Fate Zero [Season 1 Episode 1 to Episode 25]

Fate/Zero: A Dark and Gritty Masterpiece That Divides Fans

When it comes to anime that spark endless debates among fans, few can rival Fate/Zero. This prequel to Fate/stay night dives deep into the brutal Fourth Holy Grail War, where mages and their summoned Heroic Spirits battle for a wish-granting artifact. Produced by ufotable and written by Gen Urobuchi (the mind behind Madoka Magica), Fate/Zero is a visually stunning, morally complex, and emotionally devastating ride. But is it the best entry point for newcomers to the Fate series? Fans can’t seem to agree.

The Story: War, Sacrifice, and No Happy Endings

Fate/Zero follows seven mages, each paired with a legendary Heroic Spirit, as they fight to the death for the Holy Grail. The protagonist, Kiritsugu Emiya, is a ruthless mercenary who believes the ends justify the means—even if it means sacrificing innocents. His cold pragmatism contrasts sharply with the idealism of characters like Saber (King Arthur) and the flamboyant Rider (Alexander the Great).

The show doesn’t shy away from exploring the dark side of war. Betrayal, loss, and the futility of ideals are recurring themes. One fan on MyAnimeList put it perfectly: “Fate/Zero is like Game of Thrones with magic swords and tragic heroes. Nobody wins, and everyone suffers.”

The Fan Divide: Where to Start?

If you’ve ever tried to get into the Fate series, you’ve probably stumbled into the infamous “watch order” debate. Some fans insist Fate/Zero should be watched first, while others argue it spoils Fate/stay night.

• Team “Start with Zero”: These fans argue that Fate/Zero provides crucial backstory and enhances the emotional weight of Fate/stay night. One Reddit user wrote, “Zero is the best introduction—it’s self-contained, has amazing animation, and doesn’t require prior knowledge.”
• Team “Watch Stay Night First”: Others believe starting with Fate/stay night preserves the mystery of certain plot twists. A MyAnimeList commenter said, “Zero assumes you know the lore. If you watch it first, you’ll miss the impact of later reveals.”

Then there’s the chaotic third group—people who jokingly suggest watching the series backward or skipping entire seasons. One troll comment read, “Just watch the last episode of Season 2 and call it a day.”

The Battles: Flashy or Meaningful?

Fate/Zero is famous for its epic Servant battles, but fans are split on which fights reign supreme.

• Iskandar vs. Gilgamesh: This clash of kings is a fan favorite, with one user declaring, “Iskandar’s charge against Gilgamesh is the most hype moment in anime history!”
• Kotomine vs. Kiritsugu: Others argue this brutal, personal duel is the real highlight. “It’s not just about power—it’s about ideology,” a fan noted.

Meanwhile, some critics claim Fate/Zero’s fights are overrated compared to other Fate entries. A heated debate erupted when one user said, “Apocrypha and Kaleid have better battles—Zero’s are too short!” Another fired back, “Zero’s fights have weight. The others are just flashy nonsense.”

The Verdict: Is It Worth the Hype?

Despite the debates, Fate/Zero remains one of the most acclaimed anime of the 2010s. Its mature storytelling, stunning animation, and unforgettable characters make it a must-watch—whether you’re a Fate veteran or a newcomer.

As one fan wisely put it: “Just watch it in whatever order you want. If you love it, you’ll dive deeper. If not, at least you tried.”

So, grab some popcorn, ignore the watch-order chaos, and prepare for a wild ride. Just don’t expect a happy ending.