Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance (2011) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Mari triggers Unit-05's self-destruct sequence to destroy the Third Angel, which has broken free from containment at NERV's Arctic stronghold Bethany Base. She makes a daring escape just before the explosion, sacrificing the Eva but eliminating the Angel threat.

• mari
• unit-05
• third angel
• self-destruct

The Key of Nebuchadnezzar is a mysterious suitcase given to Gendo by Ryoji Kaji. Its contents remain cryptic, but Kaji notes that the destruction of Unit-05 proceeded exactly as anticipated, suggesting the Key is tied to larger plans involving the Angels and NERV's objectives.

• key of nebuchadnezzar
• kaji
• gendo
• suitcase

Kaworu Nagisa is seen adrift in space near NERV's lunar compound Tabgha Base while Gendo and Fuyutsuki observe the development of Evangelion Mark.06. His appearance is mysterious and visually striking, setting up his significant role in the story as a key figure connected to the Angels and SEELE's plans.

• kaworu
• tabgha base
• space
• mark.06

Unit-03 becomes controlled by the Ninth Angel during its test flight, which was rushed due to an international treaty limiting operational Evangelions. Asuka had taken the pilot seat from Rei to allow the dinner party to proceed, and the Angel infiltrates Unit-03's systems, turning the Eva against Tokyo-3.

• unit-03
• ninth angel
• asuka
• possession

The Dummy System is a technology that allows an Evangelion to operate independently without a pilot. When Shinji hesitates to attack the possessed Unit-03 (fearing for Asuka's safety inside), Gendo activates the Dummy System, causing Unit-01 to brutally destroy Unit-03 and crush its cockpit with mechanical force.

• dummy system
• unit-03
• gendo
• shinji

Shinji escapes from NERV because of the emotional trauma caused by his father's cold decision to activate the Dummy System, forcing him to indirectly kill his friend Asuka. Gendo's lack of empathy and willingness to use Shinji as a tool without regard for his feelings shatters Shinji emotionally.

• shinji
• nerv
• flee
• trauma
• gendo

Rei pilots the crippled Unit-00 to join the battle against the Tenth Angel. She propels herself like a projectile and fires a missile that, while failing to destroy the Angel, distracts it temporarily. The Angel then wraps around Unit-00, assimilating its core into its being.

• rei
• unit-00
• tenth angel
• sacrifice

When Shinji witnesses Rei's predicament, he experiences righteous fury that triggers Unit-01's berserk state. In this state, Unit-01 obliterates the Angel and absorbs its core (which contains Unit-00's core), causing the Eva to transform into a divine entity with radiant wings, on the brink of initiating Third Impact.

Foreshadowing: Earlier scenes established that Evas can evolve beyond their standard capabilities when exposed to Angel cores.

• unit-01
• wings
• third impact
• divine transformation

A spear pierces Unit-01 from the Moon, effectively destabilizing the Eva's transformation into a divine entity and averting the full Third Impact. This mysterious intervention prevents the end of the world that was about to unfold.

• spear
• moon
• third impact
• unit-01 stopped

In the post-credits scene, Kaworu descends with glowing eyes and tells Shinji he will show him true happiness. This hints at Kaworu's mysterious intentions and his connection to Shinji, suggesting a potential redemption arc or deeper emotional relationship that will unfold in the next film.

Foreshadowing: Kaworu's striking appearance earlier in the film near Tabgha Base foreshadows his significant role in Shinji's journey.

• kaworu
• shinji
• happiness
• promise
• final scene

Asuka is left battered and confined to quarantine as a precaution against mental contamination after her harrowing encounter with the Angel inside Unit-03. The possessed Eva nearly killed her, and NERV fears the Angel's influence might still affect her psychologically.

• asuka
• quarantine
• mental contamination
• unit-03

SEELE agrees to expedite repairs only on Unit-01, neglecting Unit-00, which deepens the strain between Gendo and Shinji. This decision reflects SEELE's priorities and preferences, particularly focusing on Unit-01 (the Eva connected to Shinji's mother Yui), while showing disregard for Rei's Unit-00.

• seekle
• unit-01
• unit-00
• repairs
• gendo

Rei organizes a heartfelt dinner gathering in an effort to mend the rift between Shinji and Gendo. This moment highlights Rei's caring nature and her desire to help Shinji find connection with his father, though the dinner is disrupted by the Unit-03 emergency.

• rei
• dinner
• gendo
• shinji
• family reconciliation