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 (Kinoko Nasu and Takashi Takeuchi), the series boasts over 20 anime projects. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer, this guide provides a clear Fate anime watch order.
With the late 2024 release of the remastered, officially translated Fate/stay night on Steam and Nintendo Switch, accessing 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 and character interactions. These routes are reflected in the anime adaptations.
The sheer number of spin-offs can be overwhelming. This guide offers a sensible viewing order to introduce you to the core concepts and characters.
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?
Which Fate Anime Should You Watch First?
While opinions vary, Fate/stay night (2006) provides the best introduction. Though not a perfect adaptation, it follows the "Fate" route of the visual novel, offering crucial elements of Saber's arc. While it spoils aspects of Unlimited Blade Works and Heaven's Feel, some spoilers are unavoidable regardless of viewing order. Starting with Fate/stay night (2006) establishes the series' foundation.
How to Watch the Fate Anime
Most Fate anime are available on Crunchyroll (free trial available). Physical releases are also available for collectors.
Fate/stay night: Complete Collection (Blu-ray)
Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works (Complete Box Set)
Fate/Grand Order - Absolute Demonic Front: Babylonia (Box Set I)
Fate/kaleid liner PRISMA ILLYA Complete Collection
The Best Fate/stay night Series Watch Order
While the Fate series allows flexibility, an ideal watch order enhances understanding:
- Fate/stay night (2006): Introduces the core concepts and characters.
- Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works (2014-2015): Focuses on Rin Tohsaka and explores a different route.
- 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 that should be watched after the main Fate/stay night series to avoid spoilers.
How to Watch Fate Anime Spinoffs
After completing the main Fate/stay night adaptations, numerous spin-offs are available. Most can be watched in any order, as they are largely independent stories. However, Fate/Grand Order requires a specific order.
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 enhances appreciation of the anime adaptations. The anime covers Part 1's eight Singularities (each a self-contained Holy Grail War). The anime adaptations cover the Prologue and Singularities 6-8. The others require playing the game.
- Fate/Grand Order: First Order (Prologue)
- Fate/Grand Order: Camelot - Wandering; Agateram (Singularity 6)
- Fate/Grand Order: Camelot - Paladin; Agateram (Singularity 6)
- Fate/Grand Order Absolute Demonic Front: Babylonia (Singularity 7)
- Fate/Grand Order Final Singularity - Grand Temple of Time: Solomon (Singularity 8)
What's Next for the Fate Anime?
The Fate franchise continues to expand. Fate/strange Fake premiered its first episode on December 31, 2024, with the rest of season 1 expected in 2025. Other projects, including a Fate/kaleid liner Prisma Illya sequel and a Witch on the Holy Night movie adaptation, are also in development.
