Fate/Strange Fake [Episode 3]

Alright, let’s dive into Fate/Strange Fake Episode 3—because this one’s got everything: cyborg priests, vampire showdowns, and a cliffhanger that’ll make you scream into your pillow. First off, let’s get the basics straight: this episode dropped on January 17, 2026, from A-1 Pictures, the studio that’s been killing it with the Fate franchise lately. If you’re new here, Fate/Strange Fake is like a wild west version of the Holy Grail War—set in the U.S., with a “fake” war that’s secretly a setup for a “real” one. Confused? Don’t worry, Episode 3 starts clearing that up… while also throwing more chaos into the mix.

So, what went down? The episode kicks off with Jester Karture, this flashy vampire dude, trying to take over a mansion. He’s all “I’m gonna rule this town!” until Father Hansa Cervantes—yes, a cyborg priest—shows up and one-punches him into next week. Fans on MyAnimeList were losing it over this fight: “Dude cleared the house, only for mister priest to piss on his parade and one punch the hell out of him,” one user joked. The animation here is insane—A-1 Pictures really went all out with the fluid movements and impactful hits. Another comment raved, “The Hansa x Jester fight was delectable and just think, this isn’t anywhere near the crazy fights we’ll get in this series.”

But wait, Jester doesn’t stay down. He rips out a leg saw (yes, you read that right) and climbs a wall to escape. “I laughed so hard when he ripped out the leg saw to climb the wall, that was so awesome,” a fan noted. Meanwhile, we get a peek at the “fake” vs. “real” Grail War. Turns out, the first six Servants summoned were part of the fake war, but now a “true” Saber has arrived—Ayaka Sajyou’s Servant. And if that wasn’t enough, there’s a hint that more Servants are on the way. “13 master and servants? Now that’s make the whole plot even more interesting,” someone pointed out.

Then there’s Waver Velvet, who’s back with major PTSD from Fate/Zero. When he sees Gilgamesh, you can practically feel his panic. “Waver still has PTSD from the Third Holy Grail War, which like his wayward pupil, he ran off to without permission. Surely this is karma,” a user laughed. Gilgamesh, being Gilgamesh, is all “I’m the king, bow down,” but then—cliffhanger—someone tries to snipe him! Fans are speculating who it could be, but no spoilers here.

What’s really making this series stand out is how it balances nostalgia with fresh ideas. Longtime Fate fans are geeking out over references to Fate/Zero and Apocrypha, while new viewers are hooked by the unique setting and characters. “Fate hasn’t been this good in years,” one commenter declared. “This fate feels way more refreshing to watch than og lol.”

Let’s talk about the characters, too. Hansa, the cyborg priest, is quickly becoming a fan favorite. “The cyborg priest is badass huh,” a user gushed. And then there’s the blue-haired girl—fans are comparing her to 2B from NieR: Automata: “that blue haired girls design reminds me a lot of 2b.” The attention to detail in their designs and personalities is top-notch.

But it’s not all action. The episode also drops some deep lines: “The future is always blank. Only your willpower can leave footsteps there.” “Ruling over death means ruling over life. Death is the climax of life. To have the best death, you must honor life.” These moments add weight to the chaos, making you care about the characters beyond their cool powers.

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: the “yearly episode curse.” Fans have been waiting ages for each episode, but Episode 3 proves it’s worth the wait. “The ‘yearly episode curse’ is almost over,” one user sighed, “but this fake-war with 6 servants/masters is used to create energy to start a real Holy Grail War.” The pacing is tight, the fights are epic, and the mystery is only getting deeper.

So, what’s next? The episode ends with a tease of more Servants and a possible showdown between Gilgamesh and the sniper. “Can someone explain to me what’s with this ‘fake war’ and ‘true war’ without spoilers if possible?” a confused fan asked. Don’t worry—Episode 4 is sure to unpack more of that.

In short, Fate/Strange Fake Episode 3 is a banger. It’s got everything you love about Fate—intense battles, complex lore, and memorable characters—plus a fresh twist that keeps it exciting. If you haven’t watched it yet, drop everything and do it. And if you have, join the MyAnimeList discussion—trust me, you won’t be alone in your hype.

Final thought: A-1 Pictures is killing it, and Fate/Strange Fake is shaping up to be one of the best entries in the franchise. Here’s to more cyborg priests, vampire showdowns, and Gilgamesh being Gilgamesh. Bring on Episode 4! 🚀

P.S. If you need a visual fix, check out the key visuals—they’re stunning. The art style is vibrant and detailed, perfectly capturing the series’ chaotic energy.

P.P.S. Shoutout to the fan who joked, “WHERE IS Bob the Builder when u need him?!” We all need a good laugh amid the Grail War chaos. 😂