In addition to the incidental effects of the DG Cells, the Dark Gundam is also the source of a more organized threat, the so-called Dark Army. The Dark Gundam's self-replication abilities have spawned a legion of thousands of mobile suits, whose pilots are zombie soldiers animated by DG Cells. With this huge fighting force at its command, the Dark Gundam will be able to overrun Earth's cities, crushing their defenses through sheer force of numbers.

The Dark Army's legions are organized into specialized land, sea, and air forces. Each of these divisions is commanded by a mysterious mobile fighter, with the sinister Master Gundam serving as overall leader. Last but not least, the Dark Gundam can also call on the serpentine machines known as Gundam Heads, extensions of its body which serve as its guards and sentries.

The land, sea, and air divisions of the Dark Army are each overseen by a mysterious and powerful mobile fighter. These field commanders—the Grand Gundam, the Walter Gundam, and the Raven Gundam—are themselves led by the sinister Master Gundam, and collectively these four mighty mobile fighters are known as the Four Kings.

Throughout history, the mysterious secret society known as the Shuffle Alliance has watched over humanity from the shadows, intervening to steer the world away from destruction and enforce the codes of conduct that govern warfare. The five members of this enigmatic group bear distinctive crests on their hands which identify them as the King of Hearts, Queen of Spades, Jack of Diamonds, Ace of Clubs, and Black Joker. These crests are passed down to their destined successors.

At the beginning of the Future Century, the inhabitants of the space colonies intervened to stop the Earth Chaos War which had consumed their neglected home planet. In the process, they joined together to form the United Colonies Federation, which took control of Earth and restored order. To prevent power struggles between its member colony nations, the leadership of the United Colonies Federation is decided through the tournament known as the Gundam Fight. The present leader is Neo Hong Kong, the victor in the 12th Gundam Fight.