Fate/strange Fake Episode 1 Review (Winter 2026 Anime)

January 13, 2026

Source: Fate/strange Fake Official X account

The first episode of the Fate/strange Fake anime aired on January 3, 2026, and quickly became a hot topic, sparking discussions across the internet. While the name might sound a bit "strange," it features many iconic terms you may have heard before, such as Arthur Pendragon, the Holy Grail War, Masters, Servants, and the legendary sword, Excalibur.

The debut episode is fantastic, and I truly believe it’s a show we should share so more people can experience it. Personally, I hope many people pick this up, but I understand what might be holding them back: the name "Fate." Since it belongs to the world-renowned Fate Universe, it can feel intimidating to newcomers.

Like many, I knew almost nothing about the Fate universe at first and was worried I wouldn't understand the plot. However, after watching the first episode, I was amazed. I can confidently tell you that although it shares the same universe, it works perfectly as a standalone story.

With its great plot, interesting characters, and clean battle animations, it is a must-watch for 2026. If you’ve been avoiding it because of the complex lore, this post is for you. Here are three reasons why you should watch Fate/strange Fake.

Please be aware, spoilers ahead so read at your own risk!

Source: Fate/strange Fake Official X account

Reason 1: Amazing Character Designs & Star-Studded Voice Cast

It may sound hard to believe, but Fate/strange Fake features truly amazing character designs. Starting with the protagonist, Ayaka Sajyou (whom I will refer to as Ayaka from here on), and her Servant, Richard I, almost everyone—even the convenience store clerks—looks vivid and distinct.

The production team has given every character sharp designs and expressive movements. Whether it’s the main cast or the police officers who encounter Richard I, everyone feels "alive." To bring these designs to life, the show uses an elite lineup of voice actors, including:

Ayaka Sajyou – Voiced by Kana Hanazawa (known for Gachiakuta as Amo and Demon Slayer as Mitsuri Kanroji).
Richard I – Voiced by Yūki Ono (known for Kuroko's Basketball as Taiga Kagami and JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure as Josuke Higashikata).
Alexandre Dumas - Voiced by Showtaro Morikubo (known for Naruto as Shikamaru Nara and Yuusuke Makishima as Yowamushi Pedal)
Lord El-Melloi II - Voiced by Daisuke Namikawa (known for One Piece as Eustass Kid and Hunter X Hunter as Hisoka Morow)

The effort the actors put into their roles elevates the anime to a whole new level.

Source: Fate/strange Fake Official X account

Reason 2: High-Quality Animation

The production quality of Fate/strange Fake is breathtaking. From the fluid movement of helicopters to the subtle facial expressions of the characters, every frame feels polished.

The highlight of the episode is undoubtedly Richard I's battle. His movements are swift and elegant, and the moment he unleashes his version of "Excalibur," the visual impact—coupled with the thunderous sound design—is truly spectacular. Even the collateral damage to the surroundings is rendered with incredible detail. I have rewatched the first episode multiple times, and it still gives me chills!

Aside from Richard I’s battle, another scene I must mention is the release of "Zabaniya." To be honest, I don’t know much about the lore behind it, but when "Zabaniya" took out Cashura’s heart, the scene was truly incredible. The sound design, the visual effects, and the animation were all top-tier; every detail of that scene deserves a high rating.

Reason 3: Perfect Story Pacing

Fate/strange Fake features perfect story pacing. I believe the production team understood that this anime contains many keywords that might be confusing at first, so they crafted a smooth narrative that allows viewers to concentrate on the action without feeling overwhelmed by questions.

While the episode starts with some "heavy" lore, the focus quickly shifts to Ayaka Sajyou. Instead of spending the entire episode explaining technical terms, the team uses Ayaka to lead us through the world. Ending the episode with a massive, high-energy battle featuring the cheerful Richard I was a brilliant move to balance the tone.

For those of us who fear long, boring explanations of a complex universe, this show is a relief. By focusing on the bond between Ayaka and Richard, it makes you want to see what happens next rather than worrying about the background details.

Personally, I also think the fact that the episode ends with Richard I being detained by the American police is a brilliant twist. Like Francesca Prelati, who could have imagined a Servant capable of destroying buildings being "caught" by human officers? After watching that scene, even though I don’t know much about the Fate universe, I am incredibly excited for the next episode. I can’t help but wonder: will Richard I eventually fight the police, or will he end up cooperating with them?

Conclusion:

Personal Rating: 8/10

Because of these three reasons, even someone like me—who barely knows the Fate universe—had a fantastic and memorable experience. I strongly recommend giving it a try.

Despite the difficult terminology, the battles and animation are so good that I’m already looking forward to the next episode. Fate/strange Fake is definitely the must-watch anime for Winter 2026. Please stay tuned, as I’ll be back to share more thoughts soon!

Fate/strange Fake Episode 1 Review (Winter 2026 Anime)

Reason 1: Amazing Character Designs & Star-Studded Voice Cast

Reason 2: High-Quality Animation

Reason 3: Perfect Story Pacing

Conclusion:

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