Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works 2nd Season

In the midst of the Fifth Holy Grail War, Caster sets her plans into motion, beginning with the capture of Shirou's Servant Saber. With the witch growing ever more powerful, Rin and Archer determine she is a threat that must be dealt with at once. But as the balance of power in the war begins to shift, the Master and Servant find themselves walking separate ways.

Meanwhile, despite losing his Servant and stumbling from injuries, Shirou ignores Rin's warning to abandon the battle royale, forcing his way into the fight against Caster. Determined to show his resolve in his will to fight, Shirou's potential to become a protector of the people is put to the test.

Amidst the bloodshed and chaos, the motivations of each Master and Servant are slowly revealed as they sacrifice everything in order to arise as the victor and claim the Holy Grail.

[Written by MAL Rewrite]

Saber Main

Kawasumi, Ayako Japanese

Toosaka, Rin Main

Ueda, Kana Japanese

Archer Main

Suwabe, Junichi Japanese

Emiya, Shirou Main

Sugiyama, Noriaki Japanese

Gilgamesh ing

Seki, Tomokazu Japanese

Kotomine, Kirei ing

Nakata, Jouji Japanese

von Einzbern, Illyasviel ing

Kadowaki, Mai Japanese

Lancer ing

Canna, Nobutoshi Japanese

Velvet, Waver ing

Namikawa, Daisuke Japanese

Caster ing

Tanaka, Atsuko Japanese

Takeuchi, Takashi Producer, Original Character Design

Iwakami, Atsuhiro Producer

Kondou, Hikaru Producer

Nagayama, Asami Assistant Producer

Reviews

Aug 15, 2023

Apreggi

Recommended

Fate/stay night [Unlimited Blade Works] Season 2 not only maintains the momentum set by its predecessor but also escalates the narrative to thrilling heights. As an ardent fan who revisits anime on MyAnimeList, it's evident that this season represents a significant leap forward in of storytelling, character dynamics, and sheer intensity.

In contrast to the measured pacing of the first season, Season 2 catapults viewers into a whirlwind of events and revelations. The dialogue takes on a new dimension of depth, with meaningful conversations that not only drive the plot but also provide insight into characters' motivations and ideologies. The series manages to strike a ... balance between introspection and action, resulting in moments that are intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant.

One of the most commendable aspects of Season 2 is its minimal filler content. Unlike the occasional lulls in the first season, this instalment ensures that every scene contributes to character development, world-building, or plot progression. This strategic approach to storytelling keeps viewers invested, as they're constantly engaged in unraveling the intricate threads of the Holy Grail War and the personal struggles of the participants.

A highlight of this season is the shift in focus from ive planning to active conflict. Characters are not only engaged in elaborate strategies but also in visceral battles that carry tangible consequences. The animation continues to shine, presenting breathtaking spectacles that encapsulate the raw power of the heroic spirits and the tension of the battles. The meticulous attention to detail and dynamic choreography create an immersive experience that draws audiences deeper into the world of magic and mayhem.

What truly sets Season 2 apart is its willingness to throw caution to the wind and let the proverbial "shit hit the fan." The plot twists and revelations that unfold throughout the season are nothing short of astonishing. With each new episode, the narrative takes unexpected turns that challenge assumptions and redefine character alliances. The web of intrigue becomes increasingly intricate, leading to moments of awe and disbelief as secrets are unearthed and loyalties are tested.

The imagery in this season is truly captivating, adding an extra layer of visual grandeur to the unfolding events. The imagery isn't just about aesthetics; it's a narrative tool that amplifies the emotions and themes of the story. From the ethereal landscapes to the intense magical battles, the visuals serve as a conduit for conveying the underlying conflicts and motivations of the characters.

As I revisited this season, the overall experience left a lasting impact. Fate/stay night [Unlimited Blade Works] Season 2 delivers on its promise of meaningful dialogue, minimal filler, and a constant sense of progression. The culmination of battles, revelations, and plot twists is a testament to the series' commitment to storytelling excellence.

BEST EPISODE
In a season where "shit hits the fan" in multiple episodes, it's difficult to choose a single best episode. Episodes 3, 8, and 9 each contribute something unique to the series, showcasing the emotional depth, visual grandeur, and narrative complexity that Fate/stay night [Unlimited Blade Works] Season 2 offers. Whether it's the emotional resonance of a battle, the jaw-dropping plot twists, or the satisfying culmination of a fight, these episodes collectively contribute to the season's standing as a gripping and unforgettable ride.
Episode 3 is a masterpiece in emotional storytelling, delivering a heartfelt and intense fight that resonates deeply with the characters' motivations and struggles. The animation and direction work in harmony to convey the raw emotions of the combatants, adding layers of complexity to the battles and making them resonate beyond mere physical clashes.
Episode 8 takes a bold leap into the realm of plot twists, shocking viewers with a reveal that shakes the foundation of the story. The stunning visuals and the meticulously crafted fight scenes are elevated by the addition of an unexpected narrative turn. The synchronization of wonderful music with the battle adds an extra layer of immersion, creating a truly memorable experience that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats.
Episode 9 maintains the momentum with a fight scene that not only satisfies in of action but also delivers a sense of fulfillment as character arcs culminate. The culmination of the battle is accompanied by key information that serves to satisfy lingering questions and pique curiosity about what lies ahead.

Reviewer’s Rating: 9

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May 25, 2025

Supersonic_Pain

Mixed Feelings

It sure was

I said this in the first season's review but I'm going to try to elaborate a little more on why I prefer Deen over Ufotable when it comes to the artstyle and animation.

One of my big peeves with UBW was how often it felt like they were surrounded by fog, especially during the fights. It felt more like they were fighting in Silent Hill than any normal town. Speaking of which, I'm sorry but Unlimited Blade Works world (as in the Reality Marble that the power UBW is in, not the world that the anime UBW is in) looks boring as fuck.

The fights ... just kind of feel like... a cutscene, if it makes sense? Like, it feels less like a natural extension of the story and more like a disted cutscene to show off how Cool Ufotable is and how much money they can pour into their animation.

The OP is probably the most iconic Fate OP but yeah, sorry, still not a fan. I guess it's better (or at least I it, which makes it better than UBW S1) but it's not great and certainly not better than Disillusion.

Characters:

I do have a bit more to say about Shirou now. I was fine with his whole self-sacrificing "oh, I've gotta be the champion of justice, hell or high water, rah rah rah" schtick but when facing someone who directly opposed his ideals and was like "I know what's going to happen to you, you're gonna feel really shitty and curse the path you've walked", he's just like "ok" and "fuck you" and does it anyway. It makes for a very anticlimactic resolution and ending for him.

Saber literally does not matter. Rin got to matter in Saber's route but Rin's big fat thighs smother her routemates in this route, Saber spends most of it either as a hostage, a ing Member of the Party, or facing off against a designated jobber while the others do stuff that actually matters. She does one thing (ittedly a big thing) that matters and then she just kind of peaces out. Considering how many people likely skipped or disliked FSN Deen, all the Saber fans must be from Fate/Zero or something because UBW Saber was nothing.

I said this in S1 and this is still true about Rin: "Since this IS Rin's route, she does get a lot of screentime here. I think I actually preferred her in the Fate route so far because she got to play more of a rival there. She still gets a lot of time to play rival but they also kind of have to lean into her being a love interest, especially in the last episode. And it never really clicked for me?" I guess it clicks a little bit better now but to be honest, maybe it's just because I like UBW less, but I think I still prefer Saber route/Fate route/Deen Rin.

Speaking of S1 remarks that are still true (...well, for the most part, oops), Archer! "I didn't even include a sentence about him in my Deen review because I had no thoughts on him but the one thing I will give UBW is that Archer is a much better character here. He gets to play more of the antagonistic, tweener rival here and it works really well, not to mention his dynamic with Rin is much better... I don't know about fleshed out per se, but it's certainly better written." We do get to find out what his Heroic Spirit is and I don't hate the identity but I'm a little bleh on the logic. I can't really say much without slapping a huge spoiler on it but idk, the logic felt kinda disappointing.

It's not even that Sakura's bland this season, she literally does not exist. She was in the very last episode for like a minute and does nothing else. Rin says something about "oh, Shirou, wouldn't it suck if your family had to give you away" or something to that effect/genre of conversation and it just... does not come up in this route. Idk why they even bothered because it doesn't come into play here and if it comes into play in Heaven's Feel, it feels like a flimsy connection to go "erm, see, we foreshadowed it!"

Illya just did not matter outside of being a plot point this whole story, huh. She got a "cry now" backstory and... I dunno, her being a Homunculus just doesn't feel very good. I would've rather her just genuinely be some prodigy princess. Oh, also, they fixed my complaint about the incongruity regarding Berserker's Noble Phantasm. Idk why they said that in the first season but they do show him tanking things that'd normally kill him because he has x amount of lives.

I wasn't a huge fan of Kotomine in FSN Deen but he is totally wasted in this season. World-class dumbass, at least he got to DO stuff in Deen.

I guess Shinji does get more time here. Similar to Rin, I guess he's probably better here but, like, I didn't like UBW as much so *shrugs*. I guess UBW can have one point for Shinji.

Similar to Shinji, I guess Caster is probably "objectively" better here, she certainly gets a lot more time (although to be honest, she's not even the second best antagonist in the season) but in a way, it dilutes her relationship with Kuzuki. Her not having all that much time in Deen made her relationship with Kuzuki stand out because of what we didn't see but seeing Caster mostly be this jackass antagonist means the sweet moments with Kuzuki (which they don't really increase in this show) are more diluted.

Lancer actually gets stuff to do, hooray! In Deen (and UBW S1), he barely matters and I have no opinion on him. He actually gets to do stuff this season and I dunno, he's actually kinda chill with it. Lancer and Archer are the two people I will unabashedly say that UBW did better.

As for Assassin... he's in the Deen Lancer position where I genuinely asked my Fate oomfie "okay, did HE die?". Yup... barely matters here.

I feel like Gilgamesh kind of lost some of his charm since they don't really give him much time to interact with Saber. I do like his rationale for why he's doing what he's doing (although the more they reveal about the Holy Grail, the less I like the idea of the Grail) but him being all like "oh, Saber, as KING, I want you and I'm gonna have you", idk, made him seem like a cool fuckboy and I guess he still kinda is but it's kinda lacking in that department since Saber and him don't do much together.

Command Seals continue to be worth jack diddly shit. It feels like for the majority of the story they either don't work, are outright defied, they are used on things that are absolutely not worthy of a big "I order you against your will to do this", or they are not used on things the Servants are clearly reluctant to do.

Some characters are done better, a lot aren't, I'm afraid UBW was not my cup of tea for the most part. I get why more people like this than Deen because UBW is more Hype and Aura and trades in a lot of the quieter Shirou Household Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner scenes for Epic Fights but that makes it appeal less to me.

Reviewer’s Rating: 5

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Feb 26, 2021

ktulu007

Not Recommended

I've talked about ufotable's Fate franchise before way back when I reviewed Fate/Zero. This one came out in '14 and '15. I'll be looking at both series together for this review and the prologue. Keep that in mind. Let's get right into it.

Story:

Our tale is set roughly ten years after the events of Fate/Zero. A new holy grail war is beginning. We open with Tohsaka Rin summoning Archer, though she wanted Saber. She goes to the school and discovers a barrier being erected. So, she goes to investigate it at night and finds the servant Lancer there. Her classmate, Emiya Shirou gets caught in ... the skirmish between Lancer and Archer and is nearly killed. Tohsaka then discovers that he's also a master and he manages to successfully summon Saber.

The biggest problem with this series is that it kind of falls apart at the end. Not just because there are some ridiculous coincidences. Not just because there are a lot of moments that should have impact but they get heavily rushed and lose it. Not just because they kind of go off the rails and into absurdity. But because of all of those, two major deus ex machina moments in the climax and a really poorly handled romance sub-plot.

I will say, the first series has a promising start. There's some strong build up, a lot of intrigue, some very good twists and it just gives things a strong start. Before the second series comes along and royally buggers things up.

Characters:

To put things very bluntly, Shirou is the biggest problem with this series in of characters. Yes, there are some under-developed side characters including some who don't have much purpose in the narrative. But Shirou is a very obnoxious character. Basically, his whole thing is that he strives to be a paragon but he's angsty about it. And, as a consequence, he does a bunch of really stupid, naïve shit and the series perpetually excuses him because he's an idealist. Which I really find intolerable. I would go so far as to say this series, as a whole, would be significantly better if his dumb ass had died in the prologue.

The best characters are Rin and Saber. And they aren't great characters. Saber has some interesting things going in her back story that would be much better if they got fleshed out more. Rin is a character with some tsundere characteristics but with actual complexity and more elements to her than just that. Unlike the majority of tsundere characters.

Art:

The artwork is actually really good. The character designs are nice. The action sequences are, mostly, really good. The backgrounds are detailed. If there's any problem with the artwork, it's that it can go too far with its more gruesome scenes.

Sound:

They got some really good actors for the cast. Ueda Kana, Kawasumi Ayako, Tanaka Atsuko, Suwabe Junichi, Seki Tomokazu. They all deliver pretty strong performances. The music is quite good as well.

Ho-yay:

There really isn't any. The closest you get to ho-yay is Shirou having another guy strip for reasons that are completely unrelated to sexuality.

Areas of Improvement:

1. Avoid Deus Ex Machina. If you can't think of a way for a character to survive that makes sense, just let them die. And if that means a tragic ending to your story, so be it.

2. Put some effort into making your protagonist likeable, complex or both. The big problem with Shirou as a character is, ultimately, that their twist on the typical paragon is to make him angsty about it. Which doesn't really make him complex but does make him really annoying.

3. Have some proper pacing. I think what happened with this is that they paced the first series properly, but then had to cram a bunch of major plot points into the second series with no time to do it properly. Which could have been avoided with a third series or by balancing the two series a bit better. Yeah, the pacing would have still been a bit quick, but at least it would have been less egregious when it comes to its major plot points.

Final Thoughts:

I actually kind of liked the prologue and the first series in spite of Shirou. If ufotable had kept their momentum, they could have had a winner on their hands. Unfortunately, the second series is rubbish. The overly rapid pacing, deus ex climax, and other major writing problems leave it ending very poorly. If I were to review the first series by itself, I'd probably go with a 7/10 with Shirou being the main factor dragging it down. If I were to review the second series by itself, it'd be a definite 3/10. Combined, I'll give the work as a whole a 4/10. And here's why I'm leaning low instead of going in the middle. I can't really recommend watching the first series because if you continue to get the entire story, it ends on a terrible note but if you just stop there, you get a completely incomplete experience. So, I have to lean on the low side.

Reviewer’s Rating: 4

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