The Ultimate Guide to Mobile Suit Gundam Timelines: Unraveling the Top 10 Universes

Gundam, an anime franchise that has been releasing series for over four decades, is recognized as one of the largest in the industry. It has evolved from a series with multiple storylines to a vast universe encompassing various timelines and alternate realities. The immense popularity of Gundam has made it a significant part of Japanese culture.

Given the numerous Gundam series available, newcomers often find it challenging to decide where to begin their journey. Each timeline possesses unique characteristics and storytelling elements that may cater to different preferences. Below, we present the top Mobile Suit Gundam timelines, excluding spin-off series such as Gundam Build Fighters.

10 Advanced Generation

Mobile Suit Gundam AGE is set in the Advanced Generation timeline, where the tranquility of space is disrupted by an enemy known as the Unknown Enemy. Their attack on the colony Angel marks the beginning of a catastrophic event known as the One Hundred Years War.

The narrative of Gundam AGE revolves around the Asuno family, who experience the ongoing turmoil and strife caused by the One Hundred Years War. The storyline bears resemblance to the progression found in JoJo's Bizarre Adventure. A unique feature of this timeline is the presence of X-Rounders, individuals who possess the ability to tap into an untapped realm of their brains, resulting in heightened spatial awareness and the capacity to foresee the future.

9 After War

After War is the setting of the events in After War Gundam X. Following a devastating war that resulted in a nuclear winter and the loss of 99% of the human population, the remaining survivors on Earth strive to sustain themselves in any way possible.

What makes the After War timeline captivating is its inclusion of Newtypes, a concept typically associated with the Universal Century. After War Gundam X offers a glimpse into a post-apocalyptic portrayal of the Gundam universe, encompassing not grand clashes between powerful empires, but rather the struggles of small factions fighting for survival in a decimated world.

8 Ad Stella

Ad Stella is a fresh addition to the Gundam universe, serving as the backdrop for The Witch from Mercury. In this timeline, corporations hold sway over space, where the focus lies on economic control rather than outright warfare.

However, peace remains elusive as the underprivileged Earthians fiercely resist the privileged Spacians. Though political manipulations and clandestine dealings take center stage, in contrast to the traditional mecha battles adored by Gundam enthusiasts, this era remains turbulent with conflict.

7 Cosmic Era

The Cosmic Era serves as the backdrop for the popular Mobile Suit Gundam SEED and SEED Destiny series, distinguished as the sole Gundam timeline alongside the Universal Century to feature multiple TV series. This timeline revolves around the turmoil arising from the presence of Coordinators—humans who possess enhanced abilities and talents due to genetic manipulation.

Drawing much inspiration from the Universal Century, the Cosmic Era shares numerous characters and storylines with its predecessor. However, the SEED series diverges significantly, incorporating its own unique elements that set it apart from its influences.

6 Post-Disaster

The Post-Disaster era marks the period in Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans. This era commenced after the conclusion of a devastating event known as the Calamity War, during which mankind confronted an army of independent Mobile Armors controlled by artificial intelligence.

Around three centuries following the Calamity War, Gjallarhorn, an organization known for its authoritative control over society, dominates. In response, Tekkadan, a private security firm established by orphaned child soldiers, emerges as a resistance force.

5 Future Century

Mobile Fighter G Gundam is set in the Future Century, breaking away from the traditional Universal Century timeline found in previous Gundam series. This installment distinguishes itself with a distinct tone, emphasizing intense action and exaggerated elements, in contrast to the realism and cynicism of the Universal Century storylines.

The central focus of G Gundam is the Gundam Fight, a competition in which each nation selects a representative to pilot a Mobile Fighter and engage in battles against opponents from other nations. The victorious nation claims leadership over Earth and its colonies for a period of four years.

4 Anno Domini

Mobile Suit Gundam 00 stands out from other Gundam series as it is set in the future, several hundred years from now, within the timeline of our real world. In this future, the Earth is plagued by constant warfare caused by three dominant factions, each controlling a different region of the planet.

However, a paramilitary organization called Celestial Being disrupts the deadlock by launching attacks on the three factions. Their objective is to intervene in all military actions until a lasting peace agreement is reached among the factions. The ongoing conflict between the factions, along with the presence of Celestial Being, serves as the main backdrop for the storyline of this series.

3 After Colony/Mars Century

After Colony, the timeline in which Mobile Suit Gundam Wing is set, is considered the third most developed timeline, following the Cosmic Era and the Universal Century. In this timeline, the colonies suffer under the oppressive rule of OZ, a military organization. To combat OZ and secure independence for the colonies, five scientists create Gundams and send young soldiers to Earth to fight against them.

What sets After Colony apart is its unique conclusion in the Gundam Wing novel, Frozen Teardrop, where the era transitions to the Mars Century. Gundam Wing holds a significant position as one of the most beloved Gundam series, and fans are encouraged to explore its plentiful supplementary material.

2 Correct Century

Set in the distant future, Turn A Gundam is set in the Correct Century, a period that marks the final destination of several Gundam timelines that existed prior to its inception. This captivating world depicts the aftermath of civilization's demise, leading humans to seek refuge on the Moon until the Earth recovered from its devastating wars. The central conflict revolves around the Moonrace and the humans born on Earth after the departure of humanity.

1 Universal Century

The Universal Century, the very first and most prominent Gundam timeline, showcases the ongoing conflict between the Federation, which represents Earth's inhabitants, and Zeon, which represents those residing in space.

With numerous Gundam TV series, movies, OVAs, and more, the Universal Century is a treasure trove of captivating content. What sets it apart is its continuous exploration of new narratives, making it an indispensable experience for any Gundam enthusiast.