How to Watch the Fate Anime Series in Order

The *Fate* series, a wildly popular anime franchise, is often seen as a complex undertaking for newcomers. With numerous spin-offs spanning anime, manga, games, and light novels, navigating the series can seem daunting. However, understanding the series' origins simplifies the viewing experience considerably. Featuring over 20 anime projects, *Fate* is a richly rewarding series, whether you're a long-time fan or just discovering it now. 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?

The *Fate* anime 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 hold these roles for most Type-Moon visual novels, though the studio has significantly expanded since its inception.

For years, *Fate/stay night* was only available in Japanese. Consequently, the anime series provided the primary means of experiencing the visual novel and the broader *Fate* universe. However, late 2024 brought the surprise announcement of *Fate/stay night REMASTERED*, featuring an official English translation now playable on Steam and Nintendo Switch.

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

The *Fate* franchise has expanded dramatically over time, encompassing numerous spin-offs and sub-series. The diverse titles can be confusing, 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 on the ideal starting point, *Fate/stay night* (2006) offers the clearest introduction to the series. Produced by Studio Deen, it primarily follows the "Fate" route of the visual novel. Though not a perfect adaptation, it uniquely adapts crucial moments of Saber's character arc from the first route.

While watching this first will spoil elements of *Unlimited Blade Works* and *Heaven's Feel*, some degree of spoiling is unavoidable regardless of the viewing order. We recommend beginning with *Fate/stay night* (2006) as intended, laying the groundwork for the series.

How to Watch the Fate Anime

All *Fate* anime are available for streaming on Crunchyroll (free trial available). Collectors can also find physical releases of most main series and spin-off movies.

The Best Fate/stay night Series Watch Order

While *Fate*'s non-chronological nature allows for flexible viewing, an optimal order enhances understanding. This suggested order provides the most cohesive and insightful experience:

1. Fate/stay night (2006)

As previously discussed, *Fate/stay night* (2006) provides the foundational understanding of Masters, Servants, and the *Fate* world. It follows Shirou Emiya's involvement in the Holy Grail War.

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

This two-season series (25 episodes total) adapts the second route, focusing on Rin Tohsaka and her intertwined path with Shirou. (Note: The movie adaptation is inferior to the series.)

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

The first of a three-part movie series adapting the Heaven's Feel route, introducing Sakura Matou and the unraveling of Shirou and Sakura's peaceful life.

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

The second *Heaven's Feel* movie, showcasing significant deviations from the previous routes and escalating conflict.

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

The climactic *Heaven's Feel* movie, delivering spectacular battles and a satisfying conclusion.

6. Fate/Zero

This prequel, based on Gen Urobuchi's light novel, follows Kiritsugu Emiya in the 4th Holy Grail War. While chronologically preceding *Fate/stay night*, watching it afterward avoids spoiling elements of *Unlimited Blade Works*.

How to Watch Fate Anime Spinoffs

After completing the core *Fate/stay night* adaptations, numerous spin-offs await. Most can be viewed in any order as they are largely independent stories. However, *Fate/Grand Order* requires a specific viewing order.

Fate Spinoff Watch Order (Flexible Order)

The following spin-offs 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

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. Part 1 features eight Singularities (essentially, separate Holy Grail Wars). The anime adaptations cover only a portion of Part 1.

The anime covers the Prologue and Singularities 6-8. To experience Singularities 1-5, the game itself is necessary. The *Fate/Grand Order* anime watch order is:

1. Fate/Grand Order: First Order

The prologue, introducing Ritsuka Fujimaru and Mash Kyrielight's mission to Fuyuki City in 2004.

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

The first of two movies covering Singularity 6, set in 1273 A.D. Jerusalem.

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

The second Singularity 6 movie, resolving the arc.

4. Fate/Grand Order Absolute Demonic Front: Babylonia

A popular arc set in Uruk.

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

The concluding arc.

What's Next for the Fate Anime?

The *Fate* franchise continues to expand with new anime and manga adaptations. *Fate/strange Fake* premiered on December 31st, 2024, with the rest of season 1 expected in 2025. Type-Moon also announced several projects, including a *Fate/kaleid liner Prisma Illya* sequel and a movie adaptation of *Witch on the Holy Night*.