The Fate series is a beloved and intricate anime universe that captivates fans with its rich storytelling and diverse spinoffs. With over 20 different anime projects, it can seem daunting to dive into this expansive world. However, understanding the origins and the right watch order can transform your viewing experience. Whether you're a long-time fan or a newcomer, we've crafted a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the Fate anime universe. Additionally, don't miss our list of 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?

The Fate franchise originated from the 2004 visual novel, Fate/stay night, developed by Type-Moon, a studio founded by Kinoko Nasu and Takashi Takeuchi. Nasu penned the story, while Takeuchi designed the art. Although initially only available in Japanese, a remastered version with an official English translation was released in late 2024 for Steam and Nintendo Switch.

Fate/stay night unfolds across three distinct routes: Fate, Unlimited Blade Works, and Heaven's Feel, each offering unique battles, character interactions, and plot developments. All routes begin with Shirou Emiya's entry into the Holy Grail War, but the subsequent events diverge significantly. This has led to three anime adaptations, each named after its respective route.

Over the years, the series has expanded into numerous spinoffs and subseries, each with its own unique storyline and setting. Navigating these can be challenging, but a structured watch order can serve as an excellent introduction to the series' themes and conventions.

Which Fate Anime Should You Watch First?

For newcomers, the 2006 Fate/stay night anime by Studio Deen is the recommended starting point. This series adapts the first route, known as Fate, and provides essential insights into the series' core concepts, such as Masters, Servants, and the Holy Grail War. While it may not be a flawless adaptation, it captures crucial moments in Saber's character arc, offering a solid foundation for understanding the series.

Although starting with this series may reveal some plot points from the later adaptations, Unlimited Blade Works and Heaven's Feel, the interconnected nature of the series means that some spoilers are inevitable. However, beginning with the original Fate/stay night ensures you experience the story as it was intended.

How to Watch the Fate Anime

All Fate anime series are available for streaming on Crunchyroll with a free trial. For those who prefer physical collections, many of the main series and spinoff movies can be purchased as Blu-ray sets.

### 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

The Fate series offers flexibility in viewing order, but for the most coherent experience, follow this recommended sequence:

1. Fate/stay night (2006)

Begin with the 2006 series by Studio Deen, which introduces you to the world of Fate through the first route. Follow Shirou Emiya as he navigates the complexities of the Holy Grail War and learns about Masters and Servants.

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

Next, dive into Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works, which adapts the second route of the visual novel. This series, split into two seasons totaling 25 episodes, focuses on Shirou and Rin Tohsaka's quest to secure the Holy Grail. Opt for the series over the movie version for a more comprehensive experience.

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

The Heaven's Feel route begins with presage flower, the first in a trilogy of movies. Follow Shirou and Sakura Matou as their peaceful lives are disrupted by the Holy Grail War in Fuyuki City.

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

Continue the Heaven's Feel saga with lost butterfly, released in 2019. Witness significant shifts in the narrative as Shirou and Sakura face new challenges and the disappearance of Masters and Servants.

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

Conclude the Heaven's Feel trilogy with spring song, featuring some of the series' most visually stunning battles. Ufotable's final installment provides a satisfying resolution to the trilogy's narrative arcs.

6. Fate/Zero

Finally, watch Fate/Zero, a prequel that explores the 4th Holy Grail War through the eyes of Kiritsugu Emiya. While it may spoil elements from Unlimited Blade Works, it offers a deep dive into the series' lore and themes.

How to Watch Fate Anime Spinoffs

After completing the main Fate/stay night series, explore the numerous spinoffs, which can be enjoyed in any order as they are largely standalone stories set in different time periods with unique rules for their Holy Grail Wars. However, for the Fate/Grand Order series, a specific watch order is recommended.

Fate Spinoff Watch Order

Feel free to watch these spinoffs in any order that suits you:

• 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 Fate/Grand Order requires a look at its source material: a mobile game available on iOS and Android. The game follows the Chaldea Security Organization's mission to prevent human extinction by resolving Singularities. The anime adaptations cover Part 1 of the story, focusing on eight Singularities.

Here is the recommended watch order for the Fate/Grand Order anime:

1. Fate/Grand Order: First Order

Start with First Order, the prologue that introduces Ritsuka Fujimaru and Mash Kyrielight as they tackle the Singularity in Fuyuki City, 2004.

2. Fate/Grand Order: Camelot - Wandering; Agateram

Next, watch the first movie of the 6th Singularity, set in Jerusalem in 1273 A.D., where Ritsuka and Mash ally with Bedivere.

3. Fate/Grand Order: Camelot - Paladin; Agateram

Continue with the second Camelot movie, which concludes the 6th Singularity and provides further development for Ritsuka and Mash.

4. Fate/Grand Order Absolute Demonic Front: Babylonia

Experience the beloved Babylonia arc, set in Uruk, where Ritsuka and Mash confront goddesses and Demonic Beasts, with familiar characters from Fate/stay night making appearances.

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

Conclude with the final Singularity, where Ritsuka and Mash face off against Solomon, the King of Mages, in a thrilling resolution to the Observer on Timeless Temple storyline.

What's Next for the Fate Anime?

The Fate universe continues to expand with new spinoffs and adaptations. The latest addition, Fate/strange Fake, premiered its first episode on December 31 during the Fate Project New Year's Eve TV Special and is now streaming on Crunchyroll, with the rest of the first season expected in 2025.

Type-Moon is also working on several projects, including a sequel to Fate/kaleid liner Prisma Illya - Licht Nameless Girl. Beyond the Fate series, they are developing a movie adaptation of their 2012 visual novel, Witch on the Holy Night, which released a second teaser trailer last year.