The Mobile Suit Gundam series, unlike what most people might expect, are not connected to each other. There are movies, shorts, and series that might have taken place in the same timeline but they are not all related. So, in this guide, we explain and differentiate all of Mobile Suit Gundam’s timelines.
So far, there are 11 timelines in the Gundam franchise. We've compiled them all to explain what happened in each timeline and help viewers understand more about the mecha anime.
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Universal Century
The original Mobile Suit Gundam takes place in the Universal Century, hence it is considered the most dominant timeline.
The Universal Century is considered the rise of the Earth Federation as well as its conflict with other interstellar colonial secessionists.
This is where One Year One took place wherein the Principality of Zeon and Earth were usurped by the emergence of the Zabi family.
Some of the notable movies and series that happened in this timeline are Mobile Suit Gundam: Hathaway, Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn, and Mobile Suit Gundam Narrative.
Future Century
It is considered the first alternative timeline but only one show followed it, which is Mobile Fighter G Gundam.
The timeline is set in a future wherein humanity decided to leave Earth and focus on space colonies.
People were divided, and conflict was addressed through a Gundam Fight or a combat tournament to decide who would become the ruler of Earth’s remnants.
After Colony
This timeline is known for its iconic Gundam Wing series. Some viewers consider it similar to the Universal Century except for the fact that it focuses on the struggles of the United Earth Sphere Alliance and space colonies.
The colonies decided to create Gundams, which were used by five young men. Their mission is to infiltrate Earth to give the colonies the freedom they want.
After War
Another alternative timeline is After War. It has parallels to the Universal Century even if it is not connected to it.
Fans should note that despite After War not being related to the Universal Century, it follows Newtype, which is from the original timeline.
The only series that took place in this timeline is After War Gundam X.
Correct Century
This is another alternate timeline that is known to be more tied to the Universal Century.
The Correct Century is set 1000 years after the Dark History. It focuses on the remaining humans on Earth who tried to rebuild their society.
Only Turn A Gundam took place in this timeline.
Cosmic Era
The Cosmic Era is set in the 21st century and has various series based on it.
In this timeline, Earth experienced various environmental and economic disasters due to a nuclear conflict. There are also interstellar conflicts between Earth and its colonies.
Series such as Mobile Suit Gundam SEED, Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Astray, Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny, and Mobile Suit Gundam SEED C.E. 73: STARGAZER all take place in this timeline.
Anno Domini
This timeline follows the Gregorian Calendar and is set in the 24th century. In this timeline, post-fossil-fuel citizens have three major power blocks to gain unlimited solar power systems.
Meanwhile, there are smaller countries that got deprived of this resource and thus experience poverty and wars.
Mobile Suit Gundam 00 and Mobile Suit Gundam 00: A Wakening of the Trailblazer are set in this timeline.
Advanced Generation
The One Hundred Years' War, wherein humans migrated to space colonies, takes place in this timeline.
Abandoned colonies went rogue and decided to attack Earth, triggering a new war. The development of Gundams was then considered the last option for survival.
The movies and series that take place in this timeline are Mobile Suit Gundam AGE and Mobile Suit Gundam AGE: Memory of Eden.
Regild Century
Another alternative timeline is the Regild Century, which is connected to the Universal Century and the Correct Century.
The Regild Century happened 500 years after Turn A Gundam.
In this timeline, citizens are rebuilding society based on a space elevator that can carry energy resources to Earth. Gundam Reconguista in G is set in this timeline.
Post-Disaster
This is the timeline where Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans takes place.
It is set three centuries after the Calamity War when Earth decided to colonize Mars. This plan, however, triggered a conflict between Earth’s militaries and the PMC of child soldiers.
Ad Stella
Ad Stella is the most recent Gundam timeline based on the most recent anime, The Witch from Mercury, which was released in October 2022.
The timeline centers on humankind’s travel to the stars when the military decided to subdue the creation of mobile suits.
It also stars the very first female Gundam lead in Suletta Mercury.
Which Mobile Suit Gundam timeline is your favorite? Join the conversation with us on X (formerly Twitter) @epicstreamanime!
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