The Fate franchise is a globally celebrated anime series, renowned for its intricate storytelling. To newcomers, its vast array of spinoffs across anime, manga, games, and light novels can seem daunting. However, understanding the series' roots simplifies navigating its numerous seasons and adaptations.
With over 20 anime projects, Fate offers a rich and engaging experience. Whether you're a longtime fan or just discovering the series, this guide provides a clear watch order for Fate anime. For more recommendations, explore our list of top anime classics.
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Which Fate anime to watch firstFate Stay/night watch orderFate/Grand Order watch orderFate anime spinoffsWhat Is Fate?
The Fate universe originated from the 2004 visual novel Fate/stay night, developed by Type-Moon, a studio founded by Kinoko Nasu and Takashi Takeuchi. Nasu penned the narrative, while Takeuchi handled the artwork. Both continue to shape Type-Moon’s visual novels, now supported by a larger team.
Initially available only in Japanese, Fate/stay night gained accessibility through its anime adaptations. In late 2024, an English-translated Fate/stay night REMASTERED launched on Steam and Nintendo Switch, broadening its reach.
Fate/stay night features three distinct routes—Fate, Unlimited Blade Works, and Heaven’s Feel—each with unique battles, character dynamics, and plot developments. All begin with Shirou Emiya entering the Holy Grail War, but diverge significantly. Each route has its own anime adaptation, clearly named to reflect its storyline.
The Fate series has since expanded into numerous spinoffs and subseries, each with distinct titles that can overwhelm newcomers. Fortunately, a structured watch order serves as an accessible entry to the series’ themes and conventions.
Which Fate Anime Should You Watch First?
Opinions vary on the best starting point for Fate, but the 2006 Fate/stay night anime, produced by Studio Deen, offers the clearest introduction. It adapts the visual novel’s Fate route, emphasizing Saber’s pivotal character arc. While not flawless, it provides essential context for the series.
This anime may reveal some plot points from Unlimited Blade Works and Heaven’s Feel, but spoilers are inevitable across these interconnected routes. Starting with Fate/stay night (2006) aligns with the series’ intended narrative progression.
How to Watch the Fate Anime
Stream all Fate anime on Crunchyroll with a free trial. Collectors can also find main series and spinoff films available as physical releases.
Fate/stay night: Complete Collection (Blu-ray)
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Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works (Complete Box Set)
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Fate/Zero (Complete Box Set)
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Fate/Grand Order - Absolute Demonic Front: Babylonia (Box Set I)
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Fate/kaleid liner PRISMA ILLYA Complete Collection
0See it at AmazonThe Best Fate/stay night Series Watch Order
Fate’s non-linear storytelling allows flexibility in viewing order, but a recommended sequence enhances comprehension of its world and themes.
1. Fate/stay night (2006)
Begin with Studio Deen’s Fate/stay night (2006), which introduces the Fate route. Follow Shirou Emiya as he’s drawn into the Holy Grail War, a high-stakes contest granting the victor a wish. This anime establishes core concepts like Masters, Servants, and the Fate universe’s intricate rules.
2. Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works (2014-2015)
Next, watch Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works, which explores the visual novel’s second route. Centered on Rin Tohsaka, Shirou’s classmate, this two-season, 25-episode series follows their quest for the Holy Grail, blending intense action and deep character development.
Note: A movie version of Unlimited Blade Works exists, but the series offers a more comprehensive adaptation of the route.
3. Fate/stay night [Heaven's Feel] I. presage flower
The Heaven’s Feel trilogy begins with presage flower, adapting the visual novel’s final route. Shirou Emiya faces chaos as the Holy Grail War erupts in Fuyuki City, pulling him and heroine Sakura Matou into a turbulent conflict that disrupts their peaceful lives.
4. Fate/stay night [Heaven's Feel] II. lost butterfly
The second Heaven’s Feel film, lost butterfly (2019), escalates the stakes with dramatic shifts from prior routes. As Masters and Servants vanish, Shirou grapples with a mysterious threat in Fuyuki City, solidifying his resolve in the war.
5. Fate/stay night [Heaven's Feel] III. spring song
The trilogy concludes with spring song, delivering stunning battles and a powerful resolution. Ufotable’s craftsmanship creates a memorable finale, leaving a lasting impact with its compelling narrative and character arcs.
6. Fate/Zero
Fate/Zero, a prequel based on Gen Urobuchi’s light novel, explores the 4th Holy Grail War with Kiritsugu Emiya. Its intense ideological clashes and dramatic storytelling reveal key backstory, but watch it after Unlimited Blade Works to avoid spoilers.
How to Watch Fate Anime Spinoffs
After completing the core Fate/stay night series, explore the franchise’s many spinoffs, including seasons, films, and specials. Most are standalone and can be watched in any order, each featuring unique Holy Grail Wars with distinct rules and settings. However, Fate/Grand Order spinoffs follow a specific sequence due to their interconnected narrative.
Fate Spinoff Watch Order
Enjoy these spinoff series 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
Fate/Grand Order, a mobile game for iOS and Android, centers on the Chaldea Security Organization’s mission to save humanity by eliminating Singularity events. Part 1 covers eight Singularities, with anime adaptations for the Prologue and Singularities 6-8. For the first five, play the mobile game. Below is the recommended watch order.
Each Singularity is a distinct Holy Grail War set in different eras, connected by overarching themes. The anime adaptations focus on key story arcs from the game.
1. Fate/Grand Order: First Order
First Order adapts the game’s prologue. When humanity faces sudden extinction, Ritsuka Fujimaru and Mash Kyrielight travel to Fuyuki City in 2004 to identify and neutralize the Singularity’s cause.
2. Fate/Grand Order: Camelot - Wandering; Agateram
This film covers the 6th Singularity’s first half, set in 1273 A.D. Jerusalem. Ritsuka and Mash join forces with wandering knight Bedivere in a war-torn land divided by three factions.
3. Fate/Grand Order: Camelot - Paladin; Agateram
The second Camelot film concludes the 6th Singularity, resolving Bedivere’s arc with action-packed battles. It deepens the understanding of Ritsuka, Mash, and the Fate/Grand Order universe.
4. Fate/Grand Order Absolute Demonic Front: Babylonia
Set in Uruk, Babylonia follows Ritsuka and Mash as they confront three goddesses and countless Demonic Beasts. Featuring familiar faces like Gilgamesh, this arc is a fan favorite for its vibrant characters and gripping plot.
5. Fate/Grand Order Final Singularity - Grand Temple of Time: Solomon
The climactic film sees Ritsuka and Mash facing Solomon, the King of Mages, to secure humanity’s future. It wraps up the Observer on Timeless Temple arc with a satisfying and character-driven conclusion.
What's Next for the Fate Anime?
The Fate franchise continues to grow with new anime and manga adaptations. Fate/strange Fake premiered its first episode on December 31 during the Fate Project New Year’s Eve TV Special, now streaming on Crunchyroll, with its full season expected in 2025.
Type-Moon is also developing a sequel to Fate/kaleid liner Prisma Illya - Licht Nameless Girl and a film adaptation of their 2012 visual novel Witch on the Holy Night, which received a second teaser trailer last year.
