Anti-Personnel ODM Gear is a gadget that the Survey Corps use in their war with Marley. It’s a new version of the previous mobility gear that has been modified and is no longer effective against the Titans.

Its basic functions are similar to the original device, except for some mechanical changes that give this weapon a new purpose – killing the Marleyans.

History of the Anti-Personnel ODM Gear

While the new Anti-Personnel Gear played a significant role in the final season, it actually made its first appearance much earlier. Back at the beginning of the third season, a mysterious character with ill intentions appeared, raising attention inside the walls. It was Kenny - Levi’s uncle.

With his appearance, Kenny introduced a new weapon designed for killing humans that was virtually useless against Titans. He adapted the gear to his needs and made the first version of the Anti-Personnel ODM Gear. Alongside his squad, they used this gear to take the Survey Corps by surprise and killed many in the fight that took place in both the town and the cave under the Reiss chapel.

When Kenny eventually died, his version of the ODM Gear lived on and proved to be very useful. The Eldians kept this device and worked on improving it, making it ready for the battles that would eventually come in the future.

How Does Anti-Personnel ODM Gear Impact Fights?

As the world expanded it became clear that the Titans were not the only antagonists. With the new revelations gained by Grisha’s journals, the Survey Corps learned that despite wiping these monsters out of Paradis, their true enemies were waiting across the sea. And unlike what everyone was used to, these enemies were real humans who were prepared for a war.

With this in mind, the Eldians made an improved Anti-Personnel Gear ready for combat against Marley. In the surprise attack against the Marleyan military, a new formidable version of the scouts appeared. Mikasa and Levi took the spotlight by masterfully using this new gear, and with the help of Sasha, Armin, and Jean, they gained a quick advantage in the battle.

The adaptation of the traditional Anti-Personnel ODM Gear was modified to switch with the classic one easily. This way, the device grants superiority against humans while also allowing close combat by using the blades.

These innovations quickly proved to be useful. Mikasa helped Eren take down the War Hammer Titan by using projectiles while the other scouts managed to engage Porco Galliard in close combat by switching to the original version of the gear.

Parts of the Anti-Personnel ODM Gear

The Anti-Personnel ODM Gear looks and functions similarly to its classic, titan-slaying counterpart. However, some unique parts make this equipment specially suitable for man-hunting and allow it to be its own thing. Here is a complete part-by-part explanation of how the Anti-Personnel ODM Gear works:

• The Gas Cylinder: Instead of two that sit on the hips, this version of the gadget has one powerful compressed gas cylinder that sits on the upper back. Its function is maneuvering, or more precisely, firing the hook in a wanted direction and thrusting the user towards that direction once the hook is attached to a surface.
• The Frame of the Gadget: The frame of this device is located on the user's torso and arms, similar to an exoskeleton. On the back, there is a cylinder containing the cable needed for swinging. Before launching, this cable moves to the launchers on the hands.
• Hand Controller: This is a controlling device that has the purpose and the look of a gun. It also contains multiple triggers with different functions that ensure smooth maneuvering.
• Guns: These guns are loaded with one large projectile that is extremely powerful and will blow up any target it hits. When fired, the projectile is replaced by a new one that sits on the thigh. There is also an option for the guns to be used as sleeping darts.
• Upgraded Guns: The scouts’ adjusted version is a semi-auto gun that can fire multiple projectiles in a row before reloading. And since this was not powerful enough, the scouts added the option for equipping and launching thunder spears, making their guns efficient against Titans as well.

With the new technology used in creating this gadget, the Anti-Personnel ODM Gear elevates combat to a new level. All of these adjustments result in a weapon so powerful that it is terrifying to face in battle—something that can be seen and felt among the Marleyan soldiers.

Final Thoughts on the Anti-Personnel ODM Gear

The appearance of Marley changed a lot of things, and the Eldians had to quickly adjust in preparation for a war that was surely coming. With the Pure Titans not being a threat anymore, the scouts were quick to adapt Kenny’s version of the ODM Gear and create an anti-human weapon.

The Anti-Personnel ODM Gear played a key role in the last part of the series as the Survey Corps attacked Marley. This weapon proved to be a game-changer, granting the Eldians a substantial advantage in the conflict despite Marley’s advanced technology and heavy artillery.

Eren's Founding Titan might ultimately secure victory in the war, but it's important to recognize that the Survey Corps' use of the Anti-Personnel ODM Gear played a pivotal role in achieving their successes in many battles.