where the Chaldea Security Organization confronts Solomon, the King of Mages, to save humanity.
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 on December 31, 2024, as part of the Fate Project New Year's Eve TV Special, available on Crunchyroll. The rest of the first season is expected in 2025.
Type-Moon is also developing several projects, including a sequel to Fate/kaleid liner Prisma☆Illya - Licht Nameless Girl. Additionally, they are working on a movie adaptation of their 2012 visual novel, Witch on the Holy Night, which recently released a second teaser trailer.
