Crossbone Gundam X1 FC is making its grand debut in Mobile Suit Gundam Battle Operation 2 to ring in the new year.
This arrival is a major milestone for the community, as it marks the fourth Crossbone unit to enter the fray, following the X1 Kai, X2 Kai, and X3. Fans can expect a powerhouse performance from this five-star rarity suit, which is designed to dominate both ground and space environments at a 750 cost.
This specific iteration represents the pinnacle of the Crossbone Vanguard’s engineering, featuring the massive Full Cloth armor draped over its frame like a pirate’s cloak to provide incredible defensive layers and additional thrusters.
Crossbone Gundam X1 FC release date and platforms
The iconic pirate machine from the Steel 7 manga will officially join the frontline on January 1, 2026.
Available for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and PC via Steam, this high-spec unit enters the fray as a five-star rarity suit.
With a cost of 750, it is ready for both ground and space deployments, marking the fourth entry from the Crossbone series to join the current roster alongside its predecessors.
New year gifts and gacha bonuses in Mobile Suit Gundam Battle Operation 2
To celebrate the arrival of 2026, a massive New Year event kicks off on New Year’s Day, January 1, 2026 at 1pm.
Guaranteed rewards and seasonal boosts
During the event, players can participate in the New Year’s Gift: Free 10-Shot Gacha Special Lottery, where all prizes are Mobile Suits, and every player is guaranteed to win two units with a 3-star rating or higher.
Additionally, the New Year Lucky Dip Step Up Lottery will be available, granting a guaranteed Level 1 Mobile Suit released in 2025 with a 4-star rating or higher at STEP 4. All participants will also receive the new custom part, Enhancement Program [Ranged Lv. 1].
Furthermore, the Guntank R-44 Level 1 is scheduled to arrive as a 3-star support unit at a 550 Cost. To celebrate its debut, the “Guntank R-44-Guaranteed STEP UP Lottery” will be held, ensuring players acquire the Level 1 through Level 4 versions of the Guntank R-44 at each respective step.
Weaponry for Level 2 and above will be added to the Recycling Window and will remain available throughout the Step Up Lottery period.
A Daily Bonus Boost Campaign will take place during the event; daily bonuses for basic rewards will increase from three to six times per day, and the reward multiplier will be boosted from five times to seven times the usual rate.
The arrival of special token packs and Victory Gundam
Fans of the source material can now pick up a special token bundle featuring the voice of Tobia Arronax, brought to life by Kappei Yamaguchi. This pack offers a great way to stock up on tokens while adding a legendary voice to your cockpit.
Looking slightly further ahead, the game will continue its journey through the Universal Century timeline with the addition of the Victory Gundam, releasing on January 8, 2026 at 1pm. This unit will debut at a 600 cost, signaling a new era of high-mobility combat for the platform.
The legacy of the Crossbone Vanguard
The story of these mobile suits began in the mid-nineties when the manga expanded the lore of the late Universal Century. Unlike the clean, military aesthetics of previous generations, these units were designed with a distinct pirate motif to reflect their role as rogue fighters operating near the Jovian colonies.
The distinctive X-shaped thrusters on their backs are not just for show; they allow for incredible maneuverability in high-gravity environments, which is why they remain fan favorites decades after their initial publication.
As the timeline moves toward the events of Victory Gundam, mobile suit technology underwent a massive shift toward miniaturization. While earlier units were massive machines, the suits from the Crossbone and Victory eras are smaller, faster, and much more lethal.
This transition represented a change in how wars were fought in space, moving away from heavy armor in favor of beam shields and high-output weaponry. By introducing these units, the game allows players to experience the technical evolution of the Gundam universe firsthand, from the bulky veterans of the One Year War to the agile glass cannons of the future.
About Mobile Suit Gundam Battle Operation 2
Mobile Suit Gundam Battle Operation 2 has evolved into one of the most comprehensive digital libraries of Universal Century history built on a foundation of weight and tactical realism, where every step of a multi-ton machine feels deliberate.
It challenges players to master the rock-paper-scissors relationship between General, Raid, and Support types, ensuring that team composition and positioning are just as vital as individual pilot skill.
Beyond piloting, the game offers a unique infantry mechanic that allows players to exit their suits to capture checkpoints or plant explosives in enemy bases. This dual-layered approach to combat creates a gritty, boots-on-the-ground atmosphere that is rare in the genre.
With over 500 mobile suits currently available and frequent updates continuing to flesh out the roster, the game remains a primary hub for fans who want to experience the mechanical evolution of the Gundam universe in a competitive online environment.
