Gunpla Grades Explained: High Grade vs Master Grade

Black and red Gunpla model kit on black background showcasing model detail. — *Everything you need to know before building your next mobile suit.*

📼 First things first—what even is a Gunpla?

If you grew up in the 90s and early 2000s watching Gundam Wing on Toonami (probably while eating pizza rolls and dodging homework), you may already know the joy of snapping together your first Gunpla kit. And if I'm on the right track...you've already got a backlog of gunpla kits!

For the uninitiated:

Gunpla is short for Gundam Plastic Model, and it’s a wildly popular hobby involving plastic model kits based on the Mobile Suit Gundam universe. It’s part engineering, part art, part obsession—and 100% awesome.

🤖 So What Are Gunpla Grades?

Gunpla kits come in different grades, which basically means different levels of detail, size, and complexity. Here's a breakdown of the most common ones so you don’t accidentally buy something meant for pros when you’re just trying to chill and build after work.

🟥 High Grade (HG) – Perfect for Beginners

Scale: 1/144
Size: About 5–6 inches tall
Skill Level: Beginner to intermediate
Assembly: Snap-fit, easy-to-build
Price Range: 💰 Affordable (usually $10–$30)

Why it’s awesome:

HG kits are great for starting out. They come together quickly, look amazing on your shelf, and don’t require glue or paint (unless you want to customize). Think of them like the starter Pokémon of Gunpla.

🟦 Real Grade (RG) – Detail Meets Accessibility

Scale: 1/144 (same size as HG)
Skill Level: Intermediate
Assembly: More parts, more inner frame detail
Price Range: 💰💰 ($25–$45)

Why these are the best bang for your buck:

Real Grade kits bring Master Grade detail into a High Grade body. They're for builders who want more articulation and complexity without the bulk of bigger kits. Basically: HG's cool older cousin that went to design school.

🟨 Master Grade (MG) – The Collector’s Favorite

Scale: 1/100
Size: Around 7–9 inches tall
Skill Level: Intermediate to advanced
Assembly: Lots of parts, internal frame, posable joints
Price Range: 💰💰💰 ($40–$80+)

Why these are the best gunpla kits:

MG kits look stunning and are super satisfying to build. They often feature detailed inner skeletons, tons of articulation, and accessories. If you're the type to display your builds next to your manga collection, MG is calling your name.

🟪 Perfect Grade (PG) – For the Brave and the Bold

Scale: 1/60
Size: BIG (12 inches or more)
Skill Level: Advanced builders
Assembly: Very intricate, includes LED lights in many kits
Price Range: 💰💰💰💰 ($100–$300+)

Why these gunpla model kits?:

PG kits are a serious commitment. They take hours (or days) to build, but the result is a show-stopping centerpiece worthy of a glass display case. This is the Gunpla that says, “Yes, I build Gundams, and I am proud.”

🧪 Other Grades to Know (If You're Getting Deep)

SD (Super Deformed): Chibi-style Gundams with big heads and small bodies—adorable and fun to build.
MGEX (Master Grade Extreme): An advanced line of MGs with extra features, premium parts, and insane detail.
RE/100: A niche line offering 1/100 scale kits without full MG-level complexity.

🛠️ Which Grade Should You Start With?

If you’re just getting into Gunpla, start with an HG or SD kit. They’re simple, satisfying, and don’t require special tools (just a pair of nippers and maybe a file). Once you feel confident, step up to a Real or Master Grade.

Don't take our word for it, go check out Bandai's site or Gundam Express' site...trust but verify am I right?

Already dreaming of a custom-painted Perfect Grade? We see you. 😎

🛒 Ready to Build?

Check out our collection of Gunpla kits here and start your next big build. Whether you're new to the hobby or looking for your next perfect shelf piece, Nana Korobi's got your back.

Shop Gunpla Model Kits Now

💥 Because every Mobile Suit builder deserves their Gundam glow-up.