How to Watch the Fate Anime Series in Order

The Fate series, a wildly popular anime franchise, often gets a reputation for complexity. With numerous spin-offs across anime, manga, games, and light novels, it can seem daunting. However, understanding the series' origins simplifies navigating its vast landscape. Featuring over 20 anime projects, Fate is a rewarding journey for any anime fan, whether you're a longtime devotee or a newcomer.

This guide provides a clear Fate anime watch order. You can also explore our guide to 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?

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The Fate universe originated with the 2004 visual novel, Fate/stay night, created by Type-Moon, a studio founded by Kinoko Nasu (story) and Takashi Takeuchi (art). Nasu and Takeuchi continue to play key roles in most Type-Moon projects, though the studio has significantly expanded.

Initially only available in Japanese, the various anime adaptations served as the primary way to experience Fate/stay night for international audiences. However, late 2024 saw the surprise release of Fate/stay night REMASTERED, bringing an official English translation to Steam and Nintendo Switch.

Fate/stay night features three distinct routes: Fate, Unlimited Blade Works, and Heaven's Feel, each boasting unique battles, character interactions, and storylines. While all begin similarly with Shirou Emiya thrust into the Holy Grail War, their subsequent events diverge significantly. This branching narrative results in three separate anime series, each named after its corresponding route.

The Fate franchise has since exploded into a vast array of spin-offs and sub-series. The sheer number of titles can be overwhelming, but a logical viewing order exists, providing a smooth introduction to the series' core concepts and themes.

Which Fate Anime Should You Watch First?

While opinions vary, Fate/stay night (2006) offers the most accessible entry point. Primarily adapting the "Fate" route, it provides a foundational understanding of Masters, Servants, and the Fate universe, even if it's not a perfect adaptation. It notably includes crucial elements of Saber's character arc.

While this might spoil aspects of Unlimited Blade Works and Heaven's Feel, some spoilers are unavoidable regardless of viewing order. Beginning with Fate/stay night (2006) provides the intended starting point.

How to Watch the Fate Anime

All main Fate anime are available to stream on Crunchyroll (free trial available). Physical releases of major series and films are also widely available for collectors.

### 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

While the Fate series allows for flexible viewing, an optimal order enhances comprehension. This order isn't strictly chronological but provides a cohesive narrative experience:

1. Fate/stay night (2006)

As previously mentioned, the Studio Deen adaptation of Fate/stay night (2006) serves as the ideal introduction. It presents the "Fate" route, establishing core concepts and characters within the Holy Grail War.

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

Next, watch Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works (2014-2015), adapting the second route and focusing on Rin Tohsaka. This two-season series (25 episodes total) explores Shirou and Rin's intertwined destinies within the Holy Grail War. Note: While a movie adaptation exists, the series is superior.

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

The Heaven's Feel trilogy begins here, adapting the final route and centering on Sakura Matou. This movie trilogy showcases the consequences of Shirou's choices and the escalating conflict.

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

The second Heaven's Feel movie continues the story, significantly altering the narrative trajectory of the previous routes.

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

The concluding Heaven's Feel movie delivers a visually stunning and emotionally resonant conclusion to the trilogy.

6. Fate/Zero

Fate/Zero, a prequel written by Gen Urobuchi (Madoka Magica, Psycho Pass), is best watched after the stay night adaptations. While chronologically earlier, it reveals key information that could spoil Unlimited Blade Works. It follows Kiritsugu Emiya in the 4th Holy Grail War.

How to Watch Fate Anime Spinoffs

Following the core Fate/stay night adaptations, numerous spin-offs await. Most can be watched in any order, as they're largely self-contained stories. Exceptions exist, primarily within 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 anime requires familiarity with its source material: the mobile game. The game follows Chaldea Security Organization's mission to prevent humanity's extinction by targeting "Singularity" events. Each Singularity is a unique Holy Grail War. The anime adaptations cover Part 1's Singularities.

The anime covers the Prologue and Singularities 6-8. Singularities 1-5 are best experienced through the game. The Fate/Grand Order anime watch order is:

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 new anime and manga adaptations constantly emerging. Fate/strange Fake premiered its first episode in late 2024 and is expected to continue into 2025. Type-Moon also has several projects in development, including a sequel to Fate/kaleid liner Prisma Illya and a movie adaptation of Witch on the Holy Night.