Eva 01
EVA-01 is the iconic Test Type mecha from the Neon Genesis Evangelion franchise, famously piloted by the protagonist, Shinji Ikari. Developed primarily to gather operational data for subsequent Evangelion units, this machine serves as the central unit of the series and holds the record for defeating the highest number of Angels.
Overview
EVA-01 is the iconic Test Type mecha from the Neon Genesis Evangelion franchise, famously piloted by the protagonist, Shinji Ikari. Developed primarily to gather operational data for subsequent Evangelion units, this machine serves as the central unit of the series and holds the record for defeating the highest number of Angels.
Appearance
EVA-01 features a predominantly purple armored body highlighted with neon green accents, yellow eyes, and a prominent single horn on its forehead. When entering a berserk or awakened state, its facial armor splits open to reveal a biological mouth. In its Pseudo-Evolution form from the Rebuild movies, its green accents shift to a glowing red, a ring-like halo forms above its horn, and its severed left arm is replaced by a transformed construct made of energy from its A.T. Field. In alternate configurations like the Final Model, light wings emerge from its back.
Personality
Despite being deployed as a military weapon, EVA-01 possesses a strong sense of self and an instinctual drive to protect Shinji Ikari whenever he faces deadly peril. When triggered into a berserk state, it abandons all restraint, acting like a ferocious predator that unleashes terrifying roars and brutally tears apart its opponents with savage aggression.
Abilities
It primarily engages in combat using equipment such as the Progressive Knife and Pallet Rifle, along with specialized firearms like the Positron Sniper Rifle. During its berserk phase, it displays overwhelming strength in hand-to-hand combat; devouring the Angel Zeruel granted it an S2 Engine, eliminating its operational time limits. Additionally, its A.T. Field allows for impenetrable defense, localized energy beam projection from its eyes, and the unique capability to reconstruct damaged limbs out of pure energy.
Background
Constructed by NERV as a test model, EVA-01 secretly houses the soul of Shinji Ikari's mother, Yui Ikari, making it an irreplaceable entity to Gendo Ikari. Throughout its operational history, the unit repeatedly enters berserk and awakened states during critical battles, deeply involving it in catastrophic events like the Third Impact. In later events, the vessel is captured by the anti-NERV organization WILLE and repurposed as the central power core for their flagship, the AAA Wunder.
Relationships
EVA-01 maintains a profound connection with its main pilot, Shinji Ikari, responding to his emotional states and physical danger. As it holds the soul of his mother, Yui Ikari, it exhibits a protective nature toward Shinji. Gendo Ikari harbors a deep obsession with the unit due to Yui's presence, while key figures such as Rei Ayanami and Kaworu Nagisa are heavily intertwined with its awakenings and containment.
Trivia
The mecha was designed by Ikuto Yamashita. Across various spin-off media and game adaptations, EVA-01 receives specialized forms and upgrades, including the F-Type Equipment, Super Evangelion, and Evangelion Final Model. In crossover titles like the Super Robot Wars series, its dangerous berserk mechanics and notoriously high repair costs are faithfully incorporated into gameplay systems.
