Mobile Suit Gundam follows a complex and engaging storyline, split into distinct arcs, as it introduces the conflict between the Earth Federation and the Principality of Zeon during the One Year War in the Universal Century (U.C.) timeline. Below is a breakdown of the plot and events, highlighting major characters, mobile suits, and key locations throughout the story.

The Beginning: Attack on Side 7

• Main Character Introduction: The story starts with Amuro Ray, a young, technically skilled teenager living on Side 7, a space colony controlled by the Earth Federation. He is the son of Tem Ray, one of the engineers behind the development of the Earth Federation’s secret mobile suit project, the RX-78-2 Gundam.
• Zeon Attack: The Principality of Zeon, led by the Zabi family, has been fighting the Earth Federation in the One Year War. Zeon forces, including ace pilot Char Aznable, attack Side 7 in an effort to destroy the Federation’s new mobile suit.
• Amuro Pilots the Gundam: When Zeon forces invade, Amuro finds the manual for the RX-78-2 Gundam and takes control of the suit to defend his colony, marking the start of his journey as a pilot.
• The White Base: Survivors from Side 7, including Amuro, Bright Noa (a young officer), and other civilians, take refuge aboard the Federation’s experimental ship, the White Base. This ship becomes central to the story, carrying key Federation personnel and the prototype Gundam.

Journey to Earth: White Base’s Trials

• Earth Descent: White Base escapes from Side 7 and heads toward Earth. Along the way, they are pursued by Char Aznable, a mysterious and skilled Zeon pilot who pilots the MS-06S Zaku II Commander Type. Char has his own personal vendetta against the Zabi family and often clashes with Amuro.
• Character Growth: Amuro struggles with the weight of piloting the Gundam and his growing fear and anxiety. Other crew members like Sayla Mass (secretly Artesia Zabi, a member of the Zeon royal family) and Mirai Yashima (White Base’s helmsman) also become important parts of the story.
• Mobile Suits: This arc introduces Zeon’s Zaku II, Gouf, and Dom mobile suits, formidable enemies for Amuro to fight as he gains more experience in battle.

Earth Campaign: Federation vs. Zeon

• The Federation’s Push: On Earth, White Base must navigate through Zeon-controlled territories. They participate in key battles, supporting the Earth Federation’s push to regain control from Zeon.
• Ramba Ral Arc: One significant storyline is the confrontation with Zeon officer Ramba Ral, who pilots the MS-07B Gouf. Ral becomes a mentor-like figure to Amuro, showing him the grim realities of war.
• Amuro’s Growth: During these battles, Amuro matures as a pilot and begins to unlock the Gundam’s potential, becoming a key asset in the Federation’s mobile suit forces.

Operation Odessa and Jaburo: Key Federation Victories

• Operation Odessa: The Earth Federation launches Operation Odessa, a major offensive to reclaim a vital mining region from Zeon forces. White Base plays a crucial role in this battle, and it marks a turning point in the war.
• Mobile Armor Introduction: During this arc, Zeon introduces large, heavily armed Mobile Armors, such as the MA-08 Big Zam, piloted by Dozle Zabi, a member of the Zabi family.
• Jaburo: After Odessa, White Base reaches the Federation’s underground headquarters, Jaburo, located in South America. Here, the Federation launches a full-scale production of their own mobile suits, like the GM series, thanks to data collected from the Gundam.

The Space Arc: Amuro and Char’s Rivalry Deepens

• Return to Space: White Base returns to space to join the final stages of the war. Amuro and Char continue their intense rivalry. Char reveals his true identity as Casval Rem Deikun, son of Zeon Deikun, the founder of Zeonism, a political ideology that Zeon follows.
• Lalah Sune: Char introduces Lalah Sune, a powerful Newtype pilot, capable of extraordinary spatial awareness. She pilots the MAN-08 Elmeth, a mobile armor equipped with Bits (remote-controlled weapons). Lalah’s Newtype abilities resonate with Amuro, who is also revealed to have latent Newtype powers.
• Newtypes: This arc explores the concept of Newtypes—humans who have evolved psychic abilities due to living in space. Amuro’s connection to Lalah deepens the emotional complexity of the war, but it also leads to tragedy.

The Final Battle: A Baoa Qu

• Confrontation at A Baoa Qu: The climactic battle takes place at Zeon’s fortress, A Baoa Qu. The Federation, now fully mobilized, launches an all-out assault. Char and Amuro engage in their final duel amidst the chaos.
• Gundam vs. Zeong: Char pilots the MSN-02 Zeong, a powerful mobile suit designed for Newtypes. The final battle between the Gundam and Zeong is both a physical and emotional confrontation.
• End of the War: The war ends with the death of Gihren Zabi (Zeon’s de facto leader) and the fall of Zeon’s military power. Char’s fate remains uncertain as he and Amuro are left to resolve their personal grudges amidst the ruins of war.