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Gundam Build Divers
Cover of the first volume of the DVD release
ガンダムビルドダイバーズ
(Gandamu Birudo Daibāzu)
GenreMecha, action, science fiction
Created byHajime Yatate
Yoshiyuki Tomino
Original net animation
Gundam Build Divers: Prologue
Directed byShinya Watada
Written byNoboru Kimura
Music byHideakira Kimura
StudioSunrise
Licensed by
ReleasedFebruary 2, 2018
Runtime24 minutes
Anime television series
Directed byShinya Watada
Written byNoboru Kimura
Music byHideakira Kimura
StudioSunrise
Licensed by
Original networkTXN (TV Tokyo, TVO)
Original run April 3, 2018 – September 25, 2018
Episodes25 (List of episodes)
Manga
Gundam Build Divers Break
Written byRyōji Sekinishi
Illustrated byShiitake Gensui
Harakazu Hiro
Takayuki Yanase
Published byKadokawa Shoten
MagazineGundam Ace
Original runJune 2018 – October 2019
Volumes2
Light novel
Gundam Build Divers GIMM & BALL's World Challenge
Written byYuichi Nomura
Illustrated byJunya Ishigaki
NAOKI
Published byASCII Media Works
MagazineDengeki Hobby Magazine
Original runJune 2018 – April 2019
Related
icon Anime and manga portal

Gundam Build Divers (Japanese: ガンダムビルドダイバーズ, Hepburn: Gandamu Birudo Daibāzu). often abbreviated as GBD. is a Japanese science fiction anime television series produced by Sunrise, a spiritual successor to the 2013 anime Gundam Build Fighters, based on the long-running Gundam franchise. It is directed by Shinya Watada (Gundam Build Fighters Try) and written by Noboru Kimura (SoltyRei, Dragonar Academy) with character designs by Juri Toida. It was first teased in December 2017 under the title "Gundam Build Next Battle Project" until its official reveal in The Gundam Base Tokyo on February 2, 2018. It premiered on all TXN network stations in Japan on April 3, 2018.[1] Unlike the previous series, which focuses on the Gundam model (Gunpla) aspect of the franchise, Gundam Build Divers focuses on a virtual reality massively multiplayer online game in terms of themes and battles.[2]

A sequel series, Gundam Build Divers Re:Rise, was announced on November 21, 2018, and was released in October 2019 as part of the 40th-anniversary celebration of the Gundam franchise. Shinya Watada is returning to direct the series at Sunrise Beyond, with Yasuyuki Muto as scriptwriter, Shuri Toida as character designer, and Hideakira Kimura as music composer.[3]

A prologue original net animation was aired by Sunrise on February 2, 2018, while two sidestories began serialization in June 2018 on both Gundam Ace and Dengeki Hobby Magazine respectively.

Plot

[edit]

In the near future, where the Gundam franchise is at its peak and the popularity of Gunpla is soaring to new heights, a new virtual reality massively multiplayer online game (VRMMO) game called Gunpla Battle Nexus Online (GBN) is made. In Gunpla Battle Nexus Online, players can upload themselves and their Gunpla online through the virtual space and battle with players from across the world. In the game itself, the player assumes the role of a Gunpla Diver, and each year a special tournament called "Gunpla Force Battle Tournament" is held to prove who is the best Gunpla Diver. The story revolves around Riku Mikami, a 14-year-old junior high school student and an admirer of famous Gunpla Diver Kyoya Kujo. He and his friends Yukio and Momoka love Gunpla and play GBN together. However, his own life changes as he meets a mysterious female Diver named Sarah as strange events take place in the GBN with the appearance of Mass-Divers. Now guided by his new allies, he forms their first Gunpla Diver group, embarking on epic adventures with his friends and to see who is the best fighter in the GBN world which would soon bring unforeseen forces to Gunpla.[4]

Characters

[edit]

Build Divers

[edit]
Riku Mikami (ミカミ・リク, Mikami Riku) / Riku (リク)
Voiced by: Yūsuke Kobayashi[5] (Japanese), Erik Scott Kimerer (English)[6]
Leader of the Force "Build Divers" (ビルドダイバーズ, Birudo Daibāzu), he is a 14-year-old middle school student who looks to follow in the footsteps of his idol, Gunpla Battle champion Kyoya Kujo, however he didn't know he ended up following similar footsteps to one of the champion's force's best members. Riku's Gunpla is the GN-0000DVR Gundam 00 Diver, later upgraded to the GN-0000DVR/A Gundam 00 Diver Ace. After the Diver Ace is destroyed in a battle with Tsukasa, Riku rebuilds it from scratch into the GN-0000DVR/S Gundam 00 Sky.
Yukio Hidaka (ヒダカ・ユキオ, Hidaka Yukio) / Yukki (ユッキー, Yukkī)
Voiced by: Natsumi Fujiwara[5] (Japanese); Erica Mendez (English)[6]
Riku's classmate and best friend. He is a fan of Gundam and has extensive knowledge of the franchise. His Gunpla is the RGM-86RBM GM III Beam Master and later, the RGM-89BM Jegan Blast Master.
Momoka Yashiro (ヤシロ・モモカ, Yashiro Momoka) / Momo (モモ)
Voiced by: Nene Hieda[5] (Japanese); Cassandra Lee Morris (English)[6]
Riku and Yukio's classmate and a member of the girls' soccer club. She tries to drag Riku and Yukio to the soccer club at first, but ends up getting interested in GBN instead. After piloting a rented Kapool during the first time she logged into GBN, she was inspired by it to create her own Gunpla, the PEN-01M Momokapool.
Sarah (サラ, Sara)
Voiced by: Haruka Terui[5] (Japanese); Kayli Mills (English)[6]
A mysterious girl Riku and Yukki meet on their first day in GBN. Despite being part of the Build Divers, she has no Gunpla and usually rides with Riku. She was revealed by the AI system to be an "EL-Diver", an electronic lifeform created by the Gunpla's feelings and emotions through GBN's cyberspace. The proof was made when the AI system discovered she has no human identity. Her mind and data are later transferred to a real Gunpla, the HER-SELF Mobile Doll Sarah, which is capable of interacting with others and roams around in the real world as well as logging in as a regular GBN user. Later on it is revealed that she is NOT the first EL-Diver to exist nor the only one, especially not an only child and her appearance's colors embodied a legacy.
Koichi Nanase (ナナセ・コウイチ, Nanase Kōichi) / KO-1 (コーイチ, Kōichi)
Voiced by: Atsushi Tamaru[5] (Japanese); Kyle McCarley (English)[6]
A veteran Gunpla builder who builds rental units for The Gundam Base Tokyo. Formerly nicknamed "K-1" (ケイワン, Kei Wan), Koichi was ranked third in the Japanese Gunpla Championship and eighth in the World Tournament, but when Gunpla Battle evolved from the physical-based GP Duel (GPD) to GBN, his Gunpla team quit the hobby, leaving him in a state of depression for four years. When Koichi sees Riku and his friends rebuilding all of his old Gunpla, he agrees to join the Build Divers, piloting the RMS-117G11 Galbaldy Rebake. At the same time, he gets a job at The Gundam Base Tokyo.
Aya Fujisawa (フジサワ・アヤ, Fujisawa Aya) / Ayame (アヤメ)
Voiced by: Manami Numakura[5] (Japanese); Cherami Leigh (English)[6]
A high schooler and a female diver dressed as a kunoichi, she is tasked by Tsukasa to keep an eye on Riku and his friends, but eventually grows fond of them, becoming part of the team for good. She pilots the RX-零 RX-Zeromaru, an SD Gunpla that is accompanied by a remote-controlled armored eagle, the Armed Armor Hattori. Both can combine into the stronger "Real Mode". In the battle against Avalon and the Second Coalition of Volunteers, she upgraded her Gunpla into the RX-零/覚醒 RX-Zeromaru (Shinki Kessho).
Nanami Nanase (ナナセ・ナナミ, Nanase Nanami) / Nami (ナミ)
Voiced by: Kanae Itō[5] (Japanese); Reba Buhr (English)[6]
An employee of The Gundam Base Tokyo who is Koichi's younger sister and a friend of Riku and Yukki. She also grows tomatoes on the mall's roof garden and later joins the Build Divers in GBN as a support member.

GBN Users

[edit]
Kyoya Kisugi (キスギ・キョウヤ, Kisugi Kyōya) / Kyoya Kujo (クジョウ・キョウヤ, Kujō Kyōya)
Voiced by: Jun Kasama[5] (Japanese); Mark Whitten (English)[6]
Leader of "Team Avalon" (チームアヴァロン, Chīmu Avaron) and the highest-ranked Gunpla Diver. Following his championship match against Rommel, Kyoya goes undercover in the GBN world to investigate the presence of "Mass-Divers" (マスダイバー, Masu Daibā), players who use illegal software to upgrade their Gunpla and cause bugs in the game. His Gunpla is the AGE-IIMG Gundam AGEII Magnum. In the real world, his hair color is brown.
Rommel (ロンメル, Ronmeru)
Voiced by: Shō Hayami[5] (Japanese); Patrick Seitz (English)[6]
Leader of the "7th Panzer Division" (第七機甲師団, Dai Nana Kikōshidan), the second highest-ranked Gunpla Diver, GBN's top strategist, and Kyoya's arch-rival. Despite their rivalry they are still very good friends. His avatar in the GBN world has the form of an ermine. His Gunpla is the GH-001RB Grimoire Red Beret.
Magee (マギー, Magī)
Voiced by: Taishi Murata[5] (Japanese); Doug Erholtz (English)[6]
A flamboyant Diver and leader of "Adam's Apple" (アダムの林檎, Adamu no Ringo) who becomes Riku and Yukki's navigator and mentor in GBN. Magee is 23rd overall in the GBN world ranking. His Gunpla is the ZGMF-X20A-LP Gundam Love Phantom. He tends to talk in an exaggerated effeminate fashion called "Onee-kotoba" (older-sister-speech), even in the real world.
Do-ji (ドージ, Dōji)
Voiced by: Yoshitsugu Matsuoka[5] (Japanese); Derek Stephen Prince (English)[7]
Ogre's younger brother who bullies rookie Divers for their points in GBN. On Riku and Yukki's first day Do-ji tricks them into exiting the training stage into Free Battle Mode so he can destroy their Gunpla, but despite damaging Yukki's GM III Beam Master, he loses to Riku's Gundam 00 Diver. His Gunpla is the xvt-mmc Geara Ghirarga. He later apologizes to all Build Diver members because of his shameful actions, including bullying rookie Divers and the usage of the Break Decal. He was later mentioned by Yukki, wanting to introduce himself in the real world but was busy on other matters.
Hellfire Ogre (獄炎のオーガ, Gokuen no Ōga)
Voiced by: Wataru Hatano[5] (Japanese); Greg Chun (English)[6]
Leader of "Hyakki" (百鬼), who is determined to defeat Kyoya to become the new world champion, and Riku's arch-rival. His Gunpla is the GNX-803OG Ogre GN-X and later, the RX-78GP02R Gundam GP-Rase-Two.
Kotaro Ogami (オオガミ・コタロー, Ōgami Kotarō) / Tigerwolf (タイガーウルフ, Taigāurufu)
Voiced by: Junichi Suwabe[5] (Japanese); Kaiji Tang (English)[6]
Leader of "Torabuyru" (虎武龍) and an acquaintance of Magee, his GBN world avatar is in the form of a anthropomorphic wolf. Tigerwolf trains Riku and Yukki in honing their skills as Divers. His Gunpla is the XXXG-01S2龍虎狼 Gundam Jiyan Altron. After hearing Sarah is an electronic lifeform, he became a freelance diver and teamed up with the Build Divers. His human identity is similar to that of a fitness trainer.
Ruck Arge (リュック・アルジェ, Ryukku Aruje) / Shahryar (シャフリヤール, Shafuriyāru)
Voiced by: Ryōta Ōsaka[5] (Japanese); Todd Haberkorn (English)[6]
Leader of "Simurgh" (シームルグ, Shīmurugu) and a veteran Diver, who is among the top two Gunpla builders in GBN. Shahryar is very passionate about Gunpla, struggling to find love within a kit's construction, build quality, and presentation. His Gunpla is the GN-1001N Seravee Gundam Scheherazade. His human identity is of a wealthy foreigner, much to everyone's shock, except Magee.
Rose (ローズ, Rōzu)
Voiced by: Mariko Higashiuchi[5] (Japanese); Tamara Ryan (English)[6]
A member of Force Hyakki. A female Diver who pilots the Jagd Doga Thorn, her strength has been recognized by Ogre himself.

Other characters

[edit]
Tsukasa Shiba (シバ・ツカサ, Shiba Tsukasa)
Voiced by: Taku Yashiro[5] (Japanese); Khoi Dao (English)[6]
Once a member of Koichi's GPD club, he loathes GBN not only because it replaces GPD, but according to him, GBN does not have the thrills of a true battle, with players fighting at the risk of getting their Gunpla damaged or even destroyed. Thus he started distributing the "Break Decals", illegal programs that boost a Gunpla's capabilities, but creates several bugs in the GBN system, with the intention of destroying it. He later joins forces with Koichi in his plan to make use of a Break Decal to save Sarah without running the risk of breaking GBN, known as a Build Decal. His Gunpla is the MBF-PNN Gundam Astray No-Name. Despite successfully saving Sarah, he is still avoiding loose ends away from Kyoya, Magee, Kotaro and Ruck Arge because of his past actions.
Kanari (ナスターシャ, Nasutāsha)
Voiced by: Kanako Sakuragi (Japanese); Faye Mata (English)[7]
Game Master (ゲームマスター, Gēmumasutā) / Katsuragi (カツラギ, Katsuragi)
Voiced by: Eiji Takemoto (Japanese); Armen Taylor (English)[6]
The administrator of the GBN who oversees its functioning. His avatar is based on a SD Gundam Force character Gundiver.
Miss Tori (ミス・トーリ, Misu Tōri)
Voiced by: Mai Nakahara (Japanese); Ryan Bartley (English)[6]
The developer and creator of the GBN. Her avatar is based on the Crystal Phoenix from SD Sengokuden Densetsu no Daishogun.

Production

[edit]

The series was first teased after the airing of the 5th episode of Gundam Build Fighters: Battlogue in December 2017, with the working title "Gundam Build Next Battle Project"[8] On the official press conference held in The Gundam Base Tokyo in Japan reveals the series after the prologue ONA is streamed. Though Gunpla battles is the main aspect of the series, virtual reality and massively multiplayer online game games with will be part of series's theme in terms of the series's storyline and also the theme surrounding Gunpla Battle Nexus Online. Alongside the reveal, several character designs were revealed for both the prologue ONA and the anime as well as the main mechas of the series.[4] Staff members from Gundam Build Fighters also returned to produce the anime, with some of the mecha are designed by Kunio Okawara, Kanetake Ebikawa, Junya Ishigaki, Ippei Gyobu, Kenji Teraoka, Shinya Terashima, Takayuki Yanase, and Naohiro Washio. Mecha battles in the series are directed by Masami Obari alongside animators Shinya Kusumegi and Sakiko Uda.[9]

Media

[edit]

Anime

[edit]

The anime premiered on all TXN network stations in Japan on April 3, 2018,[10] replacing Idol Time PriPara on its initial timeslot. The opening and ending themes from Episodes 1-13 are "Diver's High" is by Sky-Hi and "Ashita e" (明日へ; lit. "To Tomorrow") is by Iris in Japanese while the opening and ending themes from Episodes 14-25 are "Infinity" by SWANKY DANK and "Start Dash" by Spira Spica.[10] The series' music is composed by Hideakira Kimura. A prologue ONA titled Gundam Build Divers Prologue was first streamed at The Gundam Base Tokyo on February 2, 2018, and later released on YouTube on the same date. The series is also streamed at Sunrise's "GundamInfo" channel on YouTube with subtitles in English, among other languages. In 2018, Sunrise had Bang Zoom Entertainment to produce an English dub for the series.[11] The series was later streamed on Funimation's FunimationNow streaming service in North America on March 28, 2019.[12]

A sequel, titled Gundam Build Divers Re:Rise premiered in October 2019 on Sunrise's new "Gundam Channel" on YouTube.[13] Most of the staff members returned to reprise their roles.

No.TitleOriginal release date
0"Prologue"
Transliteration: "Purorōgu" (Japanese: プロローグ)		February 2, 2018 (2018-02-02)

At the 14th Gunpla Force Tournament Finals, Team Avalon and the 7th Panzer Division engage in a 10-on-10 team battle where the first Force to take out the opposing Force's Flag MS wins. Team Avalon enters the asteroid base and split up to look for the 7th Panzer Division's Flag MS. Kyoy a engages Rommel and Kurt in one side of the asteroid, but his Gundam AGEII Magnum is pinned against the wall by Kurt's suicide attack. Karuna and Emilia battle a Bawoo elsewhere and discover that both halves of the enemy MS are piloted separately, making them realize there is one more enemy out there than expected. A massive beam attack from a Big Gun destroys Kurt's Geara Doga and heavily damages the Gundam AGEII Magnum, but Kyoya uses the last of his strength to battle Rommel. Before Kyoya and Rommel finish each other off, Karuna and Emilia eliminate a Zudah that is the 7th Panzer Division's actual Flag MS, giving Team Avalon the victory.

(Chronologically this takes place in between episodes 2 and 3)
1"Welcome to GBN"April 3, 2018 (2018-04-03)
After watching a Gunpla battle, Riku and Yukio decide to become Gunpla fighters, with Riku deciding to build a 00 Gundam while Yukio picks a GM III. With their Gunpla built, the two log into the Gundam Battle Nexus where they are met by Magee, one of the top ranked Gunpla fighters who also works as a Navigator to assist new players. Magee guides Riku and Yukio through a tutorial battle where they learn to control their Gunpla. After the tutorial, Riku receives a distress call and goes to investigate, finding a mysterious, unconscious girl who apparently has no memories of what happened to her. They also encounter another player named Do-ji, who tricks Riku into entering a Free Battle with him. Thanks to help from Yukio and encouragement from the girl, Riku is able to defeat Do-ji and win his very first Gunpla battle. However, the girl disappears when the boys reunite with Magee. Despite the rough first experience, both Riku and Yukio become even more excited about Gunpla battles. Little did Riku know he made a connection to his idol because of that girl that he and Yukio helped.
2"Chaotic Ogre"
Transliteration: "Hyakki Ōga" (Japanese: 百鬼オーガ)		April 10, 2018 (2018-04-10)
Riku and Yukio dive for another GBN session to test the Gundam 00 Diver's Trans-Am capabilities. There, they exchange friend requests with Sarah, the girl they met in the previous session, and discover she does not have a registered Gunpla. They take a Collect mission where they can roam freely around the world map and collect fire-weed flowers for Magee. As Riku engages Trans-Am mode, the Gundam malfunctions, and Sarah begs him not to engage the system again. They made it to the fire-weed garden and take a memorial photo of their first mission, unaware at the time that a certain couple had been there looking for inspiration for gunpla building a few years prior. While roaming around the forest, they encounter Do-ji and Hellfire Ogre before the latter is challenged to a Gunpla Battle by another Force. Riku winds up in the battle while protecting Yukio and Sarah, and he and Ogre defeat the opposing Force's Dom Test Type units before Ogre challenges Riku to a Trans-Am duel. The Gundam 00 Diver's GN Drives explode and the Ogre GN-X prepares the killing blow, but Sarah intervenes. Ogre decides to spare Riku and he and Do-ji retreat. Back at the hangar, Riku promises to Sara that he will never use Trans-Am again until he is strong enough to properly control it. Upon exiting GBN, Riku and Yukio see Momoka, who had followed them, being forced by Nanami to try out different costumes at The Gundam Base.
3"The Protector"
Transliteration: "Mamoru Mono" (Japanese: 守る者)		April 17, 2018 (2018-04-17)
Momoka joins Riku and Yukio on their next GBN session, only to discover her guest avatar as a pink Haro. Riku and Yukio take a Serial Mission to try out their new upgrades before they are joined by a masked man named Kyoya. They manage to clear the first three phases of the mission, but as they prepare for the phase 4 boss, they encounter a trio of Mass-Divers piloting Jegans. Just as both Forces engage in battle, the Devil Gundam makes a sudden appearance and destroys the Jegans. Kyoya uses his Gundam AGE 2 Dark Hound to shield Sarah and Momoka from the Devil Gundam's beam cannon, revealing himself as GBN Champion Kyoya Kujo. With the help of Riku and Yukio, Kyoya destroys the Devil Gundam to clear the mission. Kyoya explains to Riku and his friends that he was investigating the presence of Mass-Divers in low-rank missions, resulting in bugs in the game. He then exchanges friend requests with them so they can help him protect the GBN world. Originally Kyoya planned to due the mission with a friend who couldn't make it, who has yet to be revealed.
4"Tigerwolf of the Sacred Mountain"
Transliteration: "Reizan no Korō" (Japanese: 霊山の虎狼)		April 24, 2018 (2018-04-24)
Momoka rents a Kapool kit for her first GBN session. To improve their Gunpla building skills, Riku and his friends venture to the Estonia Area to meet the Torabuyru and its leader known as Tigerwolf. After some coercing by Momo and Sarah, Tigerwolf agrees to train Riku and Yukki into assimilating themselves into their Divers, mastering their building skills, and differentiating the virtual world from reality. During their training, Tigerwolf is challenged by the bounty hunter Daniel of Desperado and his Tequila Gundam. When Tigerwolf is injured during the attack, Riku and Yukki challenge Daniel, but are overwhelmed by his higher skill level. Tigerwolf re-emerges in his Gundam Jiyan Altron and swiftly defeats the bounty hunter. After the battle, he explains to Riku and Yukki that they must reach Rank C to unlock special skills and they should learn to develop their own special attacks. Riku continues to modify his Gundam 00 Diver while a mysterious pair observe him in the game.
5"Holy Land of Perisia"
Transliteration: "Seichi Perishia" (Japanese: 聖地・ペリシア)		May 1, 2018 (2018-05-01)
Riku and his friends venture to the city of Perisia, where Gunpla builders display their prized works and exchange techniques with other Divers. Upon their arrival, they learn of the presence of Shahryar, a top Gunpla builder in GBN. A group of Mass-Divers arrive in the city, pretending to be Shahryar, but a masked female Diver named Ayame quickly calls them out as imposters attempting to steal customization techniques from other Divers. Later, Riku and his friends spot the imposters' Xamdrag leaving the city with an unconscious Ayame. As they did not bring their Gunpla local builder lends them his Ptolemaios to go after the Mass-Divers. While Momo and Sarah rescue Ayame, Riku and Yukki defeat the poorly built Xamdrag with the Ptolemaios, but the Xamdrag transforms into a Gundam-type suit. The builder arrives and reveals himself as the real Shahryar before using his Seravee Gundam Scheherazade to destroy the Mass-Divers' Gunpla. After the battle, Shahryar offers Riku and his friends to join his Force, but Tigerwolf urges them to join Toraburyu instead. As he wants to find his own style and strength, Riku declines both offers and decides to form his own Force with Yukki, Momo, and Sarah. Riku was unaware at the time that eventually a part of Shahryar would become part of his force that he was about to make.
6"Past and Future"
Transliteration: "Kako to Mirai" (Japanese: 過去と未来)		May 8, 2018 (2018-05-08)
Shahryar suggests for Riku to scout for an experienced Diver to join his Force, starting with the person who build Momo's rental Kapool. Riku, Yukki, and Momo visit Nanami's brother Koichi Nanase and invite him to join their Force, but he declines their invitation, as he has retired from Gunpla Battle. They learn from Nanami that Koichi retired four years ago during the time GBN evolved from the physical based GP Duel (GPD), when his teammates left him and he fell into a state of depression. Upon hearing from Riku that Shahryar still praises him, Koichi enters GBN to learn more about Riku and his Force. Meanwhile, Riku, Yukki, and Momo activate an old GPD machine in The Gundam Base's storage room and watch Koichi's team's battle footage. Nanami drags Koichi into the store to show that Riku and his friends are repairing all of his old Gunpla, which brings him in tears. He agrees to join their Force as long as they use their own Gunpla. In GBN, Riku experiences a problem registering his Force because Koichi is still a Rank F user; thus, the Force changes its focus to raise Koichi's rank to D for them to become official.
7"Force Battle"
Transliteration: "Fōsu Sen" (Japanese: フォース戦)		May 15, 2018 (2018-05-15)
After helping Koichi reach Rank D, Riku successfully registers his "Build Divers" Force. Riku and Yukki select a 5-on-5 elimination Event Battle for their Force's debut. To prepare for the battle, Riku fabricates a new backpack for his Gundam 00 Diver using The Gundam Base Factory Zone's injection molding machine while Koichi helps Momoka build her Gunpla from scratch. After Ayame is added to the roster, the Force discusses strategies for the battle. On the day of the Event Battle, the Build Divers meet Rommel, who introduces new members of the 7th Panzer Division as their opponents. Using the element of surprise, the Build Divers outsmart and defeat their opponents, much to Rommel's dismay, unaware that a certain young boy was watching them from faraway. The Build Divers earn Rommel's respect and promise a rematch in the near future. Riku gives Sarah a pendant for saving him during his encounter with Ogre before the Build Divers take a group photo.
8"Festival!"
Transliteration: "Fesu!" (Japanese: フェス!)		May 22, 2018 (2018-05-22)
Following their triumphant debut, the Build Divers receive a flood of challenge requests from other Forces. Before they can act, however, Magee tells them to join the Force Festival and participate in its different contests. The Build Divers attend the Beargguy Festival, despite Ayame showing no interest in it. There, they meet Kanari and Stea of the Archangels, an all-girl Force. Later, the Build Divers and the Archangels participate in the "Beargguy Quest" mission, where they search for clues to win a limited edition Mushagguy. Riku follows Ayame to the next major clue, only to be attacked by Stea, who engages Break Decal on her Gaia Gundam and causes bugs to occur within the festival. Riku confronts Stea and convinces her to disengage Break Decal, restoring the festival back to normal. Elsewhere, Do-ji meets up with Tsukasa in a back alley.
9"Return of the Ogre"
Transliteration: "Ōga Futatabi" (Japanese: オーガ再び)		May 29, 2018 (2018-05-29)
The Build Divers are given their first monthly Battle-Random mission, and their opponents are Hyakki, led by Ogre. Despite Yukki's doubts about a rematch with Ogre, Riku proceeds with the mission to test all of the skills the Force has learned from their first encounter with Ogre. However, Riku insists on keeping his promise to Sarah to not use Trans-Am. During the battle, Do-ji deviates from Hyakki's strategy and charges towards Riku, only to be defeated in hand-to-hand combat. Ogre arrives to challenge Riku, but Do-ji activates Break Decal on his Geara Ghirarga and interferes with the duel, much to Ogre's dismay. Seeing that Do-ji no longer has control of his Gunpla, Riku and Ogre team up and use the Geara Ghirarga's weapons against it to stop the Break Decal phenomenon before Ogre orders his Force to withdraw from the battle. Despite using Break Decal, Do-ji is reminded by his teammates why Ogre included him in Hyakki. Elsewhere, Kyoya and Rommel investigate the destruction of the 7th Panzer Division at the hands of Mass-Divers.
10"Coalition of Volunteers"
Transliteration: "Yūji Rengō" (Japanese: 有志連合)		June 5, 2018 (2018-06-05)
When Kyoya learns from the Game Master that the GBN administration cannot do anything about the Mass-Diver incidents due to a lack of evidence, he invites several Forces into Avalon's Force Nest and proposes to establish a Coalition of Volunteers, with the intent to identify the mastermind behind the distribution of Break Decals. Rommel warns all volunteers that the Break Decals now have regenerative abilities, which is how the Mass-Divers wiped out his Force. One volunteer meets up with Tsukasa, who has already learned about the covert mission and forces the volunteer to log out. Riku is informed that Hyakki declined the invitation and placed themselves on a self-imposed suspension due to Do-ji's use of a Break Decal, but Ogre had recommended the Build Divers to participate. Kyoya has a beginners' server sealed off for the Coalition to flush out the Mass-Divers. Despite sustaining heavy casualties, the Coalition storms through the satellite base. Kyoya falls into a trap and confronts a Providence Gundam while Riku and Ayame follow Sarah's instincts and head for Tsukasa's location, only for Ayame to reveal herself as one of the Mass-Divers.
11"Ayame's Tears"
Transliteration: "Ayame no Namida" (Japanese: アヤメの涙)		June 12, 2018 (2018-06-12)
Ayame reveals why she is working for Tsukasa, and Riku attempts to dissuade her. Meanwhile, the vicious battle between the Coalition and the Mass Divers continues.
12"Shining Wings"
Transliteration: "Hikaru Tsubasa" (Japanese: 光る翼)		June 19, 2018 (2018-06-19)
Riku and the others finally corner Tsukasa, who summons a massive Gunpla whose Break Decal spreads critical failures across all GBN. When all hope is about to be lost, Riku and Sarah join together to power up the 00 Diver Ace and create a miracle.
13"Duel"
Transliteration: "Dyueru -Kettō-" (Japanese: デュエル‐決闘‐)		June 26, 2018 (2018-06-26)
The Mass Divers' incident is solved, but Tsukasa challenges Riku for a one on one match in the real world. In the occasion, Riku's beliefs clash with Tsukasa's, as he feels the thrill and despair of fighting with his own Gunpla in the line.
14"A New Power"
Transliteration: "Atarashī Chikara" (Japanese: 新しい力)		July 3, 2018 (2018-07-03)
The 00 Diver Ace was destroyed in the battle with Tsukasa, but Riku decides to take into heart what he learned so far to rebuild it into an even more powerful Gunpla.
15"Lotus Challenge"
Transliteration: "Rōtasu Charenji" (Japanese: ロータス・チャレンジ)		July 10, 2018 (2018-07-10)
The Build Divers take a challenge that not even the best forces in GBN succeeded in completing. In the occasion, Riku displays the true power of his new Gunpla, the Gundam 00 Sky.
16"Friends Reunited"
Transliteration: "Saikai, Tomo yo" (Japanese: 再会、友よ)		July 17, 2018 (2018-07-17)
With the prize money from the Lotus Challenge, the Build Divers agree to buy an island to make it their new base, but another force is also interested to buy the island and they decide to settle the matter with a battle. In the occasion, Ayame reunites with some old friends of hers.
17"Joint Front"
Transliteration: "Kyōdō Sensen" (Japanese: 共同戦線)		July 31, 2018 (2018-07-31)
Yukki feels that with Riku's rapid progress he is lagging behind, and by Magee's suggestion, he participates in a special challenge to improve himself. In the occasion, he meets Do-ji, who is having similar issues, and both decide to take the challenge together.
18"A Man's Will"
Transliteration: "Otoko no Iji" (Japanese: 男の意地)		August 7, 2018 (2018-08-07)
A special tournament is held by Torabuyru with Tigerwolf inviting Riku for a match to measure their abilities.
19"Nadeshiko-athlon"
Transliteration: "Nadeshikoasuron" (Japanese: ナデシコアスロン)		August 14, 2018 (2018-08-14)
A special girls-only event is held in GBN, and Nanami decides to enter GBN for the first time in order to participate on it.
20"The Truth"
Transliteration: "Shinjitsu" (Japanese: 真実)		August 21, 2018 (2018-08-21)
Nanami joins the Build Divers and they engage in several activities together, until the GBN administration discovers that Sarah is unwillingly causing the recent bugs that is threatening the system. Meanwhile, the creator of GBN contacts the Build Divers and reveal the secret behind Sarah's origin.
21"Your Feelings"
Transliteration: "Kimi no Omoi" (Japanese: 君の想い)		August 28, 2018 (2018-08-28)
GBN's entire populace is chasing after Sarah, giving the threat her existence is to the entire system. While looking for her, Riku is attacked by Ogre, who is determined to have a showdown with him at any cost. At the real world, Koichi comes with a plan to save both Sarah and the GBN, and asks for Tsukasa's help with it.
22"Devoted Heart"
Transliteration: "Chikau Kokoro" (Japanese: 誓う心)		September 4, 2018 (2018-09-04)
The Build Divers have a plan to transfer Sarah's data to the real world while ensuring the safety of GBN, but it has a low chance of success and thus Kyoya and the rest of the Second Coalition refuse to cooperate. Kyoya asking Sarah what she wants and shocked at her choice silently and nearly crying leaves the room she is being kept in, hiding a tragic truth from her. To settle the impasse, the Build Divers and their allies accept to have a battle with the Coalition to decide Sarah and the GBN's fate.
23"The Fateful Two"
Transliteration: "Shukumei no Futari" (Japanese: 宿命の二人)		September 11, 2018 (2018-09-11)
The decisive battle between Build Divers and the Second Coalition of Volunteers begins, while Riku and Momo attempt to sneak by the enemy's defenses to reach Sarah, the others confront the enemy forces. In the occasion, Tigerwolf and Shahryar face off in combat, and after the victor is decided, they agree to help the Build Divers together, but they are easily defeated by Kyoya, who challenges Riku for a duel.
24"Decisive Battle"
Transliteration: "Kessen" (Japanese: 決戦)		September 18, 2018 (2018-09-18)
The Build Divers are almost losing the battle against the Coalition when Ogre and his force appear to help them. Riku and Ogre then join forces to confront Kyoya and rescue Sarah. Breaking past Kyoya, with Ogre's help Riku is about to claim Sarah as she is rushing to him crying out, but then a large cloud of dust blows over the damaged 00 Sky, which becomes falling light and as Riku ejects and catches Sarah claiming rightful victory, the GM gives them their victory, thinking the light is their light of posiblity that can eluminate the future, a pun from MS Gundam 00! However that was no such light, and as Riku's company head to a capital to use the Build Decal program to save Sarah, something is in their way!
25"A New World"
Transliteration: "Atarashī Sekai" (Japanese: 新しい世界)		September 25, 2018 (2018-09-25)
The Build Divers are about to transfer Sarah to the real world when the GBN system goes haywire, creating massive enemies that threaten the entire system. The Coalition and the GBN administrators then join forces with Build Divers and their friends to defeat them. After the battle, Sarah is at last sent to a Gunpla-like body in the real world, where she enjoys her new life with Riku and his friends. But true victory does not come without sacrifice, and their happy ending came at a price......which they have yet to find out and will have to rebuild.

Manga

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A sidestory Manga titled Gundam Build Divers Break (Japanese: ガンダムビルドダイバーズ ブレイク, Hepburn: Gandamu Birudo Daibāzu Bureiku) began serialization in Kadokawa Shoten's monthly Gundam Ace Magazine in June 2018 to October 2019.[14] The Manga was illustrated by Shiitake Gensui (Go to Helln) and written by Ryōji Sekinishi with mecha designs from Takayuki Yanase.

Video games

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One of the series's Mobile Suits, Gundam AGE II Magnum appeared in the 2018 PlayStation 4 game New Gundam Breaker.[15][16]

Merchandise

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Part of the series's merchandise was released under Bandai's long running Gunpla line of scale models and sub-collectible line such as Robot Spirits figures.

See also

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Gundam Build Divers

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Gundam Build Divers is a Japanese television series in the , produced by Sunrise and aired from April 3 to September 25, 2018, consisting of 25 episodes broadcast on . The series is set in the Gunpla Battle Nexus Online (GBN), where players known as Divers customize and battle using plastic model kits of Mobile Suits from the universe. The story follows middle school students Riku Mikami, a passionate enthusiast, and his friends Yukio Hidaka and Momoka Yashiro, who enter GBN together and form a team called Build Divers. They encounter the enigmatic Diver Sarah, who possesses a unique sensitivity to , and become involved in missions against disruptive Mass-Divers using illegal modifications. Key characters include champion Diver Kyoya Kujo and various forces competing in diverse missions, emphasizing themes of friendship, strategy, and the joy of building and battling with . Directed by Shinya Watada with series composition by Noboru Kimura, the anime features original character designs by Kazuhiro Hara and mechanical designs by contributors such as Kanetake Ebikawa. It expands the Gundam Build series, following and , by integrating online multiplayer elements into the Gunpla battle concept originally created by and . A sequel, Gundam Build Divers Re:RISE, aired in 2019–2020, continuing the GBN storyline with new protagonists.

Background and Premise

Franchise Context

The Gundam Build series represents a spin-off sub-franchise within the expansive Mobile Suit Gundam universe, originating with Gundam Build Fighters, which premiered on October 7, 2013, on TV Tokyo in Japan. This installment shifted the focus from traditional mecha warfare narratives to the real-world hobby of Gunpla—plastic model kits depicting Gundam mobile suits—portraying competitive battles between assembled models as an international sport. Powered by a fictional energy source known as Plavsky particles, these battles animate the Gunpla in physical arenas, emphasizing themes of craftsmanship, strategy, and rivalry among builders and pilots. Building on this foundation, followed as a direct sequel, premiering on October 8, 2014, and introducing a new generation of characters while expanding the tournament format and Gunpla innovations. The series culminated in Gundam Build Divers, announced on February 2, 2018, and premiering on April 3, 2018, which diverged significantly by incorporating virtual reality massively multiplayer online (VRMMO) elements through the game's central hub, Gunpla Battle Nexus Online (GBN). In GBN, players don VR devices to immerse themselves digitally, customizing and piloting avatars in expansive virtual worlds, thus evolving the franchise from tangible, real-world competitions to simulated, online immersion. At its core, the Build series integrates the cultural phenomenon of the hobby, which launched in 1980 alongside the original anime and has since amassed over 700 million units sold globally as of September 2020, with cumulative shipments exceeding 800 million units as of November 2024, cultivating a vibrant community centered on model assembly, customization, and display. This real-life enthusiasm, sparked by Bandai's initial kits and sustained through decades of releases, inspired the anime's narratives, transforming passive viewership into active participation by encouraging fans to engage with the hobby as depicted in the stories.

Core Concept and Setting

Gunpla Battle Nexus Online (GBN) is a (VRMMO) set in a near-future world where players, known as Divers, immerse themselves in simulated battles using digital avatars of their custom-built models. Players access GBN by entering specialized log-in pods that scan and digitize their physical , allowing them to pilot these in expansive virtual environments. The core appeal lies in the customization and combat mechanics, where Divers engage in strategic fights that mirror the assembly and tactical depth of real building, fostering a community-driven experience of exploration and rivalry. Within GBN, gameplay revolves around team-based structures called Forces, enabling players to form squads for collaborative missions, alongside solo treks for individual challenges. Mission types vary from standard Team Battles, which emphasize group coordination in arena-style combat, to more narrative-driven operations in dynamic virtual zones. However, the system is vulnerable to illegal modifications, such as Break Decals employed by rogue players termed Mass-Divers, who exploit hacks to disrupt servers and gain unfair advantages, prompting in-game coalitions to maintain balance. A pivotal lore element in GBN is the emergence of EL-Divers, autonomous electronic lifeforms spontaneously generated within the game's , distinct from human players. Exemplified by entities like , the first identified EL-Diver, these AI inhabitants possess innate affinities for and contribute to the narrative by influencing game events and player interactions, raising questions about the boundaries between and . The GBN administration has acknowledged their existence as a factor in occasional system anomalies, integrating them into the game's evolving framework. The setting of GBN encompasses a rich tapestry of virtual worlds drawn from the broader universe, including recreations of space colonies for zero-gravity skirmishes, terrestrial battlefields mimicking environments, and fantastical realms blending sci-fi with alternate lore interpretations. These diverse areas allow for varied mission objectives, from defensive operations in orbital stations to exploratory treks across hybrid landscapes, enhancing the immersive quality of combat while tying into established franchise motifs of warfare and human ingenuity.

Storyline

Plot Overview

Gundam Build Divers follows Riku Mikami, a middle school student and avid Gunpla enthusiast, as he immerses himself in the virtual world of Gunpla Battle Nexus Online (GBN), a massively multiplayer online game where players pilot customized Gunpla models in battles and missions. Eager to experience the thrill of Gunpla combat, Riku, using the avatar name "Riku," assembles a team called the Build Divers, recruiting his real-life friend Yukio Hidaka (avatar "Yukki") and the energetic Momoka Yashiro (avatar "Momo") to join him in various game missions, including participation in the Gunpla Force Battle Tournament. The team starts with modest beginnings, tackling beginner challenges and gradually building their skills and camaraderie within GBN's diverse battlefields. As the Build Divers progress, they encounter Sarah, a enigmatic female Diver with an extraordinary affinity for that allows her to intuitively understand and enhance models. Joining forces with Sarah, the team uncovers deeper layers of GBN, including the discovery of EL-Divers—sentient entities born within the game's AI from players' emotions—and face threats from Mass-Divers using illegal modifications that disrupt the game. Early missions also involve battling AI enemies like the One-eyes. Through a series of missions, the group grows stronger, forging alliances and overcoming obstacles that test their teamwork and resolve, all while navigating the game's hidden secrets. The narrative builds toward a climactic confrontation in the Avalon Force Nest, the concealed base of the elite Avalon team, where the Build Divers must rally to protect its fragile balance from encroaching dangers. The original series consists of 25 episodes, preceded by a prologue original net animation (ONA), and aired from April 3 to September 25, 2018, on and affiliated networks in .

Key Arcs and Themes

The storyline of Gundam Build Divers unfolds across three primary arcs, each building on the framework of Battle Nexus Online (GBN) to advance the protagonists' journey. The initial arc focuses on formation, as Riku Mikami and Yukio Hidaka assemble the Build Divers alongside Momoka Yashiro, embarking on introductory missions that introduce GBN's and challenges. These early adventures primarily target Mass-Divers, groups of players who exploit illegal "break decals" to overpower legitimate participants and disrupt mission objectives, highlighting the game's competitive ecosystem. Subsequent developments shift to the second arc, where the team encounters , a enigmatic diver with unparalleled intuitive affinity for . This meeting unveils the concept of EL-Divers—autonomously generated digital entities within GBN possessing human-like awareness—and prompts deeper investigations into their origins, vulnerabilities, and potential impact on the platform's inhabitants. The narrative culminates in the third arc amid high-stakes confrontations in the Force Nest, a specialized GBN hub and base for the Avalon team, where the Build Divers initially ally with the Coalition of Volunteers and other elite teams against Mass-Divers, but later clash with the Coalition over the fate of the EL-Diver . These escalating conflicts resolve overarching threats to GBN's integrity, such as systemic instability caused by unchecked digital anomalies like EL-Divers and player misconduct. Throughout these arcs, the series explores the blurring of virtual and real life, particularly through EL-Divers like , whose emergent sentience challenges perceptions of artificial existence and fosters emotional bonds that transcend the . Central to the experience is the joy of customization, portrayed as a creative outlet where players iteratively refine their models—such as Riku's RX-Zero-Gundam 00 DIVER—to adapt to diverse battle scenarios, emphasizing ingenuity and personal investment in the hobby. The consequences of form a cautionary thread, illustrated by Mass-Divers' deployment of prohibited enhancements, which not only unbalances gameplay but invites administrative interventions like account suspensions and broader server risks. These elements interconnect with longstanding motifs of war and humanity, reframing combat as a for interpersonal strife and ethical dilemmas in simulated environments, where virtual warfare underscores themes of , , and the human spark in machine-mediated interactions.

Characters

Protagonists and Build Divers Team

The protagonists of Gundam Build Divers are a group of students who form the core of the Build Divers team, a novice force in the Gunpla Battle Nexus Online (GBN) that evolves through shared challenges and battles. Led by the enthusiastic Riku Mikami, the team begins as inexperienced players drawn into GBN's vast , relying on their real-world friendships and growing skills to navigate team-based missions and tournaments. Their dynamics emphasize collaboration, with each member contributing unique strengths—Yukio's technical expertise, Momoka's spirited energy, and later additions like the intuitive —transforming them from casual divers into a cohesive unit capable of competing at higher levels. Riku Mikami, a 14-year-old student attending a coastal city school, serves as the team's energetic leader and primary pilot. Known for his agility and quick reflexes that allow him to excel in physical activities and adapt swiftly in battles, Riku initially lacks a deep passion for but becomes inspired after witnessing a high-stakes GBN match by the renowned diver Kyoya Kujo. His real-life school routine involves balancing studies with budding interests, but GBN experiences ignite his enthusiasm, driving him to assemble his debut , the GN-0000DVR 00 Diver—a custom model based on the GN-0000 00 , featuring GN Drives for high-mobility swordplay and beam rifle combat suited to his aggressive, frontline style. Through iterative battles, Riku's growth arc centers on discovering genuine joy in building and piloting, evolving from a solo enthusiast to a strategic team captain who customizes further variants like enhanced 00-series models to support group tactics. Yukio Hidaka, Riku's classmate and best friend (Diver name: Yukki), acts as the team's strategic builder and reliable support pilot. A quiet and reserved individual in real life, Yukio possesses an of the franchise, often surpassing adults in technical details, which he applies to meticulous construction. His school life revolves around quiet hobbies like watching series, but GBN pushes him to apply his expertise in dynamic scenarios, fostering confidence beyond theory. Yukio pilots the RGM-86RBM GM III Beam Master, a customized RGM-86R GM III equipped with multiple beam weapons, including sabers and rifles, for versatile mid-range suppression and defensive roles that complement Riku's advances. His personal development involves transitioning from a behind-the-scenes builder to an active combatant, learning to trust his instincts in team fights and refining designs to enhance group synergy. Momoka Yashiro (Diver name: Momo), another classmate of Riku and Yukio, brings assertiveness and optimism to the team as a diver recruited into GBN. A member of the girls' soccer club in real life, she embodies a bold personality where she firmly believes "cuteness equals justice," often prioritizing aesthetic appeal in her activities and builds. Initially skeptical of , Momoka joins after curiosity draws her to Riku's dives, using her energetic nature to boost team morale during missions. Her signature is the PEN-01M Momokapool, a penguin-themed customization of the AMX-109 Kapool heat hawk fighter, featuring adorable rounded armor, mini Kapools for swarm attacks, and heat-based melee for that blend whimsy with surprising agility. Momoka's growth ties to reconciling her love for cute designs with practical battle needs, evolving from a hesitant participant to a key offensive asset whose contributions solidify the team's playful yet effective dynamic. The Build Divers team expands with , a mysterious GBN resident who joins after encountering Riku's group, adding intuition and emotional depth without piloting her own —instead, she often rides as a support observer, sensing the "souls" embedded in models to guide strategies. Formed initially by Riku and Yukio as a casual duo, the team recruits Momoka for her fresh perspective and integrates during critical missions, progressing from novice log-in battles to championship-level force operations. This evolution highlights their collective growth: Riku's leadership matures through coordinating diverse playstyles, Yukio's knowledge translates to innovative customs, Momoka's flair enhances team versatility, and shared GBN trials—such as mission failures and victories—strengthen bonds, turning them into recognized champions who prioritize mutual support over individual glory.

Supporting GBN Users and Antagonists

Koichi Nanase, known in GBN as KO-1, serves as a mentor figure to newer Divers, drawing from his past as a skilled builder who competed in the World Tournament before retiring due to an incident and joining the GBN administration staff. He pilots the Galbaldy Rebake, emphasizing tactical support in battles. Kyoya Kujo (Diver name: Kyoya), a high and reigning champion of GBN, leads the elite force and pilots advanced custom like the ASW-G-29 Airmaster Sunriser, known for his strategic prowess and cool demeanor that inspires protagonists like Riku. Aya Fujisawa (Diver name: Ayame), the Game Master of GBN and administrator, oversees the platform's operations and occasionally participates as a powerful ally with her custom , providing guidance and resolving system issues. GBN features diverse user archetypes, including professional Divers who compete in high-stakes tournaments and rankings, often customizing advanced for optimized performance, and casual players who engage in missions for leisure or social interaction without intense competition. These users' motivations range from skill-building and team formation in Forces to exploring virtual missions, with selections varying from standard models for beginners to heavily modified units for veterans. Antagonists within GBN include Mass-Divers, a group of players who disrupt the game by employing illegal tools known as Break Decals to artificially enhance their 's stats and performance. These users exploit system vulnerabilities, leading to widespread bugs and conflicts that threaten the platform's integrity.

Production

Development and Announcement

The Build Next Battle Project was first teased in 2017 at The Gundam Base Tokyo, hinting at an upcoming expansion in the franchise focused on virtual battles. This tease built anticipation for a new entry in the series, aligning with Namco's ongoing efforts to drive model kit sales through anime tie-ins that showcase customizable mobile suits in competitive settings. The official announcement came on February 2, 2018, during a at The Gundam Base Tokyo, where Sunrise revealed the project as the TV Gundam Build Divers. Accompanying the reveal was the release of a 14-minute original net animation (ONA), which introduced the core concept of Gunpla Battle Nexus Online (GBN), a platform for battling with assembled , and featured early character designs and mecha visuals like the protagonist's Core Gundam. The series was scheduled for a spring premiere on April 3, 2018, on , with production handled by Sunrise to capitalize on the franchise's momentum leading into its 40th anniversary celebrations in 2019. Bandai Namco's involvement extended beyond production, as the project was designed to boost engagement by integrating real-world model kits directly into the storyline, with early announcements highlighting upcoming HGBD (High Grade Build Divers) kits based on the anime's custom mobile suits. Initial showcased during the reveal emphasized diverse player avatars and hybrid designs, reflecting the series' theme of community-driven battles in a digital realm. The creative staff, led by director Shinya Watada and series composer Noboru Kimura, was also unveiled at the event to guide the .

Creative Staff and Animation

The 2018 anime adaptation of Gundam Build Divers was directed by Shinya Watada, who previously helmed Gundam Build Fighters Try and brought his experience in action-oriented mecha sequences to emphasize dynamic virtual reality battles within the Gunpla Battle Nexus Online (GBN) setting. The series composition and scripting were handled by Noboru Kimura, known for his work on titles like SoltyRei and Dragonar Academy, ensuring a narrative that balanced team dynamics, personal growth, and escalating challenges in the game's diverse missions. Character designs were crafted by Juri Toida, adapting original concepts by Kazuhiro Hara to create youthful, expressive protagonists suited to the middle-school protagonists' adventures, with a focus on relatable expressions during high-stakes diversions. Mechanical designs were contributed by a team including Kunio Okawara, Kanetake Ebikawa, Junya Ishigaki, and Ippei Gyoubu. Production was led by Sunrise, the longstanding studio behind the Gundam franchise (rebranded as in 2021), in collaboration with animation support from Studio Naya, resulting in a 25-episode series with each installment running approximately 25 minutes. The animation style blended traditional 2D cel animation for character movements and emotional scenes—allowing fluid facial expressions and interpersonal interactions—with 3D CGI for the battles, enabling intricate model assemblies, explosive combat choreography, and immersive virtual environments that highlighted the tactile joy of building and battling customizable mobile suits. This hybrid approach, a staple in the Build series, prioritized spectacle in GBN sequences while maintaining a hand-drawn feel for non-combat moments to ground the story in everyday youth experiences. The musical score was composed by Hideakira Kimura, incorporating energetic electronic tracks to underscore the thrill of diving into GBN and pulse-pounding orchestral swells during team clashes, with opening themes performed by SKY-HI ("Diver's High") for the first half and SWANKY DANK ("Where You Are") for the latter, alongside endings by Iris ("Ashita e") and Spira Spica ("Start Dash!!"). Voice acting featured a talented ensemble, with Yusuke Kobayashi providing the energetic and optimistic portrayal of protagonist Riku Mikami, capturing his passion for Gunpla and unyielding determination in battles. Other key roles included Junya Enoki as the strategic Yukio Hidaka and Haruka Terui as the cheerful Sarah, contributing to lively group dynamics; the recording process followed standard Japanese anime practices, with sessions emphasizing synchronized emotional delivery for virtual team interactions, though no major production challenges were publicly noted beyond typical scheduling for a seasonal broadcast.

Media Releases

Anime Installments

The Gundam Build Divers anime franchise consists of several installments produced by Sunrise, focusing on virtual reality Gunpla battles within the Gunpla Battle Nexus Online (GBN) system. The original series premiered with a prologue original net animation (ONA) titled Gundam Build Divers Prologue, a 14-minute episode streamed on February 2, 2018, via the official Gundam YouTube channel and at The Gundam Base Tokyo, introducing the annual Gunpla Force Battle Tournament and key mechanics of GBN. This was followed by the main television series Gundam Build Divers, which aired 25 episodes from April 3, 2018, to September 25, 2018, on and other networks, following students Riku Mikami, Yukio Hidaka, and their team as they navigate GBN adventures. The series emphasized themes of friendship, competition, and customization in a multiplayer online environment, with episodes structured around team battles and system explorations. The direct sequel, Gundam Build Divers Re:Rise, shifted to new protagonists including Hiroto Kuga, a skilled high school Diver with the Core Gundam, alongside Kazami Shido and May Olwen, set two years after the original in an evolved GBN. It comprises two seasons totaling 26 episodes: the first season of 13 episodes streamed from October 10, 2019, to December 26, 2019, and the second season of 13 episodes from April 9, 2020, to August 27, 2020, on platforms like GUNDAM.INFO, with production delays in the second season due to the . The narrative introduced interdimensional elements like the planet Eldora and EL-Divers, expanding on GBN's lore while retaining core battle action. In 2023, to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Gundam Build series, the ONA mini-series was released as a three-episode project exploring metaverse-themed battles in a new virtual platform. Episodes aired from October 6 to October 20, 2023, each approximately 24 minutes long, and streamed for free on the official .INFO YouTube channel, featuring characters like Rio Hojo and themes of emerging virtual realities beyond traditional GBN. As of November 2025, no major new installments, shorts, or specials have been released in the Build Divers continuity, though ongoing DLC in games like Breaker 4 continues to expand the continuity with new missions and customizations as of March 2025, though the franchise maintains ties through game DLC integrations like those in Gundam Breaker 4. The Gundam Build Divers franchise has expanded into print media primarily through manga spin-offs that explore side stories and alternate viewpoints within the Gunpla Battle Nexus Online (GBN) universe. The first notable adaptation is the Gundam Build Divers Break, written by Ryōji Sekinishi and illustrated by Shiitake Gensui, which was serialized in Kadokawa Shoten's magazine from June 2018 to August 2019. This series comprises two volumes and delves into hidden aspects of the original anime's narrative, focusing on mass-divers' experiences of admiration and conflict in GBN, including events before and after the protagonists' involvement. Unlike the anime's emphasis on the core Build Divers team, Break shifts perspective to secondary characters and broader community dynamics, such as the struggles of former champions like Koichi Nanase, providing deeper insight into their motivations and backstories. Following the sequel anime Gundam Build Divers Re:Rise, another manga adaptation titled Gundam Build Diver Rize—also penned by Sekinishi with Gensui's illustrations—ran from November 2019 to January 2021 in , spanning three volumes. This side story expands on events by centering on , an EL-Diver aspiring to become a Diver, and her interactions with a solo player named Tetsu, highlighting themes of digital existence and personal growth in Eldora. It offers alternate angles on Re:Rise's plot, such as enhanced explorations of EL-Divers' and alliances, which contrast with the 's focus on human protagonists' journeys. In addition to these print manga, the franchise features limited digital and web-based releases, including short comics and illustrative content hosted on the official .info platform to promote events and characters. These web releases, often tied to promotional tie-ins like the Builders World Cup, provide brief vignettes but do not constitute full serializations. As of 2025, no major novelizations have been produced for the Build Divers series, though minor epilogue short stories, such as those in Gundam Build Divers Re:Rise After Stories, offer supplementary prose narratives. Overall, these adaptations enrich the universe by emphasizing peripheral narratives and character depths not fully covered in the animated installments.

Video Games and Interactive Media

The Gundam Build Divers franchise extends into through integrations in the Gundam Breaker series and select mobile titles, enabling players to engage with its Gunpla battles in digital formats. These adaptations emphasize customization, multiplayer combat, and narrative crossovers, bridging the anime's Battle Nexus Online (GBN) concept with real gameplay mechanics. New Gundam Breaker (2018), developed by Bandai Namco for , incorporates Build Divers models, including the Gundam 00 Diver, allowing players to assemble and deploy them in team-based battles. The game further ties into the series via an in-game Customized Build Contest, where player-submitted designs were selected for inclusion in the Gundam Build Divers anime, fostering community-driven content creation. Gundam Breaker 4 (2024), also by Bandai Namco and available on multiple platforms including , , and PC, expands this integration through (DLC) packs featuring Build Divers characters, missions, and suits. Story Mission DLC 2, titled "Brave Dive" and released on October 31, 2024, serves as a sequel to the main storyline with additional Mobile Suits and narratives drawing from the Divers universe, such as the Mobile Doll Sarah in both doll and real forms. An early 2025 update introduced new builder's parts inspired by Divers customizations, enhancing assembly options. In mobile gaming, Build Divers elements appear in titles like : Gundam Try Age and : Battle Operation 2 through limited-time events and collaborations. Gundam Try Age features Build Divers-themed units, such as the Gundam Try Age Magnum, integrated into card-based battles that simulate GBN-style team diversions. Similarly, Battle Operation 2 hosts events with Divers-inspired suits, like the Evolve Zeta variant used by characters in green diver configurations, allowing online squad matches that echo the anime's multiplayer dynamics. Interactive (AR) experiences tie directly into Build Divers lore via official Gunpla scanning apps, where users capture physical models to simulate virtual battles akin to GBN entry procedures. These apps, demonstrated in real-world setups, enable AR overlays for customizing and testing Gunpla in mixed-reality environments, with brief references to in-game model scanning from the series.

Merchandise and Collectibles

The Gundam Build Divers series has inspired a range of official merchandise centered on Gunpla model kits, character figures, and ancillary products, primarily produced by . These items emphasize the customizable mecha designs featured in the , allowing fans to recreate in-game builds from the of Gunpla Battle Nexus Online (GBN). Gunpla releases for Gundam Build Divers include several High Grade (HG) 1/144 scale kits tied to key , such as the HG 1/144 00 Diver, which serves as the Riku Mikami's primary build and was released in March 2018 with compatibility for additional weapon parts from other HG lines. Another notable kit is the HG 1/144 Build Burning , a variant emphasizing poses with flame effect parts, reissued and available from 2018 onward to align with the series' themes of hybrid customization. For the sequel Gundam Build Divers Re:Rise, kits like the HG 1/144 Avalanche Rex Buster (released October 2019) offer transformation gimmicks into backpack and saber modes, supporting modular attachments with other HGBD:R series parts. Figure lines extend the collectibles to human characters and detailed mecha replicas. The Figure-rise Standard series includes the Diver Ayame kit, depicting the ninja-themed character with interchangeable faces, weapons, and a masked form for dynamic posing; a limited edition set with Petit'gguy accessories was released in February 2024 following a 2023 pre-order announcement. Robot Spirits action figures, known for high articulation, have incorporated Build Divers mecha such as variants of the 00 Diver with Trans-Am effects, enabling pose recreation of battle scenes. These figures complement by focusing on pilot-scale details and accessory interchangeability. Other merchandise encompasses trading cards and lifestyle items. The Card Game, which launched in July 2025, includes cards from various Gundam series, with some integrations possible for Build Divers elements through expansions. Apparel and accessories, such as GBN-branded keychains and clothing lines, are available through official stores, often bundled with kit purchases. The series contributed to a post-2018 surge in sales, with reporting increased demand for customizable HG kits amid the anime's promotion of virtual building culture; the franchise, including , achieved record sales of over 131 billion yen in FY2023, with contributing significantly, partly attributed to Build Divers' influence on younger demographics. To mark the franchise's 10th anniversary, 2023 saw special sets like the HG 1/144 OO Diver Arc from , a short ONA tying into Divers lore with enhanced effect parts for metaverse-themed displays.

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