How to Watch the Fate Anime Series in Order

The Fate series is a beloved and complex anime franchise that spans numerous spinoffs across anime, manga, games, and light novels. Understanding the origins of the series can help demystify the various seasons and make it easier to navigate the extensive catalog of content.

With over 20 different anime projects, the Fate series is a treasure trove for fans and newcomers alike. Whether you're a long-time enthusiast or just discovering the series, our guide to the Fate anime watch order will help you dive in. Additionally, you can explore our recommendations for 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 entire Fate franchise originated from a visual novel titled Fate/stay night, released in 2004 by Type-Moon, a studio founded by Kinoko Nasu and Takashi Takeuchi. Nasu, the story writer, and Takeuchi, the artist, continue to play pivotal roles in Type-Moon's productions, despite the company's growth.

Initially, Fate/stay night was only available in Japanese, making the anime adaptations the primary way for non-Japanese speakers to engage with the story. However, a remastered version with an official English translation was announced for release on Steam and Nintendo Switch in late 2024, broadening its accessibility.

Fate/stay night features three distinct routes: Fate, Unlimited Blade Works, and Heaven's Feel, each with unique battles, character interactions, and plot developments. These routes all start with Shirou Emiya being drawn into the Holy Grail War but diverge significantly thereafter. Consequently, there are three corresponding anime series, each named after its respective route, making it straightforward to identify which part of the story is being told.

Over the years, the Fate series has expanded into numerous spinoffs and subseries, each with its own unique name, which can be overwhelming. Fortunately, a logical watch order exists that introduces viewers to the series' core concepts and themes.

Which Fate Anime Should You Watch First?

Although opinions vary on the best starting point, the 2006 anime Fate/stay night is recommended as an entry point. This series primarily follows the Fate route and includes key moments of Saber's character arc, despite not being a perfect adaptation. While watching this first will spoil some elements of the other routes, the interconnected nature of the series means some spoilers are inevitable. Starting with Fate/stay night provides a foundational understanding of the series.

How to Watch the Fate Anime

All Fate anime are available to stream on Crunchyroll with a free trial. Physical releases of the main series and spin-off movies are also available for collectors.

Fate/stay night: Complete Collection (Blu-ray) - See it at Amazon

Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works (Complete Box Set) - See it at Crunchyroll

Fate/Zero (Complete Box Set) - See it at Crunchyroll

Fate/Grand Order - Absolute Demonic Front: Babylonia (Box Set I) - See it at Crunchyroll

Fate/kaleid liner PRISMA ILLYA Complete Collection - See it at Amazon

The Best Fate/stay night Series Watch Order

The Fate series allows for flexible viewing, but an ideal watch order exists to maximize understanding and enjoyment:

1. Fate/stay night (2006)

Start with the 2006 Fate/stay night by Studio Deen, which introduces the first route and the concepts of Masters, Servants, and the Holy Grail War. It follows Shirou Emiya as he becomes embroiled in the battle for the Holy Grail.

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

Next, watch Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works, which covers the second route with a focus on Rin Tohsaka. This series, spanning two seasons, follows Shirou and Rin's quest for the Holy Grail. Note that while there is a movie of the same name, the series provides a more comprehensive adaptation.

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

Begin the Heaven's Feel route with the first movie, Fate/stay night [Heaven's Feel] I. presage flower. It introduces the third route's heroine, Sakura Matou, as Shirou's peaceful life is disrupted by the Holy Grail War.

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

Continue with the second movie, Fate/stay night [Heaven's Feel] II. lost butterfly, which explores major changes and the disappearance of Masters and Servants in Fuyuki City.

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

Conclude the Heaven's Feel route with the third movie, Fate/stay night [Heaven's Feel] III. spring song, which features stunning battles and a satisfying resolution to the trilogy.

6. Fate/Zero

Finally, watch Fate/Zero, a prequel to Fate/stay night based on Gen Urobochi's light novels. It follows Kiritsugu Emiya in the 4th Holy Grail War, offering deep insights into the series' themes and potentially spoiling elements of Unlimited Blade Works if watched out of order.

How to Watch Fate Anime Spinoffs

After completing the core Fate/stay night series, explore the numerous Fate spinoffs. Most can be watched in any order as they are standalone stories set in different time periods with unique Holy Grail War rules. However, the Fate/Grand Order series should be watched in a specific order:

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

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 through magic and science by addressing Singularity events.

Part 1 of the story involves eight Singularities, each representing a different Holy Grail War in various time periods. The anime adaptations cover the Prologue and Singularities 6-8. For the first five Singularities, you'll need to play the mobile game. Here's the recommended watch order for the Fate/Grand Order anime:

1. Fate/Grand Order: First Order

Start with the prologue adaptation, Fate/Grand Order: First Order, where Ritsuka Fujimaru and Mash Kyrielight are sent to Fuyuki City in 2004 to investigate and resolve a Singularity.

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

Next, watch the first movie covering the 6th Singularity, Fate/Grand Order: Camelot - Wandering; Agateram, set in 1273 A.D. Jerusalem, where Ritsuka and Mash ally with Bedivere amidst a war-torn land.

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

Continue with the second movie, Fate/Grand Order: Camelot - Paladin; Agateram, which concludes the 6th Singularity and resolves Bedivere's story.

4. Fate/Grand Order Absolute Demonic Front: Babylonia

Proceed to Fate/Grand Order Absolute Demonic Front: Babylonia, set in Uruk, where Ritsuka and Mash tackle the sudden appearance of goddesses and Demonic Beasts, featuring familiar characters from Fate/stay night.

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

Conclude with Fate/Grand Order Final Singularity - Grand Temple of Time: Solomon, where Ritsuka and Mash face their final challenge against Solomon, the King of Mages, to save humanity.

What's Next for the Fate Anime?

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

Type-Moon is also working on several projects, including a sequel to Fate/kaleid liner Prisma Illya - Licht Nameless Girl. Additionally, they are developing a movie adaptation of their 2012 visual novel, Witch on the Holy Night, which recently received a second teaser trailer.