The Fate series is renowned for its intricate storytelling and expansive universe, often considered one of the most complex anime franchises to delve into. Originating from a visual novel titled Fate/stay night released in 2004 by Type-Moon, the series has evolved into a vast multimedia franchise encompassing anime, manga, games, and light novels. Understanding the roots of the series can significantly simplify navigating its numerous entries.

With over 20 anime projects, the Fate series is a captivating journey that deserves your attention. Whether you're a long-time fan or a newcomer, this guide will help you navigate the Fate anime watch order. For more recommendations, you can also 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 entire Fate franchise originated from the visual novel Fate/stay night, created by Type-Moon, founded by Kinoko Nasu and Takashi Takeuchi. Nasu wrote the story, while Takeuchi handled the art. Initially available only in Japanese, the game's popularity led to numerous anime adaptations. In late 2024, Fate/stay night REMASTERED was released with an official English translation on Steam and Nintendo Switch, broadening its accessibility.

Fate/stay night features three distinct routes: Fate, Unlimited Blade Works, and Heaven's Feel, each offering different battles, character interactions, and storylines. All routes start with Shirou Emiya being drawn into the Holy Grail War, a competition where the winner's wish is granted. The anime adaptations of these routes bear the same names, making it straightforward to identify which route each series follows.

Over the years, the Fate series has expanded into various spinoffs and subseries, each with its unique title, which can be overwhelming. However, there's a recommended order that introduces the series' core concepts effectively.

Which Fate Anime Should You Watch First?

While opinions vary on where to start, the 2006 anime Fate/stay night is an excellent introduction. Produced by Studio Deen, it follows the Fate route of the visual novel and includes crucial elements of Saber's character arc. Although not a perfect adaptation, it sets the stage for the series. Note that watching this series first will reveal some plot points of the other routes, but this is inevitable given the interconnected nature of the series.

How to Watch the Fate Anime

All Fate anime series are available to stream on Crunchyroll with a free trial. For those interested in physical copies, many main series and spin-off movies are available for purchase.

### 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 allows for flexible viewing, but a specific order enhances understanding and enjoyment:

1. Fate/stay night (2006)

Start with the 2006 Fate/stay night by Studio Deen, which introduces the world of Masters, Servants, and the Holy Grail War. It follows Shirou Emiya as he gets entangled in this epic battle, striving for a wish.

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

Next, watch Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works, focusing on the second route. It follows Shirou and Rin Tohsaka as they navigate the complexities of the Holy Grail War. Opt for the 25-episode series over the movie for a more comprehensive experience.

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

Begin the Heaven's Feel trilogy with presage flower, where Shirou's peaceful life is upended by the Holy Grail War in Fuyuki City. Sakura Matou becomes central to the story as her life intertwines with Shirou's.

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

Continue with lost butterfly, released in 2019, which delves into significant changes and escalating conflicts, with Shirou choosing his battle and facing an ominous threat.

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

Conclude the Heaven's Feel route with spring song, featuring some of the series' most memorable battles and a satisfying conclusion to the trilogy, crafted by Ufotable.

6. Fate/Zero

Finally, watch Fate/Zero, a prequel set during the 4th Holy Grail War, following Kiritsugu Emiya. Although it's a prequel, it's best watched after the main series to avoid spoilers, especially from Unlimited Blade Works.

How to Watch Fate Anime Spinoffs

After completing the core Fate/stay night series, you can explore the numerous spinoffs. Most are standalone and can be watched in any order, each set in different time periods with unique rules for their Holy Grail Wars. However, Fate/Grand Order requires a specific watch order.

Fate Spinoff Watch Order

You can 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 series, understanding its source material—the mobile game—is crucial. The game follows the Chaldea Security Organization's mission to prevent humanity's extinction by resolving Singularity events. The anime adaptations cover the first part of the game's story, focusing on eight Singularities.

1. Fate/Grand Order: First Order

Start with the prologue, First Order, where Ritsuka Fujimaru and Mash Kyrielight are sent to 2004 Fuyuki City to investigate the first Singularity.

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

Next, watch the first of two movies covering the 6th Singularity, set in 1273 A.D. Jerusalem, where Ritsuka and Mash team up with Bedivere amidst a war-torn land.

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

Continue with the second movie, completing the 6th Singularity and resolving Bedivere's story, offering more depth to the main characters.

4. Fate/Grand Order Absolute Demonic Front: Babylonia

Move on to Babylonia, a beloved arc set in Uruk, where Ritsuka and Mash tackle the sudden appearance of goddesses and Demonic Beasts, featuring familiar characters like Gilgamesh.

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

Conclude with Solomon, the final Singularity, where the Chaldea Security Organization faces off against the King of Mages, Solomon, in a climactic battle to save humanity.

What's Next for the Fate Anime?

The Fate series continues to expand with new projects. 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, available on Crunchyroll, with the full first season expected in 2025.

Type-Moon is also developing 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, which released a second teaser trailer last year.