You’ve discovered the world of Gundam and decided to build your own Mobile Suit. Then you visit a hobby shop and encounter a wall of labels: Entry Grade, HG, RG, MG, PG, SD, Full Mechanics, and more.

What do these grades mean? Which is best for a beginner? This guide cuts through the confusion to help you pick the kit that fits your time, budget, and skill level.

What Does “Grade” Mean?

A Gunpla "grade" is a classification system for a kit's typical scale, engineering, and complexity. It is not a score of quality—a higher grade is not automatically the "best" choice. Scale refers to the model's size (e.g., 1/144), while the grade refers to the product line and build experience.

Tip: Always check a kit's release date. Modern engineering often makes new High Grades more refined than older, higher-tier models.

The "Big Five": Understanding the Main Grades

Entry Grade (EG) — 1/144 Scale

• Best for: First-time builders and quick, budget-friendly projects.

• The Experience: Straightforward snap-fit construction with minimal parts. No glue is needed. These are perfect for learning the basics or as a canvas for painting and customization.

High Grade (HG) — 1/144 Scale

• Best for: Beginners, variety collectors, and busy builders.

• The Experience: The industry standard. HG kits offer the widest variety of Mobile Suits from every series. They provide a great balance of detail, affordability, and build time (often completable in a few sessions).

Real Grade (RG) — 1/144 Scale

• Best for: Detail-oriented builders with limited shelf space.

• The Experience: High-end engineering in a compact footprint. These kits feature intricate inner frames and dense detail. They are more complex than HG but ideal if you want a premium look without jumping to larger scales.

Master Grade (MG) — 1/100 Scale

• Best for: Builders seeking an immersive weekend project.

• The Experience: The "sweet spot." You assemble a detailed internal skeleton, then layer armor over it. It feels like an event—perfect for a satisfying, multi-day build.

Perfect Grade (PG) — 1/60 Scale

• Best for: Experienced enthusiasts and "milestone" builds.

• The Experience: The flagship. Massive, intricate, and often featuring LED options. This is a multi-week commitment for those who want the ultimate display centerpiece.

Specialty Lines & SD Gundam

If you want something unique, these specialized lines offer specific experiences:

• Full Mechanics: Large 1/100 scale models that focus on exterior detail without the complex internal skeleton of an MG.

• RE/100: Specialized 1/100 kits focusing on less common Mobile Suits with streamlined construction.

• MGEX / PGU: Premium "Extreme" versions of MG or PG lines, designed for collectors who want the absolute maximum engineering.

• SD (Super Deformed) Gundam: Stylized, chibi-proportioned kits. They are compact, fun, and offer unique designs perfect for casual builders or quick gifts.
  

Quick Decision Table

Goal	Recommended Grade	Why?
"I want to finish it today"	HG / EG	Fast, rewarding, low stress.
"I love small, intricate details"	RG	Massive detail in a small package.
"I want a deep, satisfying build"	MG	The "sweet spot" for mechanical realism.
"I want an impressive centerpiece"	PG	Unmatched size and engineering.