Table of Contents
The Fate series is a complex tapestry of stories, characters, and timelines that has captivated anime fans worldwide. With numerous adaptations, spin-offs, and alternate universes, navigating the watch order can be challenging. This guide aims to provide a clear understanding of the Fate series watch order, including the main entries and notable spin-offs.
Overview of the Fate Series
The Fate series began with the visual novel “Fate/stay night,” released in 2004 by Type-Moon. Since then, it has expanded into various anime adaptations, manga, video games, and light novels. The core of the series revolves around the Holy Grail War, a battle royale among mages and their summoned heroic spirits, known as Servants. Each entry in the series often explores different characters and timelines, contributing to the overall lore.
Main Entries in the Fate Series
- Fate/stay night (2006) – The first anime adaptation of the visual novel.
- Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works (2014-2015) – A retelling focusing on a different route of the visual novel.
- Fate/Zero (2011-2012) – A prequel to Fate/stay night that explores the events of the Fourth Holy Grail War.
- Fate/Apocrypha (2017) – An alternate timeline that features a different Holy Grail War.
- Fate/Grand Order (2016-present) – A mobile game with multiple adaptations, including anime and films.
Fate/stay night: Different Routes
The original visual novel “Fate/stay night” is divided into three distinct routes: Fate, Unlimited Blade Works, and Heaven’s Feel. Each route offers a unique perspective and character development, leading to different outcomes in the story.
Fate Route
The Fate route follows Shirou Emiya and his relationship with Saber, one of the most iconic characters in the series. This route explores themes of heroism and ideals.
Unlimited Blade Works Route
The Unlimited Blade Works route focuses on Shirou’s growth as a hero and his conflict with Archer, a complex character with a tragic backstory. This route emphasizes the nature of one’s ideals and the consequences of pursuing them.
Heaven’s Feel Route
The Heaven’s Feel route delves into darker themes and explores the relationship between Shirou and Sakura Matou. It reveals the hidden truths of the Holy Grail War and the sacrifices made for power.
Spin-offs and Alternate Universes
In addition to the main entries, the Fate series has numerous spin-offs and alternate universe adaptations that expand on the lore and introduce new characters.
- Fate/kaleid liner Prisma☆Illya (2013-2021) – A magical girl spin-off featuring Illyasviel von Einzbern.
- Fate/Grand Order: Absolute Demonic Front – Babylonia (2019) – An adaptation of the popular mobile game focusing on the Babylonian myth.
- Fate/Grand Order: Camelot (2021) – A film adaptation of the Camelot story arc from the mobile game.
- Fate/Extra Last Encore (2018) – An adaptation of the Fate/Extra game, set in a different universe.
- Fate/Grand Order: Solomon (2021) – A film that concludes the first chapter of the Grand Order saga.
Recommended Watch Order
To help you navigate the Fate series, here’s a recommended watch order that balances the main storylines and spin-offs:
- Fate/Zero
- Fate/stay night (2006)
- Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works (2014-2015)
- Fate/stay night: Heaven’s Feel Trilogy
- Fate/Apocrypha
- Fate/kaleid liner Prisma☆Illya
- Fate/Grand Order: Absolute Demonic Front – Babylonia
- Fate/Grand Order: Camelot
- Fate/Extra Last Encore
- Fate/Grand Order: Solomon
Conclusion
The Fate series offers a rich and intricate universe filled with compelling characters and narratives. By following this watch order, you can fully appreciate the depth and complexity of the Fate lore. Whether you are a newcomer or a seasoned fan, the journey through the Fate series promises to be an unforgettable experience.