The Fate series is a beloved and complex anime franchise that has captivated fans worldwide. With its origins rooted in the 2004 visual novel Fate/stay night by Type-Moon, the series has expanded into numerous anime projects, manga, games, and light novels. Understanding the series' origins can simplify navigating its various seasons and spin-offs.
With over 20 different anime projects, the Fate series is a rich tapestry worth exploring. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to the series, this guide will help you understand the best way to watch the Fate anime.
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The Fate franchise began with the visual novel Fate/stay night, created by Type-Moon founders Kinoko Nasu and Takashi Takeuchi. Nasu wrote the story, while Takeuchi handled the art. Initially available only in Japanese, the series gained international popularity through its anime adaptations. In late 2024, Fate/stay night REMASTERED was released with an official English translation on 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 story arcs. These routes all start with Shirou Emiya being thrust into the Holy Grail War but diverge significantly afterward. Consequently, there are three corresponding anime series, each named after its respective route.
Over time, the Fate series has expanded into numerous spinoffs and subseries, each with its own unique setting and storyline. Understanding the core series can help you navigate these diverse offerings.
The best starting point for the Fate series is the 2006 anime Fate/stay night, produced by Studio Deen. This series primarily follows the Fate route of the visual novel and introduces key elements such as Masters, Servants, and the Holy Grail War. While not a perfect adaptation, it's essential for understanding Saber's character arc and the series' foundational concepts.
Starting with Fate/stay night may spoil some elements of the other routes, but this is unavoidable given the interconnected nature of the series. We recommend beginning with the original to fully appreciate the narrative progression.
All Fate anime series are available to stream on Crunchyroll with a free trial. For collectors, many of the main series and spin-off movies are available as physical releases.
### Fate/stay night: Complete Collection (Blu-ray)
0See it at Amazon
### Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works (Complete Box Set)
0See it at Crunchyroll
### Fate/Zero (Complete Box Set)
0See it at Crunchyroll
### Fate/Grand Order - Absolute Demonic Front: Babylonia (Box Set I)
0See it at Crunchyroll
### Fate/kaleid liner PRISMA ILLYA Complete Collection
0See it at Amazon
While the Fate series can be watched in various orders, the following sequence provides the best understanding of the series and its elements:
Start with the 2006 Fate/stay night anime by Studio Deen. This series introduces you to the world of Fate, following Shirou Emiya as he becomes embroiled in the Holy Grail War.
Next, watch Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works, which follows the second route of the visual novel. This series focuses on Rin Tohsaka and her interactions with Shirou. Opt for the series over the movie for a more comprehensive experience.
Begin the Heaven's Feel route with the first movie, presage flower. This film introduces Sakura Matou and sets the stage for the dramatic events that unfold in Fuyuki City.
Continue with the second movie, lost butterfly, which delves deeper into the Heaven's Feel storyline and introduces significant changes to the narrative.
Conclude the Heaven's Feel route with the third movie, spring song, which offers some of the most visually stunning battles in the series and a satisfying conclusion to the trilogy.
Finally, watch Fate/Zero, a prequel to Fate/stay night. This series explores the 4th Holy Grail War and provides a deeper understanding of the series' lore. Be aware that Fate/Zero may spoil elements of Unlimited Blade Works.
After completing the main Fate/stay night series, you can explore the numerous Fate spinoffs. Most of these can be watched in any order, as they are standalone stories set in different time periods with unique rules for their Holy Grail Wars. However, the Fate/Grand Order series requires a specific watch order.
The following spinoffs can be watched in any order:
Fate/Grand Order is based on the mobile game of the same name, which follows the Chaldea Security Organization's mission to prevent humanity's extinction by addressing Singularity events. The anime adaptations cover Part 1 of the game's story, focusing on eight Singularities.
Start with the prologue, First Order, which introduces Ritsuka Fujimaru and Mash Kyrielight as they investigate the Singularity in Fuyuki City in 2004.
Next, watch the first movie covering the 6th Singularity, set in 1273 A.D. Jerusalem, where Ritsuka and Mash team up with Bedivere.
Continue with the second movie, which concludes the Camelot arc and resolves Bedivere's storyline.
Watch the Babylonia series, set in Uruk, where Ritsuka and Mash tackle the challenges posed by three goddesses and numerous Demonic Beasts.
Conclude with the Solomon movie, which wraps up the Observer on Timeless Temple storyline and the Chaldea Security Organization's mission to save humanity.
The Fate series continues to expand with new projects. The latest addition is Fate/strange Fake, which premiered its first episode on December 31, 2024, as part of the Fate Project New Year's Eve TV Special. The rest of the first season is expected to be released in 2025.
Type-Moon is also working on other projects, including a sequel to Fate/kaleid liner Prisma☆Illya - Licht Nameless Girl and a movie adaptation of the 2012 visual novel Witch on the Holy Night.
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