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"Fate Anime Series: Watch Order Guide"

Author:Kristen Update:Jun 11,2025

The Fate series stands as one of the most celebrated and intricate anime franchises in modern pop culture. With a sprawling universe spanning over 20 anime projects, including films, TV series, light novels, manga, and video games, it's no wonder newcomers often feel overwhelmed when deciding where to begin their journey.

However, once you understand its origin—rooted in the groundbreaking visual novel *Fate/stay night* by Type-Moon—the structure becomes far more approachable. Created by Kinoko Nasu and Takashi Takeuchi, this 2004 visual novel introduced the core concept of the Holy Grail War and established the three narrative routes that would later inspire multiple anime adaptations: Fate, Unlimited Blade Works, and Heaven’s Feel.

For years, the visual novel remained inaccessible to non-Japanese audiences until the release of *Fate/stay night REMASTERED* in late 2024, finally offering an English version for Steam and Nintendo Switch. Still, for many fans, the anime remains the most accessible entry point into the expansive Fate universe.

Which Fate Anime Should You Watch First?

Saber in Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works

If you're new to the series, the best starting point is the original 2006 anime adaptation simply titled Fate/stay night. While not a perfect adaptation, it introduces the foundational elements of the franchise: Masters, Servants, and the deadly Holy Grail War. It follows Shirou Emiya as he gets thrust into this hidden world of magic and combat, forging a bond with the legendary warrior Saber.

This series primarily adapts the "Fate" route from the visual novel, but watching it will inevitably spoil elements from the other two routes. Still, beginning here offers the clearest foundation before diving deeper into the multilayered narrative of the franchise.

How to Watch the Fate Anime Series

All main Fate anime titles are available on platforms like Crunchyroll, with select physical box sets also available for collectors. Here’s a recommended watch order for the core *Fate/stay night*-based series:

  1. Fate/stay night (2006) – The original anime adaptation introducing the core story and characters.
  2. Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works (2014–2015) – A two-season adaptation of the second route focusing on Rin Tohsaka.
  3. Fate/stay night [Heaven's Feel] I. presage flower – The first movie in a trilogy adapting the third and darkest route, centered around Sakura Matou.
  4. Fate/stay night [Heaven's Feel] II. lost butterfly – The second film continuing the Heaven’s Feel storyline.
  5. Fate/stay night [Heaven's Feel] III. spring song – The final installment concluding the emotional and visually stunning trilogy.
  6. Fate/Zero – A prequel exploring the events leading up to the Fourth Holy Grail War, best watched after the main trilogy to avoid spoilers.

Fate Anime Spinoffs: What to Watch Next

Gilgamesh in Fate/strange Fake: Whispers of Dawn (2023)

Once you've completed the main *Fate/stay night* series, there are numerous spinoffs and side stories you can explore. Most of these can be enjoyed independently, though a few follow specific arcs or require prior knowledge of the base series. Popular spinoffs include:

  • Fate/kaleid liner PRISMA ILLYA
  • Fate/Apocrypha
  • Fate/EXTRA Last Encore
  • Carnival Phantasm
  • Fate/Prototype
  • Fate/strange Fake: Whispers of Dawn
  • Lord El-Melloi II Case Files

Most of these can be enjoyed in any order, except for those tied directly to ongoing narratives such as the *Fate/Grand Order* anime series.

Fate/Grand Order Watch Order

Based on the globally popular mobile game, *Fate/Grand Order* expands the universe through time-traveling Singularity events. Here's the ideal viewing order:

  1. Fate/Grand Order: First Order – Prologue to the Chaldea storyline.
  2. Fate/Grand Order: Camelot - Wandering; Agateram – Part one of the sixth Singularity arc.
  3. Fate/Grand Order: Camelot - Paladin; Agateram – Conclusion of the sixth Singularity.
  4. Fate/Grand Order Absolute Demonic Front: Babylonia – One of the most beloved arcs, covering the seventh Singularity.
  5. Fate/Grand Order Final Singularity - Grand Temple of Time: Solomon – The climactic finale of the first major story arc.

What’s Next for the Fate Anime?

New content continues to expand the Fate universe. The latest addition, Fate/strange Fake, premiered in late 2024 as part of a New Year’s Eve special and is now streaming on Crunchyroll, with the full season expected in 2025. Additionally, Type-Moon has announced future projects, including a sequel to *Fate/kaleid liner Prisma Illya: Licht Nameless Girl*, ensuring the series' legacy will continue for years to come.

Whether you're a seasoned fan or just discovering the world of Fate, there's always something new to experience. From intense magical battles to deeply emotional character arcs, the Fate series offers a rich storytelling experience unlike any other in anime today.