Gundam Model Kits For Beginners Where To Start With Gunpla Grades

Building Gundam model kits, affectionately known as Gunpla, is a rewarding hobby that blends creativity, precision, and storytelling. For newcomers, the sheer variety of kits can be overwhelming—especially when confronted with terms like HG, MG, RG, or PG. Where do you begin? The answer lies in understanding the grading system and selecting a kit that matches your skill level, tools, and expectations. This guide breaks down the Gunpla landscape for absolute beginners, offering practical advice on where to start, what to expect, and how to grow into the hobby with confidence.

Understanding Gunpla Grades: What Do the Letters Mean?

Gunpla kits are categorized by grades, which reflect complexity, detail, size, and price. These grades help builders choose models suited to their experience and goals. While there are many subcategories and limited editions, five primary grades dominate the market: High Grade (HG), Master Grade (MG), Real Grade (RG), Perfect Grade (PG), and Entry Grade (EG). Each serves a different purpose.

The key difference between grades isn’t just visual—it’s structural. Higher-grade kits often feature more intricate inner skeletons (known as inner frames), finer surface details, and greater articulation. But for beginners, starting too high can lead to frustration. Simpler kits allow you to learn core techniques without unnecessary complications.

“Start simple. A beginner who jumps straight into an MG might get discouraged. Build confidence first.” — Kenji Tanaka, Gunpla Community Moderator & Workshop Instructor

A Closer Look at Each Gunpla Grade

To make an informed choice, it helps to compare each grade across several dimensions: difficulty, price, build time, tools required, and recommended experience level.

Grade	Scale	Difficulty	Avg. Price (USD)	Tools Needed	Best For
Entry Grade (EG)	1:144	Very Easy	$10–$15	Fingers only	Absolute beginners, kids, quick builds
High Grade (HG)	1:144	Easy	$15–$30	Nippers, file (optional)	Most beginners, budget-conscious builders
Real Grade (RG)	1:144	Moderate	$30–$40	Nippers, tweezers, patience	Beginners ready for challenge, detail lovers
Master Grade (MG)	1:100	Moderate to Hard	$40–$70	Nippers, file, tweezers, sometimes glue	Intermediate builders, display-focused
Perfect Grade (PG)	1:60	Hard	$200+	Full toolkit, workspace, time	Experts, collectors, investment pieces

For most beginners, the sweet spot lies between Entry Grade and High Grade. These kits introduce core building concepts—like part separation, panel line awareness, and basic assembly—without requiring advanced tools or techniques.

Tip: Always cut parts from the runner with nippers at the gate point, then lightly sand the remaining nub. This prevents damage and ensures clean edges.

Step-by-Step Guide: Your First Gunpla Build

Starting your first Gunpla doesn’t have to be intimidating. Follow this proven sequence to ensure a smooth, satisfying experience.

1. Pick the Right Kit: Choose an HGUC (High Grade Universal Century) or EG kit. Recommended starters: HG RX-78-2 Gundam or EG Strike Gundam.
2. Gather Basic Tools: You’ll need plastic nippers (side cutters), a small file or sandpaper, and optionally, a pair of tweezers for tiny parts.
3. Read the Manual: Gunpla manuals are visual and intuitive. Study the numbered steps and part layouts before cutting anything.
4. Cut Parts Carefully: Use nippers to remove pieces from the runner sprues. Cut slightly away from the part and file down any leftover plastic.
5. Assemble in Order: Follow the manual step by step. Don’t rush ahead—each stage builds on the last.
6. Test Poseability: Once assembled, move the joints gently. If something feels tight, check alignment—don’t force it.
7. Display with Pride: Most kits include a stand. Place your completed model in a dust-free area away from direct sunlight.

This process typically takes 2–5 hours for an HG kit, depending on attention to detail. There’s no need to paint or customize at this stage—enjoy the satisfaction of a clean, stock build first.

Real Example: Maya’s First Gunpla Journey

Maya, a college student with no prior modeling experience, bought an HG Barbatos Lupus while browsing a local hobby shop. She had seen Gunpla on social media but assumed they were too complex. After asking the store clerk for a beginner-friendly option, she was guided toward the HG line.

She spent her first weekend building it in short sessions between classes. Using only nail clippers (not ideal, but functional), she carefully removed parts and followed the manual. A few pieces snapped due to over-clipping, but she learned quickly to cut from the side. When she finished, she was amazed at how posable and detailed the model looked—especially for a $20 kit.

Within a month, Maya upgraded to nippers and built two more HG kits. She now plans to try an RG Unicorn next. Her story reflects a common path: start simple, learn through doing, and let confidence grow naturally.

Tip: Work in a well-lit space with a tray or cloth to catch fallen parts. Losing a tiny piece early on can be discouraging.

Checklist: Preparing for Your First Build

• ☐ Choose a beginner-friendly grade (HG or EG)
• ☐ Purchase plastic nippers (avoid using scissors or teeth)
• ☐ Find a clean, flat workspace with good lighting
• ☐ Set aside 2–4 hours for uninterrupted building
• ☐ Open the box and inspect all sprues and instruction manual
• ☐ Sort parts by step number (optional but helpful)
• ☐ Start with limbs or smaller sections to get comfortable
• ☐ Celebrate completion—every build counts!

Common Myths About Starting Gunpla

Newcomers often encounter misconceptions that deter them from starting. Let’s clear up a few:

• Myth: You need to paint Gunpla to make them look good.
  Reality: Modern Gunpla use multi-colored plastic. A well-assembled kit looks impressive straight out of the box.
• Myth: Glue is always required.
  Reality: Almost all Gunpla are snap-fit. Glue is only used for customization or reinforcement in rare cases.
• Myth: Gunpla are fragile and break easily.
  Reality: While small parts can snap if mishandled, the joints are engineered for durability and posing.

These myths often stem from outdated experiences or confusion with older model kits. Today’s Gunpla are designed with accessibility in mind—Bandai wants new fans to succeed.

When to Move Beyond Beginner Kits

After completing one or two HG kits, you may feel ready for more challenge. The natural progression is toward Real Grade or Master Grade models. RG kits offer 1:144 scale with MG-level detail, including a fully functional inner frame. They’re tighter to assemble and require tweezers for small polycaps, but the payoff in realism is significant.

MG kits, while larger and more complex, teach advanced techniques like internal structure assembly and weight distribution. However, avoid jumping into complex kits like the MG Sinanju unless you’ve built simpler ones first. Patience pays off in long-term enjoyment.

“The joy of Gunpla isn’t in owning the rarest model—it’s in the quiet focus of clipping, fitting, and watching something come together in your hands.” — Takashi Ito, Author of *Plastic Souls: The Art of Model Building*

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need special tools to start building Gunpla?

No. While dedicated nippers make the job easier and cleaner, you can start with household tools like nail clippers or small scissors. However, investing in proper nippers ($10–$15) is highly recommended after your first build.

Are some Gundam kits easier than others within the same grade?

Yes. Even within HG, complexity varies. The HG Iron Ball or HG Guncannon are simpler due to blockier designs and fewer small parts. Mecha with capes, weapons, or fine armor (like HG Zeta Gundam) are slightly more involved. Check online reviews or forums for difficulty ratings.

Can I customize my Gunpla later?

Absolutely. Many builders start with stock models and later explore painting, weathering, or kitbashing (combining parts from multiple kits). Customization becomes more enjoyable once you understand how kits go together.

Conclusion: Begin Your Build Journey Today

Starting with Gunpla doesn’t require expertise, expensive tools, or years of experience. It requires curiosity and the willingness to try. By choosing the right grade—typically High Grade or Entry Grade—you set yourself up for early success. Learn the rhythm of clipping, snapping, and assembling. Appreciate the engineering behind each joint and panel line. With every build, your skills grow, and so does your appreciation for the craft.

The world of Gunpla is vast, but every expert builder once held their first sprue in unsure hands. Pick a kit, open the box, and take that first cut. The rest will follow.

💬 Ready to share your first build story? Join online communities, post your progress, and inspire others to start their own Gunpla journey. The community welcomes all skill levels—just bring your enthusiasm.