Fate Series: A Guide to Watching Order
The Fate series is a vast and complex universe, spanning multiple franchises, games, and anime. With so many entries, it can be daunting to determine the optimal viewing order. In this article, we'll break down the series into its constituent parts and provide a suggested watching order to help you navigate this intricate world.
Understand the Fate Universe
The Fate series is a spin-off of the Nasuverse, a sprawling fictional universe created by Kinoko Nasu. The series is known for its intricate plotlines, complex characters, and blend of fantasy, science fiction, and historical elements. To appreciate the series, it's essential to understand the underlying mythology and the various timelines that intersect and overlap.
Prerequisites: Type-Moon and Nasuverse Basics
Before diving into the Fate series, it's crucial to grasp the basics of the Nasuverse. Familiarize yourself with the key concepts, such as the "Laws" (Cosmic Orders), the "Grail Wars," and the various historical events that shape the universe. If you're new to the series, start with the Type-Moon and Nasuverse wikis or online resources to get a solid understanding of the foundation.
Fate Route: The Main Series
The Fate series begins with the Fate route, which explores the story of Shirou Emiya and his friends as they navigate the Holy Grail War. This is the core storyline of the series and sets the stage for the subsequent routes. The Fate route consists of:
- Fate/stay night (2006) - the original visual novel game
- Fate/Zero (2011) - a prequel anime series
- Fate/stay night [Unlimited Blade Works] (2014) - a television anime adaptation
- Fate/Extella: The Umbral Star (2016) - a Fate/stay night game
Watch the Fate route in the order listed above, as each entry builds upon the previous one and provides essential context for the subsequent routes.
Side Routes: Explore the Nasuverse
Once you've completed the Fate route, it's time to explore the side routes, which offer a deeper dive into the Nasuverse and its various timelines. Some notable side routes include:
- Fate/hollow ataraxia (2008) - a visual novel game set after the Fate route
- Fate/kaleid liner Prisma Illya (2013) - a spin-off anime series
- Fate/Apocrypha (2017) - a television anime adaptation
- Fate/Grand Order (2015) - a mobile game that spans multiple timelines
Side routes often feature different characters, storylines, and themes, so feel free to pick and choose the ones that interest you the most. Keep in mind that some side routes may contain spoilers for the main Fate route, so proceed with caution.
Chronology and Timelines
The Fate series features multiple timelines, some of which overlap or branch off from each other. To avoid confusion, it's essential to understand the chronology of the series. Here's a brief overview:
| Timeline | Description |
|---|---|
| Fate/Prototype | Alternate universe, featuring Rin Tohsaka as the main protagonist |
| Fate/stay night | Main timeline, featuring Shirou Emiya as the main protagonist |
| Fate/Zero | Prequel to Fate/stay night, set before the main events |
| Fate/Apocrypha | Alternate universe, featuring a different Holy Grail War |
| Fate/Grand Order | Multiverse, featuring various timelines and historical events |
Keep in mind that this is a simplified overview, and the Fate series features many more timelines and events. As you watch and explore the series, pay attention to the in-universe explanations and try to piece together the complex chronology.
Conclusion
The Fate series is a vast and intricate universe, offering a rich and immersive experience for fans of fantasy, science fiction, and historical fiction. By following the suggested watching order outlined in this article, you'll be able to navigate the various timelines and storylines, gaining a deeper understanding of the Nasuverse and its many mysteries. So, embark on this epic journey, and discover the wonders of the Fate series for yourself!
