The Fate series, renowned for its complexity and expansive universe, stands as a cornerstone in the anime community. With its roots deeply embedded in the 2004 visual novel, *Fate/stay night*, this franchise has blossomed into a sprawling saga encompassing anime, manga, games, and light novels. Understanding the origins and structure of the series can demystify the viewing experience, making it easier to navigate the numerous spinoffs and seasons.

Boasting over 20 anime projects, the Fate series is a testament to its enduring appeal and depth. Whether you're a long-time fan or a newcomer, the journey through the Fate universe is both rewarding and thrilling. We've crafted a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the Fate anime watch order, ensuring you don't miss out on the epic tales and rich lore. For more anime recommendations, don't forget to explore 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 expansive world of Fate originated from the visual novel *Fate/stay night*, crafted by Type-Moon founders Kinoko Nasu and Takashi Takeuchi. Released in 2004, this game set the stage for what would become a sprawling multimedia franchise. Initially available only in Japanese, the series' global reach expanded significantly with the announcement of *Fate/stay night REMASTERED* in late 2024, now playable in English on Steam and Nintendo Switch.

*Fate/stay night* offers three distinct narrative routes: Fate, Unlimited Blade Works, and Heaven's Feel. Each route presents unique battles, character interactions, and story arcs, all starting with protagonist Shirou Emiya's unexpected involvement in the Holy Grail War. These routes have inspired three corresponding anime series, each named after its respective route, providing fans with multiple entry points into the saga.

Over the years, the Fate series has evolved, spawning numerous spinoffs and subseries. With each new title carrying a different name, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. However, a structured watch order can help introduce you to the series' core themes and mechanics.

Which Fate Anime Should You Watch First?

Navigating the Fate series can be daunting, but starting with the right anime can set the stage for a fulfilling journey. The recommended starting point is the 2006 anime *Fate/stay night*, which adapts the first route of the visual novel, titled Fate. Although not a perfect adaptation, it's essential for understanding key moments in Saber's character arc and serves as the foundation for the series.

Watching this series first may spoil some events from *Unlimited Blade Works* and *Heaven's Feel*, but the interconnected nature of the series means spoilers are inevitable. Starting at the beginning with *Fate/stay night* provides the context needed to appreciate the entire saga.

How to Watch the Fate Anime

All Fate anime series are available to stream on Crunchyroll with a free trial, making it easy to dive into the series. For those who prefer physical copies, most main series and spin-off movies are available as Blu-ray releases.

### 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 offers flexibility in watch order, allowing viewers to start with any series and still grasp the overarching narrative. However, following the ideal watch order ensures a comprehensive understanding of the series' elements and storylines.

1. Fate/stay night (2006)

Begin your journey with the 2006 *Fate/stay night* series, produced by Studio Deen. This series introduces you to the world of Fate, covering the first route of the visual novel. Follow Shirou Emiya as he is thrust into the Holy Grail War, learning about Masters, Servants, and the complexities of this universe.

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

Next, delve into *Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works*, which adapts the second route of the visual novel. This series, spanning two seasons with 25 episodes, focuses on Rin Tohsaka and her intertwined fate with Shirou Emiya as they vie for the Holy Grail. Opt for the series over the movie for a more detailed exploration of the route.

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

The *Heaven's Feel* trilogy begins with *presage flower*, the first movie adapting the third route. Witness Shirou Emiya's struggle to maintain his peaceful life as the Holy Grail War erupts in Fuyuki City, with Sakura Matou at the heart of the conflict.

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

Continue with *lost butterfly*, the second movie in the *Heaven's Feel* trilogy. Here, the narrative shifts dramatically, with Shirou making crucial decisions and the mysterious disappearance of Masters and Servants.

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

Conclude the *Heaven's Feel* trilogy with *spring song*, which delivers stunning battles and a satisfying resolution to the trilogy's narrative arcs.

6. Fate/Zero

Finally, watch *Fate/Zero*, a prequel to *Fate/stay night*. Set during the 4th Holy Grail War, this series explores the origins of the conflict and the philosophical dilemmas faced by Kiritsugu Emiya. While a prequel, it's recommended to watch it after the main series to avoid spoiling key elements.

How to Watch Fate Anime Spinoffs

Once you've experienced the core *Fate/stay night* series, you can explore the numerous spinoffs. Most spinoffs are standalone stories set in different time periods and with unique rules for their Holy Grail Wars. However, the *Fate/Grand Order* series requires a specific watch order due to its connection to the mobile game.

Fate Spinoff Watch Order

Feel free to watch the following spinoffs 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—the mobile game—is crucial. The game follows the Chaldea Security Organization's mission to prevent humanity's extinction by addressing Singularity events across different time periods. The anime adapts the first part of the game's story, focusing on the eight Singularities.

1. Fate/Grand Order: First Order

Begin with *First Order*, the prologue to the *Fate/Grand Order* series. Join Ritsuka Fujimaru and Mash Kyrielight as they investigate the Singularity in Fuyuki City in 2004.

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

Next, watch *Camelot - Wandering; Agateram*, the first movie covering the 6th Singularity. Set in 1273 A.D. Jerusalem, follow Ritsuka and Mash as they team up with the wandering knight Bedivere amidst a war-torn land.

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

Continue with *Camelot - Paladin; Agateram*, the second movie covering the 6th Singularity. Witness the resolution of the Singularity and Bedivere's story arc.

4. Fate/Grand Order Absolute Demonic Front: Babylonia

Experience the fan-favorite *Babylonia* arc, set in ancient Uruk. Join Ritsuka and Mash as they tackle the sudden emergence of goddesses and Demonic Beasts.

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

Conclude with *Final Singularity - Grand Temple of Time: Solomon*, the culmination of the Chaldea Security Organization's efforts to save humanity. Face off against the King of Mages, Solomon, in this epic finale.

What's Next for the Fate Anime?

The Fate universe continues to expand with new projects on the horizon. The latest addition, *Fate/strange Fake*, premiered its first episode during the Fate Project New Year's Eve TV Special on December 31, with the rest of the season expected in 2025. Additionally, Type-Moon is developing a sequel to *Fate/kaleid liner Prisma Illya - Licht Nameless Girl* and a movie adaptation of their 2012 visual novel, *Witch on the Holy Night*, promising more adventures in the Fate universe.