In the anime Gundam Seed, SEED Mode represents the ability for an individual--regardless of whether he or she is a Coordinator or not--to enter into a "berserker mode." While in this state, the person (usually a mobile suit pilot, but not necessarily) demonstrates heightened reflexes and extremely quick information processing. This ability is usually triggered by extreme situations or from recalling significant traumas. It often arises out of a need to protect someone else in a critical situation. It is demonstrated visually by cutting to the image of a jewel-like seed, its color matching the color of the experiencer's eyes, dropping from the above and exploding in a shower of light just above the eyes. The physical characteristics are the shrinking of the pupil and growth of the iris.

SEED stands for Superior Evolutionary Element Destined and is the factor that determines the course of a species' evolution. The existence of the SEED factor has yet to be proven, and it remains a subject of intense controversy in scientific circles. But in theory, those who possess the SEED factor have the ability to advance to the next stage of human evolution - an ability unrelated to whether the carrier is a Natural or a Coordinator.

Characters seen going into SEED mode:

Kira Yamato

Athrun Zala

Cagalli Yula Athha

Lacus Clyne

Shinn Asuka