The Type-Moon Beginner’s Guide: Dive into Fate, Tsukihime, and More
Type-Moon is one of Japan’s most influential developers, best known for visual novels like Fate/stay night, Tsukihime, and the mobile hit Fate/Grand Order. Since its inception in 1998, Type-Moon has grown to be a global force in anime, games, and novels. This guide helps newcomers explore Fate, Tsukihime, and other related works while simplifying the vast Type-Moon universe, including must-play games and where to start. Whether you are familiar with Fate/Grand Order or a complete novice to visual novels, this guide provides insights to navigate Type-Moon’s most popular and foundational titles.
There are general categorizations here to simplify this process and make it more digestible.
What is Type-Moon? A Beginner’s Introduction
One of the most prolific Japanese developers, Type-Moon, began as a small doujin circle but quickly became known worldwide for its memorable IPs. Starting with visual novels in the early 2000s, the company has since expanded into various media, including anime, mobile games, and even fighting games. Their most famous franchises include Fate/stay night, Tsukihime, and the mobile juggernaut Fate/Grand Order. But with so many interconnected stories, where should you begin?
Understanding Tsukihime: Origins, Remakes, and Sequels
The company’s beginnings are rooted in Tsukihime, a 2000 PC visual novel that many refer to as a cornerstone of the genre thanks to its meticulous writing, dark narrative, and memorable cast.
With Tsukihime, Type-Moon cemented its legacy as one of the most influential visual novel developers.
The plot follows protagonist Shiki Tohno, a high schooler with the ability to see and cut the “lines of death” on all things, leading to supernatural encounters and dangerous conflicts. This game was never officially localized, but fan translations are available for those curious.
Remakes and Sequels:
Two remakes, Tsukihime -A piece of blue glass moon- and the upcoming The other side of red garden, bring modern updates to the original story. The remake has been officially localized for PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch.
Bonus Content:
Titles like Kagetsu Tohya and PLUS-DISC further expand the story. Though not necessary for newcomers, they’re enjoyable for those who fall in love with the Tsukihime universe.
Melty Blood: Type-Moon’s Fighting Game Legacy
After the success of Tsukihime, Type-Moon branched into fighting games with Melty Blood in 2002. This series has since become one of the most beloved fighting game franchises in the community. The most recent installment, Melty Blood: Type Lumina, serves as an introduction to the Tsukihime remake timeline.
Whether you’re into fighting games or just love Tsukihime, Melty Blood offers a unique mix of intense combat and storytelling.
Be sure to check out our review of Melty Blood: TYPE LUMINA, along with our news of the franchise.
Witch on the Holy Night: The Perfect Starting Point
If you’re new to Type-Moon and looking for an entry point, Witch on the Holy Night is an ideal place to begin. Released in 2012, this visual novel focuses on the relationship between three protagonists and introduces key elements of the Type-Moon magical lore.
HD Version:
The game is now available worldwide on Steam, PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Switch, making it more accessible than ever. An animated movie adaptation by ufotable is also in production.
We definitely enjoyed Witch on the Holy Night. Be sure to read our review.
The Garden of Sinners: Type-Moon’s Alternate Universe
Another early Type-Moon work, The Garden of Sinners (Kara no Kyoukai), explores darker, philosophical themes. Its narrative about Shiki Ryougi and her supernatural detective work is told through a series of films that were adapted from light novels.
Pull Quote: “The Garden of Sinners is set in an alternate universe, making it a fascinating watch for both Type-Moon fans and newcomers alike.”
Fate Series Breakdown: Where to Begin
Fate is by far Type-Moon’s most expansive franchise, and it can be overwhelming to know where to start. Here’s a breakdown of the key entries:
1. Fate/stay night
The cornerstone of the Fate universe. The original 2004 visual novel follows Shirou Emiya as he gets caught up in the Holy Grail War, a battle where legendary figures from history are summoned to fight for ultimate power.
Pull Quote: “Fate/stay night is the cornerstone of Type-Moon’s universe and a must-play for visual novel fans.”
- Routes: There are three main routes—Fate, Unlimited Blade Works, and Heaven’s Feel. Each offers a different perspective on the Holy Grail War and its participants. If you’re unsure where to start, play these in the recommended order.
2. Fate/Zero
A prequel to Fate/stay night, this light novel and anime adaptation provide additional context for the Holy Grail War. Although not essential to start here, it’s a popular entry for newcomers due to its high-quality anime adaptation by ufotable.
3. Fate/Grand Order
This mobile game is a global sensation and introduces a mix of new and returning characters from across the Type-Moon universe. Although you don’t need to play it to understand the rest of the Fate series, it’s full of fan service and lore.
Conclusion & Recommendations
When looking at all these projects, sequels, and contained universes, Type-Moon has no shortage of stories to experience. Hopefully, this guide has given you a solid foundation to begin your journey into its world.
Personally, I advise starting with Witch on the Holy Night before diving into Tsukihime and then moving on to Fate/stay night. However, if you prefer, starting with Fate/stay night is also perfectly acceptable.
Above all, Fate/stay night, Tsukihime, Witch on the Holy Night, and The Garden of Sinners are the cornerstones that should be experienced before delving into the deeper lore of Type-Moon.
Final Recommendation: Begin your Type-Moon journey with these essentials:
- Witch on the Holy Night
- Tsukihime and its remakes
- Fate/stay night
- The Garden of Sinners
FAQs:
- Do I need to play the original Tsukihime before the remake?
No, the remake can be enjoyed on its own, and it even updates the story for new fans. - Which route should I start with in Fate/stay night?
Begin with the Fate route, followed by Unlimited Blade Works and then Heaven’s Feel. - Is Fate/Grand Order required to understand the Fate series?
No, Fate/Grand Order is a standalone mobile game that doesn’t affect the core Fate/stay night narrative.
