The storyline of Robotech was split into three sections, each adapted from a different Japanese anime series.

The first series used was Macross. An alien Super Dimensional Fortress, a very powerful weapon, crash lands on Earth's Macross Island. The alien Zentraedi come to claim the ship for their own use. The Robotech Expeditionary Force help to protect the Earth from the Zentraedi. The series folows the lives of the Force's members, including the love triangle between Rick Hunter, Hayes and Lynn Minmei.

The second section was adapted from Southern Cross. Twenty years into the future, the Armies of the Southern Cross are working to prevent future alien invasions. Dana Sterling is an officer in the army and this series follows her life and exploits. She is the daughter of two characters from the previous story arc, Max and Miriya Sterling.

The third arc was adapted from Genesis Climber Mospeada. This part of the series was much darker. The Expeditionary Force are killed and aliens are ravaging the Earth. The characters somehow still manage to have soap-opera-like love lives, while fighting the aliens with their robotic space vehicles.