"Fate Anime Series: Watch Order Guide"

The Fate series is a beloved and intricate anime franchise that spans numerous spinoffs across anime, manga, games, and light novels. At its core, the series originated from the 2004 visual novel, *Fate/stay night*, developed by Type-Moon, founded by Kinoko Nasu and Takashi Takeuchi. Nasu penned the story, while Takeuchi handled the art, a dynamic that has continued through Type-Moon's subsequent projects. Initially only available in Japanese, the visual novel's reach expanded with the announcement of *Fate/stay night REMASTERED* in late 2024, which includes an official English translation playable on Steam and Nintendo Switch.

*Fate/stay night* features three distinct routes—Fate, Unlimited Blade Works, and Heaven's Feel—each offering unique battles, character interactions, and narrative developments. These routes, all starting with Shirou Emiya's unexpected involvement in the Holy Grail War, have been adapted into three separate anime series, each named after its respective route.

The expansive universe of Fate has grown to include a plethora of spinoffs and subseries, each with its own unique setting and storyline. Navigating this vast collection can be daunting, but understanding the core concepts of the series can simplify the experience.

Which Fate Anime Should You Watch First?

For newcomers, the ideal starting point is the 2006 anime *Fate/stay night*, produced by Studio Deen. This series primarily follows the Fate route and is crucial for understanding the foundational elements of the series, including the dynamics between Masters and Servants, and the Holy Grail War itself. While not a perfect adaptation, it uniquely covers critical moments in Saber's character arc.

Starting with this series might spoil some events in *Unlimited Blade Works* and *Heaven's Feel*, but due to the interconnected nature of the series, spoilers are inevitable regardless of the watch order. Beginning with the original series provides a comprehensive introduction to the world of Fate.

How to Watch the Fate Anime

All Fate anime are accessible on Crunchyroll with a free trial. Physical releases are also available for collectors, covering the main series and various spinoff movies.

The Best Fate/stay night Series Watch Order

While the Fate series allows for flexible viewing, the following order provides the most coherent narrative experience:

1. Fate/stay night (2006)

Begin with *Fate/stay night* to grasp the basics of the Holy Grail War and the relationships between Shirou Emiya, his Servants, and the other competitors.

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

Next, watch *Unlimited Blade Works*, which explores the second route with a focus on Rin Tohsaka. Opt for the series over the movie for a more thorough exploration of the narrative.

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

The Heaven's Feel route begins with *presage flower*, introducing Sakura Matou as the central heroine and showcasing the escalating tensions in Fuyuki City.

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

Continue with *lost butterfly*, which delves deeper into the consequences of the war and the mysterious forces at play.

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

Conclude the Heaven's Feel trilogy with *spring song*, featuring some of the most memorable battles and a satisfying resolution to the storyline.

6. Fate/Zero

Finally, watch *Fate/Zero*, a prequel that explores the 4th Holy Grail War. Despite being a prequel, it's best viewed after the main series to avoid spoilers for *Unlimited Blade Works*.

How to Watch Fate Anime Spinoffs

After completing the main series, explore the numerous spinoffs. Most can be watched in any order, as they are standalone stories set in different time periods with unique rules for their Holy Grail Wars. However, the *Fate/Grand Order* series requires a specific watch order due to its connection to the mobile game's storyline.

Fate Spinoff Watch Order

The following spinoffs 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

*Fate/Grand Order* is based on the mobile game, which follows the Chaldea Security Organization's mission to prevent humanity's extinction by addressing Singularity events. The anime adaptations cover the first part of the game's story, focusing on eight Singularities. Here's the recommended watch order:

1. Fate/Grand Order: First Order

Start with the prologue, *First Order*, which introduces the Chaldea Security Organization and the first Singularity in Fuyuki City.

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

Next, watch the first movie of the 6th Singularity, *Camelot - Wandering; Agateram*, set in 1273 A.D. Jerusalem.

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

Follow with the second movie, *Camelot - Paladin; Agateram*, to complete the 6th Singularity storyline.

4. Fate/Grand Order Absolute Demonic Front: Babylonia

Continue with *Babylonia*, a fan-favorite arc set in Uruk, featuring familiar characters like Gilgamesh.

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

Conclude with *Solomon*, the final Singularity, which wraps up the Observer on Timeless Temple storyline.

What's Next for the Fate Anime?

The Fate series continues to expand with new projects. The latest addition, *Fate/strange Fake*, premiered its first episode on December 31, 2024, as part of the Fate Project New Year's Eve TV Special, with the rest of the season expected in 2025. Additionally, Type-Moon is developing a sequel to *Fate/kaleid liner Prisma☆Illya - Licht Nameless Girl* and a movie adaptation of the 2012 visual novel *Witch on the Holy Night*.