"Fate Anime Series: How to Watch in Order"

The Fate series stands out as one of the most beloved and intricate anime franchises, captivating fans with its expansive universe and diverse storytelling. Originating from a visual novel titled *Fate/stay night* released in 2004 by Type-Moon, the series has evolved into a vast array of anime, manga, games, and light novels. Understanding the roots of the series can significantly simplify navigating its numerous spinoffs and seasons.

With over 20 different anime projects, the Fate series is well worth exploring. Whether you're a long-time fan or a newcomer, our comprehensive guide will help you understand the Fate anime watch order. For more anime recommendations, be sure to check out our list of 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 entire Fate franchise began with the visual novel *Fate/stay night*, crafted by Type-Moon founders Kinoko Nasu and Takashi Takeuchi. Nasu penned the story, while Takeuchi handled the art, roles they continue to fulfill in subsequent Type-Moon projects. Initially available only in Japanese, the visual novel became more accessible to a global audience with the release of *Fate/stay night REMASTERED* in late 2024, featuring an official English translation on Steam and Nintendo Switch.

*Fate/stay night* presents three distinct routes: Fate, Unlimited Blade Works, and Heaven's Feel, each offering unique battles, character interactions, and story arcs. All routes start with Shirou Emiya being drawn into the Holy Grail War, but diverge significantly thereafter. This structure has led to three anime adaptations, each corresponding to a specific route. Over time, the series has expanded into numerous spinoffs and subseries, each with its own unique setting and narrative.

Which Fate Anime Should You Watch First?

Navigating the vast expanse of the Fate series can be daunting, but starting with the right anime can set a strong foundation. The recommended starting point is the original *Fate/stay night* anime from 2006, produced by Studio Deen. This series follows the Fate route and provides essential context about the world of Fate, including the concepts of Masters and Servants, and introduces key characters like Shirou Emiya and Saber.

While watching *Fate/stay night* first will spoil some elements of *Unlimited Blade Works* and *Heaven's Feel*, it's an essential starting point that helps establish the series' foundational elements. All Fate anime are available to stream on Crunchyroll with a free trial, and physical releases are also available for collectors.

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See it at Crunchyroll

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The Best Fate/stay night Series Watch Order

The Fate series offers flexibility in viewing order, but following a specific sequence can enhance your understanding of the story and its elements:

1. Fate/stay night (2006)

Begin with the original *Fate/stay night* anime by Studio Deen, which introduces the world of Fate and follows the first route. This series is crucial for understanding the basics of the Holy Grail War, Masters, and Servants, and follows Shirou Emiya's journey as he gets entangled in this epic battle.

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

Next, dive into *Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works*, which covers the second route of the visual novel. This series focuses on Rin Tohsaka and Shirou's intertwined paths as they compete in the Holy Grail War. Opt for the series over the movie for a more comprehensive experience.

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

Start the Heaven's Feel trilogy with *presage flower*. This movie introduces the third route, focusing on Sakura Matou and the upheaval in Fuyuki City as the Holy Grail War escalates.

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

Continue the Heaven's Feel saga with *lost butterfly*, which explores significant changes to the previous routes and the intensifying conflict in Fuyuki City.

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 and narrative-rich moments.

6. Fate/Zero

Finally, watch *Fate/Zero*, a prequel that delves into the 4th Holy Grail War. Although it can be watched earlier, it's best viewed after the main series to avoid spoilers for *Unlimited Blade Works*. *Fate/Zero* offers a deep look into the series' lore and the motivations of its characters.

How to Watch Fate Anime Spinoffs

After exploring the core *Fate/stay night* series, you can venture into the diverse spinoffs. Most spinoffs are standalone and can be watched in any order, each offering unique settings and rules for their Holy Grail Wars. However, some series, like *Fate/Grand Order*, have a specific watch order.

Fate Spinoff Watch Order

These spinoffs can be watched in any 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

To fully appreciate the *Fate/Grand Order* anime, understanding its source material is crucial. *Fate/Grand Order* is a mobile game focused on the Chaldea Security Organization's mission to prevent humanity's extinction through magic and science. The game features eight Singularities in Part 1, with the anime adapting the Prologue and Singularities 6-8.

1. Fate/Grand Order: First Order

Start with *First Order*, the anime adaptation of the game's prologue. It follows Ritsuka Fujimaru and Mash Kyrielight as they investigate a Singularity in Fuyuki City in 2004.

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

Next, watch *Camelot - Wandering; Agateram*, the first of two movies covering the 6th Singularity. Set in 1273 A.D. in Jerusalem, Ritsuka and Mash ally with Bedivere to navigate a war-torn land.

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

Continue with *Camelot - Paladin; Agateram*, which concludes the 6th Singularity and features intense action and the resolution of Bedivere's story.

4. Fate/Grand Order Absolute Demonic Front: Babylonia

Then, watch *Babylonia*, a fan-favorite arc set in Uruk. Ritsuka and Mash tackle a crisis involving three goddesses and numerous Demonic Beasts, with familiar characters like Gilgamesh making appearances.

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

Conclude with *Solomon*, the final chapter of the Chaldea Security Organization's mission to save humanity. This movie provides a satisfying end to the Observer on Timeless Temple storyline.

What's Next for the Fate Anime?

The Fate series continues to expand with new projects. The latest addition, *Fate/strange Fake*, premiered its first episode on December 31, 2024, as part of the Fate Project New Year's Eve TV Special, with the rest of the season expected in 2025. 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*.