The Fate series stands as a towering achievement in the world of anime, renowned for its complexity and expansive universe. With numerous spinoffs spanning anime, manga, games, and light novels, navigating the series can initially seem daunting. However, once you grasp the foundational elements of the series, the path to enjoying the various seasons and adaptations becomes clearer.

Boasting over 20 anime projects, the Fate series is a rich tapestry that rewards dedicated viewers. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer, our comprehensive guide to the Fate anime watch order will help you dive into this intricate world. For even more anime recommendations, be sure 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 universe of Fate 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 penned the story, while Takeuchi handled the art. Over the years, as Type-Moon grew, more staff joined, but Nasu and Takeuchi remained central to the creative process.

Initially, Fate/stay night was only available in Japanese, making the anime adaptations the primary gateway for non-Japanese audiences to experience the story. However, a significant development occurred in late 2024 when Fate/stay night REMASTERED was announced, featuring an official English translation available on Steam and Nintendo Switch.

Fate/stay night is structured around three distinct routes: Fate, Unlimited Blade Works, and Heaven's Feel. Each route offers unique battles, character dynamics, and plot developments, all starting with protagonist Shirou Emiya being drawn into the Holy Grail War. This structure has led to three separate anime series, each named after its corresponding route, simplifying which part of the story each anime covers.

Over time, the series has expanded into numerous spinoffs and subseries, each with its own unique setting and narrative. While it might seem overwhelming, there's a logical order to follow that introduces you to the core concepts and themes of the Fate universe.

Which Fate Anime Should You Watch First?

Although opinions vary on the best starting point, the 2006 Fate/stay night anime is the recommended entry into the series. Produced by Studio Deen, this series primarily follows the Fate route, providing crucial insights into Saber's character arc. While it may not be a perfect adaptation, it's essential for understanding the foundational elements of the series.

Starting with this series may spoil elements of the other routes, but given the interconnected nature of the storylines, some spoilers are inevitable. Beginning with the original Fate/stay night sets the stage for the entire series and is the most logical starting point.

How to Watch the Fate Anime

All Fate anime are available for streaming on Crunchyroll, with a free trial option available. For those who prefer physical copies, many of the main series and spin-off movies can be purchased as Blu-ray sets.

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 is unique in that you can watch most entries in any order and still follow the events. However, for the best narrative flow and understanding of the series, a specific watch order is recommended:

1. Fate/stay night (2006)

Begin with the 2006 Fate/stay night anime by Studio Deen. This series introduces you to the world of Fate, the concept of Masters and Servants, and follows Shirou Emiya as he becomes embroiled in the Holy Grail War, a competition where the winner's wish is granted.

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

Next, watch Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works, which focuses on the second route of the visual novel. This series highlights the relationship between Shirou and his classmate Rin Tohsaka as they navigate the Holy Grail War. The series spans two seasons, totaling 25 episodes. Note that while there is a movie version, the series offers a more comprehensive adaptation.

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

The first movie in the Heaven's Feel trilogy, Fate/stay night [Heaven's Feel] I. presage flower, adapts the third route. It follows Shirou Emiya and Sakura Matou as their peaceful life is disrupted by the Holy Grail War in Fuyuki City.

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

The second movie, Fate/stay night [Heaven's Feel] II. lost butterfly, released in 2019, continues the Heaven's Feel storyline with significant developments that alter the events of the previous routes. Shirou faces critical decisions as the war escalates.

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

The final movie, Fate/stay night [Heaven's Feel] III. spring song, concludes the Heaven's Feel route with breathtaking battles and a satisfying resolution to the trilogy's narrative arcs.

6. Fate/Zero

Although a prequel, Fate/Zero is best watched after the main Fate/stay night series to avoid spoilers. It follows Kiritsugu Emiya in the 4th Holy Grail War and explores deep themes of morality and sacrifice.

How to Watch Fate Anime Spinoffs

After completing the core Fate/stay night series, you can explore the numerous spinoffs. Most of these are standalone and can be watched in any order, as they often feature unique settings and rules for their Holy Grail Wars. However, certain series, like Fate/Grand Order, require a specific watch order:

Fate Spinoff Watch Order

The following spinoffs 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

To fully appreciate the Fate/Grand Order anime, understanding its source material, a mobile game for iOS and Android, is helpful. The game follows the Chaldea Security Organization's mission to prevent humanity's extinction by resolving Singularity events across different time periods.

The anime adaptations cover Part 1 of the game's story, focusing on eight Singularities. Here is the recommended watch order for the Fate/Grand Order anime:

1. Fate/Grand Order: First Order

The prologue, Fate/Grand Order: First Order, introduces Ritsuka Fujimaru and Mash Kyrielight as they investigate the Singularity in Fuyuki City in 2004 to prevent humanity's extinction.

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

The first of two movies covering the 6th Singularity, Fate/Grand Order: Camelot - Wandering; Agateram, follows Ritsuka and Mash in 1273 A.D. Jerusalem, where they ally with the knight Bedivere amidst a raging war.

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

The second movie, Fate/Grand Order: Camelot - Paladin; Agateram, concludes the 6th Singularity, offering intense battles and the resolution of Bedivere's storyline.

4. Fate/Grand Order Absolute Demonic Front: Babylonia

Set in Uruk, Fate/Grand Order Absolute Demonic Front: Babylonia is a beloved arc featuring Ritsuka and Mash's efforts to combat three goddesses and numerous Demonic Beasts, with familiar characters like Gilgamesh making appearances.

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

The final movie, Fate/Grand Order Final Singularity - Grand Temple of Time: Solomon, concludes the Observer on Timeless Temple storyline as Ritsuka and Mash confront the King of Mages, Solomon, to save humanity's future.

What's Next for the Fate Anime?

The Fate series continues to expand with numerous ongoing and upcoming projects. The latest addition, Fate/strange Fake, premiered its first episode during the Fate Project New Year's Eve TV Special on December 31, 2024, and is available on Crunchyroll, with the full first season expected in 2025.

Type-Moon has several other projects in development, including a sequel to Fate/kaleid liner Prisma Illya - Licht Nameless Girl. Additionally, they are working on a movie adaptation of the 2012 visual novel Witch on the Holy Night, which recently released its second teaser trailer.