How to Watch the Fate Anime Series in Order

The Fate series is a wildly popular anime franchise, known for its intricate storylines and vast universe. While its many spin-offs—spanning anime, manga, games, and light novels—can seem daunting, understanding its origins simplifies navigating the various series. With over 20 anime projects, Fate is a rich experience well worth exploring, whether you're a long-time fan or a newcomer.

This guide provides a clear Fate anime watch order. You can also explore our guide to the best anime of all time for more viewing options.

**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?

What Is Fate?

The 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 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 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 offers unique battles, character interactions, and storylines. While beginning similarly with Shirou Emiya's entry into the Holy Grail War, the narratives diverge significantly. This has resulted in three separate anime series, each named after its corresponding route.

The Fate franchise has since expanded enormously, leading to numerous spin-offs and sub-series. The diverse titles can be confusing, but a logical viewing order exists to ease entry into this rich world.

Which Fate Anime Should You Watch First?

While opinions vary, the 2006 Fate/stay night anime offers the clearest introduction to the series. Based on the "Fate" route of the visual novel, it provides a foundational understanding of Masters, Servants, and the Fate universe, even if not a perfect adaptation. It's crucial for understanding Saber's character arc.

While watching this first will spoil elements of Unlimited Blade Works and Heaven's Feel, some spoilers are unavoidable regardless of viewing order. Starting with Fate/stay night (2006) provides the most logical entry point.

How to Watch the Fate Anime

Most Fate anime are available on Crunchyroll (often with a free trial). Physical releases (Blu-ray/DVD) are also available for many titles.

The Best Fate/stay night Series Watch Order

While Fate allows flexible viewing, an ideal order enhances understanding. This order isn't strictly chronological, but provides a strong narrative flow:

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 explores a different perspective of the Holy Grail War. (Watch the series, not the movie.)

3. Fate/stay night [Heaven's Feel] I. presage flower: Begins the Heaven's Feel trilogy, introducing Sakura Matou.

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 exploring the 4th Holy Grail War and Kiritsugu Emiya. (Watching after the main series avoids spoilers.)

How to Watch Fate Anime Spin-offs

After completing the core Fate/stay night adaptations, numerous spin-offs are available. Most can be watched in any order as they are largely self-contained. Exceptions exist, primarily within the Fate/Grand Order series.

Fate Spin-off Watch Order (Flexible Order)

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Fate/Grand Order Watch Order

Understanding the Fate/Grand Order mobile game's context is beneficial. The game follows Chaldea Security Organization's efforts to prevent humanity's extinction by addressing "Singularity" events. The anime adaptations cover Part 1's eight Singularities (with anime for the Prologue and Singularities 6-8). Singularities 1-5 require playing the game.

1. Fate/Grand Order: First Order: The prologue.

2. Fate/Grand Order: Camelot - Wandering; Agateram: Part 1 of the 6th Singularity.

3. Fate/Grand Order: Camelot - Paladin; Agateram: Part 2 of the 6th Singularity.

4. Fate/Grand Order Absolute Demonic Front: Babylonia: The 7th Singularity.

5. Fate/Grand Order Final Singularity - Grand Temple of Time: Solomon: The 8th Singularity.

What's Next for the Fate Anime?

The Fate franchise continues to expand. Fate/strange Fake premiered on December 31, 2024, with further episodes expected in 2025. Additional projects are in development, including a sequel to Fate/kaleid liner Prisma Illya and a movie adaptation of Witch on the Holy Night.