The Holy Grail in the Fate series is, like, a super big deal, right? It's not just some shiny cup; it’s a wish-granting device that can alter reality itself. Obviously, tons of characters are after it, and the question of who actually gets their hands on it is super complex and varies depending on which Fate timeline or route you're diving into. So, let's break down the contenders and see who actually snags the ultimate prize in different Fate narratives, because trust me, it’s not always who you expect.

Fate/stay night: Different Routes, Different Winners

Okay, so in Fate/stay night, we've got three main routes: Fate, Unlimited Blade Works, and Heaven's Feel. Each one messes with the Grail War in a totally unique way, and the winner changes depending on the path you're on. It’s like a ‘choose your own adventure,’ but with more magic and epic battles.

Fate Route: Saber's Sacrifice

In the Fate route, which is heavily focused on Saber (Artoria Pendragon), the conclusion is bittersweet. Here’s the deal: nobody actually uses the Grail to make a wish. Instead, Saber, our knightly hero, works with Shirou Emiya to destroy the Grail. They realize that the Grail is corrupted and will only bring chaos and destruction if someone tries to use it. Saber’s main goal throughout this route is to undo her own past, specifically her selection as King of Britain. However, by the end, she understands that her experiences, both good and bad, have shaped who she is. Saber accepts her past and chooses to destroy the Grail rather than selfishly alter history. This decision highlights her growth and selflessness, making the ending all the more impactful. Shirou supports her in this decision, understanding the immense responsibility and danger that the Grail represents. The destruction of the Grail ensures that its corrupting influence doesn't spread, preventing future tragedies. It's a tough choice, but it underscores the themes of duty and sacrifice that define Saber's character. Instead of a triumphant victory, it’s a heroic sacrifice that prevents a greater evil. No wishes granted, just pure, unadulterated heroism, guys!

Unlimited Blade Works Route: Archer's Redemption and Rin's Resolve

The Unlimited Blade Works (UBW) route throws a curveball. In this timeline, the focus shifts to Shirou and Archer's complex relationship. Once again, the Grail isn't used to grant anyone’s wish. The big conflict revolves around Shirou’s ideals of becoming a hero of justice and Archer’s disillusionment with those same ideals. Archer, who is a future version of Shirou, tries to kill his younger self to prevent him from following what he sees as a path of endless suffering. However, through their battles and interactions, Archer comes to understand Shirou's unwavering resolve. In the end, Archer accepts Shirou's path, acknowledging that even though it will be difficult, it is still worth pursuing. As for the Grail, Rin Tohsaka plays a crucial role. She uses her magical skills and strategic thinking to dismantle the Grail system. Recognizing the danger it poses, Rin, with Shirou’s help, deactivates the Grail, preventing it from being used for nefarious purposes. This outcome emphasizes the importance of knowledge, preparation, and making tough choices. The route highlights Rin's growth as a mage and her ability to make sound judgments under pressure. Like in the Fate route, the destruction of the Grail is a victory in itself, preventing potential catastrophes. Nobody gets their wish, but the world is saved from the Grail’s corrupting influence. It's all about preventing bad stuff from happening, rather than getting something good for themselves. Super mature, right?

Heaven's Feel Route: Corruption and Sacrifice

Oh boy, Heaven's Feel gets dark. This route dives deep into the mysteries surrounding Sakura Matou and the corruption of the Grail. In this version, the Grail is heavily influenced by Angra Mainyu, the embodiment of all the world’s evils. Sakura becomes the vessel for the Grail, and her immense magical power is twisted and corrupted. The Heaven's Feel route explores themes of despair, sacrifice, and the struggle against overwhelming darkness. The story follows Shirou as he grapples with the moral implications of his choices and his desire to protect Sakura, even if it means sacrificing everything else. The Grail itself becomes a source of immense suffering, and the characters must confront the horrifying reality of its true nature. In the end, Illyasviel von Einzbern steps in to use her own life force to reset the Grail, cleansing it of Angra Mainyu’s influence, but at the cost of her own existence. This act of self-sacrifice is pivotal in stopping the spread of corruption and preventing the Grail from unleashing its evil upon the world. Shirou, with the help of Rider (Medusa), manages to defeat the corrupted Sakura and prevent the complete manifestation of Angra Mainyu. While the Grail is not entirely destroyed, its immediate threat is neutralized. Again, nobody actually makes a wish. The focus is entirely on containing the evil and saving Sakura from her terrible fate. It’s a bleak but ultimately redemptive ending, showcasing the power of love and sacrifice in the face of ultimate despair. So, yeah, Heaven's Feel is a wild ride.

Fate/Zero: The Tragedy Before

Now, let’s rewind to Fate/Zero, which is the prequel to Fate/stay night. This story sets up all the tragic events that influence the later series. In Fate/Zero, the Fourth Holy Grail War is fought, and the Grail is once again at the center of the chaos. But guess what? Nobody gets a happy ending here either!

Kiritsugu Emiya's Despair

Kiritsugu Emiya, Shirou's adoptive father, is the main character in Fate/Zero, and his story is heartbreaking. Kiritsugu is a ruthless pragmatist who believes in sacrificing the few to save the many. He enters the Grail War with the intention of using the Grail to create world peace. However, as the war progresses, he witnesses the brutal consequences of his actions and the corruption of the Grail itself. In a cruel twist, Kiritsugu is forced to confront the horrifying reality of the Grail's true nature. He discovers that the Grail is tainted by Angra Mainyu and will grant wishes in the most twisted and destructive way possible. When Kiritsugu finally reaches the Grail, he is presented with a horrifying vision: he must choose between saving a small group of people or allowing a catastrophic event that would kill millions. Driven by his ideals, Kiritsugu chooses to save the few, but the Grail corrupts his wish, resulting in an even greater tragedy. The experience shatters Kiritsugu's ideals and leaves him in despair. In the end, Kiritsugu commands Saber to destroy the Grail, preventing it from granting any further wishes. This act dooms the Fourth Holy Grail War to failure and sets the stage for the events of Fate/stay night. Kiritsugu’s story is a cautionary tale about the dangers of idealism and the corrupting influence of power. The Grail remains unclaimed, and its dark legacy continues to haunt the characters in the subsequent series. Ugh, talk about a downer.

Fate/Apocrypha: A Different Kind of War

Fate/Apocrypha presents a totally different Holy Grail War, involving two factions of Servants battling it out. In this version, the Grail is stolen from Fuyuki City and resurfaces in Romania. The scale of the conflict is much larger, with fourteen Servants participating instead of the usual seven. So, who gets the Grail in this massive showdown?

Sieg's Choice

In Fate/Apocrypha, Sieg, a homunculus, plays a central role. He gains the ability to transform into Siegfried, a powerful Servant, and becomes entangled in the Grail War. The story explores themes of identity, freedom, and the meaning of life. As the war progresses, Sieg develops a strong sense of purpose and a desire to protect those around him. The Grail itself is sought after by various factions, each with their own agendas. Some want to use it for personal gain, while others seek to reshape the world according to their ideals. However, the Grail in Apocrypha is also revealed to be flawed and potentially dangerous. Ultimately, Sieg makes a selfless decision regarding the Grail. He realizes that the Grail's power is too great and too easily corrupted. Instead of using it for his own desires, Sieg chooses to use the Grail to transport himself and the Grail to the Reverse Side of the World, a realm where magical energy is abundant but inaccessible to most. This act effectively removes the Grail from the world, preventing it from being used for evil purposes. Sieg’s decision is driven by his desire to protect humanity and ensure that the Grail's power does not fall into the wrong hands. It's a heroic sacrifice that underscores the themes of selflessness and responsibility. While Sieg doesn't get a traditional happy ending, his actions ensure the safety of the world. So, technically, he claims the Grail, but only to yeet it into another dimension. Epic, right?

Fate/Grand Order: A Multiverse of Possibilities

Okay, buckle up, because Fate/Grand Order takes things to a whole new level of complexity. This mobile game involves traveling through different singularities and lostbelts, each with its own unique Holy Grail War and set of circumstances. With countless timelines and alternate realities, the question of who gets the Grail becomes even more convoluted. In Fate/Grand Order, the player, as the Master of Chaldea, works with a diverse cast of Servants to restore humanity's future. The story spans multiple chapters, each focusing on a different historical period or mythological setting. Along the way, the player encounters numerous Holy Grails, each with its own significance and potential dangers. Sometimes, the Grail is used by villains to alter history or unleash chaos. Other times, it is used by the player to correct anomalies and restore balance to the world. Given the vastness of the game, there is no single answer to who gets the Grail in Fate/Grand Order. The outcome varies depending on the specific singularity or lostbelt being explored. In some cases, the Grail is destroyed or sealed away. In others, it is used to grant a wish, but often with unforeseen consequences. The game emphasizes the idea that the Grail is a tool that can be used for good or evil, depending on the intentions of the user. The player's choices and actions determine the fate of each Grail and the outcome of each story arc. So, in short, it's complicated! Basically, everyone and no one gets the Grail, depending on which story you're playing. It’s a never-ending quest for the ultimate wish-granting device, with plenty of twists and turns along the way. Keep in mind, each story arc has different people obtaining the grail with different results, be it good or bad.

Conclusion: The Elusive Nature of the Holy Grail

So, who gets the Holy Grail in Fate? The answer, as you’ve probably gathered, is it depends! The Fate series loves to play with the concept of the Grail, showing it as both a source of hope and a catalyst for destruction. Whether it’s Saber choosing to destroy it, Kiritsugu being disillusioned by its corruption, or Sieg sending it to another dimension, the Grail rarely ends up fulfilling anyone's dreams in a straightforward way. The true prize, it seems, isn't the wish itself, but the journey and the choices the characters make along the way. The Fate series teaches us that true strength lies not in obtaining power, but in making difficult decisions and staying true to one's ideals. So next time you wonder who gets the Holy Grail, remember that the answer is far more complex than a simple name. It’s about the sacrifices, the struggles, and the ultimate fate of those who dare to seek its power.