by Allison Apr 12,2025
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, created by Type-Moon, the series has expanded into a vast universe encompassing anime, manga, games, and light novels. Navigating the numerous spinoffs can be daunting, but understanding the series' origins simplifies the process of watching the different seasons.
With over 20 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, our comprehensive Fate anime watch order guide will help you navigate this expansive universe. For more anime recommendations, don't forget to check out our guide to the best anime of all time.
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The Fate franchise originated from the visual novel Fate/stay night, released in 2004 by Type-Moon, founded by Kinoko Nasu and Takashi Takeuchi. Nasu wrote the story, while Takeuchi handled the art, roles they continue to fulfill for Type-Moon's visual novels. Initially available only in Japanese, the series gained international popularity through its anime adaptations. In late 2024, an English remastered version of Fate/stay night was released on Steam and Nintendo Switch, making it more accessible to a global audience.
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 drawn into the Holy Grail War, but the subsequent events diverge significantly. This structure has led to three corresponding anime series, each named after its respective route, making it easier to follow the narrative.
Over time, the Fate series has expanded into numerous spinoffs and subseries, each with its own unique setting and storyline. While this can be overwhelming, there's a logical watch order that introduces the series' core concepts and themes.
While opinions vary on the best starting point, the 2006 anime, simply titled Fate/stay night, is recommended as it follows the first route of the visual novel, known as Fate. Although not a perfect adaptation, it includes crucial moments of Saber's character arc, providing a solid foundation for understanding the series. Watching this first may spoil some elements of the other routes, but this is unavoidable due to the interconnected nature of the series. Starting with the original anime is the best way to experience the series as intended.
All Fate anime series are available to stream on Crunchyroll with a free trial. For collectors, physical releases of the main series and spinoff movies are also available.
The Fate series allows for flexible viewing, but following a specific order enhances your understanding of its complex elements:
Begin with the 2006 anime by Studio Deen, which introduces the first route of the Fate/stay night story. This series provides a foundational understanding of the world, including the roles of Masters and Servants, and follows Shirou Emiya as he becomes embroiled in the Holy Grail War.
Next, watch the second route, Unlimited Blade Works, which focuses on Rin Tohsaka and her interactions with Shirou. This series spans two seasons and 25 episodes, offering a deeper look into the Holy Grail War. Note that while there is a movie version, the series provides a more comprehensive adaptation.
The Heaven's Feel route begins with this movie, introducing Sakura Matou as the main heroine. As the Holy Grail War disrupts their peaceful life, Shirou and Sakura face new challenges in Fuyuki City.
The second movie in the Heaven's Feel trilogy, lost butterfly, showcases significant changes to the narrative established in the previous routes. Shirou's motivations evolve as he confronts an unknown evil.
The final movie in the trilogy, spring song, delivers thrilling battles and a satisfying conclusion to the Heaven's Feel route, with impactful narrative moments for each main character.
Although a prequel, watch Fate/Zero after the main series to avoid spoilers. This series, based on Gen Urobochi's light novels, explores the 4th Holy Grail War and the intense ideological conflicts faced by Kiritsugu Emiya.
After completing the main Fate/stay night series, explore the numerous spinoffs. Most can be watched in any order, as they are standalone stories set in different time periods with unique Holy Grail War rules. However, the Fate/Grand Order series requires a specific watch order due to its connection to the mobile game.
The following spinoffs can be watched in any order:
To fully appreciate the Fate/Grand Order anime, understanding its source material is essential. The mobile game, available on iOS and Android, follows the Chaldea Security Organization's mission to prevent humanity's extinction by addressing Singularity events. The anime adaptations cover Part 1 of the story, focusing on eight Singularities, each representing a unique Holy Grail War in different time periods.
Start with the prologue, First Order, where Ritsuka Fujimaru and Mash Kyrielight are sent to Fuyuki City in 2004 to investigate the first Singularity.
Next, watch the first movie covering the 6th Singularity, set in 1273 A.D. Jerusalem, where Ritsuka and Mash ally with Bedivere amidst a war-torn land.
The second Camelot movie concludes the 6th Singularity, offering action-packed battles and the resolution of Bedivere's story.
Babylonia, set in Uruk, is a fan-favorite arc featuring beloved characters and an engaging storyline as Ritsuka and Mash tackle the sudden appearance of goddesses and Demonic Beasts.
Conclude with the Final Singularity movie, where the Chaldea Security Organization faces Solomon, the King of Mages, in a thrilling finale to the Observer on Timeless Temple storyline.
The Fate series continues to expand with new spinoffs and 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, and is now streaming 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 received a second teaser trailer last year.
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