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The Fate series, a sprawling universe of anime, games, and novels, has captivated audiences with its intricate plotlines and complex characters. Understanding the timeline can be a daunting task, especially when trying to pinpoint where the various movies fit into the overarching narrative. This article aims to clarify the timeline of the Fate series, focusing on the movies and their connections to the main story arcs.
Overview of the Fate Series
The Fate series originated from the visual novel “Fate/stay night,” released by Type-Moon in 2004. Since then, it has expanded into multiple adaptations and spin-offs, each contributing to the rich lore of the universe. Key entries include:
- Fate/stay night
- Fate/Zero
- Fate/Grand Order
- Fate/Apocrypha
- Fate/Extra
Each of these series has its own timeline and characters, but they all share a common foundation rooted in the Holy Grail War, a battle royale among mages and their summoned heroic spirits.
The Main Timeline
At the heart of the Fate series lies the Holy Grail War, a conflict that occurs in various forms across different timelines. The primary timelines can be categorized as follows:
- Fate/stay night: The original narrative featuring the events of the Fifth Holy Grail War.
- Fate/Zero: A prequel that explores the Fourth Holy Grail War and its key players.
- Fate/hollow ataraxia: A sequel and alternate timeline to Fate/stay night.
Understanding these timelines is crucial for deciphering where the movies fit in, as they often adapt specific routes or events from the original visual novel.
Movies in the Fate Series
Several movies have been released within the Fate universe, each with its own unique take on the source material. Here, we will examine the most notable films and their positions in the timeline.
Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works
This film adaptation focuses on the Unlimited Blade Works route of the original visual novel. Released in 2010, it provides a different perspective on the events of the Fifth Holy Grail War, primarily focusing on the relationship between Shirou Emiya and Rin Tohsaka.
Fate/Grand Order: First Order
As the first film in the Fate/Grand Order series, “First Order” introduces viewers to the concept of Chaldea and the various historical figures summoned as Servants. Set outside the main timeline, it opens a new narrative pathway that connects to the mobile game.
Fate/kaleid liner Prisma☆Illya
This series of films, including “Fate/kaleid liner Prisma☆Illya: Sekka no Chikai” and others, presents an alternate universe where the characters are reimagined in a magical girl setting. While it diverges significantly from the main timeline, it offers a fresh take on familiar characters.
Connecting the Dots: Movie Timelines
To fully grasp how the movies fit into the larger Fate timeline, it is essential to understand their release order and narrative connections:
- Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works (2010)
- Fate/Grand Order: First Order (2016)
- Fate/kaleid liner Prisma☆Illya: Sekka no Chikai (2017)
Each film adds layers to the Fate universe, but they do so in distinct ways, either by reinterpreting existing stories or introducing new concepts and characters.
Conclusion
Deciphering the timeline of the Fate series can be challenging due to its complexity and the various adaptations available. However, by understanding the main entries and the movies, fans can appreciate the interconnectedness of the stories and the evolution of the characters. As the Fate universe continues to expand, it remains a fascinating subject for both new viewers and long-time fans.