How to Watch the Fate Series: A Comprehensive Guide
The Fate franchise, a sprawling multimedia universe originating from the visual novel Fate/stay night, can seem daunting to approach. With multiple anime adaptations, spin-offs, and alternative timelines, knowing where to begin is crucial for enjoying this intricate and captivating story. This guide offers a structured approach to navigate the Fate series effectively.
Understanding the Core Timeline
At the heart of the Fate universe lies the story of the Holy Grail War, a battle royale fought by seven mages (Masters) who summon heroic spirits from history and legend (Servants) to compete for the wish-granting Holy Grail. Fate/stay night forms the foundation of the main timeline, branching into three distinct routes, each presenting a different perspective on the war and its outcome. These routes are:
- Fate (Fate/stay night): The original route, focusing on Saber (Arturia Pendragon) and her relationship with Shirou Emiya.
- Unlimited Blade Works (Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works): This route centers on Rin Tohsaka and Archer, exploring themes of ideals and the cost of heroism.
- Heaven's Feel (Fate/stay night: Heaven's Feel): The darkest and most complex route, revolving around Sakura Matou and the corrupted Holy Grail.
Many recommend watching these routes in the order they were originally presented in the visual novel. While there are different anime adaptations for each route, the following watching order is generally recommended for beginners.
The Recommended Watching Order
This order prioritizes understanding the core plot before diving into spin-offs and prequels.
- Fate/stay night [Unlimited Blade Works] (TV series): This adaptation by ufotable is widely considered the best starting point. Its high-quality animation and faithful adaptation of the route provide a solid introduction to the world, characters, and concepts of Fate.
- Fate/stay night: Heaven's Feel (Movie Trilogy): Once you've watched Unlimited Blade Works, the Heaven's Feel movies offer a darker and more mature take on the Holy Grail War. The animation and storytelling are superb.
- Fate/Zero: This prequel delves into the events of the Fourth Holy Grail War, providing context for the characters and conflicts in Fate/stay night. Although it can be watched first, experiencing Fate/stay night beforehand allows you to appreciate the impact of Fate/Zero's events.
After the Core Story: Expanding the Universe
After experiencing the main timeline, you can explore the numerous spin-offs and alternative universes that the Fate franchise offers.
Fate/Apocrypha
This series takes place in an alternate timeline where the Holy Grail was taken from Fuyuki City decades before the events of Fate/stay night. It features a grand-scale Holy Grail War with two opposing factions of Masters and Servants. It's a standalone story, and knowledge of the core series isn't strictly necessary, but familiarity with the core concepts enhances the experience.
Fate/Grand Order
Based on the popular mobile game, Fate/Grand Order features a large cast of Servants from various eras and timelines. There are several anime adaptations of different arcs within the game's story. Some key adaptations include:
- Fate/Grand Order - First Order -: An introductory special that sets up the premise of the game's main story.
- Fate/Grand Order - Absolute Demonic Front: Babylonia -: Widely regarded as one of the best Fate/Grand Order adaptations, featuring stunning animation and a compelling storyline.
- Fate/Grand Order - Divine Realm of the Round Table: Camelot -: A two-part movie series adapting another popular arc from the game.
Watching these adaptations is generally recommended after gaining some familiarity with the Fate universe, as they introduce numerous characters and concepts. Playing the mobile game is not essential for understanding the anime, but it provides additional context and appreciation.
Fate/kaleid liner Prisma Illya
A magical girl spin-off featuring Illyasviel von Einzbern as the main character. This series offers a lighter and more comedic take on the Fate universe, with elements of action and drama. It's a fun and entertaining diversion from the main storyline, but it's best enjoyed after experiencing the core Fate/stay night routes.
Lord El-Melloi II's Case Files {Rail Zeppelin} Grace note
This series focuses on Lord El-Melloi II, also known as Waver Velvet from Fate/Zero, as he investigates mysteries and magical incidents in London. It's a more cerebral and mystery-driven entry in the Fate franchise, offering a different perspective on the world and its lore. Knowledge of Fate/Zero is highly recommended before watching this series.
Other Notable Entries
- Carnival Phantasm: A comedic crossover series featuring characters from Fate/stay night and Tsukihime. It's best enjoyed after being familiar with both franchises.
- Today's Menu for the Emiya Family: A slice-of-life series that focuses on the daily lives of the characters from Fate/stay night, featuring delicious food and heartwarming interactions.
Important Considerations
- Animation Quality: ufotable's adaptations (Unlimited Blade Works and Heaven's Feel) are known for their exceptional animation quality. If visuals are a priority, these are excellent starting points.
- Story Complexity: The Fate series can be complex, with intricate lore and multiple timelines. Don't be afraid to rewatch episodes or consult online resources to clarify any confusion.
- Personal Preference: Ultimately, the best way to watch the Fate series is the way that you find most enjoyable. Experiment with different orders and spin-offs to discover what resonates with you.
A Final Note
The Fate series is a rich and rewarding universe to explore. By following this guide, you'll be well-equipped to navigate its intricacies and discover the captivating stories it has to offer. Enjoy your journey through the world of Servants, Masters, and the Holy Grail War!
