Why Did Rider Lose Against Saber in Fate/Zero?

In the immensely popular anime series Fate/Zero, Rider, also known as Iskander, loses in a crucial battle against Saber, Artoria Pendragon. This article delves into the multifaceted reasons behind Rider's defeat, examining class advantages, noble phantasm effectiveness, tactics, and emotional stakes.

Class Advantage

While Rider, a Berserker-class Servant, is a formidable warrior with numerous strengths, his loss can be attributed, in part, to class advantages. Saber, as a Servant of the Saber class, is often considered superior in combat due to their balanced stats and skills. While Rider's army (the Ionian Hetairoi) is strong, it lacks the destructive power and direct combat efficacy of Saber's Noble Phantasm, Excalibur, which showcases its overwhelming power.

Noble Phantasm and Direct Confrontation

The duel begins with both Characters utilizing their Noble Phantasms. Rider's Ionian Hetairoi summons his army, but this tactic is insufficient in countering Saber's powerful Noble Phantasm, Excalibur. In the direct confrontation, Excalibur's destructive capability far surpasses the Ionian Hetairoi, highlighting the disparity in their respective Noble Phantasms.

Tactics and Strategy

Rider is renowned for his battlefield tactics and charisma. However, in this particular encounter, Saber's determination and her unwavering commitment to her ideals give her an advantage. Saber's resolve to protect and uphold her ideals as a king drives her to fight with unyielding intensity, contrasting with Rider's strategic approach. This emotional and mental fortitude provides Saber with an edge in the battle, despite the tactical advantages Rider might have possessed.

Emotional Stakes

The battle is deeply influenced by the emotional stakes for both characters. Saber fights not only for herself but also to uphold her ideals as a king, while Rider is motivated by proving his strength and honoring the legacy of his conquests. This emotional investment intensifies the combat, making each fight more than just a physical battle but also a symbol of belief and valor.

Additional Factors Contributing to Rider's Loss

While Rider is a formidable warrior, his defeat is further exacerbated by several additional factors. Firstly, the reckless bet he made to close the distance and attack Saber highlights his desperation. This bet was to potentially save Saber and add her power to his army, but it required him to be at his absolute best. However, as a result of Waver EIF's inadequacies, both as a master and a mage, Rider was not able to utilize his full potential.

Waver's lack of skill as a mage and his incomplete understanding of Rider's abilities led to Rider being overexerted. He could not use his trump card, the Ionian Hetairoi, to its full extent. Additionally, Waver's lack of strategic foresight and ability to manage Rider's mana meant that Rider was not at his best. Rider's reliance on the Ionian Hetairoi in particular further underlined the importance of having sufficient mana to support such powerful strategies.

Furthermore, Rider's fear of failure, specifically the potential harm Waver might suffer if he lost, contributed to his not going all-in, ironically ensuring his defeat. This strategic hesitation, driven by concern for Waver, was a significant factor in Rider's downfall.

Ultimately, while Rider is a powerful warrior, the combination of class advantages, the effectiveness of Excalibur, and Saber's unwavering dedication to her beliefs propelled her to victory in this critical battle.

Keywords: Fate/Zero, Saber, Rider, Holy Grail War, Heroic Spirits