Line #6 Anime/GundamBuildFighters


1	[[quoteright:350:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/buildfights_792.jpg]]
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3	->''"Franchise/{{Gundam}} plastic models... Gunpla. Building them or fighting them, it all depends on you. Unlike the Anime/MobileSuitGundam story, we're not in a state of war, and we don't have to put our lives on the line. It's just played for pleasure. But... No, for that very reason... People can be enthralled by Gunpla and Gunpla Battle. Because it's a game, they can take it seriously!"''
4	-->-- '''Mr. Ral'''
5
6	''Gundam Build Fighters'' is a 2013 ''Franchise/{{Gundam}}'' animated series directed by Kenji Nagasaki ''(Literature/No6)'' and written by Yosuke Kuroda (''Anime/MobileSuitGundam00''). It takes the idea of Gunpla battles from ''Anime/ModelSuitGunplaBuildersBeginningG'' further.
7
8	In the [[TwentyMinutesIntoTheFuture near future]], new [[AppliedPhlebotinum technology]] has been invented that allows people to [[AnimateInanimateObject animate]] and control [[MerchandiseDriven plastic models]] in sporting competitions known as "Gunpla Battles." The protagonist, Sei Iori, hopes to one day make it into the Gunpla Battle world championships using his custom model "Build [[Anime/MobileSuitGundamSEED Strike Gundam]]." Unfortunately, despite being an excellent model builder, he's a terrible pilot. Sei's luck turns around, however, when he meets a [[MysteriousStranger mysterious boy]] with incredible piloting skills named Reiji. Together, they set off to realize Sei's dream ToBeAMaster.
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10	The show is known for being ContinuityPorn with numerous mobile suits, cameos, and so forth from previous ''Franchise/{{Gundam}}'' series appearing alongside [[OriginalGeneration original model designs]]. A listing of these {{Mythology Gag}}s can be seen '''[[MythologyGag/GundamBuildFighters here]]'''.
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12	''Gundam Build Fighters'' aired from October 7, 2013, to March 31, 2014, on Creator/TVTokyo and [=Gundam.Info=]. Has a {{prequel}} manga, ''Gundam Build Fighters Amazing'', that focuses on Tatsuya Yuuki's life before the TV show. A sequel anime, ''Anime/GundamBuildFightersTry'', started airing in October 2014. In 2017 a couple of new [[OriginalVideoAnimation OVAs]] were also announced, namely ''[[https://youtu.be/yaKxzLFfNW4 Gundam Build Fighters: GM's Counterattack,]]'' [[{{Interquel}} set 3 years after the events of the original series,]] and ''Gundam Build Fighters Battlogue'', set at random points within the same continuity (covering ''Try''), [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k5ihIVEB3LY available online from August 2017]]. Further sequels with the now called ''Anime/GundamBuildSeries'' would follow with 2018's ''Anime/GundamBuildDivers'', 2019's ''Anime/GundamBuildDiversReRise'' and 2023's ''Anime/GundamBuildMetaverse''.
13
14	!!Beginning Trope Particle Dispersal...
15
16	%%* ABoyAndHisX A Boy and his Gunpla
17	* AbsurdlyPowerfulStudentCouncil: Sei's school has a Gunpla Battle machine set up in the gymnasium; [[LampshadeHanging lampshaded]] and [[JustifiedTrope justified]] when one student remarks on how expensive the machines are and another says that Yuuki's father donated the funding to the school.
18	* TheAce: Sei's father is shown via FlashBack to be a masterful Gunpla fighter, defeating a [[Anime/MobileSuitGundamCharsCounterAttack Re-GZ]] and [[Anime/MobileSuitZetaGundam Asshimar]] using the classic [[Anime/MobileSuitGundam RX-78-2 Gundam]].
19	* AceCustom: Wholly encouraged and practically the main selling point of the franchise, in and out of universe. Nearly every mobile suit used by a character is heavily personalized, and even the gunpla of extras will have at least a unique paint job. Any well made custom gunpla will beat bog standard ones in terms of performance.
20	* AchievementsInIgnorance: China's stuffing her Bearguy Gunpla with cotton. It was a completely unexpected move that won her a battle against her rival, but the only reason she did it was to adhere to Bearguy III's backstory.
21	* AffectionateParody: To the entire genre of "collector battle" anime like ''Franchise/YuGiOh'' and ''Franchise/{{Beyblade}}'', where kids treat games as SeriousBusiness. ''Gundam Build Fighters'' uses the same kind of concept, but is utterly tongue-in-cheek and full of comedy beats and LampshadeHanging over how ludicrous the entire concept is. Of course, it does have its moments of genuine drama, as well, though generally on a personal level rather than the world-spanning conflicts of previous Gundam series.
22	* TheAgeless: In the GM's Counterattack OVA, all of the main characters look exactly like they did at the end of the series proper where most of them were 13 and even wear the exact same clothes, even though the events of the OVA take place during Sei's final year in his academy, which is both a middle school and a high school.
23	* AlliterativeName: '''Nils''' '''Niels'''en.
24	* AllPartOfTheShow: In Episode 11, PPSE claims that the [[spoiler:1/48 Mega Sized Zaku]] storming the battlefield was part of a special stage event.
25	* AlmightyJanitor: Despite largely being a side character and not an active Fighter, Mr. Ral is instantly recognized (and respected) almost everywhere he goes, and has a vast knowledge of the Gunpla world that allows him to influence events. [[spoiler:The finale shows he is indeed an incredibly powerful Gunpla battler worthy of the respect he's given.]]
26	* AnimateInanimateObject: Gunpla are able to move thanks to the Plavsky Particles interacting with the type of plastic they are made of.
27	* AnimationBump: Discussed in Episode 10, when Ricardo goes on praising the animation in the ''[[Anime/MobileSuitGundamThe08thMSTeam Battle in Three Dimensions]]'' special. Also done with the fights themselves whenever animated by Shingo Abe, Munetaka Abe or Creator/MasamiObari.
28	* AppliedPhlebotinum: Plavsky Particles not only animate Gunpla, but make the [[LaserBlade Beam Sabers]] and other weapons work within it.
29	* ArtShift: In Episode 20, Sei gets treated to some hypnosis, which causes him to recite all of Amuro's lines from Anime/MobileSuitGundam. During this, his face is redrawn to mirror the style of the original series.
30	** In episode 3, when Reiji explain to Sei that he comes from another world. The whole sequence is drawn in crayon.
31	* AscendedExtra: Gawain in ''GM's Counterattack''. In the main series he only had about one sentence worth of lines, no personality, and existed only to get his ass kicked by Alia to establish how good at Gunpla Battle she was. In the OVA, he's given a [[AgentPeacock flamboyant, beauty obsessed personality]], a habit of painting his Gunpla in absurdly gaudy colors, and an obsession with creating "the world's most beautiful Gunpla." [[spoiler:Also he joined the Gunpla Mafia after he was fired from Team Nemesis.]]
32	* AscendedMeme: EVERYWHERE. Several memes get nodded or ascended to.
33	** Even one of the show's own memes (Gundam Valhalla) became ascended, with WordOfSaintPaul (as related by Mao's VA Minami Fuji) confirming that all ''Gundam'' characters exist in ''Build Fighters''' world and live happy, peaceful lives.
34	* AttackOfThe50FootWhatever:
35	** More of ''Attack Of The 5 Foot Whatever'', Episode 11 ends with an appearance of [[spoiler:a giant [=1/48=] Mega Size Zaku II vs [=1/144=] scale Gundams that are normally 7 inches tall]].
36	** ''GM's Counterattack'' takes a slightly different direction with [[spoiler:the Psycho GM, which is ''supposed'' to be the same scale as the [=1/144=] Build Fighters mecha, but being based on a WMD with legs, is roughly the same size as the Zaku-II anyway.]]
37	** ''Build Fighters Battlogue'' goes back to the 'typical' direction, with a giant Acguy of indeterminate scale [[spoiler:being composed of nothing but leftover Beargguy parts]], and the recently-released 1/60 PG [[Anime/MobileSuitGundam00 Gundam Exia.]]
38	* AudienceSurrogate: As both Reiji and China are new to the world of Gunpla at the start of the show, they're often used by the writers to have someone for Sei or Mr. Ral to spew {{Exposition}} at.
39	* BackupTwin:
40	** ''GM's Counterattack''. [[spoiler:The Gunpla Mafia was somehow set up by Mashita's twin brother ''at the same time as PPSE'', who somehow had his own Arista the whole time.]]
41	** ''Build Fighters Battlogue'' has [[spoiler:the Renato twins being joined by a Renato ''triplet''.]]
42	* BadassNormal: While many of the new fighters such as Sei, Nils, Mao, and Aila have Gunpla that can [[GameBreaker manipulate Plavsky Particles]], there are plenty of other fighters like Fellini, Luang, and Kawaguchi who get by with pure skill, experience, and determination.
43	** The cake has to go to Takeshi Iori, who made it all the way to the World Gunpla Battle Championship finals in the RX-78-2 Gundam, a machine that is pretty much outclassed by almost everything his opponents fielded.
44	* BaseballEpisode: Towards the end of Episode 13. Possibly the strangest thing done with moving plastic models yet.
45	* BatmanGambit: Sir John Ayers Mackenzie fakes a heart attack, so that his grandson Julian will replace him in the semi finals, and ensures the gunpla he'll use is Julian's old F91 Imagine--all so that Julian could return to Gunpla Battle.
46	* BattleCouple: [[spoiler:Reiji and Aila]] work surprisingly well together.
47	** [[spoiler:And for the final battle in Episode 25, we have ''all four couples''--Sei/China, Reiji/Aila, Fellini/Kirara & Nils/Caroline--going into battle with their gunpla.]]
48	* BattleInTheRain: Meijin Kawaguchi III vs. The Renato Twins.
49	* BeachEpisode: The first half of Episode 7.
50	* BetaCouple: Fellini and Kirara qualifies as an example of this by Episode 20.
51	* BigBad: Chairman Mashita is the closest the series has to one, doing everything in his power to eliminate Sei and Reiji from the world tournament [[spoiler:because he is a criminal from Arian]]. Made more apparent by the second opening, in which [[spoiler:Mashita is shown sitting in classic Bond Villain styling and sporting a SlasherSmile while the silhouette of the [[Anime/MobileSuitGundam00 Exia Dark Matter]] flashes its eyes in the background]].
52	* BigDamnHeroes: In Episode 11, when Reiji and Sei come to the aid of Ricardo, who's severely outnumbered by Team NTR. And then, when it seems like they're in over their head [[spoiler:Mao]] pulls off an epic OneHitKill to finish off the fight.
53	** In Episode 12, [[spoiler:Nils]] manages to destroy two of the [[spoiler:Mega-Zaku's]] missiles before they could take out Mao and Ricardo, while [[spoiler:Meijin]] stalls it long enough for Reiji to deliver the finishing blow.
54	** Reiji tries to do this in Episode 20, [[spoiler:But is {{One Hit Kill}}ed by Aila.]]
55	** In Episode 25, a few of these happen:
56	*** Mao shows up with the Crossbone Maoh and unleases his WaveMotionGun, clearing the way for the team to storm the fortress.
57	*** The guard team (Fellini, Kirara, Mao, Nils & Caroline) are on the ropes, and are about to be overwhelmed... and then there's a dramatic entrance and CombinationAttack by [[spoiler:Ral and Master Chinan!]] Kirara sums it up best.
58	-->'''Kirara''': They're...absurdly strong...
59	** China and Aila are down, Sei and Reiji are desperately trying to protect them, and are close to being overwhelmed...[[spoiler:and then Yuuki arrives in the Amazing Exia Repair and curbstomps the mooks.]]
60	--> [[spoiler:'''Yuuki''']]: [[spoiler:Rage on, Exia! TRANS-AM!]][[note]]''Moeagare, Exia! TRANS-AM![[/note]]
61	** Even then, he just buys them a little breathing room, until [[spoiler:Takeshi shows up in the Perfect Gundam]] and blasts a hole through the Colony Laser, and then unloads his beam cannon on the mooks, giving Reiji and Sei the chance to go for the crystal.
62	** A lot of these in GM's Counterattack:
63	*** Nils is about to be backstabbed when China and Beargguy III show up and drive a beam saber through the last Gunpla Mafia mook.
64	*** Fighting the Gunpla Mafia boss, Sei is on the ropes, until in quick sucession Yuuki, Mao, Nils, Fellini and China show up to even the odds.
65	*** [[spoiler:The Gunpla Mafia boss drains everyone of Plavsky particles, and is about to land the finishing blow on Sei, who's struggling to move his gunpla... and then like the wind, Reiji appears!]]
66	* TheBigRace: The penultimate stage of the World Tournament preliminary rounds is a free for all gunpla race.
67	* BlackAndNerdy: Nils Nielsen, who is obsessed with samurai culture, in addition to holding '''''three''''' Ph.Ds.
68	* BlankWhiteEyes: Everyone's "WTF?!" reaction during the climax of [[spoiler:Reiji and Aila's battle]] in Episode 21.
69	* BlingBlingBang: Gawain's Baund Doc in ''GM's Counterattack'' is painted metallic gold and ''coated with Diamonds''. [[spoiler:That Diamond coating makes it practically invincible against Beam Weapons.]]
70	* BookEnds: [[spoiler:Sei and Yuuki's final match]] in the final episode is an exact mirror of Reiji's first battle against Sazaki in the first episode, with [[spoiler:Sei]] emulating Reiji's fighting style.
71	* BreakoutCharacter: Ramba Ral, a [[MonsterOfTheWeek Villain Of The Week]] turned EnsembleDarkHorse from all the way back in the 1979 ''Anime/MobileSuitGundam'', returns to serve as a regular supporting character in ''Build Fighters''.
72	* BreatherEpisode:
73	** Episode 23.
74	** Episode 9, being a rare China focus episode that eventually ties in with the main plot in time for next week.
75	* BuddyPicture: Sei is the Gundam builder, Reiji is the Gundam fighter, and together they are Gundam Build Fighters!
76	* ButNotTooForeign: Nils Nielsen, the African-American Gunpla Battle champion, is half-Japanese (on his mother's side).
77	** Similarly, Caroline Yajima. She's half-Japanese and half-European, but the only thing that really sets her apart from the other Japanese kids is her blond hair.
78	* ButNowIMustGo: In the finale [[spoiler:Reiji is forced to return to Arian now that the source of Plavsky Particles on Earth is destroyed.]]
79	* ButtMonkey: AU suits in general tend to be treated this way when going against their UC counterparts. Special mention goes to the ''SEED''[[note]]outside of Sei and Nils' suits[[/note]] units, which can't seem to catch a break anywhere. However, UC and CE have notably more units to use than all other series' and thus make the most cameos. As well as the show's nature where custom gunpla trump stock or repainted gunpla all day every day.
80	* CallBack:
81	** Amusingly, a look at [[https://www.youtube.com/user/GundamInfo/videos GundamInfo's video page thumbnails]] reveals that ''GM's Counterattack'' will have the Star Burning Gundam launching ''with the exact same camera angle'' as the Build Strike way back in episode 3!
82	** Also from ''GM's Counterattack'', the Ninpulse Gundam takes its color scheme from the Hyaku-Shiki that Nils is first seen piloting back in episode 8.
83	* CallingYourAttacks: Everyone does this from time to time.
84	* CallOnMe: Reiji promises to come and help Sei, no matter where he is or what crisis he's facing.
85	* CassandraTruth: Reiji believes this whenever he reveals his backstory [[spoiler:of being the crown prince of a country from another world called Arian]], since everybody who hears it laughs at how ridiculous it is. [[spoiler:Except for Mashita, a petty thief from Arian who stole the artifact that made Gunpla Battle possible at all in the first place]].
86	* TheCameo: Several mobile suits from various Gundam side-stories have made appearances as assembled kits in the background, including the [[Manga/GundamSentinel S Gundam]], the [[Manga/MobileSuitCrossboneGundam Crossbone Gundam X-1]], and the Gundam Aesculapius from the Wing side-side story ''G-Unit''. Hell, even the G-Saviour (from ''Film/GSaviour'', which has been essentially [[OldShame ignored by Sunrise and the fandom both]] since its release in 2000) has made an appearance.
87	** In many cases, even the fighters or various audience members are obvious shout-outs to various Gundam characters, such as Jerrid and Kacricon from [[Anime/MobileSuitZetaGundam Zeta Gundam]] being paired together in the pre-qualifiers, or Sergei Smirnov from 00 cheering from the audience in the same episode that a brunette Soma Peries pilots the Kyrios.
88	** There's also Chibodee Crocket from [[Anime/MobileFighterGGundam G Gundam]] who appears in Episode 14 in his own Gundam Maxter.
89	** And the blond ''(and female!)'' [[Anime/MobileSuitGundamWing Heero Yuy]] piloting a Mercurius from Wing alongside our heroes for a 3-on-3 battle, as well as the black-haired [[Anime/MobileFighterGGundam Allenby Beardsley]] piloting a custom-colored Nobel Gundam.
90	** He hasn't appeared on-screen, but the fact that [[Anime/MobileSuitGundam00 Patrick Mannequin]], aka "The Immortal" EnsembleDarkHorse from ''Gundam 00'', is a finalist in the tournament made many fans very excited.
91	** Just look at the [[MythologyGag/GundamBuildFighters Mythology Gag page]]. It also doesn't hurt that [[WordOfSaintPaul one of the voice actors]] has said that "In the world of Build Fighters, all Gundam characters live in peace," making this a sort of Gundam Valhalla for the franchise.
92	* CharClone: Sei and Reiji's [[TheRival rival]], Tatsuya Yuuki, uses a customized version of Char's custom Zaku II from ''Anime/MobileSuitGundam''. He even has the nickname ''Crimson Comet'', a play on Char's ''Red Comet'' moniker.
93	** Plus that [[spoiler:he is masked later with a different name.]]
94	** WordOfGod states that the GBF universe is one where all the Gundam characters who met a bad end could get a second chance.
95	* CheatersNeverProsper: Practically a lesson. Everyone who tries to cheat or play dirty by bending the rules is eventually smacked down, usually in a publicly humiliating fashion.
96	** When Kirara [[spoiler:attempts to sabotage the Build Strike's joints before a match, she's defeated by the Build Strike's jet-fighter-like booster pack.]]
97	** When the Renato brothers [[spoiler:bend the unit deployment rules to try and sabotage the Kampfer Amazing mid-fight, Meijin snatches victory from them and guns down their suit and its support unit.]]
98	** Caroline's attempt to humiliate China by [[spoiler:buying a souped-up custom Gunpla built by an expert for the girl's-only tournament ends in her Knight Gundam being literally and physically thrown out of the match]].
99	** The Flana Institute [[spoiler:attempting to push an illegal system modification--Embody--through as a cosplay eventually results in Aila snapping at them, quitting the team, and ruining what was implied to be a very profitable sponsorship for them. When they try to do the same to Yuuki, Sei and Reiji snap him out of it too and it brings down the house on Chairman Mashita and PPSE after the Arista crystals start going haywire.]]
100	** Even the mysterious "C," [[spoiler:the mafia man who tries and fails to sabotage Sei and Reiji's events at the tournament and outside of it, eventually ends up being beaten up by Ral, then falling into a urinal and flushed before being arrested by Takeshi.]]
101	** Special credit goes to [[spoiler:Chairman Mashita, who repeatedly tries to rig the entire tournament to cheat Sei and Reiji out of any legitimate chance at victory, and fails miserably every single time in increasingly unexpected, very highly visible ways, garning all the attention that he ''didn't'' want on Sei and Reiji.]]
102	* ChekhovsGun: The stone Reiji gave Sei in first episode becomes this in Episode 21. [[spoiler:Sei has China give Aila the stone, which allows Reiji and Aila to reconcile and connect together. Chairman Mashita also has a similar stone that reacts to this as well. Nils also finds out the stone is made out of pure Plavsky Particles. And then in the final episode, Aila uses the Arista she was given in Episode 21 to follow Reiji to Arian]].
103	** Aila's helmet as well. Previously implied to just be used to hide her identity, Episodes 20 and 21 reveal that [[spoiler:it actually has a program in it called the Embody System which improves her combat skills and increases her reaction time. And at full output, it comes [[MindRape at the cost of her consciousness]]]].
104	* CherryTapping: When challenging the fighters at the Zeon Bar, Reiji deliberately asks to take the weakest Gunpla they have, which is a simple Ball. He then proceeds to utterly trounce his opponents with it.
105	** In Episode 8, Aila proves her skills by trashing a championship player's [[Anime/MobileFighterGGundam Devil Gundam]]. With a ''[[Anime/MobileSuitGundamCharsCounterattack Jegan]]''.
106	* TheChewToy: Poor, poor Cziommer. Bad enough that he lost his girlfriend, but now he's become Fellini's personal [[Anime/MobileSuitGundam00 Team Patrick]].
107	** Mao kind of goes through this for a few episodes after [[spoiler:his date goes very wrong]], culminating in [[spoiler:the Gundam X Maoh getting blown to bits in a training battle against Julian's F91 Imagine]].
108	* ColorFailure: Sei in Episode 2, while freaking out about Reiji's teleportation skills.
109	** Rainer Cziommer in Episode 11, after [[spoiler:Mao]] OneHitKills his gunpla moments before he's able to deliver the finishing blow to [[SitcomArchNemesis Ricardo.]]
110	** Kirara gets one in Episode 13 after a [[ItMakesSenseInContext foul ball]] knocks her drink out of her hand, causing it to nearly take out two random bystanders.
111	** And then Nils gets this in Episode 19, when Caroline unilaterally declares him to be her boyfriend.
112	** Rinko, Sei and China get those in Episode 22, when they see Aila coming out of the bathroom [[ModestyTowel wearing a towel]].
113	* CombatBreakdown: Happens often in the really big fights, as missing limbs, malfunctioning equipment, and one WreckedWeapon after another take their toll on both players' suits. Particularly spectacular examples include the battles between the Build Strike Full Package and Zaku Amazing in Episode 6, between the Star Build Strike and Wing Gundam Fenice in Episode 15, and between the Kampfer Amazing and GM Sniper K9 in Episode 18.
114	* CombinationAttack: An absolutely devastating one pulled off in Episode 25 by [[spoiler:Mr. Ral and Master Chinan. Ral uses his Gouf's Heat Rod to create a vortex that sucks in vast numbers of surrounding enemies, leaving them easy prey to the [[DivingKick Chinan Kick!!]].]]
115	* CompositeCharacter:
116	** Build Strike Gundam Full Package is a mix of a few models from ''Anime/MobileSuitGundamSEED'', adding the shoulder armor of Strike Freedom Gundam and a booster pack based on the Akatsuki's Oowashi pack in ''Anime/MobileSuitGundamSEEDDestiny'' on top of the original Strike Gundam design, along with some design cues taken from the Burning Gundam from ''Anime/MobileFighterGGundam''.
117	** The Build Gundam MK-II is the Gundam MK-II with a stripped-down version of the G-Defensor and a pair of beam rifles taken from a Gaplant.
118	* ContinuityCavalcade: Episode 23 [[ContinuityNod references several earlier episodes]], but it's also full of [[TheCameo cameos]] of characters from other ''Gundam'' series (most notably [[Anime/MobileSuitGundam Char Aznable]]). In fact, most of the cameos are of characters who had bad fates in their own canon; the episode depicts broken families reunited and StarCrossedLovers being happy together.
119	* {{Cosplay}}: In 1st end credits, various [[AttackOfThe50FootWhatever giant versions]] of the main characters dress up as their Gunpla Models.
120	** Sei as Build Strike Gundam Full Package in Spring.
121	** Reiji as Build Gundam Mk-II in Summer.
122	** Yuuki as Zaku Amazing in Fall.
123	** China as Beargguy III in Winter.
124	* CreatorsCultureCarryover:
125	** A very egregious example happens in Episode 20, when everybody from Team Nemesis bows towards its president the Japanese way after he left the scene, except they're supposed to be ''Finnish''.
126	** On the other hand, this is ''defied like hell'' in the same episode: [[spoiler:One can suppose Kirara, being Japanese, could easily understand the reasons why the Italian Fellini is trying to self-destruct his Gunpla. It turns out she's ''calling him out'' for trying to do this kind of behavior and he changes his mind after that]].[[note]]It's very possible since the series is geared toward younger audiences, Sunrise doesn't want to promote ''[[spoiler:suicide]]'', even if it's handled in a figurative sense. Taking into account how common this problem is in Japan, this is justified.[[/note]]
127	* CurbStompBattle: Happens often. The first Zaku Amazing/Build Strike duel, ALL of Aila's battles except against Fellini and Reiji, and the Renato Twins/Luang battle. Even the very first battle in the series (Sei's Wing Gundam vs Sazaki's Gyan) sees Sei on the receiving end of a curbstomp (and neatly demonstrating his utter lack of piloting ability, despite his skill at making gunpla).
128	** NoHoldsBarredBeatdown: Aila to Fellini's Fenice and [[spoiler:the Dark Matter to the Star Build Strike in the first half of their fight.]]
129	** The greatest and most hotblooded example of this is in Episode 25, [[spoiler:when Ral and Chinan use their CombinationAttack to destroy a ridiculously awesome number of mooks, before just killing the fuck out of everything they see]].
130	* CutLexLuthorACheck: Averted, funnily enough. When Baker mentions that Mashita could use PPSE's resources and technology to essentially take over the world, Mashita brushes off the idea, saying that world domination is too much work and he's happier getting rich off Gunpla battles.
131	** However, played straight in his grudge against Reiji. Even after knowing that Reiji doesn't recognize him at all, Mashita puts ''way'' too much effort into trying to eliminate him from the tournament, even resorting to outright illegal methods that could get him and his company in serious trouble if he were found out.
132	* CutenessProximity: Caroline's reaction to the Beargguy III is to fawn over it and [[GotMeDoingIt even refer to herself as "Caro-chan", the nickname she utterly despises]].
133	** In ''Build Fighters Amazing'', Yana tries to invoke this with her Nyaia Gundam [[note]] a Gaia Gundam mocked up to look like a ridiculously cute kitten[[/note]]; the idea is that it'll be so cute, it'll distract her opponents, and they wouldn't be able to bear attacking and damaging it. Sadly, Yuuki's hotbloodedness means he's immune to its charms.
134	* DayInTheLimelight:
135	** Episode 8 focuses almost entirely on newcomers Nils and Aila. Sei only makes two brief appearances.
136	** Episode 9 is mostly focused on China. It goes from her using her gunpla as a way to get Sei out of his room to her own blossoming interest in Gunpla battles.
137	** Episode 17 is entirely focused on Mao and his backstory.
138	** [[DeathInTheLimelight Defeat In The Limelight]]: Typically whenever one of the major rivals are about to lose in the tournament, a good chunk of the episode is dedicated to them and their motivations. The ones so far have included [[spoiler:Fellini, Mao, the Renato Twins, Nils, and Aila]].
139	* DesignatedGirlFight:
140	** [[JustifiedTrope Justified]] with China when she entered a girls-only amateur Gunpla Battle tournament (or was rather persuaded by Caroline to enter).
141	** Otherwise [[AvertedTrope averted]] with Kirara, as she was already in the same tournament as Sei & Reiji prior to her first appearance.
142	* TheDeterminator: Special mention has to go to American champ Greco Logan, who keeps fighting even after his [[Anime/MobileSuitGundamWing Tallgeese Valkyrie]] loses both its arms.
143	** Ricardo Fellini proves himself to be made of similar stuff, especially in Episode 15.
144	* DidntSeeThatComing:
145	** Meijin did not expect [[spoiler:the GM Sniper K9 to have an [=EXAM=] system]]. At the same time, the Renato brothers [[spoiler:didn't expect Meijin to lead them to the forgotten jettisoned weapon binder, and were definitely ''not'' expecting his gatling gun.]]
146	** Most of Baker's plans to get Sei and Reiji eliminated ''should'' have worked, if not for them pulling out something she had no reason to expect, such as the RG System in Episode 13, fighting Fellini to a draw in Episode 15, or defeating Nils [[note]]no selling his Partical Fai Jin with instant glue [[/note]] and Aila[[note]]By Reiji having a heart to heart talk with her and then flirting his way to victory, along with some mild GoneHorriblyRight for Aila.[[/note]].
147	** Absolutely no one saw it coming when Beargguy III unleashed it's ultimate weapon [[spoiler: the comically huge amount of cotton stuffed inside. China herself didn't realize it could be a weapon, much less such a powerful one, because she did it to keep in line with Beargguy's story of being a teddybear turned into a machine.]]
148	* DirtyOldMan: Master Chinan's favorite female Gundam character is ''SEED'''s Murrue Ramius. His reason for liking her? Her boobs bouncing whenever the ''Archangel'' took a hit. Even so, he's unashamed to admit it (complete with hentai eyes and drool), which quite ironically [[spoiler:is a hint toward the Gunpla Shingyo School's true philosophy[[note]]which is actually played straight and completely non-perverted[[/note]].]]
149	* DisappearsIntoLight: Reiji's body fades into red motes when he teleports back to wherever he came from, much to Sei's astonishment, though it only happened once. [[spoiler:Until the finale, where both Reiji and Chairman Mashita disappear like this.]]
150	* DoesThisRemindYouOfAnything: Upon seeing Reiji at the tournament, the CEO of PPSE freaks out. So much so that he spills his drink all over the crotch of his pants.
151	* DoingItForTheArt: In-universe. Mr. Ral explans to Reiji that not everyone builds Gunpla to battle, but to represent their love for Gundam and anime like his HG Gouf that he doesn't use in battle, and to reenact scenes from the franchise.
152	* DoubleKnockout: [[spoiler:In episode 15, Star Build Strike and Wing Gundam Fenice's match ends with a final, explosive blow that leaves both gunplas non-functioning. The fight is even declared a draw.]]
153	* DynamicEntry: Several times in Episode 25. First is Mao unleashing the Crossbone X Maoh's Satellite Cannon on the mooks, and then [[spoiler:Master Chinan and Ral, who barge in, rally the cast, and then unleash their ridiculously awesomely hotblooded CombinationAttack]].
154	* EarlyBirdCameo: A meta example: We can see the RealLife-sized Gundam from Odaiba along with the real-sized Char's Zaku II, who is planned to be built in Japan in 2014. Since the series takes place in the future, it's very possible the statue was already finished by that time.
155	* EndOfAnAge[=/=]DawnOfAnEra: After Greco's defeat at the hands of Nils, Fellini reflects that the old guard of Gunpla fighters are quickly being supplanted by a new generation of upcoming fighters. He outright calls this a "reformation" of the entire sport.
156	** To be specific, the era of Fellini and Roman was characterized by fighters who were highly skilled with slightly custom Gunpla. The "new" generation, epitomized by Nils, use highly modified Gunpla which manipulate Plavsky particles to their advantage.[[spoiler:Ral and Master Chinan prove that there's still a place for the old guys, as their BigDamnHeroes moment proves.]]
157	* EnemyMine: One for the villains. [[spoiler:Baker hires the Flana Institute, who were previously supporting Team Nemesis, so she can use their Embody System to power up the Meijin.]]
158	* EnergyAbsorption: Star Build Strike's shield can absorb beam attacks, and channel the power into the suit's SuperMode.
159	* EmotionsVersusStoicism: Nils (stoic) and Greco (enthusiastic)'s fight in Episode 8 is a clear-cut example. In particular, after the Tallgeese Valkyrie loses its arms, Nils tries to convince Greco to surrender and Greco responds by trying to ram the Sengoku Astray into a nearby rock formation.
160	* EvasiveFightThreadEpisode: Episode 23. [[spoiler:[[DramaPreservingHandicap Reiji and a basic Gunpla]] versus [[TookALevelInBadass Sei and a custom Gunpla]].]] Who wins? They don't show us.
161	* EverybodyLives: Although given the show's setup you wouldn't expect characters to die, it's still Gundam...
162	* EvolvingCredits: With Episode 8, the background and characters present have changed in the running sequence, indicating a new leg of the story.
163	* EurekaMoment: In Episode 9, China says she gave her Beargguy III a backstory[[note]]He was an ordinary teddy bear who turned into a robot[[/note]], which is why she stuffed the model kit with cotton. This makes Sei realize that he's been hamstringing himself by keeping the Build Strike as something that might actually exist in the [[Anime/MobileSuitGundamSEED Cosmic Era universe]] rather than letting his creativity flow freely, which ultimately results in his creating the Star Build Strike.
164	* FacePalm: When Rinko and China surprise Sei with tasty treats, Aila comes in ModestyTowel, prompting Sei to bury his face on his hands.
165	* FashionableAsymmetry: The Wing Gundam Fenice, which is much fancier on its left side than its right.
166	* FlashyTeleportation: Reiji's teleportation turns him into red motes when he gets teleported most likely to where he comes from whenever his time is up.
167	* FourIsDeath: The battles in Episode 13 are preceded by the entrants using a lotto machine to determine which weapons package they will be given. Sei draws 44, which he and several others take as an ill omen.
168	* FormulaBreakingEpisode: The tournament offers a few unusual rounds when leading up to the final 16. Best shown when a relatively normal match between Sei and Luang turns into a ''baseball match''.
169	* FreezeFrameBonus: During Episode 12, the windmill that Don Quixote is charging towards is the Nether Gundam. During Episode 15 we have a Leon Szpilman (Poland) vs. Rosemarie (Jamaica) match, both are main characters from Roman Polański's famous films.
170	** There's also one in the final episode. [[spoiler:When Aila goes to Arian with Reiji, observe the Arista she's wearing--it's glowing.]]
171	** Early in Episode 9, there's a horse mixed with the crowd. It's actually [[RuleOfFunny Caroline's ride]].
172	*** Later on, when Sei and Reiji reach the All-Girls' Tournament, the bread shop owner that Reiji stole a bread from ''way back in episode 1'' can be seen. You can also spot Sazaki Susumu a couple of times.
173	** In Episode 16, Aila watches a little girl asking her mother to buy her a Haro. Later, we see a shot of the child with a Haro in her hands, leaving the mall with her mother.
174	* FriendlyRivalry: While they ''are'' rivals in the World Championship, the majority of the named gunpla players are very supportive of each other, and in in some cases outright cheer their competition on.
175	** Gets a major lampshade in Episode 15: [[spoiler:After their big fight, the post-credits scene show Sei and Fellini working side-by-side to repair their Gunpla; Reiji remarks that the way they're acting you'd hardly believe they were fighting so hard not that long ago.]]
176	* FriendOrIdolDecision: A variation in Episode 15: [[spoiler:Going into the final round, Fellini's already got a lock on a Top 16 spot. His opponents are Sei and Reiji, which leads to a conflict of friendship versus pride: let the boys win in order to get them into the finals, or fight for real and run the risk of eliminating them and smashing their dreams. In the end he decides that he didn't build Wing Fenice to sit on a shelf and gives it all he's got, resulting in an epic battle that ends in a draw, which still gives Sei and Reiji enough points to make the Top 16.]]
177	* FunWithAcronyms: Everyone knows the GM, the well-loved Federation {{Mook}} suit - here it can also stand for '''G'''unpla '''M'''afia, confirmed to be the antagonists of ''GM's Counterattack''.
178	* GenreShift: The battle in Episode 13 revolves around each competitor being limited to one random weapon that they are given at the start. What are Sei and Reiji given? [[spoiler:A baseball mitt, visor and three Ball-motif balls. And then the stadium rises around them...]]
179	** Episode 14 takes the cake with Gunpla Temarii (ala Sport Days in Japan) and Gunpla race (ala WackyRacing)
180	%%* GettingCrapPastTheRadar: Please check the trope page to make sure your example fits the current definition.
181	* GoneHorriblyRight: A softer example. [[spoiler:Aila has the ability to sense and see the flow of Plavsky particles. This usually allows her to preempt her opponents, but in her battle with Reiji, the RG System's particle output is so high it blinds her, allowing Reiji an easy hit.]]
182	* GuyInBack: The builder in fighter/builder teams act as this. At first it's pretty much only Sei who does this (with Reiji as his fighter), but by the end of the series a lot of fighters are using them -- the Renato brothers, Allan to Meijin Kawaguchi III, and Nine Barthes to Alia, most notably.
183	* {{Hammerspace}}: Invoked and lampshaded in ep. 9 - Caroline Yajima's bodyguard [[FunnyBackgroundEvent deliberately pops into the frame for a split second]] to pass her the poster that she seemingly pulls out of nowhere.
184	* HeroicSecondWind: Episode 15. Despite his Wing Gundam Fenice getting the crap beat out of it, Fellini rises to his feet and fights the Star Build Strike to a draw.
185	* HerosEvilPredecessor: Meijin Kawaguchi II had a [[ArrogantKungFuGuy win-at-all-costs attitude]], which is why Julian [=MacKenzie=] at first dislikes Yuuki Tatsuya, though as Meigin Kawaguchi III, Yuuki is a deliberate throwback to the [[CavalierCompetitor friendliness and good sportsmanship]] of the original Meijin Kawaguchi, and dislikes the second Meijin fully as much as Julian does.
186	* ILetYouWin: [[spoiler:Subverted in Episode 15. Everyone ''expects'' Fellini (who has a guaranteed place in the Top 16) to give Sei and Reiji an easy victory, not only so that they can secure their place in the finals, but to also preserve both their gunplas from damage. However, his pride in both himself and his gunpla refuses to accept this outcome, and he chooses to charge into battle guns a-blazing.]]
187	** [[spoiler:Nils offers to take a dive for Sei and Reiji, if they'll tell him the secret of Plavsky particles (since he suspects PPSE will welch on their promise). Both boys refuse, and Reiji challenges him to fight for real.]]
188	* ImagineSpot: Both Sei and Mao have one where they imagine the battle between their Gunpla. [[ImagineSpotting Mr. Ral]] puts a stop to it so they can have a proper fight that isn't in their imagination.
189	* ImprobableWeaponUser: Everyone becomes this in Episode 13, since the battle is themed around random weapons. Some people get more standard weapons (Kawaguchi gets tonfas, his opponent gets a railgun), some get weird but still functional items (Fellini gets heat scissors that he wields like a sword, Nils gets a yo-yo[[note]]If that seems odd, remember that the yo-yo was invented to be a weapon, and has a track record of being used as such by [[Anime/CombattlerV humongous mecha]][[/note]]), and some fall squarely into this trope (Mao gets a paint spraygun, Sei and Reiji get ''baseballs'').
190	* IneffectualSympatheticVillain: Rainer Cziommer, the German champ, has a major revenge-on against Fellini for stealing his girlfriend[[note]]though Fellini insists that she came onto him and he just has an "open door" policy[[/note]]. He doesn't even care about the championship, just about ruining Fellini's chances. Unfortunately for him, he's becoming less and less of a threat as time goes on; compare his debut, where he would have gotten Fellini if not for Mao, to Episode 14, where he's literally not even a bump in the road.
191	** This can be justified, as he spent most of his time building a mobile suit carrier, which doesn't have an official model. So he probably spent all of his time building that. Since it was destroyed, he was forced used an older model which he probably never upgraded unlike Fellini's Fenice. Leaving him with an outdated model.
192	** Rainer's [[TheChewToy continuing ineffectiveness]] gets cemented during the Gundam festival, where he keeps getting beaten by random kids, including a kid that resembles [[Anime/MobileSuitGundam0080WarInThePocket Alfred Izuruha]].
193	* InnocentInnuendo: The entire Reiji and Aila scene in Episode 11 is most definitely not sensual, [[http://s22.postimg.org/s88u15w9t/1387197030935.jpg yet impossible to see it objectively]].
194	* {{Irony}}: Sei is ''very'' good at making Gunpla, and his father was a world champion-level Gunpla Battler... but Sei himself has crap reflexes, so he has to rely upon someone else to "pilot" his machines.
195	** A {{Meta}}-example occurs in Episode 14, where we see a lookalike of Fonse Kagatie, the leader of the [[Anime/MobileSuitVictoryGundam Zanscare Empire]], whose mobile suit is...the V2 Gundam, Zanscare's greatest enemy[[note]]Though interestingly, the V2 is painted to look like the Zanspine, Zanscare's equivalent of the V2 and an ''VideoGame/SDGundamGGeneration'' OriginalGeneration machine[[/note]].
196	* InvincibleHero: Star Build Strike becomes this after Episode 15. While the Sei and Reiji team making it to the final fight is to be expected, the way each of their battles go after the duel with Fellini is very underwhelming. Once Star Build Strike activates its [[SuperMode RG System]] and launches the Build Knuckle, nothing can stop it. Nothing. It doesn't help that Build Knuckle is relatively boring for a FinishingMove. It's somewhat justified since the Absorb/Discharge System is no longer useable (as everyone and their grandmother knows its weaknesses), which means the RG System is the only super attack that the Star Build Strike has left. Still rather jarring however, especially when the Star Build Strike's main selling point (such that it's a standard feature with its model kit) is its horribly underused [[PowerGivesYouWings Plavsky Wings]].
197	** ShowyInvincibleHero: While it finishes fights with the Build Knuckle and wins 99% of the time (hey didn't [[Anime/MobileFighterGGundam some other guy always end with the same finisher?]]), what leads up to the Build Knuckle can vary wildly and is typically fun to watch. In one episode the Star Build Strike can be in a strategic battle that echoes the Universal Century, but in a later episode it'll be in a kung-fu battle straight out of G Gundam. And the Absorb/Release System [[spoiler:gets one final hurrah in the next to last episode, where the Aqua Mode is finally revealed.]]
198	* JokeCharacter: Ral-san's favorite Gunpla. He's a decent pilot, and the Gouf itself a great machine... but his kit is a ''Best Mecha Collection'' Gouf, a really old model with crappy articulations that really can't compare to the newer stuff in terms of mobility. Reiji keeps trashing it (a melee oriented suit at that!) by rushing in and beam saber-ing it to death. [[spoiler:His actual combat gunpla is a different matter, however.]]
199	* KineticWeaponsAreJustBetter: Justified when it comes to Star Build Strike, since its Absorb Shield basically makes it immune to beam weapons.
200	** Yuuki's Zaku Amazing plays this straight, with plenty of missiles, a heavy sniper rifle, revolvers and heat machetes.
201	** Ral is also a believer in this. [[spoiler:His Gouf R35 is equipped with ''ten'' autocannons and two heat swords.]]
202	* {{Leitmotif}}: "The Crimson Comet ~ The Usual Flamenco at Three Times the Passion~", Yuuki's theme, which is heard several times: Episode 2, Zaku Amazing vs Build Strike, Episode 6, Zaku Amazing vs Build Strike Full Package, and in Episode 18, Kampfer Amazing vs. GM Sniper K9. It's also remixed for "Meijin ~ Six Times The Passion Of Ordinary Flamenco", which plays in Episode 22, Amazing Exia vs F91 Imagine.
203	* LighterAndSofter: It's a show about kids making and battling Gundam models in order ToBeAMaster, a far cry from the usual tales of [[WarIsHell horrifying world wars]].
204	** Actually [[DiscussedTrope discussed]] in-series; Reiji asks why people take Gunpla Battle [[SeriousBusiness so seriously]], and Mr. Ral says that since it's not a real war like the original ''Gundam'' anime and no lives are at stake, people can have fun and become very passionate about it.
205	* LostFoodGrievance: [[HotBlooded Reiji]] and [[NotSoStoic Aila]] get into a fight over a meat bun and accidentally threw it into a nearby river in the ensuing struggle. Naturally, they start yelling at each other, marking the official start of their rivalry.
206	* LostInTranslation: In Japanese, the name of China's Beargguy III is pronounced "Beargguy-san", i.e. "Mr. Beargguy" in English. The official subtitles resolve this by rendering the name as "Mr. Beargguy III".
207	* TheMafia: Episode 15 reveals that there's a ''Gunpla'' Mafia, who'll take any dirty job (including [[spoiler:"C"'s attempt to disqualify Sei and Reiji in the previous episode]]). Sei's reaction serves as a lampshade on how [[RefugeInAudacity ridiculous]] the idea sounds.
208	* TheMagicGoesAway: In the end, the [[spoiler:giant Arista, source of the Plavsky Particles, is destroyed, marking the end of Gunpla battles]]... only to be {{Subverted}} in the epilogue, where it's shown that [[spoiler:Nils and Caroline have successfully synthesized the particles]].
209	* ManHug: Fellini and Greco engage in a friendly hug when they meet, complete with light pounding on the others back.
210	* MeaningfulName: Wing Gundam Fenice, Italian for Phoenix. The meaning becomes very clear in Episode 15, as we see how Fellini keeps rebuilding it after every defeat, until it becomes the AceCustom it is today.
211	** [[spoiler:Its second form is the Fenice Rinascita. "Rinascita" is Italian for "rebirth".]]
212	* MeetCute: Reiji and Aila in Episode 10. They try to buy a store's last meat bun at the same time. HilarityEnsues.
213	* MerchandiseDriven: Even more than regular Gundam, with Bandai deliberately making the OriginalGeneration models very {{Toyetic}} and giving practically every single one of them some form of MechaExpansionPack, weapons kit, or other add-on which gets a separate release for fans who want to use them with other models.
214	** In fact, Episode 16 is quite detailed on what to do with a basic build, including clear coating.
215	** A drunk Ricardo Fellini at one point even brings up the UsefulNotes/BluRay-exclusive miniepisode for ''Anime/MobileSuitGundamThe08thMSTeam.''
216	* {{Metagame}}: A variation: A lot of the newer powerful Gunpla fighters out there have learned to fight using not only their skills and their Gunpla's simulated weapons, but also by manipulating the very particles moving their models. A point is made that Gunpla fighters who haven't adapted, like Greco Logan and Ricardo Fellini, are at a disadvantage.
217	* MetaSequel: Instead of being a sequel to another ''Gundam'' story, it's a spin-off set in a world where the ''Gundam'' franchise is fictional, allowing for a lighter tone and commentary about what Gundam stories are usually like.
218	* MidseasonUpgrade: Typically a Gundam last at least 14 episodes. Build Strike Full Package and Zaku Amazing lasted 6 episodes, and each received an upgrade at Episode 11.
219	* MiracleRally: [[TheBigRace In Episode 14]], after breaking free from the enemy gunpla that was holding them up, Sei and Reiji active Star Build Strike's Discharge Mode and make a mad dash for the finish line. [[spoiler:Unfortunately for them, it's Discharge Mode runs out of juice in the final straight, causing Star Build to come in second place.]]
220	* MoodWhiplash: Episode 21 piles on the feels, with [[spoiler:Reiji]]'s hate and [[spoiler:Aila]]'s despair, then heartwarming as they reconcile... and then [[spoiler:Aila calls out Barthess, Kankaansyrjä and his grandson]], then [[spoiler:Reiji and Aila]] get into a shouting match over who's going to win, and ''then'' they spend the rest of the match flirting while beating each other up.
221	** Episode 23 is a dedicated breather episode, with funny and heartwarming moments aplenty and a thrilling battle between Reiji and [[spoiler:Sei]] at the end. Fast forward to TheStinger where we see [[spoiler:a very [[BrainwashedandCrazy brainwashed]] looking Tatsuya standing with the completed Exia Dark Matter, saying that it's time to battle.]]
222	* MundaneUtility: Technology has been created that can give life to inanimate plastic models. Mankind has decided to use this technology for [[ToBeAMaster sporting competitions]]. The HandWave is that the Plavsky Particles only react to the plastic in Gundam model kits.
223	** Plavsky Particles are later revealed to be made out of antiparticles, which has many potential uses in many fields of science. However the company that produces Plavsky particles keeps the production process completely secret for unknown reasons.
224	* MusicalisInterruptus: At the end of Episode 2. When Sei and Reiji are having their AgainstTheSettingSun moment, a fittingly rousing BGM plays...which abruptly cuts out once Sei starts to freak about [[PowerGlows Reiji randomly transforming into a human glow lamp.]]
225	* MythologyGag: Has so many references to other ''Franchise/{{Gundam}}'' series that it warranted itself [[MythologyGag/GundamBuildFighters its own myth gag page]].
226	* NerdsAreSexy: Generally subverted throughout the series. Some examples:
227	** Yuuki is the typical #1 most popular guy at school, but his Gunpla obsession is seen as flaw by his fangirls, who like him ''despite'' the fact that he's a HotBlooded nerd.
228	** Invoked by Kirara, who [[HoneyTrap seems to be hit it well with Sei via her extensive knowledge]], even making him dreamy and blush. Turns out [[ChasteHero Sei]] just REALLY likes her as a fellow Gundam otaku.
229	** Played straight with [[TheCharmer Ricardo Fellini]]. For crying out loud, the guy almost hooked a date with a ''Victory Gundam model kit''.
230	** And in the manga sidestory ''Build Fighters Amazing'', we have Yana Kuramochi, who switches from a busty meganekko meido who's shotacon for Yuuki into a hardcore Gundam fan at the drop of a hat.
231	* NoblewomansLaugh: Caroline has one.
232	* NoMoreHoldingBackSpeech: Sei gives a speech during his final battle [[spoiler:with Yuuki]], stating how his friends and family have helped him become a better Gunpla builder and fighter.
233	* OfficialCouple:
234	** Sei and China, who are paired up quite early in the show, and are implied to have started dating by the world tournament arc.
235	** Aila and Reiji, whose encounters are filled with BelligerentSexualTension. One of Aila's themes is even called "Aila – Reiji's Custom Tsundere". [[spoiler:Aila also follows Reiji back to Arian in the finale, after wishing they could stay together.]]
236	** Nils and Caroline, with Caroline initially saying Nils is her boyfriend, and then upgrading him to her fiance a few episodes later. [[spoiler:In the end, they're still together, and were on the International Space Station recreating Plavsky Particles]].
237	** Ricardo Fellini and Kirara/Mihoshi, who start dating during the world tournament [[spoiler:and appear to still be together after the one year time skip in the season finale.]]
238	* PowerGlows: The frame under Star Build Strike's armor glows bright blue whenever it uses its RG system SuperMode.
239	* PunnyName: Bearguy III's name in Japanese is pronounced as ''Bearguy-san'' which would be Mr. Bearguy.[[note]]Adding the ''-san'' suffix to animal names is common among Japanese children.[[/note]]
240	* PuppyLove: Borderline, as most of the cast are in their early teenage years, yet every romance (or [[HoYay potential]] [[ShipTease thereof]]) is portrayed as innocent and down to earth. Major example is Sei and China's dynamic.
241	* RecruitedFromTheGutter: Aila was "rescued" [[spoiler:as a poverty stricken orphan]] by Nine Barthes, who treats her less than pleasantly. [[spoiler:Later Reiji rescues her from ''him'' and she goes to Arian with him in the finale]].
242	* RecursiveCanon: The show takes place in a TwentyMinutesIntoTheFuture version of the real world, where all the other ''Franchise/{{Gundam}}'' series are fiction.
243	** China's Beargguy III for example is a modification of a model from ''Anime/ModelSuitGunplaBuildersBeginningG'' (itself set in a version of the real world where all the other ''Franchise/{{Gundam}}'' series are fiction), ''Build Fighters'' own [[SpiritualSuccessor spiritual predecessor]], which was itself a modification of an existing gunpla.
244	** Mao's debut episode shows the Extreme Gundam, originally from the ''VideoGame/GundamVsSeries''. The latest game in the series, ''Extreme Vs. Maxi Boost'', is slated to add ''Build Fighters'' to its burgeoning roster.
245	* ReedRichardsIsUseless: Nils points out that the existence of the Plavsky Particle has massive scientific potential, but PPSE keeps the method of manufacture secret and only seems interested in using it to animate Gunpla.
246	* RelationshipUpgrade: Eventually, Fellini and Kirara quietly become the show's BetaCouple, while the OfficialCouple pairs of Reiji and Aila and Sei and China are still feeling their way into their relationships.
247	** Also seen with Nils and Caroline. At first, he's just her belonging. Then, in Episode 19, Caroline upgrades him to her boyfriend. Then, in Episode 23, she declares him to be her fiancee. Though the show prefers to play it for laughs. [[spoiler:Though the epilogue implies they're pretty much together for reals.]]
248	*** [[spoiler:''Anime/GundamBuildFightersTry'' confirms they got married.]]
249	* SelfDeprecation: In Episode 16, the show takes a little rib at itself at there being endless versions of the same gunpla.
250	-->'''Reiji:''' "Just how many of these Zaku things are there?"
251	* SeriousBusiness: Considering there are next to no stakes in battles between miniature plastic models, fights get surprisingly dramatic.
252	** {{Justified}} by Mr. Ral in Episode 6. People take Gunpla seriously ''because'' it's a hobby they don't have put their lives on the line for, unlike in the wars of previous ''Gundam'' shows. Gunpla battling can be a pure expression of personal skill / creativity / passion.
253	** There's a "Gunpla Mafia", along with an "International Gunpla Police" who can ''arrest you'' for cheating in Gunpla Battles! Sei lampshades the ridiculousness of the former. [[note]]That said, every sport will have its own regulatory and enforcement bodies to ensure no cheating is taking place.[[/note]]
254	* SheIsNotMyGirlfriend: Sei denies Caroline's presumption that he's China's boyfriend, only to get embarrassed when China doesn't deny it too.
255	* ShipTease: Sei x China and Reiji x Aila get heavily implied throughout the series, without either actually becoming a couple. [[spoiler:The ending pretty strongly implies both couples are together.]]
256	** PlayedForLaughs in case of Fellini x Mihoshi, who appear to be dating during the world tournament, only for Fellini to regularly screw things up, though they eventually hook up. [[spoiler:And as Episode 23 shows, when it comes to Mihoshi, Fellini is completely whipped.]]
257	** There's also Mao and Misaki, which again is also PlayedForLaughs, because even though he does manage to go on a date with her, [[spoiler:it quickly ends when he tries to kiss her]].
258	** Heck, even Nils and Caroline fall into this, particularly with Caroline's unilateral relationship upgrades.
259	* ShoutOut:
260	** Kirara does the [[Anime/MacrossFrontier Ranka Lee]] Kira! pose.
261	** The Gundam X Maoh's ability to compress and release Plavsky Particles and the special feature of the Star Build Strike's Absorb Shield has a sound effect and function that is almost similar to [[Literature/ACertainMagicalIndex Accelerator's]] [[AttackReflector Vector Manipulation]].
262	** In Episode 3, Blue Destiny Unit 1's visor uses the Anime/SpaceRunawayIdeon light up effect.
263	** In Episode 4, the scene depicting Kirara's idol agency has a poster of an idol who looks suspiciously like Mami Futami from ''Anime/TheIdolmaster''. Makes more sense when you know that both series are owned by Bandai.
264	** The "Meijin Kawaguchi" title is an honorary shout-out to Gunpla builder Katsumi Kawaguchi, who works for Bandai Hobby and is essentially their spokesman for all things Gunpla, and builds their display models.
265	** Similarly to how the original Nobel Gundam is visually based on [[Manga/CodenameSailorV Sailor V]], the one that appears in Episode 9 has been painted to look like [[Franchise/SailorMoon Sailor Jupiter]].
266	** Also in Episode 9, the way China depicts her Beargguy III eating from a honey pot may bring to mind Franchise/WinnieThePooh.
267	** Nils's parents are an ace detective (father) and a martial arts master (mother), referencing Manga/CaseClosed.
268	** Caroline Yajima's SD Knight Gundam does the [[Anime/DigimonFusion Shoutmon X4B]] when it changes into Centaur Mode.
269	** The three fighters Meijin fights in his debut battle in Episode 11 are Geki (F91), Kai (GN-X), and Yoku (Ground-Type GM Head) from ''Anime/BraveCommandDagwon''.
270	** In Episode 12, the way the Mega Zaku's [[YourHeadASplode head exploded]] made it look like it was hit by [[Manga/FistOfTheNorthStar Kenshiro]].
271	** Episode 13:
272	*** The [[http://gundam.wikia.com/wiki/MS-06E-3_Zaku_Flipper Zaku Flipper]] is painted in [[Anime/ArmoredTrooperVOTOMS Standing Tortoise]] colors.
273	*** Nils' uses the Shamisen no Yuji Yoyo finisher from 1981 series ''[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tYNxiBU9XAE Shin Hissatsu Shigotonin]]''.
274	*** This might also be a reference to Master Asia using the same finisher in Episode 35 of G Gundam.
275	*** The baseball match between Abigorbine and Star Build is a shout out to ''Anime/ShippuIronLeaguer''.
276	** In the second opening, Wing Fenice does Klein Sandman's trademark pose from ''Anime/{{Gravion}}'' (another Masami Obari anime).
277	** In Episode 15, Build Strike and Wing Fenice headbutt each other in a reference to ''Anime/SCryEd''. [[note]]doubles as an ActorAllusion; the two rivals in ''s-CRY-ed'' were voiced by Creator/SoichiroHoshi and Creator/HikaruMidorikawa, who also played Kira Yamato and Heero Yuy--the pilots of the Strike and Wing Gundams respectively[[/note]]
278	** Takeshi introduces himself to Gunpla Mafioso C using Anime/CuteyHoney's "Sometimes I'm X, sometimes I'm Y, but the truth is Z" intro speech.
279	** Team Nemesis' bus in the world tournament is the same one used by Zero in Season 1 of ''Anime/CodeGeass''.
280	** Episode 22 introduces a Briton named John, his grandson Julian, and a Gunpla named "Imagine". [[Music/TheBeatles Sound familiar?]]
281	** The ContestWinnerCameo Zssa in Episode 23 looks a ''lot'' like a [[Anime/SuperDimensionFortressMacross Destroid]], particularly the [[Anime/MacrossFrontier Koenig Monster]].
282	** The hand gestures Rinko pulls in Episode 23 while recoiling from being ogled by Chinan looks suspiciously similar to [[Anime/SailorMoon Sailor Moon's hand gestures]].
283	** Sazaki's third Gunpla, the Gyan Vulcan, is likely a play on [[Series/TaiyouSentaiSunVulcan Sun Vulcan]].
284	** In Episode 25, right before the [[spoiler:Miss Sazabi]] deploys, it is seen with a BadassArmFold, that with it's head-crest and mono-eye, makes it look like another [[Anime/{{Gunbuster}} badass mech piloted]] by an ActionGirl.
285	*** During the final battle, that same Gunpla performs the [[Anime/CodeGeass Spinzaku Kick]].
286	** The Star Build Strike's Build Knuckle may be just a powered up punch, but its awfully to the signature move of another mecha fan turned pilot, namely [[VideoGame/SuperRobotWarsOriginalGeneration Ryusei's]] T-Link Knuckle.
287	** The Sengoku Astray tends to be [[ArtShift animated differently]] than the other suits, with highly-emphasized highlights, strong shadows, and dramatic poses. Which is awfully like the animation style of [[Anime/TengenToppaGurrenLagann another mecha anime]].
288	** Episode 3 of ''Gundam Build Fighters Battlelogue'' is just one big shout-out towards ''Anime/PrettyCure''.
289	* SniperDuel: The battle between Tatsuya and the Renato brothers in Episode 18 kicks off with a particularly spectacular one.
290	* SoLastSeason: The new generation of Gunpla fighters have surpassed many of the previous generations, with newcomers defeating long time tournament fighters and even the previous World Champion. In particular, clever manipulation of Plavsky particles becomes at least as important as traditional building skills, and those battlers that don't keep up get annihilated.
291	* SpiritualSuccessor: Builds off the ideas of ''Anime/ModelSuitGunplaBuildersBeginningG'', while taking place in a [[AlternateContinuity completely new continuity]].
292	* SplitPersonalityMakeover: PlayedForLaughs. The normally laid back Tatsuya Yuuki slicks his hair back whenever he reveals his HotBlooded side during gunpla battles.
293	* {{Squee}}: Sei gets a little too enthusiastic about Gundam in general. To the point where he gets irritated whenever Reiji "just doesn't get it."
294	** [[LikeFatherLikeSon It runs in the family]] -- Takeshi is shown to be just as enthusiastic (to the point where Reiji is left wondering "Who does this old guy remind me of?").
295	** And the girls at his school get just as enthusiastic over Yuuki.
296	* StealthHiBye: [[FlashyTeleportation Reiji]] makes a habit of this. It's often lampshaded.
297	* StopHavingFunGuys: In-universe. Yeah this show does get a bit [[SeriousBusiness serious]] with it's toys but most of the characters play it in good fun. A couple do have this mindset however such as the Renato brothers and Meijin and only seem to care about winning. [[spoiler:However, in the later's case, it's a ruse to subvert the image set upon by the second Meijin, who believed in this, and show that Gunpla is supposed to be used for fun.]]
298	* StudentCouncilPresident: Tatsuya Yuuki.
299	* SuperMode: Star Build Strike's main gimmick involves 4 super modes that can increase the suit's performance for a limited time: [[SuperSpeed Speed Mode]], [[BeamSpam Rifle Mode]], [[SuperSwimmingSkills Aqua Mode]] (that we never get to see) and [[DeadlyUpgrade RG Mode]].
300	* SuspiciouslySpecificDenial: Meijin's denial to Sei and Reiji of being [[spoiler:Yuuki]] is rather detailed about the person he is not supposed to be.
301	* TakeThat: The series likes to make fun of a lot of things, including the [[TakeThatAudience audience]] and [[SelfDeprecation itself]].
302	** In general, nearly all of the random battles have U.C. era suits prevailing over their AU counterparts, especially those from SEED; this was observed not only by members of the Western fandom, but also of the Chinese fandom.[[note]]On the other hand, most of the main Gunpla employed by the main characters are from AU series, and often trounce UC mobile suits in return.[[/note]]
303	** The early episodes poked fun at units that rely on giant beam weapons by having them get taken down before their long charge rate can finish. Such as Wing Gundam's Buster Rifle getting disarmed by a shield toss, and Gundam Double X getting comically destroyed as it charges its Satellite Cannon.
304	** Episode 4 has one at the whole Japanese idol industry.
305	** The [[Film/GSaviour G-Saviour]] being destroyed by a single stroke in Episode 8 could possibly be a jab at its less-than-well-regarded movie.
306	** As delivered by Reiji: "Just how many different kinds of these Zaku things are there?"
307	** Episode 17 briefly pokes fun at ''SEED'''s tendency to subject Murrue Ramius' chest to bouncing at every opportunity.
308	** Episode 20 has a lecture about how stupid self-destructing your unit is, poking fun on the tendencies of the suits from ''Wing'' being blown up.
309	** Episode 25 made fun of bootleg mobile suits, which is what Fellini calls the [[spoiler:final Mook units in the battle of A Baoa Qu]]. Hell, they're even called Mocks!
310	* TakingTheBullet: A Gunpla-based variation in Episode 25: [[spoiler:China and Aila pushed Sei and Reiji before the fortress' WaveMotionGun opens fire.]]
311	* TechnicianVersusPerformer: Best represented by the battle during the finals against Nils, with Reiji and Sei as the Performer and Nils as the Technician. As is often the case with this trope, Nils is portrayed as the scum that doesn't really understand what Gunpla Battles are about and has to learn a lesson. Ironically, early in the series during China's battle against Caroline, the situation is inverted with Caroline being the spirited competitor relying on drive (and some outside help from Nils) while China has a cute but basic Gunpla and winds up winning because ''she followed the directions to make the Bearguy too closely''.
312	* TenderTears: Sir John Ayers Mackenzie has this in Episode 22, watching the conclusion of Julian and Meijin's battle, and seeing Julian's return to gunpla.
313	* ThemeSongPowerUp: In Episode 12 when Sei and Reiji begin charging the Star Build Strike's {{BFG}}, the ending theme "Imagination > Reality" starts up.
314	** In Episode 18, Meijin is on the ropes, and the Renato Brothers move in to finish him off... and then his leitmotif kicks in and he spectacularly turns the tables on them.
315	** And then a more spectacular example occurs in Episode 22, as Meijin activates [[spoiler:Trans-Am]] set to "Meijin - Six Times the Passion of Ordinary Flamenco."
316	** And then the first OP plays during Episode 24, in the Star Build Strike's battle with the Exia Dark Matter.
317	** And the second OP gets its glory moment in Episode 25, when [[spoiler:Sei and Reiji are charging at the Giant Arista inside of A Baoa Qu.]]
318	* ThisIsSomethingHesGotToDoHimself: [[spoiler:Master Chinan says this to Takeshi in Episode 24, when the latter prepares to have the Sei[=/=]Reiji vs. Kawaguchi fight suspended due to the blatant rules violation of a mid-battle field change.]]
319	* TrailersAlwaysSpoil: Bandai's Gunpla release schedule pretty much spoils what mobile suits will show up later in the series.
320	** TrailersAlwaysLie: On the other hand, [[spoiler:The second opening shows six silhouetted Gunpla behind Chairman Mashita, implying that they're going to be part of his attempts to eliminate Sei and Reiji. However, out of the six, only two (the Hell Zeong and Exia Dark Matter) were actually enemies, while all the rest belong to good guys like Reiji and Aila.]]
321	* TrainingMontage: Episode 9 has one for China and her Beargguy.
322	* UltimateShowdownOfUltimateDestiny: The series allows mobile suits from every ''Franchise/{{Gundam}}'' continuity to battle for supremacy, including [[Anime/MobileSuitGundamSEED Strike Gundam]], [[Anime/MobileSuitGundamWing Wing Gundam]], [[Anime/MobileSuitGundam Zaku II]], [[Anime/MobileSuitZetaGundam Gundam Mk-II]], [[Anime/AfterWarGundamX Gundam X]] and even [[Anime/SDGundamForce Knight Gundam]].
323	** The Battlelogue series goes even more direct, using a quasi-personality system that effectively lets Gunpla be piloted by actual Gundamverse pilots. The first episode features a battle between [[Anime/MobileSuitGundam Char Aznable]] and [[Anime/MobileSuitGundam00 Ribbons Almark]]; the fourth episode sets up Setsuna F Seiei and Lockon Stratos as bosses.
324	* UndercoverCopReveal: Sometimes he's the owner of a back-alley model store. And sometimes, he's a Gunpla fan, travelling around the world to promote Gunpla. But his true self is...International Gunpla Battle Official Referee, [[spoiler:Takeshi Iori!]]
325	* UnexpectedCharacter: Episode 8 start with Nils fighting a ''G-Saviour''. The thing was ignored by Sunrise and Bandai for more than a decade, got excluded from all supplement materials as if it never existed, and even caused faulty rumor among fans that it got removed from Universal Century timeline. Yes, it's truly TheUnfavourite of Gundam. Yet, it makes its anime debut here.
326	** And that episode scored a double whammy by introducing an explicitely ShoutOut-based design, namely Thai champion Luang Dallara's custom [[Anime/MobileSuitVictoryGundam Abigor]] themed after ''Anime/AuraBattlerDunbine'''s titular mech.
327	** In Episode 23 marks the animated debut of the Shuffle Heart, which was detailed in ''Anime/MobileFighterGGundam'''s side materials but never appeared because its proper owner (Master Asia) had his own Gundam to use.
328	* UnknownRival: Caroline is obsessed with defeating China, considering China her ArchEnemy. China, however, is unaware of the animosity, and even refers to Caroline by the AffectionateNickname of "Caro-chan".
329	* VaderBreath: The Mega Zaku does this when introduced.
330	* VillainousBreakdown: A humorous example. In Episode 13, when Mashita's secretary's plan to get Sei and Reiji eliminated from the tournament fails, she refuses to speak and looks away in shame for the rest of the episode.
331	** She also has been losing her cool more and more as Sei and Reiji continues through the tournament finals; by [[spoiler:Nils's defeat]] she is left speechless.
332	* WaveMotionGun: One was spotted inside the [[spoiler:A Baoa Qu fortress]] in Episode 25, [[spoiler:which took out China and Aila's Gunpla.]]
333	* WeWillMeetAgain: In Episode 1, after his attempt to locate Reiji falls flat, Sei dramatically vows that they ''will'' meet again. [[spoiler:[[TheStinger They do, once he returns home.]]]]
334	* WhamEpisode: Episode 14. [[spoiler:At the beginning of the episode, Sei and Reiji are on an unbroken winning streak and are among the top contenders... then the Chairman's latest meddling results in them almost getting eliminated from the tournament altogether.]] On the other hand, the Chairman's [[OhCrap reaction]] to a '''very''' (and rightly) pissed Reiji kicking down his door was ''priceless''...
335	** Episode 20 is this too, [[spoiler:by having Aila destroying the Wing Gundam Fenice and Reiji's Beginning Gundam without any hint of regret or self-constraint (Due to the berserker-like system imposed on her). All this just so the Chairman can see his grandson see the Qubeley Papillion win... and also pulls out TheReveal towards Reiji]].
336	--->[[spoiler:'''Reiji:''' "I said what are you doing, Aina?!"]]
337	** Episode 24, all of it: [[spoiler:The chairman is a wanted criminal of Arian who arrived on Earth the same way Reiji did, and the reason he antagonizes him is that he doesn't want to be identified; when cornered in the end, he accidentally summons an entire Space Fortress in the middle of the stadium.]]
338	* WhamLine: Episode 21. Reiji drops the bog-standard heroic "I'll beat you" speech which itself isn't unusual... until he says something that instantly makes the Chairman [[OhCrap go]] BlueWithShock.
339	-->'''Reiji:''' "In our next battle, we'll beat you for sure! '''ON THE HONOR AND PRIDE OF [[spoiler:THE ROYAL HOUSE OF ARIAN]]!!!'''"
340	* WhamShot: Nils and Caroline exploring underneath the tournament arena at the end of Episode 23 and finding [[spoiler:a ''gigantic'' plavisky particle crystal]].
341	** Episode 24: [[spoiler:a entire Space Fortress manifested in the middle of the world tournament's stadium]].
342	** TheStinger for Episode 23, which shows [[spoiler:Yuuki with the infamous Embody System]].
343	** TheStinger for Episode 24, which shows [[spoiler:''A Baoa Qu'' materializing in the middle of the stadium]].
344	* WhereAreTheyNowEpilogue: While not covering everyone, there is a final epilogue showing a few different shots, including:
345	** Sazaki showing off in his Gyan Vulcan, to a little girl who looks ''remarkably'' like him. (Presumably his sister).
346	** Mao and Chinan fooling around with some kitbashed gunpla (which were made by Sei and Iori's voice actresses in real life!).
347	** Misaki working at her inn, now aided by Tatsuzo and his gang.
348	** Kirara performing at a huge concert, with Fellini watching on from the back.
349	** Yuuki and Allan working a Gunpla workshop for some young kids, with Yuuki apparently successful in reforming the image of Meijin.
350	** Mashita and Baker selling the new PPSE mock-Gunpla [[spoiler:in Arian.]]
351	** Caroline and Nils together [[spoiler:at the International Space Station, successfully synthesising the Plavsky Particles. Also, Yajima Trading has absorbed PPSE and is now organising the Gunpla Battle World Championship.]]
352	** China, Takeshi and Rinko watching Sei compete in the 8th Gunpla Battle World Championship Qualifiers.
353	* XanatosSpeedChess: The battle between Meijin and the Renato Brothers basically amounts to them trying to counter each of the strategies and weaknesses of the opposing Gunpla.

Context Anime / GundamBuildFighters