How to Watch the Fate Anime Series in Order

The *Fate* series is a wildly popular anime franchise, known for its intricate storylines and vast universe. While it might seem daunting with its numerous spin-offs across anime, manga, games, and light novels, understanding its origins simplifies navigating the various seasons. With over 20 anime projects, *Fate* is a rewarding journey for any anime fan.

Whether you're a long-time admirer or a newcomer, this guide provides a clear *Fate* anime watch order. For more anime recommendations, check out our guide to 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 *Fate* universe originated with the 2004 visual novel, *Fate/stay night*, created by Type-Moon's Kinoko Nasu (story) and Takashi Takeuchi (art). This collaboration continues across most Type-Moon visual novels, though the studio has since expanded.

For years, *Fate/stay night* was only available in Japanese. The anime adaptations were thus the primary way to experience the story for many international fans. However, late 2024 brought the exciting news of a remastered *Fate/stay night* with an official English translation on Steam and Nintendo Switch.

*Fate/stay night* features three distinct routes: Fate, Unlimited Blade Works, and Heaven's Feel, each offering unique battles, character interactions, and storylines. While all begin similarly with Shirou Emiya entering the Holy Grail War, their narratives diverge significantly. This branching narrative is reflected in the three anime series based on these routes.

The *Fate* franchise has since expanded into a vast array of spin-offs and sub-series. While the multitude of titles can be confusing, there's a logical watch order that provides a solid introduction to the series' core concepts and themes.

Which *Fate* Anime Should You Watch First?

Although opinions vary, the 2006 *Fate/stay night* anime offers the best introduction. Primarily adapting the "Fate" route, it provides a foundational understanding of Masters, Servants, and the *Fate* universe. While not a perfect adaptation, it uniquely includes crucial moments of Saber's character arc.

While this might spoil aspects of *Unlimited Blade Works* and *Heaven's Feel*, some spoilers are unavoidable regardless of viewing order. We recommend starting with *Fate/stay night* (2006) as the intended entry point.

How to Watch the *Fate* Anime

All *Fate* anime are available via Crunchyroll (free trial available). Physical releases (Blu-ray/DVD) are also available for many series and films.

The Best *Fate/stay night* Series Watch Order

While the *Fate* series allows flexibility in viewing order, an ideal sequence enhances understanding. This order isn't strictly chronological but provides the most cohesive experience:

1. Fate/stay night (2006): Introduces the core concepts and characters, following Shirou Emiya's involvement in the Holy Grail War.
2. Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works (2014-2015): Focuses on Rin Tohsaka, exploring the second route of the visual novel.
3. Fate/stay night [Heaven's Feel] I. presage flower: Begins the *Heaven's Feel* movie trilogy, centering on Sakura Matou.
4. Fate/stay night [Heaven's Feel] II. lost butterfly: Second film in the *Heaven's Feel* trilogy.
5. Fate/stay night [Heaven's Feel] III. spring song: Concludes the *Heaven's Feel* trilogy.
6. Fate/Zero: A prequel exploring the 4th Holy Grail War, focusing on Kiritsugu Emiya.

Note: Watch the *Unlimited Blade Works* series (2014-2015), not the movie.

How to Watch *Fate* Anime Spinoffs

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

Fate Spinoff Watch Order (Flexible Order)

These 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 context is helpful. The game follows Chaldea Security Organization's efforts to prevent humanity's extinction. The anime adaptations cover Part 1's eight Singularities (each a separate Holy Grail War). Anime covers the Prologue and Singularities 6-8; the others require playing the game.

1. Fate/Grand Order: First Order: The prologue.
2. Fate/Grand Order: Camelot - Wandering; Agateram: First of two films covering Singularity 6.
3. Fate/Grand Order: Camelot - Paladin; Agateram: Second film of Singularity 6.
4. Fate/Grand Order Absolute Demonic Front: Babylonia: Adapts Singularity 7.
5. Fate/Grand Order Final Singularity - Grand Temple of Time: Solomon: Concludes Part 1.

What's Next for the *Fate* Anime?

The *Fate* franchise continues to expand. *Fate/strange Fake* premiered its first episode, with the remainder of season 1 expected in 2025. Type-Moon also announced projects including a *Fate/kaleid liner Prisma Illya* sequel and a movie adaptation of *Witch on the Holy Night*.