Mpaper – When it comes to iconic mechs in the world of anime, few franchises have the prestige and reverence that Mobile Suit Gundam commands. Since its debut in 1979, Gundam has revolutionized the mecha genre, introducing a myriad of powerful and legendary mobile suits. These suits, each with their unique features, weapons, and stories, have sparked countless debates among fans about which is the strongest of them all. From the original RX-78-2 to the modern-day Unicorn Gundam, the question remains: Which Gundam reigns supreme as the strongest, according to fans?
In this article, we dive into the world of Gundam to uncover which mobile suits top the charts in terms of fan-favorite rankings and their perceived strength. These mechs, forged in the fires of war and intergalactic conflict, are not just mechanical giants – they represent the hope, despair, and emotional journeys of their pilots. So, buckle up and join us as we explore the strongest Gundam units that have left a lasting mark on the franchise.
1. RX-78-2 Gundam: The Legendary Prototype
It’s only fitting to begin with the Mobile Suit Gundam that started it all: the RX-78-2 Gundam. Created by the legendary designer Kunio Okawara, this iconic mobile suit was the first of its kind in the Universal Century (UC) timeline. While many might not consider the RX-78-2 the “strongest” in terms of raw firepower or technical capabilities compared to its later counterparts, it holds a special place in fans’ hearts.
The RX-78-2 was designed as the Federation’s answer to the Zeon mobile suits and marked the beginning of an era. Its strength doesn’t just come from its impressive armament, such as the beam rifle, hyper bazooka, and the beam sabers – it also represents the ideal of hope and perseverance. Piloted by the young and determined Amuro Ray, the RX-78-2 is seen as a symbol of rebellion against oppression and the potential for humanity to overcome its darkest moments. Its place as a fan favorite and one of the strongest Gundam suits comes from its groundbreaking nature and its role in the Gundam series’ history.
2. Gundam Unicorn: The Ultimate Power Unleashed
When we talk about raw power and near-immortality in the Gundam universe, the Gundam Unicorn is undeniably a fan-favorite contender. Featured in the Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn OVA series, the Gundam Unicorn is equipped with the NT-D (Newtype Destroyer) System, an overwhelming technology designed to neutralize Newtype abilities. This mobile suit is considered by many to be the strongest due to its versatility, immense firepower, and the sheer scale of destruction it can cause.
What makes the Unicorn Gundam even more remarkable is its ability to transform into its full “Destroy Mode,” unlocking its true potential. In this mode, the suit gains extreme mobility and a devastating array of weapons, including the mega beam cannon – a weapon so powerful it can obliterate entire fleets. Furthermore, the Unicorn’s connection to the “Laplace’s Box” and its psychic synchronization with pilot Banagher Links make it almost unstoppable. Fans often place the Unicorn at the top due to its combination of power, legacy, and mystical allure.
3. Gundam 00 (Gundam Exia, Gundam 00 Raiser)
The Gundam 00 series introduced a whole new level of tech and power with the use of GN Drives. Among the most revered mobile suits in this series are Gundam Exia and its later upgrade, the Gundam 00 Raiser. These suits are powered by GN particles, an energy source that allows them to perform extraordinary feats of combat.
The Gundam Exia, piloted by Setsuna F. Seiei, is known for its superior agility, speed, and incredible close combat prowess. Its design focuses on melee combat, utilizing swords and other close-quarters weaponry. However, what truly makes it one of the strongest suits is its GN Sword and the advanced GN particle system that grants it unparalleled maneuverability in battle.
The Gundam 00 Raiser, an upgraded form of the Exia, takes it a step further by fusing with the GNR-001 GN Drives. This combined form allows for exceptional firepower and the ability to engage multiple targets simultaneously with the Trans-Am system, enhancing the mobile suit’s speed and reaction time to superhuman levels. The Gundam 00 series’ powerful mobile suits, with their cutting-edge technology and versatile abilities, are often viewed by fans as some of the most formidable in the Gundam franchise.
4. Strike Freedom Gundam: The Ultimate Freedom
The Strike Freedom Gundam from Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny is another fan-favorite that is often discussed as one of the strongest mobile suits in the Gundam universe. Piloted by the legendary Kira Yamato, the Strike Freedom is equipped with a vast array of weapons, including a beam rifle, beam sabers, wings of light, and dragoons, which are remote weapons that can be controlled independently for devastating aerial assaults.
What makes the Strike Freedom stand out is not only its powerful armament but its energy sustainability. Thanks to the powerful RA-XL DRAGOON system and Phase Shift Armor, the Strike Freedom can operate efficiently in any environment, from space to the earth’s atmosphere. This flexibility, combined with its strength, makes the Strike Freedom a force to be reckoned with. Fans love it for its incredible combat capabilities and the emotional connection they have to the character of Kira Yamato, whose personal evolution is mirrored by the evolution of the mobile suit itself.
5. Wing Zero Custom: The Beast of the Heavens
The Wing Zero Custom from Mobile Suit Gundam Wing (particularly the Endless Waltz OVA) is another powerhouse that has left a massive impact on fans. This suit is often described as one of the most stylish and powerful Gundams in the franchise, combining agility, firepower, and sheer beauty in design.
Equipped with the iconic Twin Buster Rifle – capable of firing beams that could destroy entire colonies – the Wing Zero is a formidable mobile suit in terms of both offense and defense. However, what truly sets it apart is its Neo-Bird Mode transformation, which allows it to fly at extraordinary speeds while offering excellent combat capabilities. Its combination of elegance and lethality has made the Wing Zero Custom one of the strongest Gundams in fan opinion.
6. Gundam Barbatos: A Raw Force of Destruction
While Gundam Barbatos from Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans may not have the advanced technologies seen in some of the other suits listed above, its raw power and ferociousness make it a fan-favorite contender for one of the strongest mobile suits in the series. Piloted by Mikazuki Augus, the Barbatos is a close-combat beast designed for brutal, no-holds-barred warfare.
What makes Barbatos stand out is its versatility and adaptability. Over the course of the series, it is upgraded multiple times, allowing it to take on increasingly powerful opponents. From wielding a giant mace to using beam weapons, the Gundam Barbatos proves that sometimes pure strength, coupled with ruthless efficiency, can overcome advanced technology. Its grounded, gritty nature and connection to Mikazuki’s development make it one of the fan’s favorites.
7. Turn A Gundam: The Face of Peace
Finally, we can’t overlook the Turn A Gundam, which stands as one of the most unique and powerful mechs in the Gundam universe. The Turn A is not just another mobile suit; it’s a symbol of hope and peace in the series Turn A Gundam. Its distinct white, triangular face and powerful beam weaponry make it stand out visually, but what really makes it a contender for the strongest suit is its secret weapon: the Moonlight Butterfly. This weapon can unleash devastating effects, capable of rendering technology obsolete in a large area. This eerie ability, combined with its advanced combat systems, makes the Turn A Gundam one of the most fascinating and formidable mechs in the entire franchise.
Conclusion: The Strongest Gundam – Fans Have Their Say
The Mobile Suit Gundam franchise has gifted fans with some of the most iconic mechs in anime history. From the RX-78-2 that started it all, to the mighty Unicorn and the versatile Gundam 00, each mobile suit brings its own unique brand of power, character, and strength to the table. While opinions differ, one thing is clear: Gundam fans have a deep love and respect for these legendary mechs and their pilots.
The strongest Gundam is a matter of perspective. For some, it’s about firepower, for others, it’s about the emotional connection to the story. Ultimately, each Gundam has its own place in the hearts of fans – and that’s the beauty of the Gundam universe. The strongest Gundam is the one that resonates with you the most. Which one is your favorite? The battle rages on!
Reference : https://www.reddit.com/r/Gundam/comments/qph2no/ever_asked_what_the_strongest_gundam_is_only_to/
