What Is The Order Of The Fate Anime Series
So, you're thinking of diving into the wild, wonderful world of Fate anime? Buckle up, buttercup, because it's a ride! Think of it like exploring a giant, slightly chaotic theme park. There's magic, legendary heroes, and enough twists to make your head spin.
The "Main Course" - Start Here!
Most folks recommend starting with Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works. Specifically, the Unlimited Blade Works (often shortened to UBW) series by studio Ufotable. It is visually stunning. Trust me, the fight scenes alone are worth the price of admission.
Why UBW first? It does a fantastic job of introducing the core concepts. Servants, Masters, Holy Grail Wars... it lays the foundation without getting too bogged down in the details. Plus, you get to know Emiya Shirou and Rin Tohsaka, two characters you'll be seeing a lot more of.
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Next Up: Fate/stay night [Heaven's Feel] Trilogy
After UBW, dive into the Heaven's Feel movie trilogy. These movies are also made by Ufotable, so the animation is just as gorgeous. Be warned: things get dark.
Heaven's Feel explores a different side of the Holy Grail War. Expect some seriously intense moments, plus a deeper look at Sakura Matou. Get ready for some feels – hence the name!
The "Original" (But Maybe Save It)
You might hear about the original 2006 Fate/stay night anime by Studio Deen. It's… fine. Some purists swear by it, but the animation hasn't aged well and the story isn't quite as polished as UBW. Think of it as a historical artifact more than essential viewing.
Branching Out: The "Side Quests"
Now that you have the main story down, you can explore the offshoots! These are where the Fate universe really gets wild.
Fate/Zero: The Prequel
Fate/Zero is a prequel to Fate/stay night, showing the previous Holy Grail War. Many consider this to be a good starting point as well, as it has a more mature tone and offers a comprehensive introduction to the Fate universe. Expect lots of drama, backstabbing, and morally grey characters. Prepare for pain!
Fate/Apocrypha: The Alternate Timeline
Want to see a Holy Grail War with fourteen Servants? Fate/Apocrypha is your jam. It's a bit of a departure from the main storyline, but it's packed with action and has some seriously cool Servant designs. Think of it as a big, bombastic action movie.
Fate/Grand Order: The Mobile Game Phenomenon (and Anime)
Fate/Grand Order started as a mobile game and has exploded in popularity. The anime adaptations are... varied. Some are great, some are less so. But they all offer a chance to see even MORE Servants from history and myth. Be warned, the gacha game aspect can be addictive!
Fate/kaleid liner Prisma Illya: The Magical Girl Spin-Off
And now for something completely different! Fate/kaleid liner Prisma Illya is a magical girl spin-off starring Illyasviel von Einzbern. It's surprisingly heartwarming (and occasionally fanservice-y). Don't knock it 'til you try it!
The Golden Rule of Fate: Don't Stress Too Much!
The Fate series can seem intimidating at first. There's a lot of lore and a million different timelines. But the most important thing is to have fun! Pick a series that looks interesting, dive in, and don't worry about getting everything "right."
It's a world of epic battles, historical figures with superpowers, and enough plot twists to keep you guessing for years. Welcome to the Fate fandom – you're in for a wild ride!
