How to Watch the Fate Anime Series in Order

The *Fate* series, a wildly popular anime franchise, is often seen as complex. With numerous spin-offs across anime, manga, games, and light novels, it can be daunting to know where to begin. However, understanding the series' origins simplifies navigating its vast landscape. Featuring over 20 anime projects, *Fate* is a captivating series well worth exploring, whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer.

You can also check out our guide to the best anime of all time for more options.

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Which Fate anime to watch first
Fate Stay/night watch order
Fate/Grand Order watch order
Fate anime spinoffs
What Is Fate?

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 since its inception.

Initially only available in Japanese, Fate/stay night’s anime adaptations served as the primary means of experiencing the story for international audiences. However, a 2024 announcement revealed a remastered, officially translated Fate/stay night for Steam and Nintendo Switch.

Fate/stay night offers three distinct routes: Fate, Unlimited Blade Works, and Heaven's Feel, each featuring unique battles, character interactions, and storylines. While all begin similarly with Shirou Emiya's involvement in the Holy Grail War, their narratives diverge significantly, resulting in three separate anime series, each named after its corresponding route.

The Fate franchise has since expanded dramatically, creating a multitude of spin-offs and sub-series. Their diverse titles can be confusing, but a logical viewing order exists to provide a solid introduction to the series' core concepts and themes.

Which Fate Anime Should You Watch First?

While opinions vary, the 2006 Fate/stay night anime offers the clearest introduction to the series. 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. Crucially, it includes key moments of Saber's character arc.

While watching this first will spoil elements of Unlimited Blade Works and Heaven's Feel, some spoilers are unavoidable regardless of viewing order. We recommend starting with Fate/stay night (2006) as the intended entry point.

How to Watch the Fate Anime

All main Fate anime are available on Crunchyroll (often with a free trial). Physical releases (Blu-ray/DVD) are also available for many series and 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

While Fate allows flexibility in viewing order, an ideal sequence enhances understanding. This order isn't strictly chronological:

1. Fate/stay night (2006)

As previously discussed, Studio Deen's Fate/stay night (2006) provides an excellent introduction, explaining Masters, Servants, and the core concepts of the Holy Grail War. It follows Shirou Emiya's unexpected involvement in this deadly competition.

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 total) is preferred over the movie adaptation.

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

This begins the Heaven's Feel movie trilogy, introducing Sakura Matou and the consequences of the Holy Grail War on her and Shirou.

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

The second Heaven's Feel movie continues the narrative, introducing significant changes compared to the previous routes.

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

The concluding Heaven's Feel movie offers spectacular battles and a satisfying resolution to the trilogy.

6. Fate/Zero

Fate/Zero, a prequel, is best watched after the stay night routes. Written by Gen Urobuchi (Madoka Magica, Psycho-Pass), it follows Kiritsugu Emiya in the 4th Holy Grail War. While chronologically earlier, watching it afterward avoids spoilers for 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 with different settings and rules. However, Fate/Grand Order requires a specific viewing order.

Fate Spinoff Watch Order (Flexible)

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 context is helpful for appreciating the anime. The game follows Chaldea Security Organization's efforts to prevent humanity's extinction by eliminating "Singularity" events. Part 1 features eight Singularities (each a Holy Grail War), with anime adaptations covering only some of them. The first five Singularities are best experienced through the game.

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

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

3. Fate/Grand Order: Camelot - Paladin; Agateram (Singularity 6, Part 2 of 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. *Fate/strange Fake* premiered its first episode and more are expected in 2025. Additionally, Type-Moon has announced several projects, including a *Fate/kaleid liner Prisma Illya* sequel and a movie adaptation of *Witch on the Holy Night*.