Gunpla Grades Explained: Scale, Cost, and Difficulty from EG to PG

Originally published December 2022. Updated March 2026 with expanded coverage of all 12 Gunpla grades.

Bandai makes a truly absurd number of Gundam model kits. Thousands of them, actually, spread across more than four decades. And rather than letting you figure out what you're buying through trial, error, and regret, they organized everything into a grading system that tells you the scale, complexity, and skill level of each kit before you open the box.

This guide covers every Gunpla grade explained in plain terms - what each one actually is, what it costs, how long it takes to build, and who it's for. Whether you're trying to figure out your first kit or deciding if you're ready to jump from High Grade to Master Grade, this is the breakdown you need.

Here's the short version: Gunpla grades range from Entry Grade (snap together, no tools, done in 30 minutes) to Perfect Grade Unleashed (die-cast metal parts, color-changing LEDs, and a build that might consume your entire month). Everything in between offers a different balance of detail, challenge, and price. Let's walk through each one.

A Quick Note on Scale and Kit Size

Before jumping into the grades, there's one concept worth understanding upfront because it affects pricing, shelf space, and expectations across every single grade: scale is relative to the mobile suit's in-universe height, not a fixed measurement for the plastic on your desk.

A standard Gundam like the Aerial stands around 18 meters tall in the anime, so at 1/144 (HG) scale it builds into a roughly 5-inch kit. The Nightingale is canonically about 27 meters tall - same 1/144 scale, but the finished kit is significantly larger. More plastic means more runners, which means a higher price tag. That's why an HG Nightingale costs $82 while a typical HG runs $12-$35.

This applies across every grade. A PG Unicorn and a PG Strike Freedom are both 1/60, but they're not the same size or the same price. When you see a kit that seems expensive for its grade, check the source material. Chances are the mobile suit is just big.

The Core Gunpla Grades (Skill Progression Order)

Entry Grade (EG) - The True Starting Point

Scale: 1/144 | Price: $7-$15 | Build Time: 30-60 minutes | Skill Level: Absolute beginner

Entry Grade kits launched in 2020 and they're exactly what they sound like - Bandai's answer to "I've never built anything before and I don't own tools." You don't need nippers. You don't need a hobby knife. You literally snap the parts off the runners with your fingers and push them together.

That simplicity comes with trade-offs. EG kits have fewer parts, limited articulation, and less detail than every other grade on this list. But that's not the point. The point is finding out whether you enjoy the actual act of building before you invest in tools, supplies, and a $60 Master Grade kit.

The EG RX-93 Nu Gundam is an excellent first build - good proportions for the price and a genuinely satisfying snap-fit experience.

Best for: Total beginners, kids, gifts for someone who's "Gunpla curious," or a quick palette cleanser between bigger builds.

High Grade (HG) - The Backbone of the Hobby

Scale: 1/144 | Price: $12-$35 (oversized kits up to $94) | Build Time: 2-4 hours | Skill Level: Beginner to intermediate

High Grade is where most people's Gunpla journeys actually begin, and for good reason. HG kits have been around since 1990 (they debuted for Gunpla's 10th anniversary) and they represent the biggest, most varied lineup in the entire Gundam model kit range. There are literally hundreds of HG kits spanning every Gundam series ever made.

At 1/144 scale, an HG kit stands roughly 5-6 inches tall. You'll need basic tools - a pair of nippers at minimum, ideally a hobby knife and some sanding sticks for cleaning up nub marks. The builds are straightforward enough that you won't get lost, but detailed enough that you'll feel like you actually accomplished something.

Modern HG kits from recent series like Witch from Mercury and GQuuuuuuX have seriously impressive engineering for the price point. Color separation is better than ever, articulation keeps improving, and some newer HGs include limited inner frame elements that used to be exclusive to higher grades. That said, older HG kits (especially anything pre-2010) can feel dated, with visible seam lines, hollow parts, and heavy reliance on stickers for color accuracy.

HG is also the best grade for learning panel lining, painting, and customization. They're cheap enough that messing up doesn't hurt, and plentiful enough that you'll never run out of options. One caveat on pricing: most HGs fall in the $12-$35 range, but oversized or accessory-heavy kits like the HG Kshatriya, HG Nightingale, and HG Meteor Unit + Freedom can run $61-$94. If you read the scale note above, you already know why.

Best for: Beginners who want a "real" build, collectors who want variety without breaking the bank, and anyone experimenting with painting or customization techniques.

Real Grade (RG) - Small Kit, Big Detail

Scale: 1/144 | Price: $25-$50 | Build Time: 4-8 hours | Skill Level: Intermediate

RG kits are some of the most impressive things Bandai produces. Launched in 2010 for Gundam's 30th anniversary, Real Grade packs Master Grade-level detail and engineering into the same 1/144 scale as a High Grade. Same shelf footprint, dramatically more complexity.

The defining feature of Real Grade kits is the internal frame. Like a Master Grade, you build an inner skeleton first, then layer armor panels on top. The result is a small kit with exceptional articulation, surface detail, and color separation that puts most HGs to shame. RG kits also come with sticker and dry-transfer decals that add a surprising amount of detail when applied well. A fully decaled RG looks like it costs twice what you paid.

The RG line has evolved significantly over its history. Early kits used pre-molded inner frames that could loosen over time, but Bandai addressed this starting with the RG Unicorn in 2017, introducing a redesigned frame approach that dramatically improved stability. Kits from this era - like the RG Nu Gundam, RG Sazabi, and RG Hi-Nu - are widely considered some of the best Gunpla kits ever made, regardless of grade.

And the line keeps getting better. The RG RX-78-2 Gundam Ver. 2.0, released in August 2024, represents the current peak of Real Grade engineering. It features a completely redesigned semi-monocoque internal frame, locking mechanisms throughout the joints, and a level of detail and stability that has some in the community calling it "RGU" (Real Grade Unleashed) - a nod to how much it borrows from PG Unleashed design philosophy. It's a masterpiece of a kit and proof that Bandai is putting serious development resources into the RG line.

Best for: Intermediate builders who want maximum detail in a compact size, anyone with limited display space, or experienced HG builders ready for a step up.

Master Grade (MG) - The Community Favorite

Scale: 1/100 | Price: $40-$90 | Build Time: 6-15 hours | Skill Level: Intermediate to advanced

Ask most experienced Gunpla builders what their favorite grade is and a large percentage will say Master Grade. There's a reason for that. MG hits the sweet spot between detail, size, build satisfaction, and price in a way that no other grade quite matches.

At 1/100 scale, Master Grade kits stand around 7-9 inches tall - big enough to appreciate fine details with your eyes, and substantial enough to command attention on any shelf. Most MG kits feature a full internal frame (the inner skeleton you build before adding armor), and modern releases almost always include opening cockpits, articulated hands, and a tiny unpainted pilot figure.

MG has been around since 1995, and quality varies depending on when a kit was designed. Kits labeled "Ver. 2.0" or "Ver.Ka" (Version Katoki, designed by the legendary mecha designer Hajime Katoki) tend to represent the best the line has to offer. The MG Sazabi Ver.Ka is one of the most beloved kits in the entire MG lineup - massive, loaded with detail, and genuinely rewarding to complete.

This is the grade where having proper tools really matters. You'll want good nippers, a hobby knife, sanding supplies, and panel lining markers at minimum.

Best for: Anyone who's built a few HGs or an RG and wants a bigger, more immersive build. MG is also the most popular grade for custom painting and competition builds.

Perfect Grade (PG) - The Big and Bold

Scale: 1/60 | Price: $150-$350 | Build Time: 20-40+ hours | Skill Level: Advanced

Perfect Grade is where the hobby tips over from "model kit" into "small-scale engineering project." These 1/60 scale kits stand roughly 12 inches tall and include features you won't find in any other grade: working mechanical joints, individual finger articulation, opening hatches, and cockpit interiors with seated pilot figures. Many PG kits also support optional LED lighting units (sold separately) for light-up effects.

Introduced in 1998, PG kits have among the highest parts counts, the most complex engineering, and a serious price tag. A PG build is a commitment - you're looking at multiple sessions over several days or weeks.

PG kits are not for beginners. The instructions assume you already know how to handle small parts, manage decals, and troubleshoot fit issues. If you've never built a Master Grade, start there first. But once you've got the experience, building a Perfect Grade is one of the most satisfying things you can do in this hobby.

Best for: Experienced builders who want an elite display piece and don't mind spending the time and money to get there.

Perfect Grade Unleashed (PGU) - The Engineering Pinnacle

Scale: 1/60 | Price: $300-$690 | Build Time: 30-50+ hours | Skill Level: Expert

If you thought Perfect Grade was the top of the mountain, Bandai looked at it in 2020 and said "we can go higher." Perfect Grade Unleashed is a sub-line that sits above standard PG, representing Bandai's absolute best engineering across 40+ years of making Gunpla.

The first PGU release was the PG Unleashed RX-78-2, which debuted as the culmination of Bandai's GunPla Evolution Project. It features over 90 points of articulation (40 in the chest alone), multi-layered mechanical detail in the internal frame, color-changing LEDs, a magnetic shield mount system, and die-cast metal components. The second release, the PG Unleashed RX-93 ν Gundam, arrived in January 2026 and pushed the engineering even further with what Bandai calls the "Ultimate Unit System" - a construction approach designed to simulate building an actual mobile suit layer by layer.

PGU kits aren't just bigger or more detailed versions of regular PG kits. They're fundamentally different in construction philosophy, using materials and assembly methods that don't exist in any other grade. They're also priced accordingly - the PG Unleashed RX-93 ν Gundam retails around $690, making it the most expensive standard-release Gunpla kit Bandai has ever produced.

This is the endgame. If you're building a PGU, you already know what you're doing, and you probably have a specific shelf cleared and waiting for it.

Best for: Veteran builders who want the absolute pinnacle of Gunpla engineering and are willing to pay for it. These are centerpiece-of-the-collection kits.

SD and Premium SD Grades

Super Deformed (SD) - The Fun Ones

Scale: Non-scale (chibi proportions) | Price: $8-$18 | Build Time: 30-90 minutes | Skill Level: Beginner

SD kits take normal mobile suit designs and squash them into adorable chibi proportions - big heads, stubby limbs, and exaggerated features. They've been around since the 1980s, making them one of the oldest Gunpla lines. The builds are simple and fast, closer to Entry Grade complexity with a bit more personality.

SD kits are great for younger builders, for collecting a specific series in a compact format, or for desk display where a full-size kit won't fit. The SD Ex-Standard Gundam Aerial is a solid pick from the current lineup.

Master Grade Super Deformed (MGSD) - The Premium SD

Scale: Non-scale (SD proportions, ~115mm tall) | Price: $50-$60 | Build Time: 3-6 hours | Skill Level: Intermediate

MGSD is one of the most interesting things Bandai has done with Gunpla in years. Announced in 2022 and debuting with the MGSD Freedom Gundam in late 2023, this line takes SD's chibi proportions and packs in genuine Master Grade engineering - full internal frames with metallic parts, layered armor construction, premium articulation, and color separation that puts regular SD kits to shame. These aren't toys that happen to look cute. They're serious model kits that happen to be small.

What makes MGSD notable isn't just the engineering - it's the pace. Bandai has been steadily expanding this line with consistent releases: the MGSD Barbatos in 2024, then the MGSD Wing Gundam Zero EW and MGSD Gundam Aerial in 2025. The MGSD Destiny Gundam just hit shelves in Japan (February 2026), and the MGSD Kshatriya is already announced for September 2026. That's six retail kits in roughly three years, which signals this isn't a novelty sub-line - it's a priority.

Here's the really interesting part: the Gundam Aerial and Kshatriya both received MGSD kits before getting a standard Master Grade release. That's a first for Bandai, and it suggests they see MGSD as a format worth leading with, not just following up on. If you're looking for a build that offers real mechanical depth in a compact, desk-friendly package, MGSD is for real. Browse the full MGSD collection to see what's currently available.

Best for: Builders who want MG-level engineering in a compact format, SD collectors who want something with actual substance, or anyone short on display space but big on detail.

Alternative Grades

Beyond the core grades and MGSD above, Bandai produces several alternative lines that serve specific purposes. These are worth knowing about, even if they're not where most people start.

Master Grade Extreme (MGEX) - The Premium MG

Scale: 1/100 | Price: $183-$272 | Build Time: 15-25 hours | Skill Level: Advanced

MGEX launched in 2020 as Bandai's ultra-premium tier above standard Master Grade. The concept is simple: take the 1/100 MG scale and push it toward Perfect Grade territory with premium materials and engineering that goes beyond what normal MG kits attempt. The MGEX Unicorn Ver.Ka debuted the line with a built-in LED sheet system that lights up the psycho-frame across the entire kit - no aftermarket parts needed. The MGEX Strike Freedom followed with what Bandai calls "Extreme Metallic Combination" - a golden inner frame designed to be displayed through translucent armor, with a structure that supports aftermarket LED integration.

That said, only two MGEX kits exist as of early 2026 - so this is still more of a premium experiment than an active product line. Bandai hasn't announced a third release, which makes each existing kit feel more like an event than a standard product. If you want PG-level features without PG-level shelf space (and you're willing to pay for it), MGEX delivers. Just don't expect a regular release cadence.

Best for: Experienced builders who want the most premium 1/100 scale experience possible, especially with integrated LED lighting.

Full Mechanics (FM) - The MG Alternative

Scale: 1/100 | Price: $30-$55 | Build Time: 4-8 hours | Skill Level: Beginner to intermediate

Full Mechanics kits give you 1/100 scale (the same size as Master Grade) with a simpler build that falls between HG and MG complexity. They typically have fewer parts, less intricate inner frames, and lower price points than a true MG. FM kits are a smart choice if you want the larger display size without the time commitment or cost of a Master Grade build. Check out the Full Mechanics collection for current options.

RE/100 (Reborn-One Hundred) - The Deep Cuts

Scale: 1/100 | Price: $40-$94 | Build Time: 4-8 hours | Skill Level: Intermediate

RE/100 kits exist to give mobile suits that never got a Master Grade release their moment at 1/100 scale. These are often niche or fan-favorite designs from older series. Complexity sits between HG and MG - more detail than a Full Mechanics but less than a proper Master Grade. If you're a fan of obscure or classic suits, RE/100 kits are worth browsing.

MEGA Size - The Statement Piece

Scale: 1/48 | Price: $80-$120 | Build Time: 3-6 hours | Skill Level: Beginner to intermediate

MEGA Size models are massive - roughly 15 inches tall at 1/48 scale. Despite their size, they're built more like scaled-up HG kits with simplified construction and limited articulation. You don't buy a MEGA Size for the build experience; you buy it because you want a centerpiece that's going to displace your mom's handmade table arrangement. These things don't fit on most shelves - they take over whatever surface you put them on. The MEGA Unicorn Gundam is a classic choice if you've got the real estate for it.

Quick Comparison: Gunpla Grades at a Glance

What Gunpla Grade Should You Start With?

This is the question everyone asks, and the honest answer depends on what you actually want out of the experience.

The answer depends less on which Gunpla grade interests you and more on what you've already done with your hands. Here's how to think about it:

If you're completely fresh to this hobby - meaning you've never built anything that requires following an instruction manual (yes, LEGO counts as experience) - then Entry Grade is where you want to start. No tools, no glue, done in under an hour. It's designed to teach you the basics of snap-fit assembly without any risk of frustration.

If you've built LEGO sets, assembled IKEA furniture, or have experience with miniatures like Warhammer - start with a High Grade or a Real Grade. You already understand how to follow sequential instructions and work with small parts. HG is the safer bet if you want something forgiving. RG if you want to jump straight into impressive detail at 1/144 scale. Either way, you have the patience and spatial reasoning these kits expect.

If you're coming to Gunpla with previous scale model experience - cars, motorcycles, planes, tanks - you're not blocked from any grade. Go for whatever catches your eye. You already know how to handle nippers, deal with mold lines, and follow complex assembly sequences. A Master Grade will feel familiar. A Perfect Grade is just a bigger, fancier version of what you've been doing.

If you want a display centerpiece: Perfect Grade for the serious collector, PG Unleashed if you want Bandai's absolute best engineering, MEGA Size if you want big impact with less build time, or MGEX if you want premium features at MG scale.

If you want something quick and fun: SD kits are cheap, cute, and done in an hour. MGSD if you want that vibe with better engineering.

Traditional scale models assume you already own glue, paint, and an airbrush. Bandai went the opposite direction. Snap-fit assembly. Color-separated parts. No glue, no paint required out of the box. The entire grading system exists so that a seven-year-old snapping together an Entry Grade and a veteran modeler spending months on a Perfect Grade Unleashed are both having the experience Bandai intended for them. There's a reason "Gunpla is Freedom" became a motto in this community - Gundam is for everyone, and Bandai engineered it that way.