The Fate series is one of the most famous anime franchises ever, but also one of the most confusing when it comes to watch order. Between different adaptations, timelines, movies, and spin-offs, many new fans don’t know where to start. Should you watch Fate/Zero first? Or is Unlimited Blade Works the correct entry point? And where do the Heaven’s Feel movies fit in?
Don’t worry — in this guide, I’ll break down the Fate watch order in simple terms so you can enjoy the story without getting lost.
Why is the Fate Series Confusing?
The Fate franchise started as a visual novel (Fate/Stay Night) with three different story routes:
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- Fate Route (Saber route)
- Unlimited Blade Works Route (Rin route)
- Heaven’s Feel Route (Sakura route)
Each route tells the same core story — a war between mages and their summoned heroic spirits called Servants — but focuses on different characters and themes. Anime studios adapted these routes separately, which is why we have multiple “versions” of the same story.
To make it even more complicated, prequels like Fate/Zero and spin-offs like Fate/Grand Order add extra layers. That’s why choosing the right watch order matters.
Recommended Watch Order for Beginners
The best way to watch Fate depends on whether you want the story in chronological order or the most enjoyable order. For most fans, I recommend the enjoyable order first.
1. Fate/Zero (2011–2012)
- Type: Prequel series
- Episodes: 25
- Why watch it first: Fate/Zero takes place 10 years before Fate/Stay Night. It sets up the Holy Grail War and introduces characters like Kiritsugu Emiya and Kotomine Kirei. It’s darker, more mature, and beautifully animated by Ufotable.
- Tone: Tragic, heavy, political.
2. Fate/Stay Night: Unlimited Blade Works (2014–2015)
- Type: Main story (Rin route)
- Episodes: 26
- Why next: This adaptation focuses on Shirou Emiya (the main protagonist), Rin Tohsaka, and Archer. It’s the most beginner-friendly entry point into Fate/Stay Night. The action scenes are stunning, and it explains Shirou’s ideals and growth.
- Tone: Heroic, philosophical, with amazing battles.
3. Fate/Stay Night: Heaven’s Feel (2017–2020)
- Type: Movie trilogy (Sakura route)
- Movies: Presage Flower, Lost Butterfly, Spring Song
- Why last: The Heaven’s Feel route is the darkest version of the Fate story, focusing on Sakura Matou and exploring the true horrors behind the Holy Grail War. It’s emotional, brutal, and best watched after you already know the characters.
- Tone: Dark, emotional, tragic romance.
Chronological Watch Order
If you prefer watching the story in exact timeline order, here’s how it goes:
- Fate/Zero (prequel)
- Fate/Stay Night: Unlimited Blade Works (Rin route)
- Fate/Stay Night: Heaven’s Feel movies (Sakura route)
Note: Some fans suggest watching the original 2006 Fate/Stay Night (Saber route), but it’s considered outdated in terms of animation and pacing. It’s optional unless you want to experience all routes.
Spin-offs and Extras (Optional)
If you fall in love with the Fate universe, here are extras worth checking out after the main three:
- Fate/Grand Order – Absolute Demonic Front: Babylonia (spin-off)
- Fate/Apocrypha (parallel world story)
- Fate/Prisma Illya (alternate magical girl spin-off)
These aren’t required for the main story, but they expand the Fate universe.
Final Thoughts
The Fate series watch order may look intimidating, but once you start, it’s an unforgettable journey. My recommended path is:
👉 Fate/Zero → Unlimited Blade Works → Heaven’s Feel
This order gives you the best storytelling flow while keeping the animation and emotional impact at their peak. After that, you can dive into spin-offs if you’re hungry for more.
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So grab some popcorn, summon your favorite Servant, and let the Holy Grail War begin! ⚔️
