Here’s the most widely recommended way to watch Steins;Gate in order, keeping the story clear and emotionally strong while still respecting the intended twists.

Core watch order (recommended)

For a first-time viewer, this order balances story flow, mystery, and the connection between Steins;Gate and Steins;Gate 0.

  1. Steins;Gate TV (2011) – Episodes 1–22
    • Start with the original series from episode 1 to 22 to learn the characters, the time-travel rules, and the main conflict.
  1. Episode 23β – “Missing Link: Divide By Zero”
    • This is an alternate version of episode 23 that branches into the Steins;Gate 0 timeline and directly sets up that series.
  1. Steins;Gate 0 (2018) – Episodes 1–23 (+ special if available)
    • Watch the full Steins;Gate 0 anime here; it explores the darker worldline that 23β leads into and gives crucial context to the final resolution.
  1. Original Steins;Gate Episode 23 (the normal one), then Episode 24
    • After finishing 0, go back and watch the original ep 23 (often just “Episode 23” on streaming) and then episode 24 to see the classic true ending.
  1. Steins;Gate OVA – Episode 25 “Egoistic Polymath / Egoistic Poriomania”
    • This is a light, epilogue-style OVA that takes place after the true ending and works best once the whole main story is done.
  1. Steins;Gate: The Movie – Load Region of Déjà Vu
    • The movie is generally considered non-canon or semi-canon, but it is a nice emotional follow‑up once you’ve seen everything else.

Alternative: pure release order

If you want the simplest approach with no hopping around, many fans still recommend just watching in release order , which is also very effective.

  • Release-style order:
    • Steins;Gate Episodes 1–24
    • OVA (Episode 25)
    • Movie – Load Region of Déjà Vu
    • Episode 23β (special)
    • Steins;Gate 0
  • This order preserves how audiences originally experienced the series and keeps the main show’s pacing intact, then uses 23β as a bridge into 0.

Chronological-style order (if you like strict timeline)

Some fans like a more “timeline-pure” sequence that leans into how the worldlines connect, even if it’s a bit more complicated.

  • Timeline‑focused variant:
    1. Steins;Gate Episodes 1–22
    2. Episode 23β
    3. Steins;Gate 0
    4. Steins;Gate Episodes 23–24 (original versions)
    5. OVA Episode 25
    6. Movie – Load Region of Déjà Vu
  • This emphasizes the cause‑and‑effect between the beta worldline in 0 and the final Steins Gate resolution.

Extra notes and tips

  • Skipping content:
    • You should not skip the original Steins;Gate TV; it is the foundation of everything.
* OVAs and the movie are technically optional but add fun character moments and closure.
  • About 23 vs 23β:
    • Think of 23β as “the door into 0,” and the original 23 as “the door to the classic ending.” Watching 23β first, then the original 23 later, is normal in modern watch orders.

TL;DR best first-time order

If you want a single, clear answer on how to watch Steins;Gate in order for a first watch in 2026, use this:

  1. Steins;Gate Episodes 1–22
  2. Steins;Gate Episode 23β
  3. Steins;Gate 0 (full series)
  4. Steins;Gate Episodes 23–24 (original)
  5. Steins;Gate OVA Episode 25
  6. Steins;Gate: The Movie – Load Region of Déjà Vu