How To Watch The Fate Anime Series In Order

The Fate universe, a sprawling saga of mages, heroic spirits, and epic battles, has captivated audiences worldwide. But with multiple timelines, spin-offs, and prequels, figuring out how to watch the Fate anime series in order can be daunting. Fear not, aspiring mage, for this comprehensive guide will lead you through the labyrinthine world of Fate, ensuring you experience the story as intended.

Navigating the Fate Multiverse

The Fate series, at its core, revolves around the Holy Grail War, a battle royale where mages summon legendary figures from history and mythology to fight for the chance to have their wish granted by the Holy Grail. While the core concept remains consistent, the various anime adaptations explore different versions of the War, each with unique characters and storylines. Understanding the different timelines and starting points is crucial for a satisfying viewing experience.

The Fate franchise is based on a visual novel called Fate/stay night. This visual novel has three routes: Fate, Unlimited Blade Works, and Heaven's Feel. Each route presents a different version of the Fifth Holy Grail War, with a different heroine taking center stage. These routes are generally considered canon and serve as the foundation for many of the anime adaptations. Beyond these core routes, numerous spin-offs and prequels expand the universe, exploring different Holy Grail Wars, alternate timelines, and side stories. Each series offers its own unique perspective on the world of Fate, delving into different aspects of its lore and mythology.

Comprehensive Overview of the Fate Anime Series

Before diving into the specific watch order, it's essential to understand the different anime adaptations that exist within the Fate universe. Here's a breakdown of some of the most popular and important entries:

Fate/stay night (2006): Produced by Studio Deen, this adaptation primarily covers the Fate route of the visual novel. While it was the first anime adaptation, it's often considered the weakest due to its mixed adaptation of all three routes.
Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works (2014-2015): This Ufotable adaptation focuses on the Unlimited Blade Works route. Highly praised for its stunning animation and faithful adaptation of the source material, it's a favorite among fans.
Fate/stay night: Heaven's Feel (Movie Trilogy): Also produced by Ufotable, this trilogy adapts the Heaven's Feel route, the darkest and most mature of the three. The movies are renowned for their breathtaking visuals, intense action, and emotional depth.
Fate/Zero (2011-2012): This prequel series, also by Ufotable, delves into the Fourth Holy Grail War, a decade before the events of Fate/stay night. It explores the motivations and backstories of key characters, providing crucial context for the main series.
Fate/Apocrypha (2017): Set in an alternate timeline where the Holy Grail was removed from Fuyuki City after the Third Holy Grail War, this series features a Great Holy Grail War with two opposing factions.
Fate/Grand Order - First Order (2016): An adaptation of the prologue chapter of the popular mobile game Fate/Grand Order, this special introduces the world-saving quest of Chaldea.
Fate/Grand Order - Absolute Demonic Front: Babylonia (2019-2020): This series adapts the seventh singularity of Fate/Grand Order, widely regarded as one of the best story arcs in the game.
Fate/kaleid liner Prisma Illya (2013-Present): A magical girl spin-off featuring Illyasviel von Einzbern as the protagonist. It offers a lighter and more comedic take on the Fate universe, while still exploring its themes and lore.
Lord El-Melloi II's Case Files {Rail Zeppelin} Grace note (2019): A series focusing on Lord El-Melloi II (Waver Velvet from Fate/Zero) as he solves mysteries in the Clock Tower, the headquarters of the Mage's Association.

Recommended Watch Orders

There are several schools of thought when it comes to the ideal Fate watch order. Here are a few popular options, catering to different preferences:

Release Order:

This is the most straightforward approach, watching the series in the order they were released. It allows you to experience the Fate universe as it unfolded for fans over time.

Fate/stay night (2006)
Fate/Zero (2011-2012)
Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works (2014-2015)
Fate/stay night: Heaven's Feel (Movie Trilogy)
Fate/Apocrypha (2017)
Fate/Grand Order - First Order (2016)
Fate/Grand Order - Absolute Demonic Front: Babylonia (2019-2020)
Fate/kaleid liner Prisma Illya (2013-Present)
Lord El-Melloi II's Case Files {Rail Zeppelin} Grace note (2019)

Pros: Follows the historical progression of the series; allows you to appreciate the evolution of animation and storytelling.

Cons: Fate/stay night (2006) is generally considered the weakest adaptation; can spoil plot points from Fate/Zero.

Chronological Order (Modified):

This order prioritizes the chronological timeline of the Fate universe, starting with the Fourth Holy Grail War and then moving on to the Fifth. However, it's modified to avoid spoiling key reveals in Fate/stay night.

Fate/Zero (2011-2012)
Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works (2014-2015)
Fate/stay night: Heaven's Feel (Movie Trilogy)
Fate/stay night (2006) (Optional - watch only if you're curious after the other routes)
Fate/Apocrypha (2017)
Fate/Grand Order - First Order (2016)
Fate/Grand Order - Absolute Demonic Front: Babylonia (2019-2020)
Fate/kaleid liner Prisma Illya (2013-Present)
Lord El-Melloi II's Case Files {Rail Zeppelin} Grace note (2019)

Pros: Provides a clear understanding of the events leading up to Fate/stay night; Fate/Zero is considered a strong starting point.

Cons: Can spoil some character relationships and backstory reveals in Fate/stay night, even with the modified order.

Visual Novel Route Order:

This order aims to replicate the experience of playing the Fate/stay night visual novel, experiencing each route in its intended sequence.

Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works (2014-2015)
Fate/stay night: Heaven's Feel (Movie Trilogy)
Fate/Zero (2011-2012)
Fate/stay night (2006) (Optional - watch only if you're curious after the other routes)
Fate/Apocrypha (2017)
Fate/Grand Order - First Order (2016)
Fate/Grand Order - Absolute Demonic Front: Babylonia (2019-2020)
Fate/kaleid liner Prisma Illya (2013-Present)
Lord El-Melloi II's Case Files {Rail Zeppelin} Grace note (2019)

Pros: Follows the intended narrative structure of the original visual novel; allows for a gradual understanding of the Fate universe.

Cons: Requires skipping around in terms of release date; Fate/Zero contains spoilers for all routes of Fate/stay night.

The Ufotable Route:

If you prioritize animation quality and cohesive storytelling, sticking to the Ufotable adaptations is a great option:

Fate/Zero (2011-2012)
Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works (2014-2015)
Fate/stay night: Heaven's Feel (Movie Trilogy)
Fate/Grand Order - Absolute Demonic Front: Babylonia (2019-2020)

Pros: Visually stunning and well-written adaptations; provides a strong core experience of the Fate universe.

Cons: Skips other entries that contribute to the overall lore and world-building.

Trends and Latest Developments

The Fate franchise continues to expand with new anime adaptations, games, and other media. Fate/Grand Order, the mobile game, remains incredibly popular, driving the creation of new anime series and specials based on its various story arcs. The Fate community is constantly buzzing with discussions about new characters, storylines, and potential adaptations.

One notable trend is the increasing focus on adapting more obscure or side stories within the Fate universe. Lord El-Melloi II's Case Files is a prime example, showcasing the potential for exploring different aspects of the Fate world beyond the main Holy Grail Wars. This trend suggests that the Fate franchise will continue to evolve and surprise fans with unexpected and creative adaptations.

Tips and Expert Advice

Here are some tips and expert advice to enhance your Fate viewing experience:

Start with a Strong Foundation: Regardless of the order you choose, prioritize watching Fate/Zero, Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works, and Fate/stay night: Heaven's Feel. These three series provide the most comprehensive and high-quality introduction to the core concepts and characters of the Fate universe. Fate/Zero sets up the Fourth Holy Grail War, while Unlimited Blade Works and Heaven's Feel offer two distinct perspectives on the Fifth Holy Grail War, each with its own compelling storyline and emotional depth.
Don't Be Afraid to Skip Around: The Fate universe is vast and complex, and not every series will appeal to every viewer. If you find yourself struggling to get through a particular series, don't hesitate to skip it and move on to something else. You can always come back to it later if you're curious. The most important thing is to enjoy your journey through the Fate universe and discover the stories that resonate with you the most.
Embrace the Lore: The Fate series is rich with lore, mythology, and historical references. Take the time to research the various heroic spirits, magecraft systems, and historical events that are referenced throughout the series. This will deepen your understanding of the Fate universe and allow you to appreciate the intricate details and connections between the different stories. Websites like the Type-Moon Wiki and fan forums are excellent resources for exploring the lore of the Fate franchise.
Consider the Visual Novel: If you're truly dedicated to experiencing the Fate story in its entirety, consider playing the Fate/stay night visual novel. While it's a time commitment, the visual novel offers the most complete and immersive experience of the core story, allowing you to explore each route in detail and make choices that affect the outcome.
Watch with Friends: Discussing the Fate series with friends or online communities can enhance your viewing experience and provide new perspectives on the story. Sharing your thoughts and theories, debating character motivations, and analyzing plot points can deepen your appreciation for the Fate universe and create lasting memories.

FAQ

Q: Is it necessary to watch Fate/stay night (2006)?

A: Not necessarily. It's the weakest adaptation and contains spoilers for other routes. Watching Unlimited Blade Works and Heaven's Feel is generally recommended instead.

Q: Can I skip Fate/Zero?

A: It's not recommended. Fate/Zero provides crucial context for Fate/stay night and is considered one of the best entries in the franchise.

Q: What is the best starting point for the Fate series?

A: Fate/Zero is a popular and strong starting point due to its self-contained story and high production value.

Q: Are the Fate/Grand Order anime series important?

A: They are enjoyable adaptations of popular story arcs from the mobile game but aren't essential for understanding the core Fate/stay night storyline.

Q: Is Fate/kaleid liner Prisma Illya canon?

A: It's a spin-off and not considered part of the main canon, but it explores alternate timelines and character interpretations within the Fate universe.

Conclusion

The Fate anime series offers a rich and rewarding viewing experience, but navigating its complex timeline requires careful planning. By understanding the different adaptations, considering the recommended watch orders, and utilizing the provided tips, you can embark on a fulfilling journey through the world of mages, heroic spirits, and epic battles. Whether you choose to follow the release order, chronological order, or visual novel route order, the key is to prioritize the core Fate/stay night storyline and embrace the lore that makes this franchise so captivating.

Now that you're equipped with the knowledge to watch the Fate anime series in order, dive in and begin your adventure! Share your experiences, favorite characters, and watch order preferences in the comments below. Let the Holy Grail War begin!