The Fate series is notorious for its complex timeline, multiple routes, and alternate universes, all of which are considered canon. With various adaptations and spin-offs, it can be a confusing and daunting task for newcomers to decide where to start.
However, by following a structured watch order, you can ease into the wonderful world of Fate. Here is the watch list-
1. Fate/Zero (2011-2012)
The best place to start watching from is Fate/Zero. It serves as a prequel to Fate/Stay Night. This series explores the Fourth Holy Grail War, setting the stage for later events and essentially building a base for what is to come.
With a darker setting, it delves into the minds of participants like Kiritsugu Emiya, Kirei Kotomine, and others, forming an emotional impact that will resonate throughout the series.
2. Fate/Stay Night: Unlimited Blade Works (2014-2015)
Once Fate/Zero gives the viewer a perspective and all the basics, it is extremely easy to follow the other installments. The best way to continue is with Fate/Stay Night: Unlimited Blade Works.
This adaptation follows the “Unlimited Blade Works” route, primarily focusing on Rin Tohsaka, Shirou Emiya, and Archer. Ufotable has done an excellent job on this and viewers will love this installment a lot. Many things from Fate/Zero will make sense in Fate/Stay Night.
3. Fate/Stay Night: Heaven’s Feel Trilogy (2017-2020)
The Heaven’s Feel route should be the next step in watching the Fate series. It is probably the darkest and most intense Fate storyline. It shifts the focus to Sakura Matou and shows us the Holy Grail War for what it truly is: a horror beyond imagination.
The trilogy provides a deeper look at the war’s effects and corruption, introducing major antagonists like Zouken Matou. The movies are all well made (by Ufotable) and expand the horizons of the fans.
4. Fate/Stay Night (2006) [Optional watch]
The 2006 adaptation covers the “Fate” route, which centers on Saber’s relationship with Shirou. The only reason to watch this is to be able to properly follow the Saber route. However, it suffers from dated animation and pacing issues.
While it provides a unique take on Saber’s role in the war, there are many flaws in it, and after watching Ufotable’s craftsmanship and visual magic, it is likely not many can stomach it. But it could be an optional watch.
5. Fate/Apocrypha (2017)
Moving away from the main timeline, Fate/Apocrypha introduces a completely different Holy Grail War system. It needs to be remembered that all of the multiversal installments are taken as ‘canon’ in the Fate series.
Here, the Holy Grail System is not a battle royale or a free-for-all battle; it has two factions of seven Servants each. It is extremely intriguing and gives us some memorable characters like Mordred and Jeanne d’Arc, and many large-scale battles. While not a part of the ‘main route,’ it is a fun watch.
6. Fate/Extra: Last Encore (2018)
Unlike the other entries, Fate/Extra: Last Encore occurs in a cyber-world with a virtual environment. After the main route, these installments experiment with the Holy Grail War (here, a virtual one) in different ways, and this is a fun watch as well.
7. Fate/strange Fake (2023-Present)
This recent addition presents another unique take on the Fate main route, and it is set in the United States. Fate/strange Fake introduces a new take on the Holy Grail War, and since it is a standalone, you can watch it in any order. But since the animation keeps getting better with time, it is best to save it for the end.
You can watch the Fate series on Crunchyroll.
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
