Survey Corps

Lore & Background

The story of the Survey Corps is one of relentless combat and shocking revelations. In the first season, Eren Yeager joined the corps after witnessing his mother's death, only to discover he could transform into a Titan during the defense of Trost District under leaders Erwin Smith and Levi Ackerman. As more Titans flooded their homeland, the corps faced internal threats as well; in the third season, they were hunted by the Interior Police while Serial killer Kenny the Ripper targeted Eren Yeager and Historia Reiss. The conflict escalated when Rod Reiss demanded Historia consume Eren to restore royal power, a plan that failed after she received memories of her half-sister Frieda Reiss. Ultimately, the Corps defeated the enemy Titans in Shiganshina District, forcing their retreat and allowing the survivors to finally see the sea and learn that an entire world of human civilization existed beyond the walls.

In Their Own Story

The narrative arc shifts dramatically in the fourth season, set four years after the Battle of Shiganshina. Old enemies returned as allies within the Marleyan Warrior Unit, sparking a conflict over the Power of the Titans and the Subjects of Ymir on Paradis Island. The stakes reached their peak when Eren Yeager used his power to release hundreds of thousands of Colossal Titans from within the walls, initiating the worldwide cataclysm known as the Rumbling. This global threat forced the former rivals—the Scouts and the Warriors—to put aside their differences and unite in battle against a force that threatened to erase humanity entirely.

Reader's Guide

Success for the Survey Corps relies on specific tactics and equipment used during their expeditions. They utilize Vertical Maneuvering Equipment, often referred to as Omni-Directional Mobility Gear, which allows soldiers to move at high speeds and strike the nape of a Titan's neck. The corps faces diverse enemies, from abnormal Titans like the Beast Titan that can communicate with humans, to stunted Titans found in places like Connie Springer's hometown of Ragako. Their operations have ranged from defending Trost District to retaking Wall Maria in Shiganshina. Leadership has been critical; under Erwin Smith and Levi Ackerman, the corps learned to use Eren's shifting abilities against the enemy. However, they also faced betrayal from within their own government, requiring them to fight the Interior Police before turning their attention back to the external threat of Marley.

Did You Know?

• The series premiered on April 7, 2013, and concluded on November 5, 2023.
• Eren Yeager discovered he could transform into a Titan after being eaten by one during the battle for Trost District.
• Historia Reiss killed her father, Rod Reiss (turned Titan), to become Queen and de-corrupt the government.
• The Beast Titan is unique because it can communicate with other Titans as well as humans.
• After the Battle of Shiganshina, Eren, Mikasa, Armin, and the Scouts finally encountered the sea.