Beast Mode

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Beast Mode (ビーストモード^?) is a special built-in combat function featured in the Rebuild of Evangelion film series.

Profile

Beast Mode gives an Evangelion more access to the Evangelion units power by removing the limiters. When in this form, the pilot appears to be under more strain and the unit somewhat resembles a berserk form. This mode is used by a few Evangelion units however it is unclear how widespread this feature is across Evangelion units. In the Rebuild continuity, only variants of Unit-02 have possessed this ability however more Evangelion units have made this transformation in outside media.

While beast modes vary wildly in their appearance, they all share similar traits. First, they all feature some sort of transformation from the standard humanoid shape into a more animistic form. These transformations typically feature growth of existing aspects of the design whether it be an extension to their teeth, limbs or an entirely new appendage sprouting out from the body. Another common occurrence when beast mode is activated is the lights inside the plug change from neutral to red.

History

Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance

The mode is showcased when Mari pilots Unit-02 against the Tenth Angel. After traditional combat methods prove ineffective, she initiates the process by saying, "Invert mode. Secret code: The Beast!"

This jettisons the shoulder pylons, painfully releases the Evangelion's limiters, and triggers a physical transformation wherein the Eva "abandons its humanity". The Eva's body proportions are generally elongated, and the head becomes saurian in appearance, with a large maw and uniformly shaped teeth. By the end of the transformation, many of the Eva's outfittings are missing or otherwise altered. The reconfigured Eva is still controlled by the pilot and relies on internal battery power, but exhibits vastly heightened mobility and A.T. Field-breaching power.

Both the EVA and its pilot behave in a very animalistic manner. Activating Beast Mode seems to be very taxing on the pilot, and entails a negative plug depth that puts her at great risk for losing human form herself. The only unambiguous physical change that Mari experiences as a result of the venture are glowing green irises.

Evangelion 3.0: You Can (Not) Redo

Unit-02 used Beast Mode again while being piloted by Asuka. This time, however, the activation code for it was "Code 777". This one is distinctly more beastly in appearance, growing a long tail, the joints morphing into digitigrade ones, and extended fangs from its jaw. It demonstrated the already seen heightened speed and strength, using its jaws against Mark.09 that was taking over the AAA Wunder while under SEELE's control.

Other Media

EVANGELION THE REAL 4D 2.0

Unit-04 in Beast Mode.

Evangelion Unit-04 (Rapidborer Equipment)

Trivia

• The term "Beast Mode" is not used within the film itself, but rapidly entered the fan parlance. (First appeared as a fan coinage?) It appears on the packaging of a set of Eva figurines released by HDM Souzetsu, and possibly other merchandise, which gives "Beast Mode" sufficient authenticity.

• The "official" term for the mode, as used by Ritsuko in-film, is Beast Form 2nd Phase (Type 1) (獣化第２形態（第１種）, Juuka Dai 2 Keitai (Dai 1 Shu)). This raises the questions of what "1st Phase" would refer to.