The *Fate* series, a wildly popular anime franchise, is known for its intricate storyline and vast universe. With numerous spin-offs across anime, manga, games, and light novels, it can seem daunting to newcomers. However, understanding the series' origins simplifies navigating its many installments. Featuring over 20 anime projects, the *Fate* universe is a rewarding journey for any anime fan, whether you're a longtime admirer or just discovering it now. This guide provides a clear path through the *Fate* anime.
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 spinoffs
- What Is Fate?
What Is Fate?
The entire *Fate* anime franchise originates from 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 since its inception.
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 route offers unique battles, character interactions, and plot points, despite all beginning similarly with Shirou Emiya's involvement in the Holy Grail War. This branching narrative results in three separate anime series, each named after its corresponding route.
The *Fate* franchise has since expanded dramatically, spawning numerous spin-offs. While the sheer number of anime can be overwhelming, a logical viewing order exists to provide a cohesive introduction to the series' core concepts and themes.
Which Fate Anime Should You Watch First?
While opinions vary, beginning with the 2006 *Fate/stay night* anime offers the clearest introduction to the series. This adaptation, primarily following the "Fate" route, provides a foundational understanding of Masters, Servants, and the core mechanics of the *Fate* universe. While not a perfect adaptation, it uniquely covers critical aspects of Saber's character arc. While it may spoil elements of later routes, some degree of spoiling is unavoidable regardless of viewing order.
How to Watch the Fate Anime
Most *Fate* anime are available for streaming on Crunchyroll (often with a free trial). Physical releases (Blu-ray/DVD) are also available for collectors of the main series and spin-off films.
The Best Fate/stay night Series Watch Order
While the *Fate* series allows for flexible viewing, an optimal order enhances comprehension. This order isn't strictly chronological, but it offers the most satisfying narrative progression:
- Fate/stay night (2006): Introduces the core concepts and characters.
- Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works (2014-2015): Explores the second route, focusing on Rin Tohsaka. (Watch the series, not the movie.)
- Fate/stay night [Heaven's Feel] I. presage flower
- Fate/stay night [Heaven's Feel] II. lost butterfly
- Fate/stay night [Heaven's Feel] III. spring song
- Fate/Zero: A prequel that should be watched after the main *stay night* routes 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, *Fate/Grand Order* requires a specific order.
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 of its anime adaptations. The game's story focuses on the Chaldea Security Organization preventing humanity's extinction. The anime covers Part 1's eight Singularities (each a unique Holy Grail War). Anime adaptations exist for the Prologue and Singularities 6-8; the first five require playing the game.
- Fate/Grand Order: First Order (Prologue)
- Fate/Grand Order: Camelot - Wandering; Agateram (Singularity 6)
- Fate/Grand Order: Camelot - Paladin; Agateram (Singularity 6)
- Fate/Grand Order Absolute Demonic Front: Babylonia (Singularity 7)
- 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 its first episode on December 31, 2024, with the rest of season 1 expected in 2025. Type-Moon has also announced several projects, including a *Fate/kaleid liner Prisma Illya* sequel and a movie adaptation of *Witch on the Holy Night*.
