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 sprawling world can be daunting, but this guide provides a clear path through the *Fate* anime watch order.

While there are many *Fate* anime projects, the series’ foundation lies in *Fate/stay night*. This visual novel features three distinct routes: Fate, Unlimited Blade Works, and Heaven's Feel, each offering unique storylines, character interactions, and battles. While previously only available in Japanese, *Fate/stay night REMASTERED* with an official English translation launched in late 2024 on Steam and Nintendo Switch. This makes experiencing the source material more accessible than ever.

The sheer number of 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?

Although opinions vary, the 2006 *Fate/stay night* anime offers the most straightforward introduction. While not a perfect adaptation, it follows the "Fate" route of the visual novel, introducing key elements and Saber's character arc. While watching this first will spoil aspects of *Unlimited Blade Works* and *Heaven's Feel*, some spoilers are unavoidable regardless of viewing order. Starting with *Fate/stay night* (2006) provides a solid foundation.

All *Fate* anime are available on Crunchyroll (often with a free trial) and many are available on physical media.

The Best *Fate/stay night* Series Watch Order

While the *Fate* series allows for flexible viewing, this order maximizes understanding:

1. Fate/stay night (2006): Introduces the core concepts of Masters, Servants, and the Holy Grail War through Shirou Emiya's perspective.
2. Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works (2014-2015): Focuses on Rin Tohsaka and explores a different route of the Holy Grail War.
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
6. Fate/Zero: A prequel exploring the 4th Holy Grail War and Kiritsugu Emiya.

How to Watch *Fate* Anime Spin-offs

Most *Fate* spin-offs can be watched independently. However, the *Fate/Grand Order* series, based on the mobile game, requires a specific order.

*Fate/Grand Order* Watch Order

Understanding the *Fate/Grand Order* mobile game context is helpful. The anime adapts the game's "Singularities," each a self-contained Holy Grail War. The anime adaptations cover Part 1's Singularities:

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* universe continues to expand. *Fate/strange Fake* premiered its first episode and is expected to continue in 2025. Other projects, including a *Fate/kaleid liner Prisma Illya* sequel and a *Witch on the Holy Night* movie adaptation, are in development.