ZGMF-X42S Destiny Gundam is ZAFT's newest mobile suit in Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny (2004–2005, C.E. 73), developed to end the war with the Earth Alliance Forces. Gilbert Durandal hands the machine to Shinn Asuka, framing it as the foundation of the Coordinators' future. Bandai's own description states that the Destiny's performance far surpasses the Second Stage series, such as the Impulse Gundam.
What it does in the story
The Destiny reaches Shinn Asuka partway through the series, after the Impulse has already carried him through his first campaigns. From that point it is the machine at the centre of ZAFT's war effort, and in the closing episodes it faces Athrun Zala's Infinite Justice.
What makes it different
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It was built to end the war outright.
Bandai describes the Destiny as the latest mobile suit developed by ZAFT to put an end to the battle between the Earth Alliance Forces, so the suit is defined by the war it was built to finish.
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Bandai places its output above the Second Stage series.
The Second Stage series is the generation of ZAFT machines that includes the Impulse. The Destiny is described as far surpassing those suits.
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The chairman is tied to its development.
Bandai's description notes that it is rumoured Gilbert Durandal was involved in the Destiny's development, and in the story it is Durandal who presents the suit to Shinn. The chairman's authority and ZAFT's newest hardware arrive together.
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The wing binders carry its signature effect.
The large binders on the back open into what Bandai's kits call the light wings, rendered in clear parts on both the HGCE and the Real Grade. The HGCE kit also puts a double joint in the torso so the forward-leaning posture from the animation can be posed.
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Frequently asked questions
1. Is the Destiny Gundam the same machine as the Destiny Gundam Spec II?
No. The Spec II is the version built for Mobile Suit Gundam SEED FREEDOM (2024), with new colours and a Hyper Deuterion Beam that can also charge other machines. The ZGMF-X42S is the 2004 television design, and the two are catalogued separately.
2. Who pilots the Destiny?
Shinn Asuka, the lead pilot of SEED Destiny. ZAFT builds the suit and Gilbert Durandal gives it to him; in the same period Kira Yamato flies the Strike Freedom and Athrun Zala the Infinite Justice.
3. Is the Heine Westenfluss Custom a different mobile suit?
No. It is the same ZGMF-X42S finished in Heine Westenfluss's personal colours, released as its own kit. The frame, the binders and the armament are those of the standard Destiny.
4. Which grades of Destiny kit has Bandai made?
High Grade in the original 2005 release and again as the HGCE in 2019, Real Grade in 2013, Master Grade in 2007, and Master Grade SD as the fifth kit in that line. There are also 1/100, BB Senshi and SD EX-Standard releases.
Background sources: ZGMF-X42S Destiny Gundam — Gundam Wiki · デスティニーガンダム（日本語版 Wikipedia）
![HG 1/144 The Gundam Base Limited Destiny Gundam [Special Coating]](http://www.prexhobby.com/cdn/shop/files/manual-4635-1.jpg?v=1790846868&width=720)
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