Fate/Zero
What is Fate/Zero?
Fate/Zero is a supernatural action drama that serves as a prequel to Fate/stay night, depicting the Fourth Holy Grail War ten years before the events of that series. The story follows Kiritsugu Emiya, a skilled mercenary hired by the Einzbern family to compete in a brutal battle royale where seven participants and their ancient familiars fight to claim the omnipotent Holy Grail. Based on the light novel by Gen Urobuchi, the series explores themes of ambition, morality, and desperation as Kiritsugu faces off against six other masters, each driven by their own ideals and desires, while pursuing his greatest rival in Kirei Kotomine, a priest searching for meaning.
The series finished airing in fall 2011 with thirteen episodes. Notably, the first episode had an extended runtime of approximately 48 minutes compared to the standard 24-minute format of subsequent episodes. This darker, more mature take on the Fate franchise appeals to viewers seeking intense supernatural battles combined with character-driven drama and complex moral conflicts.
Fate/Zero stands as a complete viewing experience that enriches the broader Fate universe while functioning as a compelling standalone narrative about the costs of ambition and the lengths people will go to achieve their dreams.
With the promise of granting any wish, the omnipotent Holy Grail triggered three wars in the past, each too cruel and fierce to leave a victor. In spite of that, the wealthy Einzbern family is confident that the Fourth Holy Grail War will be different; namely, with a vessel of the Holy Grail now in their grasp. Solely for this reason, the much hated "Magus Killer" Kiritsugu Emiya is hired by the Einzberns, with marriage to their only daughter Irisviel as binding contract. Kiritsugu now stands at the center of a cutthroat game of survival, facing off against six other participants, each armed with an ancient familiar, and fueled by unique desires and ideals. Accompanied by his own familiar, Saber, the notorious mercenary soon finds his greatest opponent in Kirei Kotomine, a priest who seeks salvation from the emptiness within himself in pursuit of Kiritsugu. Based on the light novel written by Gen Urobuchi, Fate/Zero depicts the events of the Fourth Holy Grail War—10 years prior to Fate/stay night. Witness a battle royale in which no one is guaranteed to survive. (Source: MAL Rewrite) Note: The first episode aired with a runtime of ~48 minutes as opposed to the standard 24 minute long episode.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many episodes does Fate/Zero have?
- Fate/Zero has 13 episodes.
- When did Fate/Zero come out?
- Fate/Zero premiered on October 2, 2011.
- Is Fate/Zero finished?
- Fate/Zero has finished airing and every episode has been released.