Top 10 Beginner-Friendly Gunpla Kits for the 2023 Holiday Season
The holidays are fast approaching, and with them comes the perfect opportunity to introduce someone special to the exciting world of Gunpla. Whether it's a curious child, a dedicated hobbyist, or anyone in between, Gunpla offers a rewarding and engaging experience for all ages.
For beginners, starting with the right kit is essential. That's why this guide focuses on HG (High Grade) and SD (Super Deformed) kits, which offer a perfect balance of affordability, ease of assembly, and engaging gameplay.
1. Entry Grade EG RX-93 Nu Gundam
The EG RX-93 Nu Gundam is the perfect entry point for anyone new to Gunpla. This 2020 release features snap-fit assembly, eliminating the need for glue and making it easy to build.
Price: $14
Why this Kit?
- Snap-fit assembly: No Tools, No Glues, No Painting required
- Clear Instructions & Quick Build
- Classic Gundam Model
2. High Grade HG 1/144 Witch From The Mercury XVX-016 Gundam Aerial
The HG Aerial is the perfect entry point for anyone wanting to build their first Gunpla, especially for fans of the popular Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury series. This kit boasts several features that make it ideal for beginners, allowing them to enjoy the rewarding experience of constructing their own mobile suit without feeling overwhelmed.
Price: $25
Why this Kit?
- Snap-fit assembly: No glue needed
- Based on popular Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury series
- Bandai's latest High Grade design with no Poly Caps for joints
3. High Grade HG 1/144 HG RX-78-2 Gundam (Beyond Global)
Relive a Classic with the HG RX-78-2 Gundam (Beyond Global)
For fans of the original Mobile Suit Gundam, the HG RX-78-2 Gundam (Beyond Global) is a nostalgic and engaging build. This kit offers a fresh take on the iconic RX-78-2, featuring modern engineering and improved articulation.
Price: $25
Why this Kit?
- Snap-fit assembly: No glue needed
- Improved articulation: Wider range of movement for dynamic poses and natural-looking stances.
- Released in 2020 to celebrate 40th Anniversary Gunpla
- Most recognizable classic Gundam
4. SD Gundam Ex-Standard Gundam Aerial XVX-016
For those who adore the adorable SD style! The SD Ex-Standard Gundam Aerial brings the iconic mobile suit from Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury to life in a chibi-fied form, making it perfect for beginners and collectors alike.
Price: $12
Why this Kit?
- Super-deformed design: Adorable and eye-catching, perfect for chibi enthusiasts.
- Easy snap-fit assembly: No glue needed
- High-quality pre-colored parts
- Includes accessories: Beam saber, beam rifle, and shield for added playability.
5. 1/1 Gunpla-Kun DX Set (With Runner Ver. Recreated Parts)
Gunpla-Kun isn't just another Gunpla model; it's a lovable mascot that embodies the spirit of the hobby itself. What makes him truly special is his innovative construction material: LIMEX.
LIMEX stands for "Life MEchanism eXperiment," and it's a bioplastic made from renewable resources like corn and sugarcane.
Price: $14
Why this Kit:
- Runner Ver. Recreated Parts: Experience a unique build process using runner-inspired parts, mimicking the actual Gunpla construction process.
- Multicolor molded LIMEX material: Eco-friendly and visually appealing, showcasing vibrant colors without the need for painting.
- Full or partial assembly options: Customize your Gunpla-Kun by building the entire figure or leaving some parts on the runners for a unique display.
6. EG 1/144 RX-78-Lā-III Lah Gundam
The RX-78-Lā-III Lah Gundam is not from any specific show in the Gundam franchise. It is a custom Gunpla built by the character Rio Hojo in the animated series "Gundam Build Metaverse." This kit offers a fresh take on the iconic RX-78 design, blending elements from the various iterations of the original Gundam with modern engineering and impressive details.
Price: $14
Why this Kit?
- Beginner-Friendly Build: Easy snap-fit construction makes it perfect for new builders and young hobbyists.
- Stunning Details: High-quality pre-colored parts eliminate the need for painting.
- Dynamic Poses: Wide range of articulation for recreating iconic scenes and showcasing the Lah Gundam's potential.
7. HG 1/144 HGUC RX-0 Unicorn Gundam (Destroy Mode)
The HG 1/144 HGUC RX-0 Unicorn Gundam (Destroy Mode) is an incredible kit that allows you to build the iconic mobile suit from Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn in its destructive Destroy Mode. This kit is perfect for both experienced and beginner Gunpla builders, thanks to its snap-fit assembly and pre-colored parts.
Price: $17
Why this Kit?
- Snap-fit assembly: No glue is required to build this kit, making it easy and accessible for builders of all ages.
- Pre-colored parts: The parts come pre-colored, eliminating the need for painting and allowing you to enjoy the finished product immediately.
- Wide range of articulation: The kit features a wide range of articulation, allowing you to pose the Unicorn Gundam in a variety of dynamic ways.
- Beam saber and shield included: The kit comes with a beam saber and shield, which are the signature weapons of the Unicorn Gundam.
8. HG 1/144 MS-07B-3 Gouf Custom
The HG 1/144 MS-07B-3 Gouf Custom is a must-have for any fan of the Mobile Suit Gundam series, especially those who love the iconic villainous mobile suits. This kit allows you to build the Gouf Custom, piloted by Ramba Ral in Mobile Suit Gundam 08th MS Team, in all its menacing glory.
Price: $22
Why this Kit?
- Easy snap-fit assembly: No glue required, making it perfect for beginners and younger builders.
- Pre-colored parts: Most parts come pre-colored, eliminating the need for painting and offering a vibrant finished product.
- Detailed design: Captures the distinctive features of the Gouf Custom, including its heat hawk, shield-mounted Gatling gun, and heat rod.
- Articulated joints: Allows for dynamic posing and recreating iconic scenes from the series.
- Multiple weapon options: Includes a heat hawk, beam rifle, and shield, allowing for diverse display options.
9. HG 1/144 MS-06S ZAKU II
The HG 1/144 MS-06S Zaku II is a classic Gunpla kit that offers a fun and engaging build experience for hobbyists of all skill levels. This kit allows you to build the iconic mobile suit used by the Zeon forces in the Mobile Suit Gundam series, bringing to life a piece of anime history.
Price: $21
Why this Kit?
- Snap-fit assembly: No glue required, making it easy and accessible for beginners and younger builders.
- Pre-colored parts: The parts come pre-colored in the signature green and red of the Zaku II, eliminating the need for painting and allowing you to enjoy the finished product immediately.
- Detailed design: Captures the distinctive features of the Zaku II, including its monoeye, heat hawk, and Zaku bazooka.
- Articulated joints: Allows for dynamic posing and recreating iconic scenes from the series.
- Multiple weapon options: Includes a heat hawk and Zaku bazooka, allowing for diverse display options.
- Nostalgic appeal: The Zaku II is one of the most recognizable mobile suits in the Gundam universe, and building this kit is a great way to relive your childhood memories or discover its legacy for the first time.
10. HG 1/144 HGCC WD-M01 ∀ Turn A Gundam
The HG 1/144 HGCC WD-M01 ∀ Turn A Gundam is a unique and captivating Gunpla kit that allows you to build the titular mobile suit from the series "Turn A Gundam." This kit offers a refreshing departure from the traditional Gundam aesthetic, showcasing a design that is both elegant and powerful.
Price: $17
Why this Kit?
- Unique Design: The Turn A Gundam's distinctive silhouette, with its flowing lines and lack of the traditional V-fin, makes it stand out from other Gunpla kits and adds a touch of sophistication to your collection.
- Articulated Joints: Despite its complex design, the Turn A Gundam boasts impressive articulation, allowing you to pose it in a variety of dynamic ways and capture its elegant movements from the series.
- Snap-fit Assembly: This kit requires no glue, making it accessible to builders of all skill levels, including beginners and younger hobbyists.
- Pre-colored Parts: The majority of the parts come pre-colored, eliminating the need for painting and allowing you to enjoy the finished product immediately.
- Beam Rifle and Shield Included: The kit comes equipped with the Turn A Gundam's signature beam rifle and shield, allowing you to recreate iconic scenes from the series.