Does Fate/Stay Night have a definitive canon route?

Do any of the three routes in Fate/Stay Night have a definitive canon story?

The Fate/Stay Night franchise has expanded into numerous side stories and alternate versions since its original visual novel release in 2004. However, determining a definitive canon route among the three main routes in Fate/Stay Night remains a complex question.

While many spin-offs and adaptations share elements from the Fate/Stay Night visual novel, they often exist as standalone stories within the broader Nasuverse. The Nasuverse encompasses various works by Kinoko Nasu, the creator of Fate/Stay Night, which share settings and concepts but may not be directly connected in terms of continuity.

Examples of alternate timeline spin-offs include Fate/Apocrypha and Fate/Strange Fake, both diverging from the events of the third Holy Grail War in Fate/Stay Night. These spin-offs present their own unique narratives and scenarios, emphasizing the idea that the Fate franchise encompasses multiple possibilities and alternate outcomes.

While there is a direct sequel to Fate/Stay Night called Fate/Hollow Ataraxia, it doesn’t definitively establish a canon route. Instead, it combines elements from all three routes and functions as a dream world colliding the various storylines. The true canon ending of Fate/Stay Night remains unspecified, allowing fans to interpret and appreciate the different routes and their themes.

Kinoko Nasu himself has suggested not to overthink the issue of canon routes, emphasizing that the beauty of the Fate franchise lies in the individual experiences and interpretations of each story. The diverse possibilities and multidimensionality within the Fate universe contribute to its appeal, and attempting to establish a single canon ending would undermine the richness and exploration of the series.

Ultimately, what matters most is the impact and resonance of each route on the audience. The different paths taken by the protagonist, Shirou Emiya, in each route offer distinct perspectives on themes of self and ideals, allowing fans to find their own connection with the story. In that sense, all three routes may as well be considered canon in their own right.

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Shirou Emiya,Saber,Illyasviel von Einzbern,Archer,Kirei Kotomine