Gundam Build Divers Re:Rise (ガンダムビルドダイバーズRe:RISE, Gandamu Birudo Daibāzu Re:Raizu) is a Japanese original net animation anime series produced by Sunrise Beyond. A sequel to the 2018 anime Gundam Build Divers, it is the first Gundam anime series to be released in the Reiwa period, released to celebrate the franchise's 40th anniversary. The series is directed by Shinya Watada and written by Yasuyuki Muto. Initially announced at the Gundam 40th anniversary video, the series aired on its Gundam Channel YouTube channel from October 10 to December 26, 2019. A TV airing of the ONA began on Tokyo MX and later in BS11 on October 12, 2019, as part of the Anime+ lineup. A second season aired from April 9 to August 27, 2020. Two spinoffs of the series were later serialized in Kadokawa's Gundam Ace magazine and Hobby Japan.
Synopsis[]
Two years have passed since the EL-Divers incident, and the popularity of the game Gunpla Battle Nexus Online (GBN) has continued to skyrocket. With the addition of exciting new features such as missions and story events, the GBN experience is more immersive than ever before. Amidst the player base, a user known as Hiroto Kuga has been gaining notoriety for his top-notch skills.
Through a series of coincidences, Hiroto meets three other players: the boastful Kazami Torimachi, the mysterious May, and the timid Parviz. Forming the "BUILD DiVERS," the unlikely group sets on a story mission rumored to carry bountiful in-game rewards. Together, the BUILD DiVERS must confront their own weaknesses as they join arms in a journey that may very well transcend the existence of GBN itself.
Published Books[]
A spinoff manga titled Gundam Build Diver Rize (ガンダムビルドダイバーリゼ, Gandamu Birudo Daibā Rize) began serialization in Kadokawa Shoten's monthly Gundam Ace Magazine in December 2019 and ended in March 2021. It was compiled into three volumes. Ryōji Sekinishi and Shiitake Gensui returned to write and illustrate the spinoff manga series with Takayuki Yanase providing the mecha designs.
| Volume | Manga Vol. 1
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Manga Vol. 2
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Manga Vol. 3
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| Cover |  |
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| Released Date | March 26, 2020 | August 25, 2020 | February 26, 2021 |
| ISBN | 978-4-04-109222-4 | 978-4-04-109891-2 | 978-4-04-111093-5 |
Production[]
The series was first teased back in the Gundam 40th Anniversary Beyond Press conference back on November 11, 2018. On July 5, 2019, Sunrise teased the new series in a preview during the 40th anniversary promotional video. and revealed the official title during the 2019 Japan Expo in Paris. Both Twitter and official websites also confirm the new series. In the official press conference held on July 31, 2019, Sunrise revealed more on the series's characters and mobile suits alongside the series's staff. It is the first Gundam series produced by Sunrise Beyond, an animation studio established after Xebec's closure in March 2019. The series's Original Net Animation format and its planned release for online viewing and streaming came from Sunrise Beyond's producer, Takuya Okamoto. He did stated that "The TV brand is still large, so there was some concern that the broadcast scale would decline, but there is a strong point in the Internet distribution that not only Japan but the entire world can be watched simultaneously." Despite the series's shift into online streaming, the show will still air on television through BS11.
Character[]
The diver's name is "Hiroto." He has a long history in GBN and is an excellent high school diver, both as a builder and a fighter. He uses an avatar that closely resembles his real appearance (with slightly longer hair than in reality) and his poncho-clad figure evokes a sense of being rootless. As a powerful player capable of adapting to various battle situations with his original unit, the Core Gundam, and its transformation system, the Planets System, he has a deep understanding of GBN's mechanics. He excels in mission planning, including enemy analysis, setting traps using the terrain, and creating simulations based on creative missions.
Diver Version
At one point, he was seen to be very dedicated, but at the start of the main story, he continues to play as a solo mercenary, logging in when he feels like it, casually participating in missions, and exploring mission dimensions in search of something after achieving the clear conditions, disregarding the rewards. He becomes somewhat interested in the information about a "new area" mentioned by Kazami, who invited him to a "hidden mission," and receives an unclear rescue request from a boy named Freddy, leading him to face an unknown mission that differs from the usual specifications.
In battles, his strategy often involves using surviving allies as bait to lure enemies into traps, prioritizing enemy force analysis over supporting allies—showing a strong solo mentality in his cold fighting style. As a result, Alex, a diver he saved, recognized that while Hiroto's skill is certain, he is not suited for team battles. Gojou from the force MU DISH, who served as an opponent in team battle drills, noticed his distrust of others and his tendency to handle potential problems alone without informing his teammates. Even when asked, "Why are you in a team?" he did not attempt to respond, highlighting his passive attitude.
From the way he designs his machine, it is clear that he adopts a design philosophy capable of responding to various situations, which could lead him to become more self-serving than anyone else in BUILD DiVERS. In fact, during the early missions, he often tried to take on troublesome tasks alone. This can be seen as an awkward expression of his nature to proactively act for others, and while there are moments when he tries to consider his teammates' intentions, his lack of skill leads him to not think of relying on them, and he will have to wait for the 4th mission to implement clear role assignments.
Regarding evasion patterns, it seems he has developed a habit of retaliating as quickly as possible, and there are similarities in his counterattack patterns against withdrawing or off-balance opponents, which has led to instances where he has had his rifle destroyed. Having had an experience of interacting with a girl named Eve, whom he met in the dimension shortly after assembling his Core Gundam, he feels resistance to treating GBN purely as a game system. In story missions with unclear details, he goes to great lengths to meet the clear conditions, sometimes clashing with Kazami, who prioritizes stage clearing above all.
He also holds the belief that Gunpla possesses something akin to emotions, and he awkwardly encourages Parvies, empathizing with her attachment to Gunpla, revealing a warm heart within him.
Real and Past[]
A 17-year-old high school student. He lives with his father Osamu, a screenwriter, and his mother Yuriko, making up a family of three. He has a close relationship with his childhood friend Hinata, with whom he shares a family bond. He has been fond of Gunpla battles since the GPD era, and with the end of GPD, he started participating in GBN. During his middle school years, he had won awards as a builder, and even now, he is asked by the familiar Matsumura store manager to create examples. Both of his parents are supportive of his GBN activities.
Real Life Version
While he always seems somewhat melancholy, he is calm and approachable, and his relationships with close people, such as his parents and Matsumura, are excellent. He was a cheerful boy who was always in the company of others, and among those who knew Hiroto back then, not just Hinata, some friends still cared about him. After a certain experience, he assembled the Core Gundam to explore the potential of small machines in GBN. While he was puzzled by the differences in sensation from GPD, he received advice from a diver named Eve, who approached him, allowing him to complete the adjustments to his machine (later, he mentioned that he might have left GBN on the first day if it weren't for her).
Since then, challenges in various missions, naming armor for transformation, joining forces, and so on, became important days for Hiroto alongside Eve. However, ultimately, he would end those days with Eve by his hand. During the Second Volunteer Union War, where most of GBN turned against a single diver, he participated as a member of the advanced force AVALON, capturing the enemy commander, Double O Sky, and bringing him to a situation where he could be shot down.
Hiroto struggled with intense conflict, feeling that he could only assist Eve, who chose to disappear while witnessing the Build Divers fighting to save the existence that Eve called "sister." Although he diverted his aim at the last moment, he ended up pulling the trigger, which led to him leaving AVALON and disappearing from GBN for a while. After his return, he transformed into a taciturn mercenary.
The strong sense of loss from not being able to do anything as he watched Eve disappear, combined with regret and emptiness from being driven by resentment towards Riku and the others, as well as disappointment in himself, cast a shadow over his heart even after two years. According to Hinata and Matsumura, they stopped seeing Hiroto smile from that point on. This influence also manifested as a complex reaction towards the name "Build Divers," which could be interpreted as hostility or remorse.
≪Spoiler... Season 1≫
Kazami, having obtained information about a "hidden mission," forcibly brought along Mei and Parvies, who happened to be present, resulting in a meeting of four people participating in a mission that differed in specifications from GBN's conventional missions. After achieving the destruction of enemy machines targeting the requester, Freddy, the four were recognized as a team by the system and were unexpectedly given the default team name "Build Divers."
Suspicious of the unknown specifications, the group speculated that it might be a pre-release of a "long-term story mission under development in GBN," as suggested by Parvies. Hiroto, wanting to explore Freddy's world, an unknown area, for his search, agreed to continue the mission. As a team, they would tackle the intermittently occurring missions while lacking balance.
In the 1st and 2nd missions, Hiroto fought hard as the key player due to his ingrained solo mentality, and while trust finally began to blossom within the team during the 3rd mission, they faced the anticipated underwater battle in the 4th mission. Under Par's suggestion, during the team Granada Blue's creation mission, they were thrown off by amphibious units, and underwater battle beginners Kazami and Par were easily outmatched.
Prioritizing mission clearance, Hiroto achieved the victory conditions with an underwater transformation unit, then proposed a solo underwater battle to reduce risks. Kazami and Par hesitated to agree, and Mei, questioning Hiroto's stance as a team member, could not offer an alternative as they faced the actual challenge.
However, confronted by the unexpectedly massive and defensively superior Eldorashi Blue, Mei, unable to contain herself, jumped in with her Wodom Pod and kicked Hiroto back to the ground. With Par's suggestion of "Can we draw the enemy to land and fight as a team?" and realizing his solo limits, Hiroto quickly devised a plan. The massive enemy was easily dispatched under Kazami's guidance, who surprisingly knew how to handle the catch. Hiroto expressed his apologies to the entire team, saying, "I should have asked for help sooner."
In the 5th mission, they failed to prevent artillery bombardment from satellite weapons. Despite the urgency of the immense damage suffered by the mountain people and the clear defeat, the situation itself did not even lead to a battle, causing BUILD DiVERS to feel doubts. To make matters worse, GBN's operations were halted due to unexplained radio interference in the real world, cutting off their means of communication.
Called by Mei, who had connections with GBN's management, Hiroto met Kazami and Patrick in real life and learned about the current state of diver Shido Masaki, who had fallen unconscious under similar circumstances. He was informed that the radio interference might also be a consequence of an attack from satellite weapons 30 light-years away. Faced with the absurd reality that the battles in the world Freddy called "Eldora" were actual experiences through GBN, and unable to respond to Mei's determination to return to Eldora, BUILD DiVERS became dispersed.
Concerned about his condition, Hiroto, reflecting on Hinata's words and the last wish entrusted to him by Eve, chose to be someone who could "do their best for someone else" to ensure he would never lose what he cherished again, and modified his beloved machine to Core Gundam II. He dived back into GBN, which had resumed operations. As BUILD DiVERS gathered with their resolve in the alley where it all began, an SOS from Freddy arrived. What awaited them was a life-and-death battle with no guarantee of returning.
"I will not repeat it anymore. I have lost something precious. That’s why I will not repeat it—this pain in my chest is real."
≪Spoiler... Season 2≫
What awaited Hiroto and the others upon their return to the land of Eldora was the Arus Earthly Gundam, a replica created by the artificial intelligence Arus, the leader of the Hitotsume, referencing the battle records of Hiroto stored in GBN.
Hiroto and his allies, supported by the holy beast Quadrun who once fought alongside Masaki against Arus, confront this threat. However, questioning Hiroto's inexplicable actions during the Second United Forces War, Arus refers to the Arus Earthly he created as "the perfect you" to ensure he captures his target. Hiroto, enraged by the sudden violation of memories he had never revealed, closes in on the Arus Earthly alone and defeats it.
He recalls meeting Eve in GBN after jumping in with the Core Gundam, and that they had created the Planets System together. He could do nothing but watch as she suddenly vanished. For the first time, Hiroto shares with his companions that, driven by chaotic emotions, he pulled the trigger against the Diver who was fighting for Eve's sister during the Second United Forces War.
The act of trying to close off the future of the EL Diver, not even for the sake of protecting the GBN that Eve loved, was the lowest betrayal of Eve's last wish: "Please continue to do your best for someone." Hiroto cries out in anguish before his friends, feeling unworthy of trying to help others after having done such a thing. Confessing his guilt about carrying the name "Build Divers," Freddy reassures Hiroto of his trust, expressing gratitude for being saved because Eve's wish lives on within Hiroto. Having finally accepted what Eve had passed on, Hiroto's expression softened somewhat.
In addition to responding to the Zeltzaam, which could move without regard for the constraints on the Eldora side, the urgent task of retrieving Masaki, whose body was nearing its limit, arose. Learning through Hinata that Masaki's condition was critical, Hiroto rushed to Eldora, sent off by a confused yet willing Hinata. He entrusted the preparations for Quadrun's return to Pal and, alongside Kazami and Mei, launched a mission to rescue Masaki.
As the influence of Arus's brainwashing weakened, Masaki, tormented by memories of trampling the people he should protect, even spoke of death for atonement. To alleviate the remorse that Quadrun would bear if he were to execute him, Hiroto, with Kazami's support, confronted Zeltzaam head-on and broke through, witnessing Masaki's return.
In preparation for the decisive battle against Arus, they sought means to escape the atmosphere to reach the satellite, while BUILD_DiVERS, with Maggie's help, became well-known throughout GBN and conducted a large-scale rehearsal battle. At the Lotus Challenge, where skilled players gathered, including Hiroto's old team AVALON and the now top-ranking Build Divers, they managed to break through after 40 attempts.
As each faced formidable opponents, Hiroto confronted the Gundam Double O Sky Mebius, marveling at Riku's adaptability while engaging in a closely matched duel. In the fierce battle with Riku, he regained the "joy of enjoying Gunpla" that he had lost when he tried to shoot Riku in the past. After completing the challenge, he finally conveyed the words he should have said to Riku and Sara, resolving any lingering feelings. He shook hands with Riku, wishing him good luck in the main mission, and promised to meet again with smiles for a rematch.
Since the rescue of Masaki in the real world, the relationship between Hinata, who has been sharing the general circumstances, has changed, and with Hinata wishing for Hiroto and the others' return, and Hiroto supporting Hinata's bow ritual, they have been encouraging each other. On the day of the decisive battle, BUILD DiVERS, having escaped the atmosphere under the guise of the resistance's diversion, approached the satellite carrying their trump card against Arus. With the support of Masaki and Quadrun, they successfully defeated named units one by one and dealt critical damage to the satellite cannon.
Provoking the still obstinate Arus, they lured him into GBN, cutting off his escape route on the Eldora side, and with the help of the divers gathered for the large-scale battle, they diminished the invading forces led by Arus, ultimately returning Arus himself to the sea of GBN data. Instead of eliminating the artificial intelligence that cannot complete its mission of protecting the star of the masters who will not return through destruction, they bet on regeneration in GBN, a place where electronic life forms can be born — this was the method chosen by Hiroto and the others to repay the role Arus had fulfilled long ago.
Later, Hiroto, who came to Eldora with Hinata in her diver look, introduced her to Freddy as "another comrade." In Eldora, where the threat has passed, reconstruction is gradually progressing, and BUILD DiVERS seems to be helping while going back and forth between the real world and Eldora. Although they do not talk about Eldora at home, Yuriko, who generally has a favorable view of GBN, and Osamu seemed to have sensed something from Hiroto's demeanor, with Osamu encouraging him from the perspective of a writer, saying, "Are you trying to save the world with Gunpla? Then you have to rise up."
It seems that after everything was over, Hiroto revealed the details, and the scene depicted Yuriko, who took it all in with a generous spirit, and Osamu, who was eager in front of the subject of a new work (likely notes about Eldora that Hiroto created).
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Abilities[]
"I won't let anyone take it anymore. I won't let you take it either!"
― Hiroto Kuga
Hiroto is a veteran diver, and a former ace member of the Force group Avalon, he uses the PFF-X7 Core Gundam as his main Gunpla, based on the RX-78-2 Gundam from the original Mobile Suit Gundam series. Its special armament system called the "core-change" gimmick and his first theme invented from that gimmick is the "Planets System". This allows the Core Gundam to be equipped with various types of armor and weapons, each for a different situation named after the eight planets, he can also use the Planets System (Limit Change):
- Earth Armor (PFF-X7/E3 Earthree Gundam): Core Gundam's default blue armor, focused on traditional all-around combat.
- Mars Armor (PFF-X7/M4 Marsfour Gundam): A red armor whose focus is on fragments of four styles of close combat, hence "Cross-Combat".
- Venus Armor (PFF-X7/V2 Veetwo Gundam): A green armor whose focus is commando style ranged and bombardment combat, additionally with option works.
- Mercury Armor (PFF-X7/M1 Mercuone Gundam): A navy armor whose focus is underwater combat.
- Jupiter Armor (PFF-X7/J5 Jupitive Gundam): A white armor whose focus is fast orbital combat.
- Uranus Armor (PFF-X7II/U7 Uraven Gundam): An indigo armor focused on reconnaissance and high-powered sniping.
- Saturn Armor (PFF-X7II/S6 Saturnix Gundam): An orange armor focused in demolition style close combat without beam weapons, originally developed to counter Gundam Frames.
- Neptune Armor (PFF-X7II/N8 Nepteight Gundam): An aqua-green armor equipped with a customized Volture Lumiere system similar to the one from Mobile Suit Gundam SEED C.E. 73: Stargazer, intended to be used for traveling through GBN's space in a short amount of time, but was used for launching into orbit instead of maneuvering in deep space. It is ultimately discarded in Eldora's orbit due to the strain of leaving Eldora's gravitational field.
- Pluto Armor (PFF-X7II+/P9 Plutine Gundam): Appearing only on Gundam Build Metaverse, the black colored armor is used for close combat and dueling purposes with its color scheme reminiscent of that of EcoPla.
Hiroto has keen hand-eye coordination skills. He has acute senses and can dodge most attacks and he also possesses refined judgment and can accurately assess what needs to be done to complete a mission. Hiroto later upgrades his Gunpla into the PFF-X7II Core Gundam II. This new Core Gundam can transform into the "Core Flyer", in a similar fashion to the original Gundam's FF-X7 Core Fighter for increased mobility and like its predecessor.
"There are no limits to the Planets System! Extra Limited Change!! Docking Go!!!"
― Hiroto Kuga
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DESCRIPTION
A new version of Hiroto's custom-built Core Gundam with improved overall performance, based on his combat experience on Eldora. As well as enhanced output and construction, it is newly equipped with transformation mechanisms that let it turn into a flight form called the Core Flyer.  w/ Core Defender  Core Flyer Mode The form of the Core Gundam II that appeared in the final episode of Gundam Build Divers Re:RISE. During the decisive battle with Arus, the form of Core Gundam II, which combined with other armors brought by Ken Matsumura, known as "Ken.B," used the Gunperry, after Arus Core Gundam stole Hiroto's Earth Armor.
The actual appearance is very limited, and since it defeated the enemy while merging, by the time the combination was complete, the opponent was already destroyed. After that, it was in a separate state, so its appearances were extremely few, but like Satanix (which also had few appearances), its impact was very significant. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 After that, it was in a separate state carrying the Core Gundam I, and rushed to Mei to rescue her from the damage inflicted by the final attack of the Aruscore Gundam fused with the ship Then, aiming the Beam Shoot Rifle U7 at the rampaging and howling Arus, it unleashed a strike filled with mercy and prayer for new rebirth alongside the Gundam Double O Sky Mebius, sinking it.
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| PLANETS System | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Like the original Core Gundam, the Core Gundam II can dock with parts carried on support mechas named after the planets of the Solar System through the PLANETS System to form various Gundams with different performances. Hiroto created this system to respond to any battlefield, environment, and circumstances. Even if the Core Gundam II is launched in one of its alternate forms, it can still summon a support mecha to switch from or for support. Besides the standard "Core Change", there is also a "Limited Change", that allows the Core Gundam II in one of its alternate forms to partially switch parts with those of a summoned support mecha. If an ally brings multiple of the system's support mechas, the "Extra Limited Change" (also known as "PLANETS System: Ex Limited Mode") can be executed and the Core Gundam II can dock with a mix of parts from all active support mechas, resulting in a unit like the Uraven Gundam (Final Battle Type).
Dummy Balloons — Stored in the hands, they are made to resemble the machine that equips them for disguise and distraction. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
TV Anime[]
The first season aired on Sunrise's Gundam Channel YouTube channel from October 10 to December 26, 2019, with Sunrise announcing a simulcast streaming on other platforms following with a TV airing on BS11 on October 12, 2019. A second season premiered on April 9, 2020. On April 27, 2020, it was announced that episodes from 19 onward would be delayed indefinitely due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. On June 25, 2020, it was announced that it would resume on July 9, 2020. Spira Spica performed the series' first opening theme song "Re:RISE", while PENGUIN RESEARCH performs the second opening theme song "Hatena". SudannaYuzuYully performed the series' first ending theme song "Magic Time" while Spira Spica performed the second and third ending songs "Twinkle" and "Heartful" (the last song is used in the ending of episode 20). The series's music is composed by Hidemura Kimura.
- Staff:
- Director: Shinya Watada
- Series Composition: Yasuyuki Mutō
- Script: Atsuo Ishino (eps 6, 11), Shogo Yasukawa (eps 5, 9), Tatsuto Higuchi (eps 4, 8, 13), Yasunori Yamada (eps 3, 7, 12), Yasuyuki Mutō (eps 1-2, 10)
- Storyboard: Atsushi Ōtsuki (eps 10, 13), Hiroshi Kobayashi (ep 7), Hiroyuki Oshima (ep 3), Iwao Teraoka (eps 5, 13), Ka Hee Im (ep 8), Masami Ōbari (OP; OP; ep 12), Naoki Kotani (eps 4, 11), Nobuyoshi Habara (ep 9), Shinya Watada (eps 1, 12), Shun Kudō (eps 6, 9, 12), Tetsuhito Saito (eps 7, 11), Tomo Ōkubo (eps 2, 6)
- Episode Director: Hiroyuki Oshima (ep 3), Ka Hee Im (ep 8), Naoki Kotani (eps 4, 11), Nobuyoshi Habara (ep 9), Rei Nakahara (ep 5), Satoshi Toba (ep 10), Shinya Watada (ep 1), Shun Kudō (ep 12), Tatsunari Oyano (ep 7), Tomo Ōkubo (eps 2, 6, 13)
- Unit Director: Masami Ōbari (OP)
- Music: Hideakira Kimura
- Original creator: Hajime Yatate, Yoshiyuki Tomino
- Original Character Design: Kazuhiro Hara
- Character Design: Shuri Toida
- Animation Director: Kaori Saito (chara; ep 3), Kenichi Takase (mecha; ep 3), Kyōko Kotani (chara; ep 2), Masami Ōbari (mecha; eps 2, 10), Sakiko Uda (mecha; ep 1), Satoshi Shigeta (mecha; ep 4), Shuri Toida (chara; ep 1), Takuro Shinbo (Nakamura Production; chara; eps 4, 9, 12)
- Mechanical design: Humikane Shimada, Ippei Gyōbu, Junya Ishigaki, Kanetake Ebikawa, Kenji Teraoka, Kunio Okawara, Shinya Terashima, Takayuki Yanase
- 2nd Key Animation:Eri Yoshinaga (ep 9), Naoko Tanaka (Nakamura Production; ep 9), Ryōnosuke Kuroki (eps 18-19, 25), Taasa Kawamura (Nakamura Production; ep 9), Yukiko Sekita (Nakamura Production; ep 9)
- Action Director: Masami Ōbari
- Background Art: Yō Uchida (Olive; eps 2, 5)
- Chief Mecha Animator: Sakiko Uda, Shinya Kusumegi
- Digital Paint: Ryō Taba (Wish; eps 1, 12)
- Photography: Asahi Production
- Photography Assistance: Asahi Production, Asura Film, M.S.J Musashino Production, Studio Elle, Triple A
- Planning Cooperation: Bandai Spirits, Bandai Spirits Hobby Department
- Production: Sunrise
- Production Cooperation: ADK Marketing Solutions, Asatsu-DK
| No. Episode | Title (Season 1) | Original air date |
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| 1 | "Wandering Core Gundam" Transliteration: "Hōkō no Koa Gandamu" (Japanese: 彷徨のコアガンダム) |
October 10, 2019 |
| Gunpla Battle Nexus Online is upgraded to version 1.78, which adds numerous new features to the game. After clearing a difficult enemy by himself, Hiroto is approached by another player named Kazami, who wants to team up with him. However, Hiroto refuses since he's not interested in Gunpla battles. In the real world, it's revealed that Hiroto is in fact searching for a girl he had met in the game several years ago before the Build Divers existed, recoiling at their name. A girl who had a striking resemblance to Sarah, except with blonde hair and aqua green eyes. Meanwhile, his friend Hinata decides to apply for a job at the Gundam cafe near his local Gunpla store. When Hiroto logs back into the game, he's recruited by Kazami to investigate a secret mission that can take them to an unexplored part of the game. They along with two other players, May and Parviz, discover a dog-like NPD named Freddie requesting help, and they accept the mission. While the group initially has trouble fighting the enemies, Hiroto's intervention eventually secures their victory. The game then automatically requests to register their group as "BUILD DIVERS", with May quickly changing the name to "BUILD DiVERS" to differentiate themselves from the original BUILD DIVERS. | ||
| 2 | "Unknown Mission" Transliteration: "Shira Rezaru Misshon" (Japanese: 知られざるミッション) |
October 10, 2019 |
| The next day, it is revealed that May is working with Magee to investigate the secret missions. When Hiroto logs into GBN, he and the rest of the BUILD DiVERS are transported back to the secret Dimension, having been summoned by Freddie once again. Parviz theorizes that they have triggered a special story quest which requires them to complete a chain of missions in order to clear. Freddie leads the BUILD DiVERS to his village where his sister Maiya and their father, the village chief, live. The village Chief explains that an army of hostile machines called the One-Eyes have recently appeared and begun attacking villages, with the villagers' only options being to flee or hope for help from the Resistance. The BUILD DiVERS agree to help protect the village from an expected One-Eyes attack, though Parviz has reservations due to his inexperience in gunpla battle. Hiroto is only interested in continuing since he might find the girl he is looking for in the secret Dimension. Hiroto prepares a special training simulation to prepare for the mission, but they are only barely able to complete it after multiple tries. That evening, Hiroto is uncomfortable at the thought of being unable to fully protect the village, but receives reassurance from Hinata who reminds him that he always finds a way out of trouble. | ||
| 3 | "A Place to Protect" Transliteration: "Mamorubeki Basho" (Japanese: 守るべき場所) |
October 17, 2019 |
| Hiroto revises the plan to defend the village. Instead of splitting their team to defend two entrances simultaneously, the BUILD DiVERS decide to block one of the entrances and funnel the One-Eyes through the other. The villagers reluctantly accept the plan. It's later revealed that Hiroto's determination to protect the village stems from his bond with the girl in his past, who told him that even though GBN's world is artificial, it's still something worth protecting. That night, the One-Eyes assault the village. The BUILD DiVERS are able to hold them back after a tough battle, but a One-Eyes unit is able to penetrate their defenses and attack the village. Hiroto is able to intercept the One-Eyes by switching to his Mars Armor, which is specialized in close combat, and destroys the One-Eyes while causing minimal collateral damage to the village. Afterwards, a Resistance squad led by Freddie and Maiya's older brother Jed arrives, and they are shocked at the presence of the BUILD DiVERS. Kazami remarks to Hiroto that they must have unlocked the next story mission. Meanwhile, a mysterious entity observes the BUILD DiVERS. | ||
| 4 | "Wounded Wings" Transliteration: "Kizutsuita Tsubasa" (Japanese: 傷ついた翼) |
October 24, 2019 |
| While Jed is reluctant to trust the BUILD DiVERS at first, he ultimately accepts their offer of assistance and explains that the Resistance is planning to attack a One-Eyes base in the desert. However, the base is protected with an impenetrable barrier and the only entrance is heavily guarded. The BUILD DiVERS agree to return in 3 days, which is the time needed for the Resistance to organize. Jed decides to recruit Freddie into the Resistance since only he knows how to summon the BUILD DiVERS, which angers Maiya. The next day, the BUILD DiVERS take on a regular mission to train for the battle. While pursuing the enemy, Parviz hesitates when he tries to fly, resulting in Hiroto having to save him. It is later revealed that even though the Valkylander is capable of flight, Parviz refuses to fly due to his fear of heights. On the day of the mission, Hiroto, Kazami, and May gather, but Parviz does not appear. | ||
| 5 | "Now Spread Your Wings" Transliteration: "Ima, Tsubasa Hirogete" (Japanese: いま、翼ひろげて) |
October 31, 2019 |
| On the day of the operation, Parviz is late to arrive. Lamenting his previous incompetence, he tells the other BUILD DiVERS that he wants to quit. Kazami opposes Parviz's decision while Hiroto and May remain indifferent. The team is summoned to the village before a final decision can be made, as Jed's team is ready to assault the One-Eyes base. Parviz still remains reluctant to participate, afraid of being a burden to the team, so Hiroto suggests a compromise after having a pep-talk with him and sharing a very familiar philosophy about feelings and gunpla. Parviz will focus on protecting Jed and his team while rest of the BUILD DiVERS distract the base guard. The plan goes well initially, with the BUILD DiVERS managing to distract the advanced base guard while Jed's team infiltrates the base. Jed successfully demolishes the base, but the battle is further complicated with the appearance of a second base guard and a trio of flying One-Eyes units. Realizing everybody is in danger, Parviz finally overcomes his fear and transforms his Valkylander into its true form, its Dragon Fusion Mode. With Parviz's help, the BUILD DiVERS are able to eliminate all of the One-Eyes units. Meanwhile, another Resistance team is apparently wiped out by a mysterious Gundam. | ||
| 6 | "Hero on the Brink" Transliteration: "Gakeppuchi no Hīrō" (Japanese: 崖っぷちのヒーロー) |
November 7, 2019 |
| While Parviz experienced great growth in the previous mission, Kazami alone is resentful at his own inability to distinguish himself. Meanwhile, the BUILD DiVERS head for the Resistance base where they meet one of the Resistance leaders, Gorus. Gorus informs them that they want the BUILD DiVERS to help them move to a safer location for their base. Kazami is openly frustrated since that would mean there is little chance for any fighting where he can distinguish himself. Another Resistance leader, Muran, expresses his distrust of the BUILD DiVERS but both Jed and Freddie vouch for their loyalty. Gorus then warns them about the Seltsam, a unique One-Eyes unit that resembles a Gunpla. In order to prepare for the transport mission, Parviz suggests that they join a player vs player match to simulate the unpredictability of an ambush. They then encounter Kazami's old team led by Gojo, who are surprised Kazami is still playing GBN and are willing to challenge them. However, the BUILD DiVERS are easily defeated by Gojo's team when Kazami falls for a feint and charges out of position. Gojo observes that Kazami still hasn't changed, and that Hiroto doesn't appear to trust his own team due to his lack of communication with them. Hiroto then visits Hinata, who points out to him that people don't like to be ignored, even if the attention they get can be negative. | ||
| 7 | "Battered Crown" Transliteration: "Kizudarake no Eikan" (Japanese: 傷だらけの栄冠) |
November 14, 2019 |
| Both Hiroto and Kazami are both still on awkward terms, even after Gojo asked Hiroto to look after Kazami. Hiroto wonders why he is where he is and mentions the girl in his past name, which is "Eve". Suddenly, the One-Eyes attack the Resistance base, forcing the Resistance to evacuate early. Muran takes Freddie in his truck, but separates from the main convoy in an attempt to elude the One-Eyes. Kazami, unaware Freddie is with Muran, considers leaving Muran to his fate due to his dislike of him. However, remembering Gojo's words to him, Kazami orders Hiroto to protect Muran. While Hiroto save Freddie and Muran, the rest of the BUILD DiVERS work to protect the convoy. Kazami is quickly overwhelmed by the One-Eyes and his Gunpla is critically damaged. At his lowest point, Kazami remembers a lesson from his hero, Captain Zeon, telling him that he should follow his own passion for Gunpla in his heart. Inspired, Kazami decides to keep fighting just as Hiroto returns, and with his help, Kazami is able to score his first destruction point. However, their victory is short lived when the Seltsam arrives, destroys the abandoned Resistance base, and then attacks the BUILD DiVERS, who are heavily outmatched and are barely able to escape. When they rendezvous with the Resistance, they are entrusted with a mysterious locket by Muran, which according to him is supposed to be the key to turning the tide against the One-Eyes. | ||
| 8 | "Duty and Illusion" Transliteration: "Shimei to Gen'ei" (Japanese: 使命と幻影) |
November 21, 2019 |
| May relays what she has learned to Magee, but he tells her that GBN has no data on the Seltsam or if it even belongs to a diver or not. Despite Magee's prodding, May claims that the BUILD DiVERS really aren't a team in the traditional sense, but admits that she may find what she's looking for if she stays with them. The BUILD DiVERS then meet up for the next stage in the story mission. They arrive at the Resistance's new headquarters at the island city of Seguri, which is protected by an energy shield. The commander of the Resistance, Abiree, welcomes them while Gorus tells them their next mission is to engage an undersea monster so the Resistance can scout the Silver Tower, an important One-Eyes stronghold. Parviz suggests they take the Grand Dive Challenge to practice underwater combat. Meanwhile, May asks Hiroto what his motivation is, and he merely tells her he is searching for something that can't be found. The next day, the BUILD DiVERS start the Grand Dive Challenge, where they must get a Haro past team Granada Bleu while underwater. Kazami and Parviz are easily eliminated and Hiroto is only able to clear the challenge by using his Mercuone Gundam and leaving May behind as a decoy. Seeing how the rest of the team aren't suited for underwater battle, Hiroto decides to take on the upcoming stage by himself. May concedes it is the most efficient plan, but asks if it's really enough, which reminds Hiroto of a similar question that Eve asked him in the past, realizing..........she could be an EL-Diver. | ||
| 9 | "Abyss of Isolation" Transliteration: "Kakuzetsu no Fuchi Kara" (Japanese: 隔絶の淵から) |
November 28, 2019 |
| Despite May's skepticism, Hiroto is still determined to complete the mission on his own. As the rest of team talks with Freddie, they wonder why an experienced player like Hiroto tries to avoid team battles so much. As they near the Silver Tower, they realize it's an orbital elevator connecting to space. They are then attacked by a massive aquatic One-Eyes unit. Meanwhile, Hinata decides to investigate what caused Hiroto to become so antisocial, and connects the timing of his attitude change to the day of the Second Coalition of Volunteers' battle. Meanwhile, Hiroto has difficulty fighting the One-Eyes unit and is knocked unconscious, where he has a flashback of when he attempted to fight a rogue boss by himself. While successful, the entire surrounding city was destroyed in the battle. May rescues Hiroto and advises that they all work as a team to defeat the One-Eyes unit. Together, they are able to pull the One-Eyes out of the water with a harpoon and destroy it in a combined attack. Hiroto thanks everyone for the support and apologizes for any misunderstandings he may have caused, saving May for last. From May's response, Hiroto is reminded of how Eve in his past pointed out that he should fight for someone he cares about, not for the sake of fighting. Suddenly, the Seltsam attacks and corners Hiroto, but is saved again by May, who reveals that she is an EL-Diver, with his hunch about her being right. | ||
| 10 | "The Ones Who Breathe There" Transliteration: "Soko ni Aru Ibuki" (Japanese: そこにある息吹) |
December 5, 2019 |
| May reveals herself as an EL-Diver and attacks the Seltsam, managing to get the upper hand on it. She asks the Seltsam's pilot if they are Masaki Shidoh, but the Seltsam retreats without answering. With the mission cleared, the Resistance seizes the base of the Silver Tower, giving them access to outer space. May admits she is one of the 87 EL-Divers discovered starting with Sarah. Back in the real world, Hiroto appears to carry over a head a real injury he suffered during the previous battle. In a flash back he is shown to have been in Avalon and might have been the friend that Kyoya was referring to when Kyoya first met Riku and was about to shoot Riku's 00 Sky down with a mystery weapon. Hinata becomes more worried about Hiroto's relationship with the girl in his past, after hearing about EL-Divers and finding out about a several day event called the "Second Coalition of Volunteers' Battle" and the "EL-Diver Incident" that started around the same time a night he came home crying in the rain. The next night, the BUILD DiVERS celebrate the annual Space Crossing festival at the village. The festival concludes with the villagers releasing lanterns into the sky to commemorate those that passed away and to honor the spirits watching over them. Later on, May stumbles upon Hiroto trying to privately release a lantern that went out and failed to fly away. Upon which, Hiroto then asks May whether an EL-Diver dies permanently if they disappear or if there is a way to bring them back to life. At that moment, May guesses that what Hiroto is searching for is another EL-Diver. | ||
| 11 | "Last Mission" Transliteration: "Rasuto Misshon" (Japanese: ラストミッション) |
December 12, 2019 |
| The BUILD DiVERS return to the Silver Tower, where they discover that the pendant Muran gave them acts as the key to unlock the Tower. Suspecting the One-Eyes have prepared a trap for them, the BUILD DiVERS decide to spend the next three days preparing for a likely space battle. On the day of the mission, the BUILD DiVERS ride the space elevator into orbit, where they learn from Freddie the planet is not called Earth, but Eldora. Upon reaching the top of the space elevator, the BUILD DiVERS are led to a facility on the surface of Eldora's moon. Entering the facility, they encounter an artificial intelligence called Alus, which explains it is protecting Eldora while it waits for its creators to return. Freddie then pleads with Alus to stop the One-Eyes' attacks on his people, but Alus instead turns hostile and targets Seguri for destruction. The BUILD DiVERS evacuate the facility and discover the moon is actually an orbital cannon. They are then met by a massive army of One-Eyes led by the Seltsam. | ||
| 12 | "The Shuddering World" Transliteration: "Furueru Sekai" (Japanese: 震える世界) |
December 19, 2019 |
| The BUILD DiVERS fight the One-Eyes army and the Seltsam while desperately trying to stop the orbital cannon. In the occasion, Hiroto confronts the Seltsam one on one and learns to his surprise that it is piloted by a human. May tries to destroy the cannon with Par covering her and culling the One-Eyes. Kazami tries to force his way back into the moon base to destroy Alus while culling as many One-Eyes as he can. Despite their best efforts to, they fail to prevent the cannon from firing at Seguri, obliterating the city along with Jed and the Resistance. Hiroto and the others are blasted away by the cannon's beam and are barely able to return safely to the surface, during the atmosphere re-entry Hiroto considers doing something crude, however a familiar voice hollers his name in attempt to stop him, which he recoils. They are all in shock of the crater that was left behind where Seguri once stood and most of the water evaporated. Filled with regret, they make their way back to Freddie's village, upon which they reveal to the others what happened to the city and the villagers mourn Jed's death and their relatives who lived in Seguri. While wondering why the story mode did not end as they failed their mission, Kazami realizes that the villagers are truly suffering and that their situation is not part of a game, but real. Suddenly, all GBN users are forcibly logged out from the system, including the BUILD DiVERS. Back in the real world, Hiroto learns that servers are mysteriously shutting down across the globe, interfering with communications worldwide. | ||
| 13 | "Somewhere in This Universe" Transliteration: "Kono Sora no Dokokade" (Japanese: こののどこかで) |
December 26, 2019 |
| Amidst the news that an energy surge originated from a planet 30 light years away from Earth was responsible for the malfunction of communications worldwide, May arranges a meeting with the other BUILD DiVERS in person unkowingly along with Nanami as a hired body guard for May. She introduces them to Masaki Shidoh, a veteran Diver who has been in a coma for six months. There is no record of him logging out of GBN, implying that his mind is still connected in the system. May also reveals that he is the pilot of the Seltsam and shows them a picture of him with other Eldorans. In addition, the GBN administrators confirmed to May that Eldora is not part of the game. The other BUILD DiVERS come to the realization that Eldora is not part of GBN, but a real planet, and that they were risking their lives in a real war. With this revelation, Kazami and Parviz lose their resolve to keep fighting with May and she bids farewell to them. Hiroto, seeing Nanami carrying May away and seeing what an EL-Diver life is like IRL, decides to not cling to false hope anymore. Thanks to a pep-talk from Hinata and deciding to keep honoring his memories of Eve, Hiroto gives his Core Gundam an upgrade and later on once access to GBN is reestablished, May is about to return to Eldora when her fellow BUILD DiVERS appear to join her, each deciding to continue for their own reasons, with Hiroto resolving to not allow anyone to suffer the way he did. Suddenly, Freddie contacts the BUILD DiVERS asking for help, and the four depart together to assist him. | ||
| TRAILER (SEASON 1) |
It is the first Gundam series produced by Sunrise Beyond, an animation studio established after Sunrise's purchase and closure of Xebec. The series was delayed after it's fifth episode on May 7, 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It resumed on July 9, 2020.
- Staff:
- Director: Shinya Watada
- Series Composition: Yasuyuki Mutō
- Music: Hideakira Kimura
- Original Character Design: Kazuhiro Hara
- Character Design: Shuri Toida
- Character Animation Director: Akio Takami (ep 2), Kumi Ishii (ep 1), Kyōko Otani (ep 2), Takuro Shinbo (Nakamura Production; ep 3)
- Mechanical design: Humikane Shimada, Ippei Gyōbu, Junya Ishigaki, Kanetake Ebikawa, Kenji Teraoka, Kunio Okawara, Shinya Terashima, Takayuki Yanase
- Mechanical animation Director: Hiroshi Matsuda (ep 3), Kanta Suzuki (ep 2), Masahiro Yamane (ep 3), Sakiko Uda (ep 1)
- Digital Paint: Ryō Taba (Wish; ep 21)
- 3DCGI: Shift R
- Animation Direction: Nakamura Production (ep 3)
- Animation Production: Sunrise Beyond
- Backgrounds: Studio Naya
- Broadcaster: Nippon BS Broadcasting Corporation, Tokyo MX
- Digital Paint: Animesh, Niigata Animation, Taiguan Animation, Wish
- In-Between Animation: Asahi Production, Jumondo, R.I.C (eps 3, 5), Reboot, Revival, Rising Force, Seven Seas, Studio μ, Triple A
- Key Animation: Nakamura Production (ep 3)
- Monitor Graphics: Graphinica, Shift R
- Music Production: Sacra Music
- Photography: Asahi Production
- Photography Assistance: Asahi Production, Asura Film, M.S.J Musashino Production, Triple A
- Planning Cooperation: Bandai Spirits, Bandai Spirits Hobby Department
- Production: Sunrise
- Production Cooperation: ADK Marketing Solutions, Asatsu-DK
| No. Episode | Title (Season 2) | Original air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Encounters, and Then…" Transliteration: "Meguriai, Soshite" (Japanese: めぐりあい、そして) |
April 9, 2020 |
| Three Earth years before meeting the BUILD DiVERS, Freddie used to explore the nearby ruins when one day, he managed to establish connections to GBN, and since then he regularly returned there to watch the exploits of the original Build Divers, and made a vow someday to summon them to help save his people and his planet. Two years went by, until one day, he and Stola stumbled across a scout unit of the One-Eyes and the villagers concluded that an attack from them was imminent. When the One-Eyes finally set their eyes on the village, Freddie ran to the ruins where he managed to access contact in GBN, unknowingly he was not able to pick who he wanted to contact. At that point, Hiroto and the others answer his call and Freddie enlist their help and thought they were part of the Build Divers Force but a different unit. Back to the present, after the destruction of Seguri City, access to the ruins was blocked and he could not contact the BUILD DiVERS anymore. Thanks to a mysterious pep-talk from Jed's ghost, Freddie is reminded that most everything else can still be saved. Knowing that the One-Eyes army will eventually return, and with the Resistance destroyed, Asha is scared and crying. Freddie becomes inspired and promises Asha he will return with the BUILD DiVERS, then goes back and digs his way into the ruins and falls asleep after all that hard work. After having a dream of being tossed into a massive GBN space battle and Hiroto, in his newly upgraded gunpla, protecting him from the Seltsam, Freddie awakens with reestablished connections to GBN and contacts Hiroto and his friends, asking for their help once more. Meanwhile, a massive creature awakens in another temple. | ||
| 2 | "Mission, Again" Transliteration: "Misshon, Futatabi" (Japanese: 使命(ミッション)、再び) |
April 16, 2020 |
| The BUILD DiVERS are summoned back to Eldora, but are shocked to discover that their Gunpla have not been fully summoned, with only the base forms of Hiroto and May's Gunpla being summoned and Kazami and Parviz's failing to appear at all. Freddie explains that all along, the BUILD DiVERS were being summoned by the "Shining Sand", which is only found at the temple and would construct their bodies and Gunpla, basically like giant molding machine. However, Alus's satellite attack damaged the temple and blew away all the Shining Sand. They return to the village where they encounter Muran, who managed to escape the destruction of Seguri. Muran points the BUILD DiVERS to three other discovered temples they may find more Shining Sand at. Hiroto correctly guesses that Muran knew Masaki and his initial distrust of the BUILD DiVERS stems from Masaki's apparent betrayal, for which he informs Muran that maybe Masaki didn't choose to betray anyone, only saying that on a strong hunch, due to meeting his sister IRL and hearing about what he is really like. Hiroto and May head to the northern temple, Kazami and Maiya head to the southern temple, and Parviz, Freddie, and Muran head to the eastern temple. Hiroto and May defeat a trio of upgraded One-Eyes units but find no Shining Sand at the northern temple. Hiroto observes that the One-Eyes actively avoid damaging the temples. Kazami feels guilty for being partially responsible for Jed's death, and is conflicted on whether to tell Maiya or not. Muran explains to Parviz and Freddie that the eastern temple actually floats in the sky and serves as the home of the sacred beast Cuadorn, which is supposed to be Eldora's protector. Muran provides a hot air balloon to Parviz and Freddie and instructs them to meet Cuadorn personally. Meanwhile, Masaki appears to be going berserk as he begins attacking One-Eyes units. | ||
| 3 | "To the Heavenly Land" Transliteration: "Tenkū no Daichi e" (Japanese: 天空の大地へ) |
April 23, 2020 |
| Kazami and Maiya reach the southern temple, but find that it is too damaged to use. Kazami finally admits his partial fault in the destruction of Seguri and Jed's death, but Maiya, who already knew, forgives him instantly. Hiroto and May then arrive, where they encounter Stola and Resistance remnants, who are protecting a nearby village. However, the village is discovered by a One-Eyes scout, meaning an attack will arrive in three days. Since the village is full of refugees who are in no condition to evacuate, Hiroto, May, and Kazami head for the eastern temple but are ambushed by a One-Eyes unit controlled directly by Alus, which has also copied the Core Change system Hiroto's Gunpla uses. Meanwhile, Parviz and Freddie ride the balloon and manage to reach the eastern temple which is still intact and full of Shining Sand. They also meet Cuadorn, who Parviz notices is visibly damaged. Cuadorn summons a lightning storm that forces Alus to withdraw and then lands the eastern temple, allowing the rest of the BUILD DiVERS and Muran to meet him as well. In the real world, Hinata meets her senior classmate from the Archery Dojo Mizuki Shidoh, who is also Masaki's sister. Back at the eastern temple, even though Cuadorn acknowledges he owes a debt to the "people of the Gunpla", he asks the BUILD DiVERS to leave. | ||
| 4 | "The Sacred Beast Cuadorn" Transliteration: "Seijū Kuadorun" (Japanese: 星獣クアドルン) |
April 30, 2020 |
| Cuadorn reveals that Alus is an artificial intelligence developed by the ancient people of Eldora to protect the planet, but after a war that devastated the planet, Alus was put into hibernation while the Ancients left to find a new home. Ages later, Alus awakened and believed that the current inhabitants of Eldora are intruders, so he started attacking them. In response, Cuadorn summoned Masaki to assist him against Alus, and Alus accessed GBN's data to create the One-Eyes' mobile suits to counter them, before capturing and brainwashing Masaki. Cuadorn also reveals that the Shining Sand was part of a system that was created by a small portion of the Ancients, who stayed behind to see there world flourish again. Originally, they developed it to digitally transfer themselves back to Eldora by converting themselves into data. Although they died in the conversion, a small piece of data survived through the ages, which has somehow proved compatible with GBN and transmitted itself there. Despite learning the truth, the BUILD DiVERS refuse to leave and reaffirm their will to protect their friends on Eldora, convincing Cuadorn to accept their help. They send Muran to instruct the villagers to take refuge at the ancient ruins, which the One-Eyes units will not attack, while making plans to confront Alus before he fires his satellite cannon again. The BUILD DiVERS decide to return to Earth to prepare and promise to return to Eldora in two days to protect the nearby village that is an imminent target. The team make preparations with Hiroto taking out a sealed armor, the Uranus armor, inspired by a pep-talk from his father. Meanwhile Hinata learns about Masaki's condition, and is worried about Hiroto's safety. | ||
| 5 | "Perfect Sniper" Transliteration: "Kanpeki na Sogekisha" (Japanese: 完璧な狙撃者) |
May 7, 2020 |
| The BUILD DiVERS return to Eldora, where they are able to properly summon their Gunpla and assist the refugees evacuating to the ruins while fending off the One-Eyes after them, until Alus joins the fight with his Mobile Suit, driving Hiroto and the others into a corner with his sniping skills, explaining that he had observed Hiroto's battles in GBN and learned from him, claiming to be the "perfect" version of him with Hiroto shocked that Alus was able to get pictures of him, including recorded logs that he had a chance to snipe Riku during a certain large scale battle and had the chance to win with ease. This concluded all logs and files of him were not erased as he wanted. When Kazami spots Freddie and Stola run around the battlefield while helping a civilian to escape, he jumps in to protect them and Hiroto takes advantage of the situation to pinpoint Alus' location and launch a counterattack, while the other BUILD DiVERS keep protecting the refugees. Hiroto confronts and defeats Alus, but while his friends celebrate, Hiroto himself is disheartened because he broke a promise he made to Eve in the past and decides to tell his story to his comrades of how he discovered more EL-Divers and why he was about to shoot Riku down. Upon which he stares at the thrusted up Beam Shoot Rifle in gloom and depression as if it were...... a gravestone. | ||
| 6 | "If It Weren't for You" Transliteration: "Kimi ga Inakereba" (Japanese: 君がいなければ) |
July 9, 2020 |
| Several years ago, when GBN was about to take over Gunpla Battle completely, Hiroto, answering to a request from his friends, participated in a Gunpla Duel piloting a hastily built Speed Grade RX-78-2 Gundam against a veteran player using a Perfect Grade GAT-X105 Strike Gundam. Despite the huge disadvantage, Hiroto won by utilizing the parts of other Gunpla destroyed by the enemy. This inspired him to develop the Core Gundam, but during his first time piloting it in GBN, the Gunpla malfunctioned and he made a forced landing. In the occasion, he met Eve and the two became close. Their adventures began when Hiroto decided to make a gunpla that could customize parts while in battle using armor and Eve would take him to explore landscapes and scenery to inspire his sense of aesthetics. One of which was the fireweed garden that Riku, Sarah, and Yukio would eventually end up going to. They kept doing so including doing missions, pvp tournaments, and skill challenge tournaments to develop additional armors for the Core Gundam, thus creating the core-change gimmick, and the Planets System. One night Hiroto had a nightmare of Eve's highly possible fate, where he saw a slightly older version of Eve absorbing the bugs from Sarah, causing Eve much pain. Not long afterwards, he joined a Force by her suggestion and became a member of Avalon, by Kyoya's invitation when he stumbled upon Hiroto training out in the open and was amazed by his Gunpla's gimmick and his skills in handling it. Both Hiroto and Eve came closer together in GBN, with Hiroto giving Eve an earring and the two taking a memorial photograph. A few years went by where they made many happy memories together, until one day when Eve requested Hiroto to erase her... | ||
| 7 | "A Wish Entrusted" Transliteration: "Takusareta Negai" (Japanese: 託された願い) |
July 16, 2020 |
| Eve revealed to Hiroto of her origins and that she was absorbing the bugs Sarah was inadvertently creating, but after the First Coalition of Volunteers battle (which Hiroto joined in), she had reached her limit and the bugs risked being released, which would destroy GBN. Hiroto, despite his pleas to Eve against dying, reluctantly allowed his Core Gundam to give her a fatal shot remotely by borrowing her EL-Diver power. As she was fading, Eve asked Hiroto to always be someone who helps others, and to help EL-Divers like her, especially her little sister, Sarah, who was captured by Avalon, his own force, the day after. On the night Riku called out to Sarah and right after he left, it's revealed that Sarah and Hiroto spotted each other briefly before she went back inside, with Hiroto unaware the way that was found to save Sarah involved something Eve would have rejected. Hiroto later joined the Second Coalition of Volunteers battle against the original Build Divers right when Hyakki joined in for third party reasons. Hiroto, completely withstanding the giant impact, aims and locks on Riku. Just when he was about to snipe Riku's battered Gundam 00 Sky, he remembered his promise to Eve and her last words, and thus refrained, redirecting his shot into the ground. After telling the whole story to his friends, Hiroto voices his regret over not doing his best to help others like he promised to Eve, and is comforted by May, who encourages him to cry freely. Hiroto later apologizes to Freddie for pretending that he and the others were the real Build Divers. Freddie, on the other hand, reassures Hiroto that he kept his promise to Eve by helping his people against the One-Eyes and is happy for meeting them. May reminds Hiroto that Sarah and all the other EL-Divers could flourish in GBN because of his choice; upon hearing May, Hiroto realizes he was not only keeping his promise to Eve, but that all of his actions benefited everyone one way or another, and since GBN's sea of data is much closer than heaven, Eve has been watching over him all along, upon which he smirks in relief and is happy with his four new friends. Elsewhere, a deranged Masaki fights his brainwashing while defending the Eldorans against the One Eyes' forces while his health back in the real world begins to decline. | ||
| 8 | "To Fly Once More" Transliteration: "Mōichido Tobu Tame ni" (Japanese: もういちど飛ぶために) |
July 23, 2020 |
| Hiroto and the others have an offline meeting to make plans for their imminent confrontation with Alus. In the occasion, Kazami asks for help to create a new Gunpla and Parviz comes up with an idea to fix Cuadorn's broken wing with Gunpla parts. At Eldora, they hear from Muran that the Seltsam was seen fighting the One-Eyes and Cuadorn theorizes that the damage the BUILD DiVERS inflicted on the Seltsam in the space battle damaged the system Alus was using to control Masaki, allowing him to resist his brainwashing. The BUILD DiVERS decide to face Masaki once more in order to help him fully break away from Alus' control. In real life, Kazami completes his new Gunpla and Hiroto touches up his Saturn Armor with his favorite photo of him and Eve still out, but no longer distracted by it. Afterwards, while accompanying Hiroto after school, Hinata is informed by Mizuki that her brother's condition is worsening, and upon learning this, Hiroto reveals the truth to her, promising to rescue Masaki and return safely. Back at Eldora, Kazami reveals his new Gunpla, the Aegis Knight, and departs with Hiroto and May to look for Masaki, while Parviz stays behind to finish repairs on Cuadorn. | ||
| 9 | "Seltsam's Deadline" Transliteration: "Kokugen no Zerutozāmu" (Japanese: 刻限のゼルトザーム) |
July 30, 2020 |
| As Masaki's condition in the real world deteriorates, Hiroto, May, and Kazami leave to confront the Seltsam while Parviz remains behind to repair Cuadorn's wing. Hiroto's group soon encounters the Seltsam battling a large One-Eyes force, and a vicious three way battle commences. During the battle, Masaki pleads for Hiroto to kill him, as he feels immense guilt over being forced to betray Cuadorn and the New Eldorans. Alus himself then intervenes with his Core Gundam in its Earthree armor as well as copies of the Nu and Arche Gundams, intent on retrieving Masaki. With his wing repaired, Cuadorn then arrives on the field with Parviz and manages to disable the Seltsam. He then prepares to destroy the Seltsam and kill Masaki to end his suffering, but Hiroto and May intervene, convincing him that Masaki can still be saved. Cuadorn then shifts to distracting Alus while Hiroto and Kazami work together to take down the Seltsam, with Hiroto being able to remove the corrupted parts. Alus then retreats, wondering why he keeps losing in his encounters with Hiroto's team. Masaki is finally freed from Alus' control and his consciousness returns to his body in the real world, where he finally recovers from his coma. Meanwhile, Magee publicizes information about the BUILD DiVERS' exploits to the GBN population under the guise of seeking assistance to clear a game mission, which immediately begins receiving offers of help. | ||
| 10 | "Moment of Choice" Transliteration: "Sentaku no Toki" (Japanese: 選択のとき) |
August 6, 2020 |
| Hiroto's group is visited by Masaki, who apologizes to them for all the trouble he caused under Alus' control, and thanks them for rescuing him, while explaining that the satellite cannon was damaged during their previous fight there, thus it will take longer for it to become fully operational again. Mizuki appears soon after and asks them to not have her brother involved with their battle anymore. At Eldora, the BUILD DiVERS discuss ways to reach the moon without using the space elevator, when May points out that Alus should not be destroyed, given that he is simply following his programming and does not know any better. The group agrees to try to stop Alus without destroying him, despite Muran's reservations. While the team develops new equipment for the upcoming battle in space, May introduces the others to Magee, who had publicized the BUILD DiVERS' exploits which has garnered them a huge amount of public sympathy, praise, and support within GBN. With many Forces volunteering to help the BUILD DiVERS train for their upcoming battle against Alus, Magee arranges a special event for the BUILD DiVERS to face off against GBN's most elite divers, including members from Avalon and suggests the original Build Divers should be a part of it as well. | ||
| 11 | "Build Divers" Transliteration: "Birudo Daibāzu" (Japanese: ビルドダイバーズ) |
August 13, 2020 |
| As the BUILD DiVERS prepare for their training match in the form of an updated Lotus Challenge, Hiroto briefly reunites with his former Avalon forcemates and they are formally introduced to the original Build Divers. The BUILD DiVERS proceed with the challenge with the additional condition that they will instantly fail if even one of them is shot down. During the Lotus Challenge, the BUILD DiVERS face off against not only Riku and the Build Divers, but also Rommel and his 7th Panzer Division, Ogre and Hyakki, and Kyouya and Avalon. Meanwhile, Mizuki watches Kazami's records of the BUILD DiVERS' exploits on Eldora, and comes to understand Masaki's plight a little more. She convinces the hospital to release Masaki early and gives him her blessing to help the BUILD DiVERS on the condition he return home safely. Back in GBN, on their 40th try, the BUILD DiVERS are finally able to break through the opposition and beat the Lotus Challenge after unlocking their team's Special Move, with everyone surprised at seeing something they haven't seen since the First Coalition of Volunteers Battle. The participants celebrate afterwards, with it being implied that Rommel is actually Captain Zeon. May, knowing deep down Hiroto is still not quite comfortable, arranges for Hiroto to meet Riku and Sarah privately, having just told the Build Divers about Eve and what happened behind the scenes and the true nature of how more EL-Divers got discovered, with Kyoya bringing logs and old photos since she knows that Hiroto knows they weren't deleted. Riku desperately apologizes to Hiroto, but Hiroto insists that he holds no grudge against Riku and his team, also telling them it was Eve's wish for Sarah's survival, to ensure that they would both be happy, and help GBN flourish. Hiroto thanks them for helping him keep his promise, and both Riku and Sarah accept him as a part of the Build Divers family. The two aces of both teams promise to continue having Gunpla battles and rise back up together by trading each other's wishes as Hiroto gains closure. After returning to the real world, Hiroto has a talk with Hinata about what transpired. Hinata implies that she intends to play GBN even if there is not much for her to do and the two promise to continue to support each other in their own ways. Hiroto is pumped to return to Eldora for the final battle and Hinata for an important bow ritual. | ||
| 12 | "To the Tomorrow I Envision" Transliteration: "Boku ga kaku mirai e" (Japanese: 僕が描くへ) |
August 20, 2020 |
| Early in the morning, both Hiroto and Hinata head out to take on their own challenges. Hinata prepares for her bow ceremony, with Mizuki and Hiroto's parents present to cheer her on. Meanwhile, Hiroto and the BUILD DiVERS return to Eldora with the people giving the heroes their blessings and Freddie wanting to ride with Hiroto while the resistance heads out for one last stand to do their part. As the team is about to head out, Masaki unexpectedly joins them with everyone now together. While the Resistance stages a diversionary attack on the Silver Tower, Hiroto uses his new Nepteight Gundam to carry the BUILD DiVERS into orbit, catching Alus off guard. The BUILD DiVERS clash with the One-Eyes forces as Masaki and Cuadorn join in to help. All the while, Kazami is live-streaming the battle so that the general public can spectate it as well, including Mizuki and Hiroto's parents. The BUILD DiVERS are eventually able to break through the One-Eyes' forces and Alus's Eldoran Core Gundams. After Freddie vents his feelings to Alus, the team contribute parts of their own Gunpla to Hiroto to form the Re:Rising Gundam, which is what was used to defeat the Eldoran style Lotus Challenge. With his new Gundam, Hiroto is able to destroy Alus' orbital cannon while at the same time back on Earth, Hinata hits her target and succeeds in completing the bow ritual. Realizing that the Divers will continue to interfere with his plans, Alus angrily decides to directly destroy them all by forcefully uploading himself and his massive warfleet into GBN, intent on destroying the game. However, he is immediately met by the Third Coalition of Volunteers, who are all lying in wait at Avalon's force nest. | ||
| 13 | "Re:Rise" | August 27, 2020 |
| The Third Coalition of Volunteers fight Alus' forces, later joined by the BUILD DiVERS, while Cuadorn and Masaki stay behind at Eldora to destroy the Satellite Cannon's mainframe and prevent Alus from returning. Back in GBN, Hiroto attempts to form the Earthree Gundam but Alus steals the Earth Armor and equips it onto one of his own Gundams instead. In response, Hiroto equips his Core Gundam II with parts from the other armors at his disposal to fight back. Surprised by the Volunteers' fierce resistance, Alus launches an attack to take down GBN's systems, but is prevented when the Game Master and Miss Tori arrive to install a security patch and revert the damage. After his forces are almost destroyed by the Divers with more of them joining the battle, Alus launches one final desperate attack to destroy GBN, but is stopped by Sarah, May, and Eve's spirit before being ultimately defeated by Riku and Hiroto. After the battle, Alus's feelings reincarnate into a new infant EL-Diver that May takes in, during which, Hiroto discovers Eve's earring reincarnated as a pendant and was in May's possession all along, realizing some of Eve's lost data was also involved in May's creation. In a real-world meeting, Miss Tori points out that Alus' energy signature is similar to some issues that occurred in GBN during its development, implying that it was actually the Ancient Eldorans' last piece of dormant data entering the system, which could have been the final triggering factor that enabled the EL-Divers to be born in GBN. Some time later, Masaki is finally discharged from hospital, and the BUILD DiVERS, with Hinata as their newest member, return to Eldora to help the New Eldorans rebuild. | ||
| TRAILERS (SEASON 2) | |
ONA[]
An original net animation (ONA) titled Gundam Build Divers Battlogue (ガンダムビルドファイターズ バトローグ, Gandamu Birudo Daibāzu Batorōgu) premiered on Gundam Channel on November 13, 2020. Similar to the previous Battlogue series, the ONA features Gunpla battles based on fan votes including characters from both Build Divers and Build Divers Re:Rise. The ONA was directed by Masami Obari, and the rest of the staff from Gundam Build Divers Re:Rise returned to reprise their roles.
Merchandise[]
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.
External Link[]
- Gundam Build Divers Rize — Work information (Manga Official Website) | Web Ace
- TV Anime "Gundam Build Divers Re:Rise" Official Website JP
- TV Anime "Gundam Build Divers Re:Rise" Official Website EN
- TV Anime "Gundam Build Divers Re:Rise" Official Website (BS11)
- TV Anime "Gundam Build Divers Re:Rise" Official (@@gundambd) - Twitter X
- Gundam Build Divers Re:Rise — Wikipedia JP
- Gundam Build Divers Re:Rise — Wikipedia EN
See Also[]
- Log Horizon, is another anime character design with the same illustrator.
Trivia[]
to be added.