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Steins;Gate Watch Order in the correct order

How to watch Steins;Gate in order

Last updated: July 13 2026

Written by: ChronoBob

Steins;Gate is one of anime's most acclaimed time travel stories, following self-proclaimed mad scientist Rintaro Okabe as he accidentally discovers a method to send messages to the past — with increasingly terrifying consequences. Here is the complete watch order.

Based on the visual novel by 5pb. and Nitroplus, Steins;Gate is a masterclass in slow-burn suspense and emotional storytelling. What begins as a quirky comedy about a group of hackers in Akihabara gradually transforms into one of the most gripping and heartbreaking science fiction narratives in all of anime. The franchise includes the original series, a theatrical film, and Steins;Gate 0 — a parallel story that explores an alternate timeline where Okabe makes a different fateful choice. Getting the watch order right here genuinely matters.

🕐 Release Order

Release order is the intended way to experience Steins;Gate and ensures you hit every emotional beat in the right sequence.

  1. Steins;Gate (2011) — 24-episode series
  2. Steins;Gate: The Movie − Load Region of Déjà Vu (2013) — theatrical film
  3. Steins;Gate 0 (2018) — 23-episode alternate timeline series

Steins;Gate 0 is set in an alternate timeline that branches from a specific moment in the original series — understanding that divergence point is essential, which is why you must finish the original before starting 0.

📖 Story Chronology

In story terms, Steins;Gate 0 is set in a divergent timeline that branches mid-way through the events of the original series. The film takes place after the original series conclusion.

  1. Steins;Gate (2011) episodes 1–22 — the main timeline
  2. Steins;Gate 0 (2018) — divergent timeline, begins at the moment Okabe gives up in episode 23
  3. Steins;Gate (2011) episodes 23–24 — the true ending (watch after 0 for full impact, optional)
  4. Steins;Gate: The Movie − Load Region of Déjà Vu (2013) — epilogue set after the true ending

Which Order Should You Choose?

For first-time viewers: watch the original series straight through all 24 episodes, then watch the film, then start Steins;Gate 0. This is the release order and the safest experience. For maximum emotional impact: watch episodes 1–22, then switch to 0, then return to episodes 23–24 (the true ending), then watch the film. This places 0 in its proper narrative context as an alternate consequence of episode 23 — but it requires careful coordination. Either approach delivers a phenomenal experience; the release order is simpler and still excellent.

🔗 Related Guides

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  • Fullmetal Alchemist Watch OrderGuide

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