Trying to figure out how to watch the Fate series might feel like solving a puzzle with missing pieces. With visual novels, multiple anime adaptations, spinoffs, movies, and games, it’s no wonder newcomers feel lost.
But don’t worry—this comprehensive guide will give you everything you need to watch Fate in 2026, whether you want the “perfect” experience or just want to jump into the action.
The Quick Answer
If you want ONE simple path, watch:
- Fate/Zero (2011-2012)
- Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works (2014-2015)
- Fate/stay night: Heaven’s Feel (Movies 1-3)
This covers the core story and you can explore from there.
But there are good arguments for other approaches, which we’ll cover below.
Understanding the Fate Universe
The Original Source
Fate started as a visual novel (VN) by Type-Moon, released in 2004. The VN has three routes:
- Fate Route: Focuses on Saber
- Unlimited Blade Works: Focuses on Rin and Archer
- Heaven’s Feel: Focuses on Sakura (darkest route)
Each route shows the same Holy Grail War from different perspectives, with different character focus and different outcomes.
The Holy Grail War
The basic premise across Fate:
- Seven mages (Masters) summon seven heroic spirits (Servants)
- They fight to obtain the Holy Grail
- The Grail can grant any wish
- Only one Master-Servant pair can win
Servants are based on legendary heroes, myths, and historical figures—King Arthur, Gilgamesh, Medusa, Cu Chulainn, and many more.
Watch Orders Explained
Option 1: Release Order (Purist Route)
This is chronological by adaptation release:
- Fate/stay night (2006) – Studio DEEN
- Fate/Zero (2011-2012) – Ufotable
- Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works (2014-2015) – Ufotable
- Fate/stay night: Heaven’s Feel Trilogy (2017-2020) – Ufotable
Pros:
- Experience how the fandom discovered the series
- Appreciate improvement in animation over time
- No spoilers between adaptations
Cons:
- The 2006 adaptation is… not great
- Pacing issues in older works
- May lose interest before reaching the good stuff
Option 2: Zero First (Most Popular)
Skip the 2006 version and start with the prequel:
- Fate/Zero (24 episodes)
- Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works (25 episodes)
- Fate/stay night: Heaven’s Feel (3 movies)
Pros:
- Start with Ufotable’s high-quality animation
- Fate/Zero is excellent and hooks viewers
- Natural story flow from prequel to sequel
Cons:
- Spoils some reveals from stay night
- Changes perspective on certain characters
- Kiritsugu’s story vs Shirou’s story tone shift
Option 3: Ufotable Only (Quality Route)
Only watch Ufotable adaptations:
- Unlimited Blade Works (start here)
- Heaven’s Feel Trilogy
- Fate/Zero (watch as prequel after)
Pros:
- Consistent, high-quality animation
- UBW works as a starting point
- Zero’s reveals land differently but still work
Cons:
- Skips some context
- May feel like missing pieces
Option 4: VN First (Ultimate Experience)
Play the visual novel before any anime:
- Fate/stay night VN (all three routes)
- Then watch any adaptation
Pros:
- The “true” Fate experience
- All routes fully explored
- Anime becomes supplementary
Cons:
- 50+ hours of reading
- VN not officially in English
- High barrier to entry
Our Recommendation for 2026
For New Viewers:
- Fate/Zero (24 episodes on Crunchyroll)
- Mature, dark, excellently animated
- Sets up the Fate universe perfectly
- The previous Holy Grail War
- Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works (25 episodes)
- The “main” story
- Amazing fight choreography
- Character focus on Rin and Archer
- Fate/stay night: Heaven’s Feel Trilogy (3 movies)
- Darkest route adapted beautifully
- Sakura’s story
- Some of the best anime movie animation ever
After Core Story:
- Fate/strange Fake (currently airing Winter 2026)
- New Holy Grail War in America
- Fresh Servants and Masters
- Standalone enough for newcomers
Spinoffs Worth Watching
Fate/Grand Order
The mobile game has several anime adaptations:
Essential:
- Fate/Grand Order: Absolute Demonic Front Babylonia – Excellent adaptation of Chapter 7
- Fate/Grand Order: Camelot Movies – Good but not as essential
Note: FGO anime assume knowledge of the mobile game. Watch after main series.
Fate/Apocrypha (24 episodes)
A “what if” story where two factions of seven Servants each fight in a Great Holy Grail War.
Worth watching if:
- You want more Fate content
- You like large ensemble casts
- You can tolerate inconsistent animation
Fate/kaleid liner Prisma Illya
A magical girl spinoff featuring Illyasviel from the main series. Significantly lighter in tone (with some concerning elements).
Worth watching if:
- You love magical girl anime
- You want a lighter Fate
- You’re okay with… questionable fanservice
Lord El-Melloi II’s Case Files
A mystery series following Waver (from Zero) as a lecturer at the Clock Tower. Great world-building.
Worth watching if:
- You loved Waver in Zero
- You enjoy mystery anime
- You want more Fate lore
Carnival Phantasm
A comedic crossover between Fate and Tsukihime. Absolutely hilarious if you know the characters.
Watch after: Everything else (it’s parody)
Where to Watch Everything
| Title | Episodes/Movies | Streaming |
|---|---|---|
| Fate/Zero | 24 episodes | [Crunchyroll](https://www.crunchyroll.com/?tag=animetiger-20), Netflix |
| Unlimited Blade Works | 25 episodes | [Crunchyroll](https://www.crunchyroll.com/?tag=animetiger-20), Netflix |
| Heaven’s Feel | 3 movies | [Crunchyroll](https://www.crunchyroll.com/?tag=animetiger-20) |
| Fate/strange Fake | Ongoing | [Crunchyroll](https://www.crunchyroll.com/?tag=animetiger-20) |
| Apocrypha | 24 episodes | Netflix |
| FGO Babylonia | 21 episodes | [Crunchyroll](https://www.crunchyroll.com/?tag=animetiger-20) |
| Lord El-Melloi II | 13 episodes | [Crunchyroll](https://www.crunchyroll.com/?tag=animetiger-20) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I start with Fate/strange Fake (Winter 2026)?
A: Technically yes, but you’ll miss references and context. Watch at least Zero and UBW first.
Q: Is the 2006 Fate/stay night worth watching?
A: Only for completionists. It awkwardly combines routes and has dated animation.
Q: Do I need to watch everything to understand the main story?
A: No. Zero + UBW + Heaven’s Feel covers the essential narrative. Everything else expands the universe.
Q: What about the Fate Route adaptation?
A: No good anime adaptation exists. The 2006 version is the closest but widely criticized. A Ufotable Fate Route is the community’s dream.
Q: Is FGO necessary?
A: The mobile game is its own massive story. The anime adapts only portions. You can enjoy Babylonia without playing, but it helps.
Q: Which Servant is the strongest?
A: In lore, Gilgamesh with full power is near the top. But Fate power levels are famously inconsistent due to “compatibility” factors.
The Nasuverse Connection
Fate exists within the larger “Nasuverse” (Type-Moon’s shared universe):
- Tsukihime: Vampire story (getting a new anime)
- Kara no Kyoukai: Movie series, same world
- Melty Blood: Fighting game, Tsukihime spinoff
You don’t need these for Fate, but they share concepts like:
- The Mage’s Association
- Dead Apostles
- The Root (Akasha)
- Magic/Magecraft distinction
Timeline for Core Story
Chronological order:
- Fate/Zero (4th Holy Grail War, 1994)
- Fate/stay night routes (5th Holy Grail War, 2004)
Note: Fate/strange Fake occurs after stay night in the timeline.
Buying Physical Media
For collectors, here are purchasing options:
Blu-ray Collections:
Manga Adaptations:
Conclusion
The Fate series seems intimidating, but at its core, it’s a straightforward story about heroes from legend fighting for wishes. Start with Fate/Zero, continue with Unlimited Blade Works, and finish with Heaven’s Feel. Everything else is gravy.
Welcome to the Holy Grail War. May your Servant be strong and your Command Seals last.
For more anime watch order guides, check out our Frieren Watch Order Guide and explore our anime category for more content.