How to Watch the Fate Anime Series in Order

The immensely popular *Fate* anime series, while seemingly complex, becomes surprisingly accessible once you understand its origins. Born from the 2004 visual novel *Fate/stay night*, created by Type-Moon's Kinoko Nasu (story) and Takashi Takeuchi (art), the *Fate* universe has expanded into a vast collection of anime, manga, games, and light novels. With over 20 anime projects, navigating this world can feel daunting, but this guide provides a clear path through the *Fate* anime watch order.

For years, *Fate/stay night* was only available in Japanese, making the anime adaptations the primary way for many to experience the story. However, a 2024 announcement brought a remastered, officially translated version 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 with Shirou Emiya thrust into the Holy Grail War, their paths diverge significantly, resulting in three separate anime adaptations.

The *Fate* series' numerous spin-offs can be overwhelming, but a logical viewing order exists to ease newcomers into the series' core concepts and norms.

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 character arc. While this will spoil aspects of *Unlimited Blade Works* and *Heaven's Feel*, some spoilers are unavoidable regardless of viewing order. We recommend beginning here, as *Fate/stay night* (2006) serves as the intended starting point.

All *Fate* anime are available on Crunchyroll (free trial), and many are also available on physical media.

The Best *Fate/stay night* Series Watch Order

While the *Fate* series isn't strictly chronological, an ideal viewing order enhances understanding.

1. *Fate/stay night* (2006)

Introduces the core concepts of Masters, Servants, and the Holy Grail War through Shirou Emiya's involvement.

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

Focuses on Rin Tohsaka and her intertwined path with Shirou during the Grail War. Watch the series, not the movie.

3. *Fate/stay night: Heaven's Feel* I. presage flower

4. *Fate/stay night: Heaven's Feel* II. lost butterfly

5. *Fate/stay night: Heaven's Feel* III. spring song

This movie trilogy adapts the third route, centering on Sakura Matou and offering a drastically different perspective on the Grail War.

6. *Fate/Zero*

A prequel showcasing the 4th Holy Grail War and Kiritsugu Emiya, best viewed *after* the *Fate/stay night* trilogy to avoid spoilers.

How to Watch *Fate* Anime Spinoffs

After completing the core *Fate/stay night* adaptations, numerous spin-offs await. Most can be watched in any order, as they are largely self-contained stories. However, the *Fate/Grand Order* series requires a specific order.

*Fate/Grand Order* Watch Order

Understanding the *Fate/Grand Order* mobile game context is helpful. The anime adaptations cover Part 1's Singularities, each representing a unique Holy Grail War. While self-contained, overarching plot elements connect them. The anime covers the Prologue and Singularities 6-8; the first five require playing the game.

1. *Fate/Grand Order: First Order*

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

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

4. *Fate/Grand Order Absolute Demonic Front: Babylonia*

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

What's Next for the *Fate* Anime?

The *Fate* franchise continues to expand. *Fate/strange Fake* premiered its first episode, with the rest of season one expected in 2025. Additional projects, including a *Fate/kaleid liner Prisma Illya* sequel and a *Witch on the Holy Night* movie adaptation, are also in development.