Type-Moon's Fate series includes a wide range of titles, and the multiple anime adaptations are among its most well-known works. However, people are confused as to how vast and extensive the Fate universe is. With that being said, this guide will specifically focus on one of the storylines which is Fate/stay night.
Despite the fact that the series has several titles, there are three storylines in the Fate franchise, with the rest being spinoffs and side stories. The three main storylines include Fate/stay night, Fate/Grand Order, and Fate/kaleid liner. The spinoffs include Fate/Apocrypha, Fate/EXTRA Last Encore, Today's Menu for Emiya Family, Carnival Phantasm, and the upcoming Fate/Strange Fake. However, it is highly recommended to begin your Fate journey with Fate/stay night, and this guide will be your starting point.
Fate/Stay Night
The whole plot of the Fate/stay night series revolves around the Holy Grail War founded by three families of mages, the Einzbern, Tohsaka, and Matou. The Holy Grail War is a battle royale between seven Masters who each summons a Servant to fight with them.
Each Master will be given different classes of Servant - Saber, Archer, Lancer, Caster, Rider, Berserker, and Assassin. Both Master and Servant will be granted a wish as long as they are the last ones standing throughout the war.
Fate/Zero
Studio: ufotable
Fate/Zero takes place before Fate/stay night and follows the story of Kiritsugu Emiya, a renowned mercenary known for assassinating mages, having the title of Magus Killer. Despite Kiritsugu's reputation as an unusual and vicious hitman, the Einzbern decided to hire him as their representative after losing three Holy Grail Wars in a row. However, the war ended in such an unfortunate event that led to a catastrophe and paved the way for Fate/stay night. Fate/Zero had a total of 26 episodes split into two seasons.
This is where things start to get confusing as there are 3 anime adaptations of Fate/stay night. Since it was adapted from a visual novel, the game has 3 different routes players can take. All these routes were adapted into separate anime series. Take note that while all 3 series share the same setting and characters, they each have different events and outcomes.
Fate/Stay Night
Studio: Deen
The base plot of the 3 different series shares the main character Shirou Emiya, Kiritsugu's adopted son. However, the anime features Saber as the main heroine and love interest of Shirou, having known as the Fate route of the game. In Fate/stay night, the plot and world-building are being emphasized and the main theme is "oneself as an ideal". The series shared this theme as Shirou and his servant Saber shared a strong faith in their ideals. Watching this series first will be a good introduction and a strong foundation for the other two titles.
Fate/Stay Night: Unlimited Blade Works
Studio: ufotable
Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works features Rin Tohsaka as the main heroine and love interest of Shirou. It is an adaptation of the longest route of the game, Unlimited Blade Works. In comparison to other routes, this one places a greater emphasis on character development, with the main theme being "struggling with oneself as an ideal." In Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works, the duality of the main character plays a big role in the story as they struggle fighting each other for their own beliefs. Fans also dubbed this series as “Unlimited Budget Works” for its tremendous production quality.
Fate/Stay night: Heaven’s Feel Trilogy
Studio: ufotable
Fate/stay night: Heaven's Feel is a movie trilogy that features Sakura Matou as the main heroine and love interest of Shirou. It adopted the most complex route of the game, Heaven's Feel. This route's story is much more in-depth, as it centers upon the lore and history of the Holy Grail War, providing a great deal of critical and important information that wasn't shared in the previous routes. "The conflict between real and ideal" is the main theme of this route as it portrays the truth behind the Holy Grail's power and purpose.
To summarize the storyline, Fate/Zero will be the starting point of this journey. Afterward, anyone can choose between the three sequels of the series. Fate/stay night will give you a good grasp and introduction before watching the other two. Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works will provide you with good character development while Fate/stay night: Heaven's Feel will give you the best story and lore about the whole storyline.
Despite being confusing for newcomers, Fate/stay night can be simplified given the proper explanation and background. It is one of the most notable titles in the anime industry as well as the most critically acclaimed project from studio ufotable.
Fate/Zero, Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works, and Fate/stay night: Heaven's Feel trilogy are all available to watch on Netflix and Crunchyroll.