The Fate series, a beloved and intricate anime franchise, has captivated audiences worldwide with its complex narrative and expansive universe. Originating from the 2004 visual novel "Fate/stay night" created by Type-Moon, the series has since evolved into a vast array of anime, manga, games, and light novels. With over 20 different anime projects, understanding the origins and watch order can greatly enhance your viewing experience. Whether you're a seasoned fan or a newcomer, this guide will help you navigate the Fate anime universe, and you can also explore our list of 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 franchise began with the visual novel "Fate/stay night," developed by Type-Moon, founded by Kinoko Nasu and Takashi Takeuchi. Nasu, the writer, and Takeuchi, the artist, have continued to influence the series' direction. Initially available only in Japanese, the visual novel became accessible to a broader audience with the late 2024 release of "Fate/stay night REMASTERED," now playable on Steam and Nintendo Switch with an official English translation.

The original game offers three distinct routes: Fate, Unlimited Blade Works, and Heaven's Feel, each with unique battles, character interactions, and story developments. All routes start with Shirou Emiya being drawn into the Holy Grail War, but the subsequent events diverge significantly. This structure has led to the creation of three separate anime series, each named after its corresponding route, making it straightforward to identify which part of the story they cover.

Over time, the Fate series has expanded into numerous spinoffs and subseries, each with its own unique setting and narrative. Understanding the core concepts of the series can help you appreciate these diverse entries.

Which Fate Anime Should You Watch First?

Deciding where to start with the Fate series can be daunting due to its complexity. However, the 2006 anime "Fate/stay night" serves as an excellent introduction. Produced by Studio Deen, it primarily follows the Fate route of the visual novel, providing crucial insights into Saber's character arc. While it may not be a perfect adaptation, it sets the stage for understanding the series' foundational elements.

Starting with this series will introduce you to the world of Masters and Servants and the Holy Grail War. Although it might reveal some elements from the other routes, starting at the beginning ensures a comprehensive understanding of the series' narrative.

How to Watch the Fate Anime

All Fate anime are available for streaming on Crunchyroll, which offers a free trial. Physical collectors can also find many of the main series and spin-off movies in Blu-ray format.

### 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

While the Fate series can be enjoyed in various orders, a specific sequence provides the most coherent understanding of the narrative and its elements.

1. Fate/stay night (2006)

Begin with the 2006 "Fate/stay night" series by Studio Deen. This introduction covers the first route, providing insight into the world of Masters and Servants, and follows Shirou Emiya as he becomes embroiled in the Holy Grail War.

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

Next, watch "Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works," which follows the second route and focuses on Rin Tohsaka. This series, spanning 25 episodes across two seasons, delves deeper into the Holy Grail War with Shirou and Rin's intertwined paths.

**Note:** Although there is a movie version, the series provides a more comprehensive adaptation.

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

The first movie in the Heaven's Feel trilogy, "presage flower," adapts the third route. It follows Shirou and Sakura Matou as their peaceful lives are disrupted by the Holy Grail War in Fuyuki City.

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

The second movie, "lost butterfly," released in 2019, explores significant changes and developments in the story, with Shirou's resolve and the disappearance of Masters and Servants.

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

The final movie, "spring song," concludes the Heaven's Feel route with stunning battles and a satisfying narrative closure for the main characters.

6. Fate/Zero

"Fate/Zero," a prequel to "Fate/stay night," follows Kiritsugu Emiya in the 4th Holy Grail War. Although a prequel, watching it after the main series avoids spoiling key elements from Unlimited Blade Works.

How to Watch Fate Anime Spinoffs

After exploring the main Fate/stay night series, you can delve into the numerous spinoffs. Most spinoffs are standalone and can be watched in any order, each set in different time periods with unique Holy Grail War rules.

Fate Spinoff Watch Order

These spinoffs can be enjoyed 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 series, understanding its source material, the mobile game, is essential. The game follows the Chaldea Security Organization's mission to prevent humanity's extinction by addressing Singularity events.

The anime series covers Part 1 of the game's story, focusing on eight Singularities, each a unique Holy Grail War set in different time periods. Here is the recommended watch order for the "Fate/Grand Order" anime:

1. Fate/Grand Order: First Order

"First Order" is the prologue, where Ritsuka Fujimaru and Mash Kyrielight are dispatched to Fuyuki City in 2004 to investigate the first Singularity.

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

This movie covers the first half of the 6th Singularity, set in 1273 A.D. Jerusalem, where Ritsuka and Mash ally with Bedivere amidst ongoing conflicts.

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

The second movie concludes the 6th Singularity, offering intense battles and a resolution to Bedivere's arc.

4. Fate/Grand Order Absolute Demonic Front: Babylonia

Set in Uruk, this arc follows Ritsuka and Mash as they tackle the 7th Singularity, dealing with goddesses and Demonic Beasts, featuring familiar characters like Gilgamesh.

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

The final movie wraps up the storyline with a battle against Solomon, the King of Mages, providing a fitting conclusion to the Chaldea Security Organization's efforts.

What's Next for the Fate Anime?

The Fate franchise continues to grow with new adaptations. The latest addition, "Fate/strange Fake," premiered its first episode on December 31, 2024, during the Fate Project New Year's Eve TV Special, with the remainder of the season expected in 2025. Additionally, Type-Moon has several projects in development, including 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."