Fate Anime: The Ultimate Viewing Guide

The *Fate* series is a massively popular anime franchise, known for its intricate storylines and vast universe. While seemingly complex at first glance, understanding its origins simplifies navigating the numerous spin-offs across anime, manga, games, and light novels. With over 20 anime projects, *Fate* is a rewarding journey for both seasoned fans and newcomers.

Whether you're a long-time admirer or just discovering this world, we've crafted a guide to help you navigate the *Fate* anime watch order. For even more anime recommendations, explore 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?

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The Fate anime universe originated from the 2004 visual novel, Fate/stay night, created by Type-Moon, the studio founded by Kinoko Nasu (story) and Takashi Takeuchi (art). Nasu and Takeuchi continue to helm most Type-Moon visual novels, though the studio has significantly expanded since its inception.

Initially, 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 franchise. However, late 2024 brought exciting news: a remastered Fate/stay night with an official English translation launched 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 storylines. While all begin similarly with Shirou Emiya entering the Holy Grail War, the ensuing events diverge dramatically. This branching narrative is reflected in the three anime series directly adapted from these routes.

The Fate franchise has since expanded dramatically, spawning countless spin-offs and sub-series. The diverse titles can be overwhelming, but a logical watch order exists, providing a smooth introduction to the series' core concepts and conventions.

Which Fate Anime Should You Watch First?

While opinions vary, starting with the 2006 Fate/stay night anime offers the clearest introduction to the series. This adaptation primarily follows the "Fate" route of the visual novel, providing foundational understanding of Masters, Servants, and the Fate universe's intricacies. Although not a perfect adaptation, it uniquely covers critical moments of Saber's character arc.

While this choice might spoil elements from Unlimited Blade Works and Heaven's Feel, some level of spoiling is unavoidable regardless of viewing order. We recommend beginning with Fate/stay night (2006) as the intended entry point.

How to Watch the Fate Anime

All major Fate anime are available for streaming on Crunchyroll (often with a free trial). Physical releases (Blu-ray/DVD) are also available for collectors of the main series and spin-off films.

### 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 AmazonThe Best Fate/stay night Series Watch Order

The Fate series' non-chronological nature offers flexibility in viewing order. However, an ideal sequence exists for optimal comprehension:

1. Fate/stay night (2006)

As previously mentioned, Studio Deen's Fate/stay night (2006) provides the best introduction. It introduces the core concepts of Masters, Servants, and the Holy Grail War, following Shirou Emiya's involvement in this epic conflict.

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

Next, watch Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works (2014-2015), focusing on Rin Tohsaka and her intertwined path with Shirou. This two-season series (25 episodes) offers a deeper dive into the second route of the visual novel. Note: While a movie adaptation exists, the series provides a superior experience.

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

This initiates the Heaven's Feel movie trilogy, adapting the third route, centering on Sakura Matou and the consequences of the Holy Grail War.

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

The second Heaven's Feel movie continues the story, introducing significant changes and escalating conflicts.

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

The final Heaven's Feel movie concludes the trilogy with spectacular battles and emotional resolutions.

6. Fate/Zero

Fate/Zero acts as a prequel, exploring the 4th Holy Grail War and Kiritsugu Emiya. While tempting to watch before the main series, it might spoil elements of Unlimited Blade Works.

How to Watch Fate Anime Spinoffs

After completing the core Fate/stay night adaptations, numerous spin-offs await. Most can be watched in any order, as they are largely self-contained stories with different settings and rules. Exceptions include the Fate/Grand Order series.

Fate Spinoff Watch Order (Flexible 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 enhances appreciation of its anime adaptations. The game follows Chaldea Security Organization's mission to prevent humanity's extinction by eliminating Singularity events. Part 1 features eight Singularities, each a distinct Holy Grail War. The anime covers a portion of this, leaving some storylines requiring the game itself.

1. Fate/Grand Order: First Order (Prologue)

2. Fate/Grand Order: Camelot - Wandering; Agateram (Singularity 6, Part 1)

3. Fate/Grand Order: Camelot - Paladin; Agateram (Singularity 6, Part 2)

4. Fate/Grand Order Absolute Demonic Front: Babylonia (Singularity 7)

5. Fate/Grand Order Final Singularity - Grand Temple of Time: Solomon (Singularity 8)

What's Next for the Fate Anime?

The *Fate* franchise continues to expand with ongoing spin-offs and adaptations. *Fate/strange Fake* premiered its first episode and more is expected in 2025. Type-Moon also announced projects including a *Fate/kaleid liner Prisma Illya* sequel and a *Witch on the Holy Night* movie adaptation.