The *Fate* series, a beloved anime franchise, is renowned for its captivating storytelling and intricate world-building. Often perceived as complex, the sheer number of spin-offs—spanning anime, manga, games, and light novels—can be daunting for newcomers. However, understanding the series' origins simplifies navigating its vast landscape and choosing a viewing order.
With over 20 anime projects, *Fate* is a rewarding investment of time. Whether you're a long-time fan or just discovering this universe, this guide provides a clear path through the *Fate* anime. For more anime recommendations, explore 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—the studio founded by Kinoko Nasu (story) and Takashi Takeuchi (art). Nasu and Takeuchi continue to play key roles in most Type-Moon projects, though the studio has significantly expanded its team.
For years, *Fate/stay night* was only available in Japanese. This made the anime adaptations the primary way for international audiences to experience the story. However, late 2024 saw the exciting release of *Fate/stay night REMASTERED*, offering 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 route boasts unique battles, character interactions, and storylines. While beginning similarly with Shirou Emiya's involvement in the Holy Grail War, the narratives diverge significantly. This accounts for the three separate anime series, each named after its respective route.
The *Fate* franchise has since expanded dramatically, creating a wealth of spin-offs and sub-series. The diverse titles can be confusing, but a logical viewing order exists to ease newcomers into the series' themes and conventions.
Which Fate Anime Should You Watch First?
While opinions vary, *Fate/stay night* (2006) provides the most accessible entry point. This adaptation, primarily following the "Fate" route, offers a foundational understanding of Masters, Servants, and the *Fate* world, even if it's not a perfect adaptation. It includes crucial moments in Saber's character arc, absent from other adaptations of the route. While it spoils elements from later routes, such spoilers are unavoidable regardless of viewing order.
How to Watch the Fate Anime
Most *Fate* anime are available on Crunchyroll (free trial available). Physical releases (Blu-ray/DVD) are also available for many main series and spin-off films.
The Best Fate/stay night Series Watch Order
While the *Fate* series allows for flexible viewing, an ideal order enhances understanding. The order below offers the most cohesive experience:
- Fate/stay night (2006): Introduces the core concepts and characters, establishing the foundation for the entire series.
- Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works (2014-2015): Focuses on Rin Tohsaka and explores a different perspective on the Holy Grail War. (Watch the series, not the movie.)
- Fate/stay night [Heaven's Feel] I. presage flower
- Fate/stay night [Heaven's Feel] II. lost butterfly
- Fate/stay night [Heaven's Feel] III. spring song
- Fate/Zero: A prequel exploring the 4th Holy Grail War. While chronologically earlier, watching it after the main *stay night* routes provides a richer experience.
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. However, *Fate/Grand Order* requires a specific order.
Fate Spinoff Watch Order (Flexible):
- 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 for appreciating the anime adaptations. The anime covers Part 1 of the game's story, focusing on the Chaldea Security Organization's mission to prevent humanity's extinction. Each Singularity represents a different Holy Grail War.
- Fate/Grand Order: First Order
- Fate/Grand Order: Camelot - Wandering; Agateram
- Fate/Grand Order: Camelot - Paladin; Agateram
- Fate/Grand Order Absolute Demonic Front: Babylonia
- Fate/Grand Order Final Singularity - Grand Temple of Time: Solomon
What's Next for the Fate Anime?
The *Fate* franchise continues to expand. *Fate/strange Fake* premiered its first episode and further episodes are expected in 2025. Additional projects are in development, including a *Fate/kaleid liner Prisma Illya* sequel and a movie adaptation of *Witch on the Holy Night*.
