While the story of Holy Grail War is an essential viewing, there are many anime versions of the Fate universe. So which path should you choose?

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It’s easy to answer this: Just watch it in the order that it was released! Then, start with the oldest anime and move on to the next. Although many might argue that certain versions of anime are unnecessary or that it is better to watch them chronologically, I believe this:

Fate’s story revolves about the Holy Grail War. It is an epic battle royale where legendary historical figures are summoned to fight for their wish-granting power.

Fate/Stay Night, however, was originally a visual story (an interactive story with branches), so the plot relied on which love interest the player selected near the start of game. This created a unique sequence, known as a “route”. Depending on which of three options you choose, Saber the noble servant, Rin young mage girl or Sakura the shy student, one of the three routes may be taken.

• 1. Saber is the Fate path, which is the most accessible and the one that the game will default to you playing first.
• 2. Rin: Unlimited Blade Works assumes that you have played Fate.
• 3. Sakura: The Heaven’s Feel route, which is the final and most difficult.

As you can see, anime is not able to adapt multiple timelines simultaneously. “Fate/Stay Night” was a 26-episode adaptation of Fate. It took small segments from other routes to provide a more accessible but comprehensive look into the Holy Grail Wars. But perhaps it was a little too well-rounded, as it ended up being an action-modern-fantasy-epic AND a romantic-comedy-slice-of-life-harem. Studio DEEN’s crude-looking fight scenes added to this first Fate anime made it very faithful to its source material. But many feel that it didn’t do the story justice.

The same can be said about the 2010 105-minute film version. There is more than 24 hours of playtime per route in the visual book. Some climaxes don’t feel as strong as it should. You can still enjoy Studio DEEN anime, if you want to appreciate Fate!

Fate/Zero is a prequel series to Fate/Stay Night. It started as a light-novel series and was adapted by Studio Ufotable in an anime series from 2011 to 2012. Fate/Zero has a great series, which is a contrast to the other entries. Digital post-processing allows for a wide range of color and light diffusion patterns to create a unique spectacle. It also adds stunning backgrounds and fight scenes. Gen Urobuchi wrote the original story, which features his trademark style of tragedy. It builds up many idealistic figures and then defeats their goals.

Therefore, it is logical to skip the 2006 series and just watch Fate/Zero. It is not worth the effort to endure 26 episodes filled with mediocrity in order to enjoy 25 episodes of greatness. Why doesn’t Fate/Zero happen chronologically before Fate/Stay Night anyway? It is almost counter to the creator’s intention, despite how tempting this mindset may be. Fate/Zero had to be written after Fate/Stay Night, with an ending that included all characters failing.

Normally, this would mean that the stakes are lower because the audience already knows the outcome. But Gen Urobuchi’s (aka The Urobutcher’s) trademark is tragedy. This makes the irony of these characters even more stark. You feel a little sad when your favourite characters face an unfair defeat.

The Ancient Greek dramatism prides itself in dramatic irony. Shakespearean plays, such as Hamlet or Oedipus Rex, are extensions of well-known folk tales. It allowed audiences to feel closer to the characters and gain a greater understanding of their pain. Fate/Zero was the same. How can we appreciate the characters’ struggles while knowing it is all for nothing? For the best viewing experience, I recommend the 2006 series prior to Fate/Zero.

Studio Ufotable aired a 25-episode adaptation recently of Unlimited Blade Works. But, I wouldn’t consider it a replacement to the 2006 series. Unlimited Blade Works contains plot twists that weren’t introduced in Fate/Zero. UBW is a different experience and you should watch it after Fate/Zero.

Ufotable is also producing a film trilogy based upon the Heaven’s Feel route, which will be released in 2017. Heaven’s Feel, the least accessible route from the original visual novel is why I recommend you to watch everything before you start.

So in summary:

• Fate/Stay night (26 episodes) – DEEN (2006) (the Unlimited Blade Works film is optional).
• Fate/Zero (25 episodes – Ufotable, 2011-2012)
• Fate/Stay [Unlimited Blade Work] (25 episodes) – Ufotable, 2014-2015
• Fate/Stay [Heaven’s Touch] (Film trilogy: Ufotable. 2017 -????)