If you’re even mildly interested in fantasy anime, chances are you’ve come across the Fate series, or at least heard of it in passing. Originally launched as a visual novel in 2004 (Fate/stay night), this sprawling franchise by Kinoko Nasu and Takashi Takeuchi has grown into a complex web of spin-offs, prequels, alternate timelines, and adaptations.
The first anime debuted in 2006, and since then, the Fate universe has expanded with dazzling animation, deep lore, and a rotating cast of heroic spirits, magical contracts, and existential battles between mages and gods. But with its tangled continuity, it’s become a bit of a maze for newcomers.
This complexity is similar to long-running franchises like Naruto or Dragon Ball, where the viewing order isn’t always straightforward. Currently, fans are still waiting for the full release of Fate/Strange Fake. Though a special aired on July 2, 2023, and the first episode was released on December 31, 2024, there’s still uncertainty about the official start of the full series in 2025.
And now, with Fate/Strange Fake teasing fans with a delayed full release (despite a film airing on July 2, 2023 and a prologue episode premiering on December 31, 2024), many are wondering where they should begin, or how to catch up before this new chapter drops.
How to watch the Fate anime series in order
The correct watch order for the Fate Anime series is:-
- Fate/Stay Night (2006)
- Fate/Zero (2011-2012)
- Fate/Stay Night: Unlimited Blade Works (2010- 2014-2015)
- Fate/Stay Night: Heaven’s Feel (2017-2020)
- Fate/Strange Fake (2023-2025)
Although Fate/Zero is a prequel to Fate/Stay Night, it reveals key plot details that can diminish the impact of the original story. For that reason, it’s generally recommended to watch Fate/Stay Night first.
The Fate/Stay Night anime, released in 2006, was the first adaptation of Type-Moon’s visual novel. Spanning 24 episodes, it follows the first major storyline and introduces the Holy Grail War, beginning with the fifth iteration of the battle.
While the series delivers a strong narrative and appealing visuals, it doesn’t quite match the storytelling depth or production quality of Fate/Zero, which was released five years later.
1. Fate/Stay Night (2006)
This is the first anime adaptation of Type-Moon’s original 2004 visual novel. It introduces the Fifth Holy Grail War and serves as a good starting point for the series. While not the most polished in terms of animation or storytelling compared to later instalments, it lays the foundation for the entire universe.
2. Fate/Stay Night: Unlimited Blade Works (TV Series, 2014-2015)
This adaptation retells a different route of the same original visual novel. It’s available in both a movie and a two-season series format, but the series is highly recommended as it provides a much more comprehensive and satisfying version of the story.
If you’re short on time and only want a basic understanding of the plot, the film (105 minutes) can work, but it omits a lot of character development and details. The series version, however, is better suited for fans wanting to explore the Fate world in depth.
3. Fate/Zero (2011-2012)
Although it’s a prequel to Fate/Stay Night, Fate/Zero is best watched after experiencing the original story. Set 10 years earlier, it chronicles the events of the Fourth Holy Grail War and features a more mature tone and darker themes. The production quality is higher, and it’s often cited as one of the most critically acclaimed entries in the franchise.
4. Fate/Stay Night: Heaven’s Feel (Film Trilogy, 2017-2020)
This trilogy covers the final major route of the original visual novel. Rather than being adapted as a TV series, it was made into three feature films:
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Heaven’s Feel I: Presage Flower
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Heaven’s Feel II: Lost Butterfly
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Heaven’s Feel III: Spring Song
These films delve into darker, more emotional storylines and wrap up the story of Fate/Stay Night in a powerful and visually striking way.
5. Fate/Strange Fake (2023 – TBA)
This is the most recent spin-off and not directly connected to the original visual novel. It begins after the events of the Third Holy Grail War and explores a new, parallel storyline involving a rogue Grail War in the United States, separate from the original Mages’ Association in London.
A special aired in July 2023, and the first episode debuted in December 2024. However, fans are still awaiting confirmation on the full series’ release. It has been tentatively listed as part of the Winter 2025 season, but no official premiere date has been announced.
