Reader’s Question:
I’m curious about the Fate and FGO anime. Do I need to play the game to understand the anime? Also, I see there are many series in the franchise. What should someone who knows nothing about it start watching?
Getting into the Fate Universe
So, let me tell you about
my journey into the Fate universe. I remember the first time I heard about it; I was hanging out with a buddy who was really into anime. He was raving about Fate/stay night and how it was a must-watch—especially the Unlimited Blade Works version. I was skeptical at first, thinking, “Do I really need to dive into a whole game just to enjoy an anime?” But thankfully, the answer was a solid no for Fate/stay night. It’s one of those series that can stand on its own, even if you haven’t played the game.
My First Encounter with Fate/stay night
I decided to take the plunge and started with Fate/stay night [Unlimited Blade Works]. I remember curling up on my couch with a mountain of snacks—probably too many snacks, honestly. The visuals were stunning, and the fight scenes blew my mind. I was hooked! The character dynamics between Shirou and Rin were so captivating, and I found myself laughing at their banter. There was this one scene where they were trying to cook together—complete chaos ensued, and I couldn’t stop laughing. It felt relatable, like when I try to bake with my kid and end up with flour everywhere! After finishing that series, I wanted more. My friend recommended Fate/Zero, and wow, it was a whole different vibe. Darker themes, intense emotions, and just as much action. I found myself emotionally invested in characters I never thought I’d care about. There were moments that genuinely surprised me, and I remember texting my buddy late at night, freaking out over plot twists.
About FGO
Now, as for Fate/Grand Order (FGO), I totally get why the user mentioned that you might need to play the game to fully grasp the anime adaptation. It dives into some of the game’s later story arcs, so jumping in without any background feels a bit like showing up to a party before it even starts. You might enjoy some of the scenes, but the deeper connections and nuances will be lost on you. I was a bit overwhelmed by the sheer number of series in the Fate franchise at first. It felt like trying to choose a dish at a buffet when you’re already full. But once I found my footing with the earlier series, everything started to click into place. It’s like discovering a hidden treasure chest; each series offers different flavors of storytelling, and I wanted to explore them all.
Join the Conversation
So, if you’re just starting, I’d wholeheartedly recommend diving into Fate/stay night [Unlimited Blade Works] first. It’ll ease you into the lore and character dynamics without needing a PhD in Fate. After that, you can branch out to Fate/Zero and see if you want to tackle FGO later on. I’d love to hear your thoughts! Have you ventured into the Fate universe? What’s been your favorite series? Or maybe you have some tips for newcomers? Drop your experiences in the comments!
