Gunpla Grades Explained:
If you’re new to Gunpla you’ve probably noticed there's a lot of variety available and not all kits are created equal. Are you confused by what High Grade, Real Grade, and Master Grade actually mean? What's 1/144 scale versus 1/100 scale?
Let’s break down the key differences so you can choose the right kit for your skill level, budget, and display goals!
What Are Gunpla Grades?
Gunpla (short for “Gundam Plastic Model”) kits are categorized by “grades,” which indicate their level of complexity, detail, size, and overall build experience.
Each grade has a specified scale as well - indicating the size of the model kit compared to the actual size of the mecha. So a 1/100 scale model kit is 1/100 the size of the mecha. Therefor an 18 meter high Gundam in 1/100 scale would make for about an 18 centimeter tall model kit.
The most popular grades are:
High Grade (HG)
Real Grade (RG)
Master Grade (MG)
- Perfect Grade (PG)
Each offers a different level of complexity and detail.
High Grade (HG): Beginner-Friendly and Affordable
Scale: 1/144
Skill Level: Beginner
Price Range: Low
High Grade kits are the most accessible entry point into Gunpla. They’re designed to be straightforward, quick to build, and budget-friendly. High Grade offers the widest variety of model kits - by far - with hundreds of options available from the various Gundam series.
What to Expect:
Fewer parts and simpler construction
Limited articulation compared to higher grades
Minimal internal frame (often none)
- Color separation is decent but may require stickers for small color applications
HG kits are perfect if you:
- Are just starting out
- Want a quick, relaxing build
- Like collecting multiple suits without breaking the bank
Bottom line: HG kits prioritize fun and accessibility over intricate detail and have the widest range of options.
Real Grade (RG): Small Scale, Big Detail
Scale: 1/144
Skill Level: Intermediate
Price Range: Medium
Real Grade kits take the same scale as HG (1/144) but pack in dramatically more detail and engineering. The kits feature a full inner frame and high part count providing excellent color separation. They also include sticker decal sheets for adding realistic marking decals to your kit.
What to Expect:
Advanced articulation with inner frame systems
- Realistic details both inside and out
More parts and a longer build time
Complex assemblies in a compact size
RG kits are ideal if you:
- Want high detail without increasing display size
- Enjoy a more technical build challenge
- Appreciate realism and mechanical aesthetics
Bottom line: RG kits deliver near-MG detail in a smaller, more intricate package, but demand more patience.
Master Grade (MG): Size, Detail, and Engineering
Scale: 1/100
Skill Level: Intermediate
Price Range: Medium to High
Master Grade kits are where Gunpla really shines in terms of presence and complexity. With the MG line spanning nearly three decades there is a range in complexity - with older Master Grades being much simpler than more recent releases - but there are common threads throughout.
What to Expect:
- Larger size with more parts
- Full internal frame structures (except in some early releases)
- Opening cockpit gimmick with pilot inside
Detailed color separation with fewer stickers needed
MG kits are great if you:
- Want a larger model
Enjoy longer, more involved builds
Appreciate mechanical detail and realism
Bottom line: MG kits strike a balance between size, detail, and build satisfaction - while offering many options at lower or higher price points.
Perfect Grade (PG): Big Size, Highest Detail, Most Realistic
Scale: 1/60
Skill Level: Intermediate
Price Range: High
Perfect Grade models are Bandai's pinnacle of engineering. In the larger 1/60 scale these kits tend to offer the most complex engineering and detailed construction, while still remaining easy to build - even for newer builders.
What to Expect:
- Huge size with more impressive shelf presence
- Very high number of parts
- Complex and highly articulated frame
- Hatch opening gimmicks in armor
PG kits are great if you:
- Want a longer build experience
- Enjoy appreciating the mechanical details
- Are looking for a center piece for your display collection
Bottom line: PG model kits don't have as many options available but make for a massive Gunpla with tons of parts.
Which One Should You Choose?
Go with HG if you’re new or want a quick, affordable build.
Choose RG if you want high detail in a compact form and enjoy intricate builds.
Pick MG if you’re ready for a larger, more immersive project with impressive results.
- Go big PG if you want a nice long build experience and a massive display piece.
There’s no “best” grade, just the one that fits your style and goals. There's also not a great range in difficulty, as the assembly steps are the same throughout all grades with the main difference being the number of parts. So even beginner builders can use the same basic skills to enjoy models from any grade. Many builders end up enjoying all grades for different reasons.
Quick Overview of Various Other Grades:
While HG, RG, MG, and PG are the most common Gunpla grades there are a few others worth mentioning. These other grades will come in the same scale size as previously mentioned grades, but have
-
Entry Grade (1/144 Scale)
Simplest construction, high level of articulation, lowest price-point, perfect for beginners. -
Full-Mechanics (1/100 Scale)
MG level detail on the outside, without the complex inner-frame inside. This line is for Alternate Universe mobile suits (i.e.Seed, IBO) -
Reborn 100 (1/100 Scale)
Just like Full-Mechanics but for Universal Century series releases. -
Mega Size (1/48 Scale)
Largest scale, huge size but very simple construction. Low range of articulation, high level of external detail. -
SD (Non-Scale)
Super-Deformed chibi-style Gunpla, usually utilizing a lot of stickers, cheap and simple to build, wide range of kits available.
Final Thoughts
Gunpla is all about creativity, patience, and personal expression. Whether you’re snapping together your first High Grade kit or tackling a complex Master Grade build, each grade offers its own kind of satisfaction.
If you’re unsure where to start, choose something that looks cool to you. And remember that you can always check out reviews online, but the most important thing is that you enjoy what you've built in the end!
Happy building!