What Is Gunpla and How Do I Start?

What is a Gunpla Kit? / What is Gunpla?

Gunpla is a highly popular line of model kits made by Bandai. They started manufacturing these kits in 1980 for their hit anime, Mobile Suit Gundam. Since then, the range has expanded to include not only all the various expansions of Mobile Suit Gundam but also a whole host of other anime characters from iconic shows like Dragon Ball, One Piece, Kamen Rider, Demon Slayer and more!

Gunpla kits are accessible to all levels of hobbyists, whether you’re a veteran or just starting out. With their varying level of detail from Entry Grade to Perfect Grade and kits spanning a wide range of interests, from mechs to the dinosaurs of the Imaginary Skeleton range, there’s something for everyone! 

What are Gunpla Grades?

In Gunpla each kit is categorised into grades that indicate the detail level, build difficulty and additional features of the model kit. Keep reading for our breakdown of each major grade to help you make the right choice when it comes to choosing your first Gunpla kit.

EG - Entry Grade (1/144 Scale)

Entry Grade (EG) kits are 1:144 scale kits made for those new to model kit building. They do not require tools to build or to remove from their sprue. Articulation is typically limited to the neck, shoulders, hips and ankles, and the models are usually less colourful than the more complicated ranges. These kits are perfect for a first kit or for children.

HG - High Grade (1/144 Scale)

High Grades (HG) kits are the most common kits in the Gunpla/Gundam range and are a good middle-ground between model complexity and build difficulty, leading to their popularity. The best part about these kits is they are far more customisable, so they can be set up in cool and interesting poses. 

These kits are typically recommended to those who have some degree of model-building experience as clippers are needed to get parts off the sprue, and stickers may need to be applied which can be a little finicky.

RG - Real Grade (1/144 Scale)

Real Grade (RG) were made in 2010 as a part of the Gundam 30th Anniversary commemoration project. Real Grade kits include the best features of the three most popular lines of Gunpla, High Grade, Master Grade, and Perfect Grade. Considering the quality of these kits, their price is unrivalled. Due to the way Real Grade kits are built there are more points of articulation than the High Grade kits, allowing for an immense amount of customisation. The level of detail included in these kits is very impressive, so having a few High Grade kits or a Master Grade/Perfect Grade built is highly recommended before starting a Real Grade project.

MG - Master Grade (1/100 Scale)

Master Grade Kits (MG) are 1:100 scale kits which are very popular on the Gundam market. It’s not only the impressive scale of these models but also the level of detail and clever extras like additional weapons, wings and pilots that make these kits highly sought after. The kits also feature a skeletal inner frame with working hydraulics and were the first to get additional LED add-ons for a more impressive display piece.

PG - Perfect Grade (1/60 Scale)

Perfect Grade (PG) kits are top-of-the-line for the main grade line. They are built at a 1:60 scale and are the largest kits you can get in the Gunpla range. They come with some amazing features such as a full inner frame, pistons, screws, and metal parts - offering many opportunities to have fun building and customising them. Some Perfect Grades also come with support for the LED systems like the Master Grade kits do, offering a detailed and fun-to-build display piece.

SD - Super Deformed

Super Deformed Gundam (SD) kits are designed to build at least two forms and can be combined with other kits. The modding scene for SD kits is huge in and outside of Japan. These kits are not just for people looking to customise their models, they are also beginner friendly. The Super Deformed style is closer to what is known as the chibi style in anime.

What Gunpla kit should I start with?

Trying to figure out where to start building Gunpla model kits can be daunting. Starting with Entry-Grade kits can ease this, as they are specially designed for those taking their first step into the world of Gunpla. As one gains more experience in building, anything above a High Grade can become a pleasant challenge. The grades do not necessarily build in difficulty but instead in complexity and size, which is important to consider when selecting a kit.

What do I need to build a Gunpla kit?

The tools required when building a Gunpla kit change depending on which grade is being built. Entry Grade kits don’t require clippers as they will push straight off the rails, whereas the higher grade kits will. All graded kits are push fit so no glue is required in the assembly of a model.

There are a number of tools and accessories to help when assembling Gunpla. From sanding tools, clippers, scribing pens and guides, these tools help to save time and effort, allowing modellers to focus on the creative aspects of building their Gunpla.

How easy is it to build Gunpla kits?

Gunpla kits are designed to be as hassle-free as possible with fluid instructions that can be followed by anyone regardless of building experience. On top of that, the rails (also known as sprues) are pre-coloured, unlike a lot of other model kits on the market. This eliminates another daunting aspect of model building and lowers the barrier to entry. 

What TV series currently have Gunpla kits?

While the original Gundam kits came from Mobile Suit Gundam there have been many expansions and spin offs since then, vastly expanding the canon and the possibilities for more model kits. Popular shows include Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury, introducing popular models like HG 1/144 Guel's Dilanza or Figure-Rise Standard: Suletta Mercury, Mobile Suit Gundam SEED, with amazing kits such as MG 1/100 Force Impulse Gundam, and Gundam Build Fighters, producing kits like HGBF 1/144 Gundam Amazing Red Warrior. 

The Painting Phase & MS_Paints

Our favourite Gunpla kits

Here is a small list we have put together of a selection of our personal favourite Gunpla model kits:

HG 1/144 Beguir-Pente
HG 1/144 Gundam Barbatos Lupus
HG 1/144 Dilanza Sol
MG 1/100 Force Impulse Gundam
RG 1/144 OO QanT
1/1 GunPla-Kun DX SET (With Runner Ver. Recreation Parts)

What accessories are there?

There are various different accessories available for Gunpla kits. One of the most popular is an action base for the model. These allow the user to not only position the model after completion, but also allow more than model to be set up to appear to be in combat. Other action bases allow the model to appear to be in flight or have the appearance of water for a sense of motion.

What is the most commonly used terminology for Gunpla?

Gunpla has a plethora of terminology used in the wider community; here is a list of the few most commonly used ones.

Grade

This describes the detail level, build difficulty and additional features of the model kit.

Scale

This refers to the Gunpla kit's size; it will be written like this: "1/144".

Runner

This is the framework that holds every component of the kit. Sprue and rails are other frequent names for runners.

Tamiya

This is a highly popular brand for tools and accessories when it comes to Gunpla customisation or kit bashing.

WIP

This stands for work in progress and is sometimes known as an incomplete kit. 

Kit Bash

This is the process of creating a new design by combining components from two or more kits.

This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Gunpla, but don't let this stop you from enjoying some of the best model kits available on the market. We would love to see what kits you have been working on or kit bashing: you can share your Gunpla journey with us over on our socials Facebook, X, and Discord.