How to Watch the Fate Anime Series in Order

The immensely popular *Fate* anime series, while seemingly complex, becomes much easier to navigate once you understand its origins. Born from the 2004 visual novel *Fate/stay night*, created by Type-Moon's Kinoko Nasu (story) and Takashi Takeuchi (art), the *Fate* universe boasts over 20 anime projects. Whether you're a longtime fan or a curious newcomer, this guide provides a clear *Fate* anime watch order.

With the late 2024 release of the fully translated *Fate/stay night REMASTERED* on Steam and Nintendo Switch, experiencing the source material is now easier than ever. However, the visual novel features three distinct routes—Fate, Unlimited Blade Works, and Heaven's Feel—each offering unique storylines, battles, and character interactions. These routes are reflected in the anime adaptations.

The sheer number of *Fate* spin-offs can be overwhelming. This guide offers a sensible viewing order to grasp the series' core concepts.

Jump to:

• Which Fate Anime to Watch First
• Fate/stay night Watch Order
• Fate/Grand Order Watch Order
• Fate Anime Spin-offs
• What Is Fate?

For years, the best way to experience *Fate/stay night* was through the anime adaptations. The game’s three routes—Fate, Unlimited Blade Works, and Heaven’s Feel—each offer unique narratives stemming from the same initial premise: Shirou Emiya's involvement in the Holy Grail War. The anime series reflect these routes, making it easy to identify which story you're watching.

The *Fate* series' expansive nature, with its numerous spin-offs and sub-series, can be daunting. Fortunately, a logical viewing order exists to provide a solid introduction to the series' themes and conventions.

Which Fate Anime Should You Watch First?

While opinions vary, the 2006 *Fate/stay night* anime provides the clearest entry point. Though not a perfect adaptation, it follows the "Fate" route, including crucial moments of Saber's character arc. While this choice might spoil elements from *Unlimited Blade Works* and *Heaven's Feel*, some level of spoiling is unavoidable regardless of viewing order. Starting with *Fate/stay night* (2006) offers the most coherent introduction.

How to Watch the Fate Anime

All *Fate* anime are available on Crunchyroll (free trial). Physical releases 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 optimal sequence enhances understanding. This order prioritizes a cohesive narrative experience:

1. Fate/stay night (2006)

This introduces the core concepts of Masters, Servants, and the Holy Grail War, following Shirou Emiya's unexpected entry into the conflict.

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

Focusing on Rin Tohsaka, this two-season series (25 episodes) explores the second route of the visual novel, showcasing Shirou and Rin's intertwined paths in the Holy Grail War. (Watch the series, not the movie.)

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

The first of a trilogy, this movie introduces the Heaven's Feel route, centering on Sakura Matou and the unfolding events of the Holy Grail War.

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

The second Heaven's Feel movie continues the story, showcasing significant shifts from the previous routes.

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

The climactic conclusion of the Heaven's Feel trilogy, offering spectacular battles and a satisfying resolution.

6. Fate/Zero

This prequel, based on Gen Urobuchi's light novel, follows Kiritsugu Emiya in the 4th Holy Grail War. While a prequel, it might spoil elements of *Unlimited Blade Works*, so it's placed after the main *stay night* adaptations.

How to Watch Fate Anime Spinoffs

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

Fate Spinoff Watch Order (Flexible Order)

These spin-offs can be enjoyed 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's context is helpful. The anime adaptations cover Part 1's eight Singularities (each a self-contained Holy Grail War). The anime only covers some of these, so the rest must be experienced through the game.

1. Fate/Grand Order: First Order

The prologue, introducing Ritsuka Fujimaru and Mash Kyrielight's mission to prevent humanity's extinction.

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

The first of two films covering the 6th Singularity.

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

The second film concluding the 6th Singularity.

4. Fate/Grand Order Absolute Demonic Front: Babylonia

A popular arc set in Uruk.

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

The final arc concludes the Observer on Timeless Temple storyline.

What's Next for the Fate Anime?

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