Types of Gunpla Kits

A Fun Guide to Gunpla Grades: Which One is Right for You?

If you’ve been bitten by the Gunpla bug, you’ve probably noticed that these amazing model kits come in different grades. But what exactly does that mean? Simply put, Gunpla grades determine the scale, complexity, and level of detail in a kit. Whether you’re a total newbie or a seasoned builder, there’s a grade that’s perfect for you! Let’s break it down in a fun and easy way.

EG – The Easiest Way to Start Gunpla

Entry Grade (EG) kits are perfect for absolute beginners, offering a simple and stress-free introduction to Gunpla. These 1/144 scale kits require no tools, glue, or stickers—just snap the parts together, and you’re done! With minimal effort, you’ll have a great-looking Gundam model, making EG kits an excellent choice for first-time builders, kids, or casual hobbyists.

Why You’ll Love EG Kits:

• Super easy to build—no tools or glue needed!
• Budget-friendly, making them great for trying out the hobby.
• Pre-colored parts mean they look great right out of the box.

Things to Keep in Mind:

• Basic articulation—poses are limited compared to HG and above.
• Fewer color-separated details, so painting is needed for full accuracy.

If you’ve never built a Gunpla kit before, EG is the perfect place to start. They’re fun, frustration-free, and a great way to get hooked on the hobby!

High Grade (HG) – Beginner-Friendly and Affordable

If you’re just getting started with Gunpla, High Grade (HG) kits are your best friend. These 1/144 scale kits are budget-friendly, easy to build, and still pack plenty of detail. They make for a great entry point into the hobby, giving you a satisfying build without too much complexity.

Why You’ll Love HG Kits:

• Quick to build—perfect for beginners and casual builders.
• Affordable, so you can build a whole army of mobile suits without breaking the bank.
• A massive variety of suits from different Gundam series.

Things to Keep in Mind:

• Less detail compared to higher grades.
• Simpler articulation—don’t expect crazy dynamic poses.

Many builders start with Entry Grade (EG) kits, which are even simpler than HG and designed for absolute beginners. However, some modelers from other hobbies, such as Warhammer, may jump straight into Master Grade (MG) or Real Grade (RG) due to their experience with assembling and painting detailed models.

If you want a fun and easy start to Gunpla, grab an HG kit and start snipping!

Real Grade (RG) – Small but Mighty

Love detail but don’t have the space for big kits? Real Grade (RG) is for you! These 1/144 scale kits pack Master Grade-level detail into a compact size, complete with inner frames and articulation that lets you pull off some epic poses.

Why You’ll Love RG Kits:

• Incredibly detailed for their small size.
• Inner frames make them look and feel premium.
• Great articulation—these little guys can move!

Things to Keep in Mind:

• Can be delicate—small parts mean you’ll need some patience.
• More challenging than HG, but totally worth it.

RG kits are perfect for builders who want a challenge without committing to a larger model!

Master Grade (MG) – The Sweet Spot for Builders

Stepping things up a notch, Master Grade (MG) kits are 1/100 scale and strike a perfect balance between size, detail, and build complexity. They often feature inner frames, realistic panel lines, and a sturdier build, making them a favorite for experienced builders.

Why You’ll Love MG Kits:

• Larger size means better detail and durability.
• Articulated inner frames allow for awesome poses.
• Many kits include LED compatibility and cool extras.

Things to Keep in Mind:

• More parts = longer build times.
• Higher price tag compared to HG and RG kits.

Many experienced modelers, especially those coming from Warhammer or military model kits, often skip HG and jump straight into MG because they are already familiar with complex builds and painting techniques.

If you love detailed builds and want something solid, MG kits are a fantastic investment.

Perfect Grade (PG) – The Ultimate Gunpla Experience

Want the best of the best? Perfect Grade (PG) kits are 1/60 scale monsters packed with extreme detail, full inner frames, LED features, and complex engineering. These kits are for serious builders who want the most immersive experience possible.

Why You’ll Love PG Kits:

• Insane detail—every part is meticulously designed.
• Huge presence—these kits make for incredible display pieces.
• Fully articulated with premium engineering.

Things to Keep in Mind:

• Expensive—these are premium kits with premium prices.
• Takes a long time to build—be ready for a multi-day project.

PG kits are the ultimate expression of Gunpla mastery—if you’re ready for a challenge, they won’t disappoint!

Super Deformed (SD) – Small, Cute, and Fun

Not every Gunpla needs to be a towering mech! Super Deformed (SD) kits take your favorite mobile suits and give them an adorable chibi-style makeover. These are quick and easy builds, perfect for casual hobbyists or younger builders.

Why You’ll Love SD Kits:

• Fun and simple to build.
• Cute, exaggerated designs make them unique.
• Great for quick builds when you don’t have much time.

Things to Keep in Mind:

• Less articulation compared to other grades.
• Simpler construction means fewer intricate details.

SD kits are a great way to mix things up and build something fun and quirky!

Still not sure which grade to try?

If you are new to Gunpla, start with High Grade (HG ) or Entry Grade (EG) for an easy and fun introduction.

Want more detail in a small package? Real Grade (RG )is the way to go.

Looking for the best balance of size and complexity? Try MG—especially if you’re familiar with other model kits.

Want the ultimate challenge? PG is for hardcore builders.

Just want something fun and adorable? SD is a blast!

No matter which grade you choose, Gunpla is all about having fun and bringing your favorite mobile suits to life. So grab a kit, start building, and enjoy the journey!