The long-established shooter series Call of Duty is known for realistic military action and tactical firefights – at least that was once the case.
Realistic military action and tactical firefights? With the release of Season 6 in the Summer of 2025 for Call of Duty: Mobile, those days feel like a distant memory. The newest update introduces an event so wild, so out of left field, that it feels like an entirely different game: Gundams have taken over the battlefield.
From Warzone to Anime Battleground
In an official crossover with the iconic Japanese brand Gundam, Call of Duty: Mobile hasn't just introduced new skins or cosmetic items, it's also introduced a completely standalone game mode. And it's a real standalone game mode: In a time-limited 4v4 Team Deathmatch, players enter the arena not as soldiers, but as gigantic mechas.
The focus is not just on a new setting, but on a complete gameplay overhaul:
- Third-person perspective instead of the usual first-person view
- A custom HUD inspired by mecha games and anime
- A brand-new space station map, created specifically for this mode
- A Japanese announcer, dramatically narrating your actions
- Flight mechanics, laser beams, rocket barrages, and fast-paced mobility
Just a few seconds into a match, and you might forget you’re even playing Call of Duty. It feels more like Armored Core or Gundam Battle Operation than the traditional CoD fare.
Community Reactions: Hype and Confusion
The community's reaction to the new mode is largely positive – although not without some frowns, thanks to overly strong bots.
CODM finally you did something which is making me happy to play this game again. A perfect Gundam Collab as a Gundam fan , I absolutely liked it. Only problem is bots has some insane moves lmao @PlayCODMobile pic.twitter.com/EsFQdAfICB
— NO_YDK_ONII (@notOniilol) July 4, 2025
However, criticism is also emerging – especially from long-time fans who wonder if Call of Duty has finally lost its identity. After appearances by Donnie Darko, Beavis & Butt-head, and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, the move to anime mechas isn't entirely unexpected, but it's still a break from the series' original values.
I have yet to see anyone make a good case as to how cod HASNT lost its identity
— Mista J (@JohnnyDTheChee1) July 3, 2025
Is This Still Call of Duty?
To be fair, Call of Duty: Mobile has always been more experimental than its console counterparts. Seasonal events often lean into fantasy and pop culture more than realism. But the Gundam mode marks a turning point: core mechanics, visual design, and gameplay feel have been entirely reworked.
What originally started as a tactical shooter is now a pop culture mix of sci-fi, anime, cartoons and superheroes.
How Long Will It Last?
Activision hasn’t given an official end date for the Gundam event. However, based on past seasonal patterns, it’s likely the mode will disappear with the launch of Season 7 in early August 2025. That means players only have a few weeks to experience this unique crossover.
With Gundam Mode, Call of Duty: Mobile has made a radical decision – one that redefines the boundaries of the franchise. Whether this is the beginning of a permanent reorientation or just a brief foray into alien galaxies remains to be seen. One thing is certain: as of July 2025, Call of Duty is no longer the game it once was.