- 🌀【Quick Answer】Here’s the Best Watch Order for Steins;Gate!
- 🔬So, What Is Steins;Gate All About?
- Recommended Viewing Order
- 📺 Steins;Gate Series – Streaming Availability in Japan (2025)
- 🧭① The Horror of Changing the Past and the Beauty of Defying Fate – Why the Original Steins;Gate is a Masterpiece!
- ⚙️② A Future Without Kurisu… The Tragic World of Steins;Gate 0
- 🎬③ A Role Reversal of Destiny—Kurisu Becomes the One Who Saves Okabe in the Movie!
- 🎀④ Bonus OVA Episodes: The Lab Members’ Daily Life in Heartwarming Epilogues ✨
🌀【Quick Answer】Here’s the Best Watch Order for Steins;Gate!
Let’s get straight to the point! If you’re new to Steins;Gate, we recommend watching the series in the following order:
① Steins;Gate (Episodes 1–22) → ② Special Episode “Episode 23β” → ③ Steins;Gate 0 → ④ Original Episode 23–24 (true ending) → ⑤ The Movie
Bonus OVAs and specials are optional, but worth watching if you want to dive deeper into the world!
✅ What You’ll Learn from This Article
In this article, we’ll help you figure out the best way to enjoy the Steins;Gate anime series, especially if you’re unsure where to start or what’s essential to watch:
- 🔸 What’s the best watch order? (We cover both the recommended and chronological orders!)
- 🔸 What are the differences between the TV series, OVAs, and the movie?
- 🔸 Where can I watch it in 2025? (Latest streaming availability in Japan)
- 🔸 What makes each entry worth watching? (We highlight key moments and themes!)
All explained in a clear, easy-to-understand way—even if you’re completely new to the anime!
🔬So, What Is Steins;Gate All About?
Steins;Gate is a mind-bending sci-fi anime set in Akihabara, where a quirky group of friends known as the “Future Gadget Laboratory” accidentally discovers a way to send messages to the past.
The story follows their experiments—and the increasingly serious consequences of messing with time.
It starts off lighthearted and fun, but slowly builds into a gripping, emotional thriller. Known for its brilliant plot twists and satisfying payoff,
this series is considered a masterpiece of modern anime. Whether you’re into sci-fi or just getting started with anime, Steins;Gate is a must-watch!
Recommended Viewing Order
For the best experience, follow this recommended order, which aligns with the story’s timeline while maximizing suspense and emotional engagement:
- STEINS;GATE (Episodes 1–22)
- STEINS;GATE Episode 23 (β): Missing Link
- STEINS;GATE 0 (Episodes 1–23 + Special)
- STEINS;GATE Episode 23: Open the Steins Gate
- STEINS;GATE Episode 24: Prologue to the Beginning and End
- STEINS;GATE Episode 25: Egoistic Polymath
- STEINS;GATE: The Movie – Load Region of Déjà Vu
✅ Recommended Watch Order (For Best Viewing Experience)
| Order | Title | Type | Summary & Purpose | Where to Watch |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Steins;Gate Ep.1–22 | TV Series | Introduction to the story and buildup. D-Mail experiments and time leaps trigger fateful consequences. | Netflix, U-NEXT, Crunchyroll (Japan), etc. |
| 2 | Episode 23β “Missing Link of the Boundary” | TV Special | Divergence to the β worldline after failing to save Kurisu. Leads into ‘Zero’. | dAnime Store (Japan only) |
| 3 | Steins;Gate 0 (All 23 Episodes) | TV Series | Okabe’s struggle in a world without Kurisu. Despair, new threats, and the path to the true future. | Netflix, Prime Video (Anime Times), dAnime Store, etc. |
| 4 | Steins;Gate Ep.23–24 (Original Ending) | TV Series | Okabe’s final mission to save Kurisu and reach the Steins;Gate worldline. | Netflix, etc. |
| 5 | Steins;Gate: The Movie − Load Region of Déjà Vu | Movie | Epilogue where Kurisu saves Okabe. Emotional finale to the series. | Blu-ray/DVD only |
| 6 | OVA “Egoistic Polygamist” | OVA | Lighthearted post-ending episode showing everyday life of the lab members. | Blu-ray/DVD only |
| 7 | OVA “Valentine of Crystal Polymorphism” | OVA (Zero Bonus) | A Valentine’s Day side story during the Zero timeline. | Blu-ray/DVD only |
⏳ Chronological Watch Order (In-Story Timeline)
| Order | Title | Type | Summary & Purpose | Where to Watch |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Steins;Gate Ep.1–22 | TV Series | α Worldline. Experiments with D-Mails and time leaps begin to alter the past. | Netflix, etc. |
| 2 | Episode 23β “Missing Link of the Boundary” | TV Special | Divergence into the β worldline as Okabe gives up on saving Kurisu. | dAnime Store only |
| 3 | Steins;Gate 0 Ep.1–13 | TV Series | Okabe meets “Amadeus” Kurisu. Grief and regret dominate this timeline. | Netflix, etc. |
| 4 | OVA “Valentine of Crystal Polymorphism” | OVA | Lighthearted Valentine’s Day side story during the Zero timeline. | Blu-ray/DVD only |
| 5 | Steins;Gate 0 Ep.14–23 | TV Series | WWIII looms. Operation to send the D-mail to the past begins. | Netflix, etc. |
| 6 | Steins;Gate Ep.23–24 (Original Ending) | TV Series | Okabe executes the final plan and reaches the Steins;Gate worldline. | Netflix, etc. |
| 7 | OVA “Egoistic Polygamist” | OVA | Slice-of-life episode set after the true ending. | Blu-ray/DVD only |
| 8 | Steins;Gate: The Movie − Load Region of Déjà Vu | Movie | One year later, Kurisu saves Okabe. The final chapter of the saga. | Blu-ray/DVD only |
💡 Note:
- The TV series (“Steins;Gate” and “Steins;Gate 0”) are widely available on major streaming platforms.
- The special episodes (Ep. 23β, OVAs, Movie) are only available via Blu-ray/DVD or in limited cases like dAnime Store (Japan only).
📺 Steins;Gate Series – Streaming Availability in Japan (2025)
| Title | Netflix | Prime Video | U-NEXT | dAnime Store | Hulu | DMM TV |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steins;Gate (TV Series) | ✅ Included | 🔸 Available via channel / Rental & Purchase | ✅ Included | ✅ Included (Includes Episode 23β) | ✅ Included | ✅ Included |
| Steins;Gate 0 (TV Series) | ✅ Included | 🔸 Available via channel / Rental & Purchase | ✅ Included | ✅ Included (Includes unaired Episode 24) | ✅ Included | ✅ Included |
| Episode 23β: “Missing Link of the Boundary” | ❌ Not Available | ❌ Not Available | ❌ Not Available | ✅ Exclusive to dAnime Store | ❌ | ❌ |
| OVA: Egoistic Polygamist | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| OVA: Valentine of Crystal Polymorphism | ✅ Included | 🔸 Available via channel / Rental | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ❌ | ✅ Included |
| Movie: Load Region of Déjà Vu | ❌ | 🔸 Available via channel / Rental | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included |
🔍 Legend
- ✅: Available as part of the subscription (no extra cost)
- 🔸: Available via paid channel (e.g., Anime Times) or rental/purchase
- ❌: Not available
📌 Notes
- Episode 23β (key story divergence point) is exclusively available on dAnime Store in Japan.
- The two OVAs (Polygamist / Valentine) were originally bundled with Blu-ray sets. Valentine is widely available, but Egoistic Polygamist is not available on any streaming platforms as of 2025.
- The movie is surprisingly accessible across many platforms including U-NEXT, Hulu, dAnime Store, and DMM TV!
🎥 What’s the Difference Between TV Series, OVA, and Movie in Anime?
| Type | Description | Example in Steins;Gate | Where to Watch |
|---|---|---|---|
| TV Series | A regular weekly anime broadcast on TV. Usually 12–24 episodes. Covers the main story and builds the core world. | Steins;Gate (24 episodes) Steins;Gate 0 (23 episodes) | Streaming services (Netflix, dAnime, etc.), Blu-ray/DVD |
| OVA (Original Video Animation) | Episodes not aired on TV. Often included as bonus content in Blu-ray/DVDs or made for special events. Typically side stories or epilogues. | Egoistic Polygamist (from the original series) Valentine of Crystal Polymorphism (from Zero) | Mostly Blu-ray/DVD only. Valentine is available on some platforms |
| Movie | A full-length theatrical film. Usually continues or concludes the story of the TV series, or offers an original take. | Steins;Gate: Load Region of Déjà Vu (Set one year after the true ending) | Streaming (U-NEXT, Hulu, etc.), Blu-ray/DVD, rental services |
🧠 What Do They Add to the Steins;Gate Experience?
- TV Series: The core story. Absolutely essential viewing for newcomers!
- OVA: Fun bonus episodes that expand on characters’ everyday lives. Not mandatory, but great for fans who want more.
- Movie: A powerful emotional epilogue that brings extra depth and closure. Best enjoyed after watching the main story.
🔰 For First-Time Viewers:
The ideal order is:
TV Series → Movie → OVAs
But if you’re just starting out, watching the original TV series and Steins;Gate 0 is more than enough to enjoy the story. You can explore the movie and OVAs later to deepen your connection with the characters ✨
✨ The Ultimate Highlight Guide: Steins;Gate Series is Absolutely Incredible! ✨
🧪 Science × Friendship × Emotion × Despair × Hope—this is a full-course anime experience that will move your heart!
🧭① The Horror of Changing the Past and the Beauty of Defying Fate – Why the Original Steins;Gate is a Masterpiece!
The original Steins;Gate (aired in 2011) tells the story of a quirky group of friends in Akihabara, whose accidental invention of a time machine begins to unravel reality as they know it.
- 🧪 What starts as a harmless experiment using “D-Mails” to alter the past becomes a terrifying spiral of irreversible changes.
- 😨 The protagonist Okabe experiences the trauma of losing his beloved friend Mayuri, again and again, in a terrifying “worldline convergence.”
- 🕊️ Yet he never gives up. The return of his eccentric alter ego “Hououin Kyouma” as he fights fate head-on is nothing short of heroic.
- ❤️🔥 The evolving bond between Okabe and Kurisu Makise, from witty arguments to heartfelt trust and love, is absolutely unforgettable.
🔥 Highlight: The final arc starting at Episode 22 is legendary—it’s one of the most iconic anime climaxes ever.
If you’re watching for the first time, go in spoiler-free. Trust us!
⚙️② A Future Without Kurisu… The Tragic World of Steins;Gate 0
Steins;Gate 0 tells a powerful “what if” story—a worldline where Okabe gave up on saving Kurisu.
- 🖤 The once eccentric Okabe is now a broken man, burdened by guilt and trauma… It’s deeply painful to watch him suffer in silence.
- 🧬 Enter “Amadeus,” an AI program based on Kurisu’s memories. As Okabe interacts with her, his heart slowly begins to thaw.
- 🔫 A new threat looms: global war, secret organizations, and mysterious new characters like Suzuha and Kagari join the fight.
- 💥 The final episodes show how Okabe regains hope through his friends and his future self’s message, leading to an emotional breakthrough.
💡 Watching Zero after the original lets you truly understand the price paid to reach the happy ending.
It’s not just a spin-off—it’s a vital puzzle piece that completes the story.
🎬③ A Role Reversal of Destiny—Kurisu Becomes the One Who Saves Okabe in the Movie!
Steins;Gate: The Movie − Load Region of Déjà Vu is a full-length film set one year after the true ending (Steins;Gate worldline).
- 🌀 Okabe begins to vanish from reality, a side effect of excessive time travel—his very existence starts to fade.
- 💖 This time, it’s Kurisu who must leap through time to save him. Her resolve and courage fuel a heart-wrenching reversal of roles.
- 🧠 Themes of “observation,” “memory,” and “identity” are explored in beautiful depth, making this a true culmination of the series.
- 😭 The final smile from Kurisu after reuniting with Okabe has made countless fans burst into tears.
🌟 Famous Quote: “Because I won’t forget you.”
One of Kurisu’s most touching lines—delivered with love, strength, and vulnerability.
🎀④ Bonus OVA Episodes: The Lab Members’ Daily Life in Heartwarming Epilogues ✨
📀 The OVAs, released as Blu-ray bonuses or unaired episodes, give us a peek into the lab members’ lives outside the main story—perfect for fans who want more warmth and smiles!
🍫 Valentine of Crystal Polymorphism (Unaired Episode from Steins;Gate 0)
- Set during Zero, this Valentine’s Day episode follows the girls as they plan to make homemade chocolates.
- You’ll see new sides of characters like the reserved Maho and cheerful Faris!
- A light-hearted and adorable story that brings healing to the dark atmosphere of Zero.
✈️ Egoistic Polygamist (OVA from the original series)
- Set after the true ending, the lab members travel to Los Angeles in a comedic adventure.
- Kurisu makes a surprise appearance, and the whole episode feels like a relaxing after-party with familiar faces.
- The final scene with Okabe might just bring a tear to your eye.
😊 These OVA episodes are the perfect dessert after the emotional main courses.
While they don’t impact the main plot, they let you fall even deeper in love with the characters.
FAQ Section
- Q: Should I watch in release order or the recommended order?
A: For the best experience, the recommended order is ideal as it enhances the narrative flow and emotional impact. - Q: Is STEINS;GATE 0 necessary to understand the story?
A: While not required, it provides valuable context for Okabe’s character growth and enriches the series’ overarching narrative. - Q: Where can I watch the series?
A: Platforms like Crunchyroll, Hulu, and Funimation offer all episodes, including specials and the movie.
🧩 Final Thoughts: Why Steins;Gate Is a Timeless Masterpiece
Whether you’re into science fiction, emotional storytelling, time travel twists, or strong character development—Steins;Gate offers all of that and more.
It’s a rare series that not only delivers an intense and clever plot, but also deeply explores human emotions, relationships, and what it means to make a choice in an uncontrollable world.
- 🧠 Want a thrilling, intelligent sci-fi story? Check.
- ❤️ Want lovable characters with emotional growth? Check.
- 😭 Want to cry, cheer, and feel fulfilled? Absolutely check!
From the unforgettable main series to the heartbreaking Steins;Gate 0, and the powerful theatrical finale, every part of this universe builds toward an incredible experience that will stay with you long after the credits roll.
🚀 Ready to Start Watching?
Still wondering how to begin? Just follow this path:
🔰 First-time viewers:
→ Steins;Gate (Ep.1–22)
→ Episode 23β
→ Steins;Gate 0
→ Episode 23–24 (true ending)
→ The Movie
(+ OVAs if you want more!)
You can find out where to stream each title [insert internal link to streaming table if applicable].
💬 Share Your Favorite Moment!
Have you already watched Steins;Gate?
What was your most emotional scene? Who’s your favorite lab member?
Feel free to leave a comment or share this guide with fellow fans—it might just change their worldline too 🌀✨
👇 Don’t forget to bookmark this guide and check out our other anime watch orders & reviews!
🧭 Curious about other anime watch orders? Don’t miss these complete guides:
・Mushoku Tensei Watch Order – The Ultimate Reincarnation Anime Guide
・SAO (Sword Art Online) Watch Order – The Best Way to Experience the Series
・Blue Exorcist Watch Order – Explore the Series in the Right Timeline
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