Coordinators

Lore & Background

Despite their advantages, Coordinators faced deep societal stigma. Many were forced into underground lives or used as test subjects for military applications before finding refuge in the PLANTs, a series of orbital colonies where they established an independent society. The conflict between natural-born humans and Coordinators escalated into full-scale war when Z.A.F.T., the military force of the PLANTs, utilized their superior pilots to challenge Earth's dominance. Throughout the wars, Coordinators struggled not just for survival but for recognition as equal members of the human family.

Reader's Guide

Coordinators represent a new evolutionary step for humanity, created through genetic engineering to overcome physical and mental limitations inherent in natural-born humans. Their primary goal is survival and the establishment of a society where they are treated as equals rather than tools or monsters. Initially concentrated within the PLANTs, their military wing, Z.A.F.T., became the vanguard of their struggle against Earth's oppressive forces. Over time, Coordinators have splintered into various factions, some seeking peace and coexistence while others pursue radical independence or revenge against natural-born humanity.

In the broader conflict, they serve as the elite pilots capable of handling advanced mobile suits that would overwhelm ordinary humans. Their existence challenges the very definition of what it means to be human, forcing both sides of the war to confront their prejudices and fears about evolution and identity.

Did You Know?

• The term 'Coordinator' was originally a technical designation for those who could coordinate with machines better than natural-born humans.
• Natural-born humans often refer to Coordinators derogatorily as 'Newtypes' or 'monsters,' though this is distinct from the Newtype concept of later Gundam series.
• The genetic modifications that create Coordinators are heritable, meaning their children are also born with enhanced abilities.