How To Watch The Fate Series In Order
So, you want to dive into the Fate series, huh? Brave soul! It's a wild ride. But where do you even start? Everyone has an opinion.
Here's my take, and let's just say it might be… controversial. Buckle up!
The "Release Order" Route
Okay, this is the most common advice. People say, "Start with Fate/stay night (2006)!" They claim it's the intended order.
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Honestly? I disagree. Fate/stay night (2006) is...dated. The animation hasn't aged well, and some plot points are, shall we say, confusing if you haven't seen other parts.
The Drawbacks
Starting with the 2006 anime might bore you. You could miss out on the good stuff! Plus, it spoils some twists later on.
Some characters' motivations won't make sense. Trust me, I've been there. It's like starting a book in the middle.
My "Unpopular" Opinion: Fate/Zero First!
Gasp! I know, I know. Blasphemy! But hear me out. Fate/Zero is a prequel.
It explains everything. Seriously. You get the history, the characters' backstories, and the rules of the Holy Grail War.
Why Fate/Zero Works
The animation is gorgeous. Ufotable really knocked it out of the park. It's a visually stunning introduction to the world.
The story is compelling and self-contained. You don't need any prior knowledge to understand what's going on. It's a complete narrative.
It sets the stage for everything that follows. The emotional weight of Fate/stay night hits so much harder after seeing Fate/Zero.
Then What?
Alright, so you’ve binged Fate/Zero and are emotionally wrecked. Good! Now comes the fun part.
Next, watch Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works. This is another Ufotable adaptation, and it's beautiful.
This route dives deeper into the character Archer. His backstory is super important, and Unlimited Blade Works handles it well.
After That...
Now it’s time for Fate/stay night: Heaven's Feel. This is a trilogy of movies, also by Ufotable.
Heaven's Feel gets dark. Like, really dark. Prepare yourself for some intense moments and tough choices.
This route focuses on the character Sakura Matou. It's a very different take on the Holy Grail War. Get ready for a rollercoaster.
What About the Rest?
Okay, you've finished the main Fate/stay night story. Congrats! Now you can explore the spinoffs.
Fate/Apocrypha is a fun alternate universe. Fate/Grand Order has tons of content to keep you busy for ages.
Don't forget about Carnival Phantasm! It's a hilarious parody that pokes fun at the entire series.
In Conclusion
So, that's my recommended order: Fate/Zero, Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works, Fate/stay night: Heaven's Feel.
It might be controversial, but I stand by it. Give it a try and see what you think!
Ultimately, the best way to watch the Fate series is the way you enjoy it most. Have fun, and may the Grail be with you!
