Gunpla Grade Guide 2026: HG vs RG vs MG vs PG— Complete Comparison & Beginner's Guide
Contents
- 01What Is Gunpla? — Japan's Beloved Model Kit, Now a Global Phenomenon
- 02Quick Grade Reference Table
- 03Detailed Grade Breakdown
- EG (Entry Grade) — No Tools Required, Done in 30 Minutes
- HG (High Grade) — The Gunpla Standard. Start Here.
- RG (Real Grade) — HG Size, Remarkable Precision
- MG (Master Grade) — The Enthusiast Standard. Presence and Impact Like Nothing Else
- MGEX (Master Grade Extreme) — The LED-Lit Pinnacle of MG
- PG (Perfect Grade) — The Pinnacle of Gunpla. Absolute Presence.
- PG Unleashed — The Current Highest Peak of Gunpla
- SD (Super Deformed) — The Cute, Chibi Alternative
- 04How to Choose the Right Grade for You
- 05Tools You'll Need for Gunpla
- 06Where to Buy — Purchasing Guide
- 072026 Recommended & Popular Kits
- 08Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- 09Conclusion — Start Your Gunpla Journey
Gunpla Grade Guide 2026: HG vs RG vs MG vs PG — Complete Comparison & Beginner's Guide
"I want to try building Gunpla, but there are so many grades — HG, MG — I have no idea where to start."
That's one of the most common things we hear. Gunpla (Gundam plastic model kits) uses a system called "grades" — a ranking that ranges from beginner-friendly to expert-level, with prices and difficulty to match.
In this guide, we'll break down every grade in plain language that even someone who has never built a model kit before can understand. By the end, you'll know exactly which grade to start with.
What Is Gunpla? — Japan's Beloved Model Kit, Now a Global Phenomenon
Gunpla is the collective term for the plastic model kits based on the Mobile Suit Gundam franchise, manufactured and sold by Bandai Spirits. First released in 1980 alongside the original Gundam series, the hobby celebrated its 45th anniversary in 2025.
Today, Gunpla is sold in more than 100 countries worldwide, with cumulative shipments said to exceed one billion units. The joy of assembly, the connection to beloved series, the thrill of collecting — Gunpla has transcended the boundaries of model kit culture to become one of Japan's most iconic exports.
Why Is It Loved Around the World?
- No glue required — Kits use a "snap-fit" design: press the parts together and they hold
- Pre-colored parts — The runners (the plastic frames holding all the parts) come in different colors, so the kit looks great straight out of the box without any painting
- Endless customization — Paint it, modify it, or build something entirely original — the possibilities are unlimited
- Great even without knowing Gundam — The mechanical design quality is so high that people enjoy them purely as "cool robots"
If you'd like to learn more about the Gundam series itself, check out our Complete Series List and Watch Order Guide.
Quick Grade Reference Table
Start here to get the big picture. A "grade" works like a tier or class — the same mobile suit is often released in multiple grades.
| Grade | Full Name | Scale | Price Range (incl. tax) | Build Time | Difficulty | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EG | Entry Grade | 1/144 | ¥550–¥1,100 | 30 min–1 hr | ★☆☆☆☆ | Complete beginners, children |
| HG | High Grade | 1/144 | ¥1,100–¥3,300 | 1–3 hrs | ★★☆☆☆ | Beginners to intermediate |
| RG | Real Grade | 1/144 | ¥3,300–¥8,800 | 3–6 hrs | ★★★☆☆ | Intermediate builders |
| MG | Master Grade | 1/100 | ¥3,300–¥22,000 | 4–10 hrs | ★★★☆☆ | Intermediate to advanced |
| MGEX | Master Grade Extreme | 1/100 | ¥22,000–¥33,000 | 8–15 hrs | ★★★★☆ | Advanced builders |
| PG | Perfect Grade | 1/60 | ¥16,500–¥33,000 | 15–30 hrs | ★★★★☆ | Advanced builders |
| PG Unleashed | PG Unleashed | 1/60 | ¥33,000–¥66,000 | 20–40 hrs | ★★★★★ | Expert level / collectors |
| SD | Super Deformed | Non-scale | ¥550–¥1,650 | 30 min–1 hr | ★☆☆☆☆ | Beginners, SD fans |
| FG | First Grade | 1/144 | ~¥550 | 20–30 min | ★☆☆☆☆ | Mostly discontinued |
The scale number represents how many times smaller the kit is compared to the real thing. At 1/144, the kit is 1/144th the size of the actual mobile suit. The smaller the number, the larger the kit.
Detailed Grade Breakdown
EG (Entry Grade) — No Tools Required, Done in 30 Minutes
Entry Grade is the newest beginner-tier grade, introduced in 2020.
Its defining feature: you can build it without nippers (model cutters). The connection points between parts and the runner are designed to be thin enough to snap off cleanly by hand. Since no tools are required at all, EG is ideal as a "let me try one and see" first build.
Price & Specs
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Price | ¥550–¥1,100 (incl. tax) |
| Scale | 1/144 |
| Part Count | ~50–100 parts |
| Build Time | 30 min–1 hr |
| Tools | None required (nippers improve the finish) |
Lineup
- EG RX-78-2 Gundam (the classic — most recommended for beginners)
- EG Strike Gundam
- EG Nu Gundam
- EG Wing Gundam (released 2025)
Pros & Cons
What's great - Lowest price range (from ¥550) - Build anywhere, no tools needed - Surprisingly wide range of articulation - Simple but clean-looking finished product
Worth knowing - Limited lineup (roughly 10–15 kits available at this time) - Surface detail is less refined than HG and above - Snapping parts off by hand can sometimes leave white stress marks (whitening)
Best first build recommendation: EG RX-78-2 Gundam (¥550 incl. tax)
HG (High Grade) — The Gunpla Standard. Start Here.
High Grade is the grade with the largest lineup in all of Gunpla. Led by the HGUC series (Universal Century), there are kits for virtually every Gundam series in existence.
The vast majority of Gunpla builders started with HG — it is the definitive entry point. It's designed for beginners, but the satisfaction when you finish a kit is very much real.
Price & Specs
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Price | ¥1,100–¥3,300 (incl. tax) some exceed this range |
| Scale | 1/144 |
| Part Count | ~100–200 parts |
| Build Time | 1–3 hrs |
| Tools | Nippers recommended |
HG Sub-series (by Series)
HG is divided into several sub-series:
| Sub-series | Target Series |
|---|---|
| HGUC | Universal Century series (original through Hathaway's Flash) |
| HG (standard) | Non-UC and latest titles (The Witch from Mercury, GQuuuuuuX, etc.) |
| HGBF | Gundam Build Fighters series |
| HGCE | Cosmic Era series (SEED, SEED DESTINY) |
| HGTO | Thunderbolt series |
Pros & Cons
What's great - Enormous lineup (1,000+ kits) - Affordable price - Relatively straightforward assembly — beginners can complete them - Great starting point for customization and modifications
Worth knowing - Many kits lack an inner frame (skeleton structure) - Detail can feel slightly lacking compared to RG or MG - Older kits may feel dated compared to modern designs
Best first build recommendation: HGUC RX-78-2 Gundam (¥1,210 incl. tax), or any HG from your favorite series
RG (Real Grade) — HG Size, Remarkable Precision
Real Grade debuted in 2010 with the concept of "small but extraordinarily detailed." At the same 1/144 scale as HG, RG adds an inner frame, finer part separation, and a significantly higher level of color accuracy.
"How can something this small be this precise?" — that sense of surprise is the essence of RG. On the other hand, the tiny, intricate parts are easy to drop and lose, so it's considered slightly challenging for beginners.
Price & Specs
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Price | ¥3,300–¥8,800 (incl. tax) |
| Scale | 1/144 |
| Part Count | ~200–400 parts |
| Build Time | 3–6 hrs |
| Tools | Nippers required |
Notable Kits
- RG Nu Gundam
- RG Hi-Nu Gundam
- RG RX-78-2 Gundam
- RG Strike Freedom Gundam
- RG Evangelion Unit-01 (collaboration)
Pros & Cons
What's great - Extraordinary precision at HG scale - Inner frame included — satisfying to build from the skeleton up - Wide articulation range; poses look natural - More affordable than MG
Worth knowing - Small parts carry a real risk of being lost or broken - Better to have some HG experience first - Older RG kits can have a complex inner frame that's tricky to work with
Recommended experience level: After building 3–5 HG kits
MG (Master Grade) — The Enthusiast Standard. Presence and Impact Like Nothing Else
Master Grade was born in 1995 as the "grown-up Gunpla." At 1/100 scale, finished kits stand roughly 12–15 cm tall, and the difference in shelf presence is striking.
Because MG includes an inner frame, the process of assembling the skeleton first and then layering on the armor panels is genuinely fun — MG is popular as a grade where "the building process itself is the experience."
Price & Specs
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Price | ¥3,300–¥22,000 (incl. tax) |
| Scale | 1/100 |
| Part Count | ~300–700 parts |
| Build Time | 4–10 hrs |
| Tools | Nippers required |
MG Sub-series
| Sub-series | Features |
|---|---|
| MG (standard) | The classic. Well-balanced overall |
| MG Ver.Ka | Supervised by designer Hajime Katoki. Precise, sharp design aesthetic |
| MG Ver.2.0 | Older MG kits rebuilt with modern engineering. Improved articulation and color separation |
| MG FIGURE-RISE MECHANIC | Focused on internal structural detail |
Pros & Cons
What's great - Impressive scale and presence when complete - The fun of building with an inner frame - High-quality detail and color accuracy - Large lineup (500+ kits)
Worth knowing - High part count means longer build times - More expensive than HG - Beginners who start here risk getting discouraged partway through
Recommended experience level: After building 5–10 HG kits
MGEX (Master Grade Extreme) — The LED-Lit Pinnacle of MG
Master Grade Extreme sits above standard MG as a special high-tier grade. It made its debut in 2021 with the MG 1/100 Unicorn Gundam Ver.Ka MGEX.
The main attraction is its light-up performance — LED units, a high-precision inner frame, and hundreds of crystal-clear parts combine to recreate the glowing Psycho-Frame effect from the films. Switch it on in a darkened room and you'll genuinely feel like you're watching the movie.
Price & Specs
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Price | ¥22,000–¥33,000 (incl. tax) |
| Scale | 1/100 |
| Part Count | 600–1,000+ parts |
| Build Time | 10–20 hrs |
| Tools | Nippers required; fine hobby tools recommended |
The lineup is currently limited, covering only select mobile suits such as the Unicorn Gundam. These kits carry significant collector value and frequently sell out.
PG (Perfect Grade) — The Pinnacle of Gunpla. Absolute Presence.
Perfect Grade reigns at the very top of the Gunpla hierarchy. At 1/60 scale, finished kits stand approximately 28–36 cm tall, with every internal structure fully recreated.
Since the very first PG (RX-78-2 Gundam) in 1998, PG has remained the ultimate symbol of achievement in Gunpla.
Price & Specs
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Price | ¥16,500–¥33,000 (incl. tax) |
| Scale | 1/60 |
| Part Count | 500–1,000+ parts |
| Build Time | 15–30 hrs |
| Tools | Nippers required; multiple pairs recommended |
Notable Kits
- PG RX-78-2 Gundam (the original)
- PG Strike Gundam
- PG Unicorn Gundam (with built-in LED)
- PG Wing Gundam Zero EW
PG Unleashed — The Current Highest Peak of Gunpla
PG Unleashed is a grade that surpasses even standard PG, launched in 2020 with the PG Unleashed 1/60 RX-78-2 Gundam.
Compared to standard PG, it features more thorough internal mechanical recreation, metal parts and metal etching stickers, and actual lead wire for cable representation — the finished product feels less like a plastic model and more like an industrial product.
In January 2026, the PG Unleashed 1/60 Nu Gundam was released at ¥66,000 (incl. tax), standing approximately 36 cm tall when complete.
Price & Specs
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Price | ¥33,000–¥66,000 (incl. tax) |
| Scale | 1/60 |
| Part Count | 1,000+ parts |
| Build Time | 20–40 hrs |
| Features | Metal parts, lead wire, highest-precision frame |
This is the "dream Gunpla" — something to work toward after building substantial experience with other grades.
SD (Super Deformed) — The Cute, Chibi Alternative
Super Deformed is a separate line from standard Gunpla featuring chunky, chibi-style proportions. Finished kits stand roughly 8 cm tall. Rather than realism, the appeal here is "cute and comical."
SD is further divided into several sub-lines:
| SD Series | Features |
|---|---|
| SD BB Senshi | The original SD line. Many kits include special gimmicks |
| SD GUNDAM EX-STANDARD | Simple and easy to assemble |
| SD Cross Silhouette | Compatible bodies — swap between SD and HG-proportioned frames |
| SD GUNDAM WORLD HEROES | Themed mobile suits inspired by Three Kingdoms, ninja, etc. |
Priced at around ¥550–¥1,650, SD kits are popular with beginners and children. A great option for those who find realistic-style kits a bit intimidating.
How to Choose the Right Grade for You
Step 1 — Define Your Goal
I want to display it (collection) → Choose HG or MG If you plan to display it on a shelf, you'll want a certain level of quality. HG or MG is the right choice.
I want to enjoy the building process (crafting) → Choose MG or RG More parts and more steps mean more satisfaction from the craft.
I just want to try it out (entry) → Choose EG or HG Start with a price point where mistakes won't sting, and build up your experience.
I want to build my favorite mobile suit (fan) → Start with the grade that has that kit If you love the Aerial or the Zaku, just pick up the HG of that mobile suit. That's the best starting point.
Step 2 — Narrow Down by Budget
| Budget | Recommended Grade |
|---|---|
| Under ¥1,100 | EG or SD |
| ¥1,100–¥3,300 | HG |
| ¥3,300–¥8,800 | RG or MG (entry-level kits) |
| ¥8,800–¥22,000 | MG (popular kits / Ver.Ka) |
| ¥22,000+ | MGEX / PG / PG Unleashed |
Step 3 — Narrow Down by Difficulty
First time building a model kit → EG or HG (simpler mobile suits) Within HG, kits released after 2018 have modern engineering and are easier to assemble.
Finished 3–5 HG kits → Try RG or an entry-level MG Once you've built a full-frame kit, the hobby opens up in a new way.
Built 10+ MG kits → Move up to PG or MGEX Upper-tier grades maximize the sense of accomplishment that comes from truly developed skills.
Summary: When in Doubt, Choose This
| Your Situation | Your First Kit |
|---|---|
| Complete beginner, no tools | EG RX-78-2 Gundam (¥550) |
| Beginner with tools | HGUC RX-78-2 Gundam or any HG of your favorite suit |
| Built 5+ HG kits | RG Nu Gundam or MG Zaku II |
| Built 10+ MG kits | PG Unicorn Gundam |
| Advanced builder, no budget limit | PG Unleashed Nu Gundam |
Tools You'll Need for Gunpla
Except for EG, trying to build Gunpla with bare hands alone will leave you unsatisfied with the result. The right tools make a significant difference.
The Two Essentials
1. Nippers — Specialized Cutters for Removing Parts
Gunpla parts are attached to a plastic frame called a runner. Nippers are the tool you use to cut them free.
For beginners: Tamiya "Craft Tools Nipper" (around ¥1,000) - Consistent cutting performance, easy to use - No need to spend more than this to start
Once you're experienced: God Hand "Ultimate Nipper" (around ¥4,000) - Minimizes white stress marks (whitening) and leaves a clean gate mark - The definitive choice among experienced Gunpla builders
2. Gundam Marker (Panel Line Pen) — Adding Depth with Panel Lining
"Panel lining" means running a dark ink into the recessed lines (engraved detail) on your kit to make the detail stand out.
For beginners: Gundam Marker "Panel Line Accent Color (Flowing Type)" (around ¥220) - Instead of painting, you just let the ink flow into the grooves — it spreads on its own - One pen alone gets you surprisingly close to a professional-looking finish
Useful Tools (Add These When You're Ready)
| Tool | Purpose | Approximate Price |
|---|---|---|
| Design knife | Cleaning up gate marks | ¥500–¥1,000 |
| Sandpaper (#400–#800) | Smoothing surfaces | ¥100–¥500 |
| Tweezers | Handling small parts | ¥500–¥1,500 |
| Cotton swabs | Wiping excess panel liner | ¥100 |
| LED desk lamp | Lighting your work area | ¥1,000–¥3,000 |
For Those Who Want to Paint (Intermediate to Advanced)
Painting dramatically elevates the finished look. That said, beginners should start with a "straight build" (assembling without painting) — it's more than enough. Come back to painting once you're comfortable.
- Gundam Markers (paint type): Entry-level brush painting. ¥150–¥200 per marker
- Airbrush: The pro standard for full paint jobs. Sets range from ¥3,000 to ¥30,000+
- Spray cans (Mr. Color / Tamiya Color): Good for spot painting. ¥600–¥800 per can
Where to Buy — Purchasing Guide
Within Japan
Physical Stores
| Store | Notes |
|---|---|
| Yodobashi Camera | Wide selection; point rewards available |
| Bic Camera | Similar; major electronics retailer |
| Hobby shops (specialty stores) | May carry discontinued kits and limited editions |
| Don Quijote | Select stores carry Gunpla |
| AEON / Ito-Yokado | Carries core popular kits |
Online Stores
| Site | Notes |
|---|---|
| Yodobashi.com | Free shipping; retail pricing; can reserve while checking stock |
| Amazon (sold by Amazon directly) | Wide stock and fast delivery; watch out for scalper pricing |
| Premium Bandai | Bandai's official online store; lottery reservations for limited and reissue items |
| DMM | Strong inventory and reservation options |
Note: When buying on Amazon, confirm that both "Sold by" and "Fulfilled by" show Amazon. Third-party resellers sometimes list at several times the retail price.
Purchasing from Outside Japan
Gunpla is available worldwide:
| Shop | Notes | Region |
|---|---|---|
| HLJ.com (Hobby Link Japan) | Over 20 years of experience; ships from Japan worldwide | Worldwide |
| Gundam Planet | Largest dedicated Gunpla retailer in the US | North America / Worldwide |
| HobbySearch (1999.co.jp) | Major Japanese hobby mail-order; international shipping available | Worldwide |
| MechaUniverse.com | Authorized import shop for Europe | Europe |
| ZenMarket | Proxy buying service; can purchase from Amazon JP or Mercari | Worldwide |
2026 Recommended & Popular Kits
Recommended for Beginners
EG RX-78-2 Gundam (¥550) The icon of Gunpla — the original Gundam. No tools required, done in about 30 minutes. The ideal first kit.
HG Gundam Aerial (¥1,760) The main mobile suit from The Witch from Mercury (aired 2022–2023). Modern engineering makes it easy to build, and it has been a constant bestseller since release.
HG Legend Gundam (¥1,870, released January 2026) A brand-new 2026 release. Appears in GQuuuuuuX. Latest-generation engineering with an excellent finish.
Recommended for Intermediate to Advanced Builders
RG Nu Gundam (¥4,400) The protagonist's mobile suit from Char's Counterattack. One of the most popular kits in the entire RG line. Wide articulation and naturally convincing poses.
MG Gundam Mk-II (AEUG Colors) Ver.2.0 (¥4,400) Widely recommended as a first MG. Ver.2.0 engineering delivers excellent part precision and a smooth build experience.
MG Gundam Deathscythe Hell EW (¥4,400) A fan favorite among Gundam W fans. Dramatic design with richly detailed cloak parts.
For Collectors
PG Unleashed 1/60 Nu Gundam (¥66,000, released January 2026) The ultimate kit to mark Gunpla's 45th anniversary. Approximately 36 cm tall when complete, with metal parts and lead wire. Every technique Bandai has developed poured into one single model.
MGEX 1/100 Unicorn Gundam (¥22,000) Recreates the "Psycho-Frame glow" with LED lighting and hundreds of crystal parts. Displayed in a dark room, the effect is breathtaking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. Can I enjoy Gunpla even if I don't know Gundam? Absolutely. The joy of Gunpla is in the building and the displaying. You don't need to know any backstory for the hobby to be fully rewarding. If curiosity strikes, check out our Complete Series List to find a series you might enjoy.
Q. Is painting necessary? Not at all. Modern Gunpla comes with parts already molded in multiple colors, so simply assembling the kit produces a color-accurate result. This is called a "straight build." Start painting when you find yourself wanting to take it further — not before.
Q. What tools should I buy first? Just a pair of nippers will get you started. A Tamiya nipper for around ¥1,000 is the recommendation. Adding a panel line marker (around ¥220) after that will noticeably improve the finished look.
Q. Can children build Gunpla? EG and SD Gundam kits are enjoyable for elementary school children. That said, nippers should be supervised by a parent. The EG RX-78-2 (¥550) is especially good for a parent-child first build — it's short and finishes quickly.
Q. Should I pick HG or MG? For a first kit, HG without question. MG is deeply satisfying when complete, but the high part count means it takes a long time — and there's a real risk of losing motivation before finishing. The proven path is HG for 5 kits, then move up to MG.
Q. Which HG should I choose? The protagonist's mobile suit from whatever series you love is the best choice. If you're not sure, you can't go wrong with the HGUC RX-78-2 Gundam. The original Gundam is the starting point of the entire line, and its structure is designed to be straightforward to understand.
Q. What's the difference between old and new kits? Engineering quality varies significantly by release year. Kits released from 2018 onward have greatly improved articulation, color separation, and part precision. When a mobile suit has multiple version releases, the newer version is almost always the better choice.
Q. Can beginners build MGEX, PG, or PG Unleashed? Technically yes, but the high part count and difficulty make it much smarter to progress through HG → MG → PG step by step. Failing on an expensive kit early on is hard on both the spirit and the wallet.
Q. Where can I buy Gunpla? In Japan: Yodobashi Camera, Bic Camera, AEON, Don Quijote, and hobby specialty stores all carry Gunpla. Online, Yodobashi.com, Amazon, and Premium Bandai are the main options. Outside Japan, HLJ.com and Gundam Planet are well-established specialty retailers.
Conclusion — Start Your Gunpla Journey
To summarize every grade in one table:
| Grade | Best For |
|---|---|
| EG | Beginners who want to try something with no tools and no commitment |
| HG | Beginners and intermediate builders getting seriously into Gunpla |
| RG | Builders comfortable with HG who want to push for greater precision |
| MG | Intermediate to advanced builders who want presence and the full building experience |
| MGEX | Advanced builders and collectors who've done everything MG has to offer |
| PG | Advanced builders who want to experience the absolute pinnacle of Gunpla |
| PG Unleashed | Expert-level collectors determined to reach the highest peak |
| SD | Fans of the cute chibi style; great for children |
A final word for beginners: Whatever you build first, it's the right choice. The only thing that matters is finishing it. The feeling of completing a kit is what drives you to pick up the next one.
Start with one HG or EG under ¥1,000. That's where your Gunpla journey begins.
Related Articles - Gundam Watch Order Guide — Recommended Route for First-Time Viewers - Complete Gundam Series List — From Universal Century to the AU Series
