The Best Gunpla for Each Grade: Top Kit for Every Difficulty (EG to PG)
One standout Gunpla for every difficulty level — a first build with no tools, an intermediate step-up, and an advanced showcase — so you can pick the right kit for your skill level instead of guessing.
“Which Gunpla should I build?” has no single answer, because the right kit depends entirely on how much building you actually want to do. So instead of one ranking, here’s the best-loved kit at each difficulty level — from a tool-free first build to a premium showcase — with why it earns the spot. If the grade names (EG, HG, RG, MG, PG) are new to you, read our grades explainer first; this guide assumes you know what each grade means and just want the pick. We don’t quote prices or stock here — those live on the retailer’s listing and change often.
Best first build (Entry Grade): EG RX-78-2 Gundam
The Entry Grade RX-78-2 is the kit almost everyone recommends for a true first build. It snaps together without tools, glue or even nippers if you’re careful, the coloring is molded in so it looks right straight off the runners, and it still captures the classic RX-78-2 silhouette. It’s the lowest-pressure way to learn how Gunpla parts and poly-caps go together before you spend more.
Best easy build (High Grade): HG RX-78-2 Gundam (Revive) & HG Gundam Aerial
High Grade is where most builders live, and two kits stand out. The HG RX-78-2 “Revive” modernizes the original design with much better articulation than older HGs — a great cheap, quick, satisfying build. For a newer design, the HG Gundam Aerial (from The Witch from Mercury) is a clean, well-engineered kit that poses well out of the box. Either is a strong, forgiving step up from Entry Grade.
Best intermediate build (Real Grade): RG RX-78-2 & RG Nu Gundam
Real Grade packs Master Grade-level detail into a 1/144 body on a pre-assembled inner frame, so it’s the natural ‘level up’ once High Grades feel easy. The RG RX-78-2 is the classic showcase of what the line can do; the RG Nu Gundam is a fan favourite for its presence and funnel display options. Expect small, fiddly parts — rewarding, but not a first kit.
Best advanced build (Master Grade): MG RX-78-2 Ver.3.0 & MG Nu Gundam Ver.Ka
Master Grade is 1/100 with a full inner frame — the sweet spot for hobbyists who want a long, detailed build without going full Perfect Grade. The MG RX-78-2 Ver.3.0 has one of the most advanced inner frames in the line, while the MG Nu Gundam Ver.Ka is a showpiece with intricate detail and decals. Both take time and reward patience.
Best showcase build (Perfect Grade): PG Unicorn Gundam
If you want the centerpiece, the Perfect Grade Unicorn Gundam is the go-to: a large 1/60 kit with a transforming ‘Destroy Mode’ frame and optional internal LED units that light the psycho-frame. It’s a long, premium build aimed at dedicated hobbyists — the kind of kit you display, not shelf in a drawer.
Best low-pressure build (SD): SD Gundam EX-Standard & SDCS
If a full-size kit feels like a commitment, SD (Super Deformed) kits are chibi, non-scale, and quick — a fun palate-cleanser between bigger builds. The SD Gundam EX-Standard line builds fast and looks charming; the SDCS (Cross Silhouette) system adds an inner frame for extra articulation if you want a bit more.
Quick pick by difficulty
| Your level | Grade | Our pick |
|---|---|---|
| Never built one | EG | EG RX-78-2 Gundam |
| Beginner | HG | HG RX-78-2 (Revive) / HG Gundam Aerial |
| Comfortable, want detail | RG | RG RX-78-2 / RG Nu Gundam |
| Experienced hobbyist | MG | MG RX-78-2 Ver.3.0 / MG Nu Gundam Ver.Ka |
| Want a centerpiece | PG | PG Unicorn Gundam |
| Just want quick fun | SD | SD Gundam EX-Standard / SDCS |
FAQ: choosing a Gunpla
What is the best Gunpla for beginners? An Entry Grade or High Grade RX-78-2 — they build fast, need no tools or paint, and are cheap enough that mistakes don’t hurt.
What’s a good ‘best of each grade’ shortlist? EG RX-78-2 (first build), HG RX-78-2 Revive or HG Aerial (easy), RG RX-78-2 (intermediate), MG RX-78-2 Ver.3.0 (advanced) and PG Unicorn (showcase).
Do I need tools or paint? For EG and most HG, no — they’re snap-fit and pre-colored. A cheap pair of nippers and a hobby knife make cleaner results as you move up to RG and MG.
Is Real Grade harder than Master Grade? RG is smaller with denser, more delicate parts; MG is larger with more parts but more room to work. Many builders find RG fiddlier despite MG being the ‘higher’ grade.