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Steins;Gate

Steins;Gate is a critically acclaimed science fiction visual novel and anime series that follows the story of Rintaro Okabe, a self-proclaimed mad scientist who discovers the ability to send text messages to the past, leading to a complex time travel thriller filled with conspiracy, sacrifice, and the butterfly effect.

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IP Overview & Key Facts

IP Key Facts

Essential information and quick stats.

Full Name

Steins;Gate

Format

anime

Release Year

2009

Current Status

Completed franchise with sequels

Country of Origin

Japan

Publisher

5pb.

Original Work

anime

Genre

science fiction, time travel, visual novel, thriller, conspiracy, anime, drama

Where to Start & Recommended Order

A beginner-friendly guide for starting Steins;Gate without spoilers.

Best starting point

Start with the earliest core anime (around 2009), then expand to other official releases as needed.

Recommended order

If multiple formats exist (anime, manga, films, games), follow the official release order within each format to avoid spoilers and missing context.

Fast-track option

To catch up faster, focus on the main canon storyline first, then return to side content later.

Story, World & Core Themes

Explore the narrative, setting, and ideas that shape Steins;Gate.

Story

High-level synopsis and narrative focus.

Self-proclaimed mad scientist Rintaro Okabe runs the 'Future Gadget Laboratory' in a small apartment in Akihabara. His life changes forever when he accidentally invents a 'PhoneWave' that can send ema...

World

Setting, cultures, and distinctive elements.

Set in the summer of 2010 in Akihabara, Tokyo—the heart of otaku culture. The setting is grounded in realism, featuring iconic landmarks like the Radio Kaikan building and maid cafes, contrasted with...

Themes

Core ideas and recurring motifs.

The terrifying reality that changing the past can have disastrous, unforeseen effects on the future.Sacrifice: The immense personal cost required to save loved ones and the world.Isolation: Okabe's bu...

Cultural Impact Timeline

High-level milestones showing Steins;Gate's global influence.

Creation Background

Created as part of Science Adventure series to explore time travel themes

Cultural Impact

Elevated visual novels in Western markets, influenced time travel storytelling

Legacy

Considered one of the greatest visual novels and anime series ever made

Major Milestones

2009: Original visual novel releases,2011: Anime adaptation airs and gains worldwide acclaim,2013: Movie 'Load Region of Dﾃｩjﾃ Vu' releases,2015: Steins;Gate 0 visual novel releases,2018: Steins;Gate 0 anime adaptation airs

Awards

Famitsu Award,Various anime awards,Critical acclaim worldwide

Key Characters

Meet representative characters from Steins;Gate.

Rintaro Okabe

“The universe has a beginning, but no end. 窶・Infinite.”

A self-proclaimed mad scientist and the founder of the Future Gadget Laboratory who discovers time travelView Profile

Kurisu Makise

“Time is not something that can be stopped or rewound.”

A brilliant neuroscientist who becomes involved in time travel research and develops feelings for OkabeView Profile

Explore all Steins;Gate characters

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Steins;Gate?▼

Steins;Gate is a sci-fi visual novel and anime about a group of friends in Akihabara who accidentally invent a machine capable of sending messages to the past, triggering a complex time-travel conspiracy.

What is the correct watch order?▼

Release order is recommended for first-timers: Steins;Gate (Episodes 1-24) -> Episode 25 (OVA) -> Movie (Load Region of Déjà Vu). For the full experience including Steins;Gate 0: Watch Steins;Gate eps 1-22 -> Episode 23β -> Steins;Gate 0 -> Steins;Gate eps 23-24.

What is 'Reading Steiner'?▼

It is the unique ability possessed by the protagonist, Rintaro Okabe, which allows him to retain his memories of previous timelines after the past has been altered and the worldline shifts.

Who is John Titor?▼

In the series (and real-life urban legend), John Titor is a time traveler from the year 2036 who posts on internet forums (@channel) to warn about a dystopian future ruled by SERN.

What is the difference between Steins;Gate and Steins;Gate 0?▼

Steins;Gate is the original story. Steins;Gate 0 is a 'midquel' that takes place in an alternate timeline where Okabe failed to save a key character, exploring the darker path that eventually leads to the true ending of the original series.

Is it based on a true story?▼

While the characters are fictional, the story heavily incorporates real-world elements like the John Titor internet legend from 2000-2001, the CERN (SERN) research facility, and the IBN 5100 (IBM 5100) computer.

What is the meaning of 'El Psy Kongroo'?▼

It is a nonsensical catchphrase used by Okabe to end his phone conversations. It has no actual meaning, serving as a 'password' for his delusions, but it becomes a symbol of his determination.

Who are the main lab members?▼

The core members are Lab Mem 001: Rintaro Okabe (Founder), 002: Mayuri Shiina (Cosplayer), 003: Itaru 'Daru' Hashida (Hacker), and 004: Kurisu Makise (Neuroscientist).

What is the Divergence Meter?▼

A device built by Okabe (in the future) using Nixie tubes. It displays a numerical value representing the current worldline, helping him track how much the timeline has changed relative to the original.

Why is Dr. Pepper so important?▼

It is Okabe's favorite drink, which he calls the 'Intellectual Drink for the Chosen Ones.' It serves as a recurring motif of his quirky personality and a comfort item throughout his traumatic journey.