The year 2017 sees Europe under attack by the Holy Britannian Empire's forces. To combat this overwhelming pressure and reduce casualties, an army unit called Wyvern or W-0 is formed. Composed of former Japanese citizens known as "Elevens," these young men and women pilot Knightmare frames into dangerous missions in hopes of making a name for themselves. When a European regiment is pinned down by the enemy during a mission to recapture a crucial city, it falls to W-0 to save them. Lieutenant Akito Hyuuga, also known as "Hannibals Ghost," leads the rescue operation. However, when the commanding officer orders the Knightmare's self-destruct sequence in an attempt to take out as many Britannians as possible, the mission becomes suicidal. In the aftermath, Akito is left alone as the last survivor.
The first episode was pre-aired on July 16 and officially released to theaters on August 4, 2012.