How to get into the Fate series

FATE is originally a visual novel (VN) and light novel (LN) series that has  been adapted into manga and anime.   

I suggest watching FATE anime series in this order:

1. Fate/Stay Night: Unlimited Blade Works (watch the 2014 TV series by Ufotable Studio, not the movie by Deen Studio): I suggest you start with this one to get familiar with the Fate world first.
2. Fate/Zero 
3. Fate/Stay Night: Heaven's Feel (3 movies) 
4. Fate/Stay Night (2006):  the animation isn't good and the plot isn't faithful to canon. You can watch it or skip it, your choice.

After watching those first 3 series, then you can watch other Fate anime in whatever order you want. So far there are:

• Fate/Grand Order: First Order (movie)
• Fate/Grand Order: Camelot (2021 movies)
• Fate/Grand Order: Babylonia - The Absolute Frontline Against Demonic Beasts (2019 anime series)
• Fate/Grand Order: Solomon (2021 movie)
• Fate/Extra: Last Encore 
• Today's Menu For the Emiya Family (spin-off)
• Lord El-Melloi Case Files
• Fate/Apocrypha
• Carnival Phantasm (parody)

Here is Fate/Zero Light Novel if you're interested in extra dialogues among the characters.

A timeline of how all the Fate projects relate to one another

There are also several other Fate series that have not been animated:

• Fate/Prototype (earliest script)
• Fate/Hollow Ataraxia
• Fate/Extra CCC
• Fate/Extella
• Fate/Grand Order (other Arcs)
• Fate/Unlimited Codes

Favorite character: Saber Nero

Some people say Nero's personality is "flat" but I disagree. Nero isn't flat. She has more personality than Arthuria. (Comparing the two is inevitable since the designer made their appearances so similar).  I really like her in Fate/Extra: Last Encore, the way she encourages her Master, the way she shares her experiences. Her lively, uplifting personality is a source of motivation for the MC. SHAFT managed to make her very cute in art, voice and manner.  Her "Imperial Privilege" is a cool ability!  She's confident and arrogant but not annoying, like a female Gilgamesh, and very entertaining to watch.

"I will set my life ablaze for the sake of those who think I am beautiful!"

Nero is passionate and energetic but not overdone. She bravely smiles and accepts her past mistakes and flaws without regret. Even though she had suffered a lot, she still tries to be the most cheerful as she can be.  She radiates that "I am a Queen!" charisma. (On the contrary, while Arthuria is noble and dignified, I don't feel that radiance from her...)

Also, I love her chemistry with Hakuno! It's more fun and friendly than Arthuria's with Shirou. In Fate/Extella, she has the most beautiful speech/moment with Hakuno ever!

My only complaint about Nero is her design:  it's Arthuria replica with big breasts. Ugh. I don't want her to look identical to Arthuria. A little change in her appearance would go a long way in distinguishing her as a character - like how a fan artist drew her in this picture on the left.