Fate/strange Fake is one of the major anime releases anticipated for this year of 2026, but its complex plot may raise questions for fans. Therefore, preparing by watching the right series is key to enjoying every detail. This guide lists the six fundamental anime to dive into the Type-Moon universe, from the essentials to those offering extra context. Understanding the chronology and connections between characters, like Waver Velvet and Gilgamesh, makes all the difference in unraveling the conflicts of the new Holy Grail War unfolding in Snowfield.
But how to navigate a franchise with so many timelines? Although each series takes place in a parallel reality, crucial events repeat, forming a main line that goes from Fate/Zero to Strange Fake. For this, the viewing order is your best ally. This way, you not only understand the rules of the battle between Masters and Servants but also follow the evolution of iconic characters who return in the new production.
The Chronological Journey: From Past to Present
To start correctly, Fate/Zero is the mandatory starting point. The series, which takes place 15 years before the events of Strange Fake, introduces the concept of the Holy Grail War and presents central figures like the young Waver and the arrogant Gilgamesh. Watching this work is crucial, as it shapes the psychology of these characters and establishes the foundations of the magical society. Right after, the natural sequel is Lord El-Melloi II’s Case Files, which follows Waver a decade later, now as a brilliant professor burdened with guilt. This series, which occurs only five years before Strange Fake, details the workings of the Clock Tower and introduces Flat Escardos, one of the protagonists of the new story.
The next step in the main timeline is Unlimited Blade Works, one of the routes of Fate/stay night. This arc deepens the psychology of Gilgamesh as an antagonist and shows the conclusion of Rin Tohsaka’s development. Additionally, the series connects Rin to Waver’s classroom in the Clock Tower, an important link for the context of Strange Fake. Although these three series form the essential core, other productions offer extra layers of meaning. Fate/Apocrypha, for example, occurs in a completely divergent timeline but explores the concept of a Great Holy Grail War with two factions, a useful background to understand the scale of the conflict in Snowfield.
Extra Context and Alternative Adaptations
Besides the main series, some titles offer valuable context about specific elements. One example is Tsukihime, a story about vampires in a universe where Servants cannot be summoned. Although the 2003 anime adaptation is considered weak, it helps understand the role of the undead in Strange Fake. However, due to its low quality, the current recommendation is to play the visual novel remake released in 2024, TSUKIHIME -A piece of blue glass moon-, available for Nintendo Switch and PlayStation. Another curiosity is Fate/Prototype, an initial project that gave rise to the entire franchise. Although it never became a complete series, a 12-minute OVA within Carnival Phantasm introduces Ayaka Sajō, a character who inspires the protagonist of Strange Fake, both with the same voice actress.
Therefore, although Fate/strange Fake is accessible to new fans, the experience becomes much richer with this background. The Fate franchise may seem like a maze at first glance, but each of these series is a fundamental piece of the puzzle. This way, you will be more than prepared to follow the epic battles and personal dramas that the new production promises to bring. After all, understanding the past is the best way to enjoy the future of the series in this year of 2026.
