Have you ever opened a jigsaw puzzle box, only to realize the picture on the lid is missing? That’s how many new fans feel when they try to start Steins;Gate. With multiple series, OVAs, and a movie scattered across diverging timelines, it’s easy to pop the corn, press play, and end up whispering, “Wait—what year is this again?”
Don’t worry—today we’ll fit every puzzle piece together. By the end you’ll know exactly which episode to watch next, and why that order matters for your heart as much as your brain.
Why the Right Watch Order Matters — Avoid “Timeline Tears” and Maximize the Feels
Imagine reading a mystery novel starting on chapter 15. Sure, the twists still twist, but the emotional punch evaporates. Steins;Gate revolves around choices, regrets, and second chances; the sequence you absorb those moments changes how deeply they hit. Viewers who jump straight into Steins;Gate 0 before episode 23β often message forums with the same plea: “Help! I’m crying and confused!”
A smart watch order is your umbrella in this metaphorical storm of microwaves and messages from the past. It guards your feels just as much as your understanding.
Release Order vs. Chronological Order: Which Path Fits Your Heart?
| Path | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Release Order (2011 series → OVA → Movie → 0) | • Matches creator intent • Natural build-up of suspense | • Episode 23β appears after the original ending — can feel jarring |
| Chronological Order (Ep 1-22 → Ep 23β → 0 → Ep 23-24 → OVA → Movie) | • Seamless plot logic • Deeper empathy for Okabe’s trauma | • Harder to find Ep 23β on some services • Can spoil “classic” ending surprise |
Both paths eventually meet in the same emotional destination, but if this is your first trip, follow the Chronological list above—it’s the best mix of clarity and catharsis. (Experienced time travelers, feel free to experiment!)
Recommended Watch Order
Below is a spoiler-free tour. Think of it as having a friendly lab member guiding you through the alleyways of Akihabara.
1) Steins;Gate (2011) Ep 1-22
- Feels Forecast: Curiosity → Wonder → Uneasy giggles → “Oh no…”
- Why here? These episodes introduce gadget #003, the Phone Microwave (name subject to change!), and plant the seeds of every heartbreak and triumph to come.
- Kid-Friendly Analogy: It’s like setting up dominoes; you can’t appreciate the final pattern unless you line them all up first.
2) Episode 23β “Missing Link – Divide by Zero”
A single, 24-minute fork in the road that whispers, “What if we turned left instead of right?” Watch this instead of the original episode 23 (for now).
Tip: On some platforms it’s labeled Episode 0 of Steins;Gate 0—search carefully!
3) Steins;Gate 0 (2018) Full Season
Welcome to the darker timeline where hope wears a cracked lens. If the original series is a roller coaster, 0 is the night-time ride—same tracks, scarier shadows.
Personal confession: I watched 0 during a thunderstorm and accidentally hugged my pillow so hard it popped a seam. You’ve been warned.
4) Return to Steins;Gate Ep 23-24
Back to sunshine—almost. Seeing these two episodes after 0 transforms them from a regular finale into a victory lap. This is where many viewers cry the good kind of tears.
5) OVA “Egoistic Poriomania”
A sweet, low-stakes epilogue. Think of it as the group photo you take after graduation.
6) Movie Load Region of Déjà Vu
The cherry on top. It juggles the show’s best themes—fate, friendship, and déjà vu—into a theatrical bow. Bring snacks; the credits hide an extra stinger.
Detailed Episode-by-Episode Walkthrough (Spoiler-Free)
Episodes 1–12 – “Butterfly Effect Beginner’s Course”
- Mood: Light-hearted tinkering, lots of gadget fun.
- Keep an eye on: Every time someone sips Dr Pepper—a signal a key choice is brewing.
- Pause & ponder: If you owned a time phone, who would you text first?
Episodes 13–22 – “The Hourglass Shatters”
- Mood: Tension climbs; the laughs start fading.
- Relatable struggle: Fixing one mistake may break three others—like tightening one wobbly table leg only to make the whole table tilt.
Episode 23β + Steins;Gate 0 – “Hope in the Dark”
- Mood: Somber resilience; darker world-line.
- Life lesson: Sometimes the bravest act is simply choosing to keep going after a failure.
Episodes 23–24 + OVA/Movie – “The Miracle of Choice”
- Mood: Cathartic joy; the emotional payoff.
- Action step: Call a friend and share one thing you’re grateful for—let those world-lines converge in real life.
Streaming & Availability
| Region | Service | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| US / Canada | Crunchyroll, Hulu | Crunchyroll has Ep 23β bundled with 0; Hulu lists it separately. |
| UK / EU | Apple TV Store | Series & movie purchasable; no subscription required. |
| Japan | d-Anime Store, Netflix JP | Simulcast originals plus 4K remaster of the movie (released Mar 2025). |
Pro-Tip: If you can’t find Episode 23β, search “[Divide by Zero]” plus the word “beta.”
First-Time Viewer Tips
- Color-Code Notes: Grab three crayons—red, blue, and green. Red events happen before the first time leap, blue in the alpha world-line, green in beta. Linking scenes to colors makes memory stick like glue.
- Use Real-Life Anchors: When Mayuri says, “Tuturu~,” picture your best friend’s catchphrase. Emotional anchors > complicated charts.
- Pause for Five-Minute Recaps: After big reveals, stop and explain the twist to your pet (or stuffed toy). Teaching others locks knowledge in your own mind.
- Remember the Core Theme: “You can’t save everyone, but you can choose whom to be brave for.” Keep that in your pocket and every plot turn makes sense.
FAQs
Q1. I’m overwhelmed by Episode 23β. Did I break something?
Nope! Feeling lost means you’re paying attention. Breathe, grab a snack, dive into Steins;Gate 0, and trust the process.
Q2. Can I skip the OVA or movie?
You can, but you’ll miss the emotional cooldown that turns good memories into great ones.
Q3. Is the game the same story?
The visual novel is the source material with extra endings. Think of it as the director’s-cut box set—perfect for super-fans.
Q4. My little brother is 10. Is the show kid-safe?
There’s minimal gore, but heavy themes. Watch together and pause for chat breaks when concepts like grief appear.
Q5. Will there be a new Steins;Gate sequel?
As of June 2025, no official anime sequel is announced, but a remastered Steins;Gate 0 Elite game arrives this fall; new anime rumors often follow game releases. Stay tuned!
Final Thoughts: May Your Future Gadget Lab Memories Last Forever
You started this page searching for the “right” episode order. Hopefully you’re leaving with more: comfort that confusion is part of the adventure, and excitement for the roller coaster ahead. Steins;Gate isn’t just about time travel—it’s about loving deeply enough to try again, no matter how many world-lines it takes.
So warm up the Phone Microwave, text your past self a hug, and remember: El Psy Kongroo.
