How to Watch the Fate Anime Series in Order

The Fate series is a wildly popular anime franchise, known for its intricate storylines and extensive lore. While the sheer number of spin-offs—spanning anime, manga, games, and light novels—can seem daunting, understanding the series' origins simplifies navigating its vast landscape. With over 20 anime projects, Fate is a rewarding journey for newcomers and longtime fans alike. This guide provides a clear path through the anime, helping you decide where to begin your Fate adventure.

You can also explore our guide to the best anime of all time for more options.

Jump to:

• Which Fate Anime to Watch First
• Fate/stay night Watch Order
• Fate/Grand Order Watch Order
• Fate Anime Spinoffs
• What Is Fate?

What Is Fate?

The entire Fate universe originated with the 2004 visual novel, Fate/stay night, created by Type-Moon, a studio founded by Kinoko Nasu (story) and Takashi Takeuchi (art). Nasu and Takeuchi continue to play key roles in Type-Moon's productions.

For years, Fate/stay night was only available in Japanese. However, late 2024 saw the release of Fate/stay night REMASTERED, bringing an official English translation to 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 storylines. While all begin similarly with Shirou Emiya thrust into the Holy Grail War, their paths diverge significantly. This branching narrative is reflected in the three anime series based on these routes.

The Fate franchise has expanded enormously, resulting in a wide array of spin-offs. This guide offers a sensible viewing order to navigate this expansive universe.

Which Fate Anime Should You Watch First?

While opinions vary, starting with the 2006 Fate/stay night anime provides a solid foundation. This adaptation, primarily following the "Fate" route, offers a crucial introduction to the series' core concepts and Saber's character arc. While not a perfect adaptation, it serves as the best starting point. Subsequent viewing of Unlimited Blade Works and Heaven's Feel will inevitably reveal spoilers, regardless of viewing order.

How to Watch the Fate Anime

All main Fate anime are available on Crunchyroll (often with a free trial). Physical releases (Blu-ray/DVD) are also available for collectors.

The Best Fate/stay night Series Watch Order

While flexible, this order optimizes understanding:

1. Fate/stay night (2006): Introduces the core concepts and characters.
2. Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works (2014-2015): Focuses on Rin Tohsaka and expands the narrative. (Watch the series, not the movie.)
3. Fate/stay night [Heaven's Feel] I. presage flower: Begins the Heaven's Feel trilogy.
4. Fate/stay night [Heaven's Feel] II. lost butterfly: Continues the Heaven's Feel story.
5. Fate/stay night [Heaven's Feel] III. spring song: Concludes the Heaven's Feel arc.
6. Fate/Zero: A prequel that, while chronologically earlier, should be watched after the main stay night routes to avoid spoilers.

How to Watch Fate Anime Spinoffs

Most spin-offs can be watched in any order. Exceptions include the Fate/Grand Order series.

Spin-offs to watch 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 enhances appreciation. The anime adaptations cover Part 1's Singularities:

1. Fate/Grand Order: First Order: The prologue.
2. Fate/Grand Order: Camelot - Wandering; Agateram: First part of Singularity 6.
3. Fate/Grand Order: Camelot - Paladin; Agateram: Second part of Singularity 6.
4. Fate/Grand Order Absolute Demonic Front: Babylonia: Singularity 7.
5. 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 late 2024, with more episodes expected in 2025. Other projects are in development, including a sequel to Fate/kaleid liner Prisma Illya and a movie adaptation of Witch on the Holy Night.