"Guide to Watching Fate Anime Series in Order"

The Fate series, known for its complexity and vast array of spinoffs, is a beloved anime franchise that originated from the visual novel *Fate/stay night*, released in 2004 by Type-Moon. Created by Kinoko Nasu and Takashi Takeuchi, the series has since expanded into numerous anime projects, manga, games, and light novels. Understanding the origins of the series can significantly simplify navigating its various seasons and spinoffs. With over 20 different anime projects, the Fate series is a rich and rewarding experience for fans and newcomers alike. Whether you're a long-time enthusiast or a curious newcomer, this guide will help you understand the best way to watch the Fate anime series.

Interested in more anime recommendations? Check out our guide to the best anime of all time for additional 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 series began with the visual novel Fate/stay night, which introduced the world to the Holy Grail War—a competition where participants, known as Masters, summon historical and mythical figures, called Servants, to fight for the chance to have a wish granted. The game offers three distinct routes: Fate, Unlimited Blade Works, and Heaven's Feel, each with unique storylines and character developments. Initially available only in Japanese, the series gained international popularity through its anime adaptations. In late 2024, Fate/stay night REMASTERED was released with an official English translation, available on Steam and Nintendo Switch.

Which Fate Anime Should You Watch First?

For newcomers, the best starting point is the 2006 anime Fate/stay night, which follows the first route of the visual novel. This series introduces the core concepts of Masters and Servants and provides a foundational understanding of the Fate universe. Although it's not a perfect adaptation, it's essential for understanding Saber's character arc and the initial events of the Holy Grail War.

How to Watch the Fate Anime

All Fate anime series are available to stream on Crunchyroll with a free trial. For those interested in physical copies, many of the main series and spinoff movies are available as Blu-ray collections.

### 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 can be watched in various orders, but the following sequence provides the most coherent narrative flow:

1. Fate/stay night (2006)

Start with the 2006 series by Studio Deen, which introduces the world of Fate and the Holy Grail War through the eyes of Shirou Emiya.

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

Next, watch the 2014-2015 series, which follows the second route of the visual novel and focuses on Rin Tohsaka and her interactions with Shirou.

Note: Opt for the series over the movie for a more comprehensive experience.

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

Begin the Heaven's Feel trilogy with the first movie, which introduces Sakura Matou and the escalating conflict in Fuyuki City.

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

Continue with the second movie, which delves deeper into the changes affecting the previous routes and the mysterious evil in Fuyuki City.

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

Conclude the Heaven's Feel route with the third movie, known for its stunning visuals and satisfying narrative closure.

6. Fate/Zero

Finally, watch Fate/Zero, the prequel to Fate/stay night, which explores the 4th Holy Grail War and the backstory of Kiritsugu Emiya.

How to Watch Fate Anime Spinoffs

After completing the main series, you can explore the numerous Fate spinoffs. Most of these are standalone and can be watched in any order, except for the Fate/Grand Order series, which follows a specific storyline.

Fate Spinoff Watch 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

Fate/Grand Order is based on the mobile game and follows the Chaldea Security Organization's mission to prevent humanity's extinction by resolving Singularity events. The anime adaptations cover the first part of the game's story, focusing on the eight Singularities.

1. Fate/Grand Order: First Order

Start with the prologue, which introduces Ritsuka Fujimaru and Mash Kyrielight as they investigate the Singularity in Fuyuki City.

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

Follow the first movie of the 6th Singularity, set in 1273 A.D. Jerusalem, where Ritsuka and Mash team up with Bedivere.

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

Continue with the second movie, which concludes the Camelot arc and resolves the 6th Singularity.

4. Fate/Grand Order Absolute Demonic Front: Babylonia

Watch the series set in Uruk, where Ritsuka and Mash face three goddesses and numerous Demonic Beasts.

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

Conclude with the movie that wraps up the first part of the story, focusing on the battle against Solomon, the King of Mages.

What's Next for the Fate Anime?

The Fate series continues to expand with new projects. The latest addition is Fate/strange Fake, which premiered its first episode on December 31, 2024, and is available on Crunchyroll. Type-Moon is also working on a sequel to Fate/kaleid liner Prisma Illya - Licht Nameless Girl and a movie adaptation of the 2012 visual novel Witch on the Holy Night.