How to Watch the Fate Anime Series in Order

The *Fate* series, a wildly popular anime franchise, often presents a daunting challenge to newcomers due to its extensive universe encompassing numerous spin-offs across anime, manga, games, and light novels. However, understanding the series' origins simplifies navigating its diverse offerings. With over 20 anime projects, *Fate* is a rich tapestry worth exploring.

Whether you're a long-time fan or just discovering this epic saga, this guide provides a clear path through the *Fate* anime. For even more anime options, 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?

---

The Fate anime universe originated from 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 pivotal roles in most Type-Moon visual novels, though the studio has significantly expanded since its inception.

Initially, Fate/stay night was only available in Japanese, making the anime adaptations the primary access point for international audiences. However, a 2024 announcement surprised fans with the release of Fate/stay night REMASTERED, featuring an official English translation 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 thrust into the Holy Grail War, their subsequent events diverge dramatically. This branching narrative is reflected in the three anime series based on these routes.

The Fate series has expanded tremendously over time, spawning countless spin-offs and sub-series. The diverse titles can be overwhelming, but a logical viewing order exists to ease newcomers into the franchise's core concepts and established norms.

Which Fate Anime Should You Watch First?

While opinions vary on the ideal starting point, Fate/stay night (2006) provides the most accessible introduction to the series. Primarily following the "Fate" route of the visual novel, it offers a foundational understanding of Masters, Servants, and the Fate universe's complexities, even if it's not a perfect adaptation. It uniquely includes crucial moments from Saber's character arc.

While watching this first might spoil elements from Unlimited Blade Works and Heaven's Feel, some spoilers are unavoidable regardless of viewing order. Starting with Fate/stay night (2006) is recommended for its intended role as the series' entry point.

How to Watch the Fate Anime

All Fate anime are available via Crunchyroll (free trial available). Physical releases of the main series and spin-off films are also 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

The Fate series' non-chronological nature allows for flexible viewing, but an optimal order enhances understanding.

1. Fate/stay night (2006)

As previously discussed, Studio Deen's Fate/stay night (2006) serves as the ideal introduction, presenting the "Fate" route and establishing core concepts. It follows Shirou Emiya's involvement in the Holy Grail War, a competition granting the winner a wish.

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

Next, watch Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works, focusing on Rin Tohsaka and her intertwined path with Shirou. This two-season series (25 episodes) surpasses the movie adaptation in its narrative depth.

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

This initiates the Heaven's Feel movie trilogy, exploring the third route and Sakura Matou's role in the Holy Grail War.

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

The second Heaven's Feel movie introduces significant changes, highlighting Shirou's choices and the escalating conflict.

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

The final Heaven's Feel movie delivers spectacular battles and a conclusive narrative for the trilogy's main characters.

6. Fate/Zero

Fate/Zero, a prequel by Gen Urobuchi (known for Madoka Magica and Psycho Pass), should be viewed after the main stay night adaptations to avoid spoilers. It depicts Kiritsugu Emiya's participation in the 4th Holy Grail War.

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 often feature independent storylines and settings. However, Fate/Grand Order requires a specific viewing sequence.

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 is crucial for appreciating the anime adaptations. The game follows Chaldea Security Organization's efforts to prevent humanity's extinction by eliminating "Singularity" events.

Part 1 features eight Singularities, each a unique Holy Grail War. The anime adaptations cover a portion of this storyline.

1. Fate/Grand Order: First Order

This prologue introduces Ritsuka Fujimaru and Mash Kyrielight's mission to investigate a Singularity in Fuyuki City (2004).

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

The first of two films covering the 6th Singularity, set in 1273 Jerusalem.

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

The concluding film for the 6th Singularity.

4. Fate/Grand Order Absolute Demonic Front: Babylonia

A popular arc set in Uruk, featuring familiar characters like Gilgamesh.

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

The final confrontation against Solomon, the King of Mages.

What's Next for the Fate Anime?

The *Fate* franchise continues to expand, with ongoing anime and manga adaptations. *Fate/strange Fake* premiered on December 31st, 2024, with further episodes anticipated in 2025. TYPE-MOON also announced projects including a *Fate/kaleid liner Prisma Illya* sequel and a *Witch on the Holy Night* movie adaptation.