Gundam Grades Explained
A Blog by Allen Jin
A guide to HG, MG, RG, and other grades of Gunpla kits from Hobbyco
If you’ve familiarised yourself with Entry Grade Gunpla kits, and are ready for the next level, look no further as we break down each of the different grades from Bandai.
Gundam are separated by the various anime series they originate from, but more importantly they are divided into certain grades, which determine their size, number of parts and level of detail.
Realistically, you could start with any grade, as the building techniques and instruction format is the same across all grades. However, some grades require more time and precision than others.
High Grade - HG
High Grade Gundam are 1/144 scale, meaning they are 144th the size of the actual size of the Gundam depicted in the series which is around 12.5 cm (the life sized Unicorn Gundam which you can visit in Odaiba, Tokyo Japan stands at 19.5m to give you an idea of just how huge these are meant to be).
They were introduced in 1990 and provided a higher range of articulation, as well as colour-separation compared to the original retro kits from the 80s that required glue and paint.
Now it is the standard grade for Gundam and are usually the first grade new mobile suits are released in. It also makes for a great starting point, as they are far less expensive than the other grades available.
Master Grade - MG
Master Grade Gundam are larger than HGs, standing at 1/100 scale, around 18 cm tall. They also include a higher level of detail and an articulated inner frame, allowing for a greater range of motion.
Master Grade kits may also include extra accessories such as additional decals.
In 2002, a new line of MGs was introduced, subtitled Ver. Ka. which are kits depicting Gundam in the signature realistic style of mecha designer Hajime Katoki.
The MGEX line was introduced in 2020, containing additional gimmicks such as LED lights, and metallic plated parts.
Master Grades are the way to go if you’re after a larger scale model.
Real Grade - RG
Real Grade was a grade introduced in 2010. Often regarded as having the high level of detail of an MG within the size of an HG.
These 1/144 scale kits have an even higher level of colour-separation, pose-ability, number of parts, and sticker details. Because of the increased level of surface detail, they are deemed as more “realistic”, hence the name Real Grade.
Because of the level of detail at a smaller size, RGs can be quite intricate, but they are widely renowned for being the best kits available both in terms of build quality and aesthetic.
SD
SD stands for Super-Deformed, and is its own series of Gundams with chibi-style proportions. Consider these as baby versions of Gundam, around 8cm tall and on the same level of build complexity as a high grade.
The SDW and SDBB series depict Gundam as characters from mythology and history, and are great for practising painting techniques.
In 2022 we saw the announcement of a brand new line, the MGSD with the first entry being the Freedom Gundam! This kit will feature the same proportions as an SD but with the added inner frame and articulation potential of a Master Grade!
While technically not labelled an SD, Gunpla-kun is a brand new character developed by Bandai starring in a series of shorts to teach young kids about the world of Gunpla. The Gunpla-kun set is also made from a new eco-friendly alternative plastic called LIMEX.
OTHER GRADES
1/100 Full Mechanics
Full Mechanics are less intricate models at 1/100 scale. More detailed than an HG but simpler to build than an MG.
This line is becoming increasingly popular with entries such as the Full Mechanics Gundam Aerial.
Mega Size
Mega Size kits are even larger than Perfect Grades, standing at a whopping 1/48 scale (that’s three times larger than an HG), approximately 37.5cm tall.
These are similar in detail to an HG, but at a huge scale. They also do not require nippers to separate the parts from the runners, much like the Entry Grade.
HI-Resolution
HI-Resolution model kits include a fully pre-assembled inner frame. Consider them a cross between an action figure and a Gunpla kit.
Perfect Grade - PG
By far the highest grade from Bandai. These Perfect Grade kits are 1/60 scale (around 30cm), and achieve the highest level of detail, articulation and realism possible for a plastic Gundam kit. Signature features include metal joints, LED lighting kits and advances in plastic-moulding technology.
The Perfect Grade Unleashed RX-78-2 includes advanced MS-joints (pre-moulded articulated inner frame parts) and multiple stages of construction, starting with the inner frame and building outwards.
No Grade/First Grade
NG Grade Gundam are very early snap kits from Bandai. These are extremely cheap model kits that don’t have much colour separation. Nowadays unless you have the time to customise and paint these, they’re mainly just good for kitbashing and testing your painting, panel lining, and scribing techniques.
Retro
These are what Gundam model kits used to be! They come in 1/144 and 1/100 scale, they are old school model kits that require plastic cement to build and also require painting to get proper colour separation.
The term “Gundam” in the context of Gunpla
Technically not all mobile suits are Gundam, and not all Gunpla depicts Gundam (e.g. the Zaku is a mobile suit of the Principality of Zeon, and is not called a Gundam). But for the purposes of simplicity, the term Gundam is often used to generally refer to Gunpla kits. Other anime series that fall under the Gunpla category have included Neon Genesis Evangelion, AMAIM Warrior at the Borderline, Aura Battler Dunbine, and more.