Gundam Grades Explained: HG vs RG vs MG vs PG

The Highlights

The four grades collectors need to know about are:

• High Grade, for beginners
• Real Grade, for intermediate fans
• Master Grade, for committed collectors
• Perfect Grade, for dedicated builders prioritizing large scales

Gundam model kits, or Gunpla, if you want to use the term most builders use, come in four main grades: High Grade, Real Grade, Master Grade, and Perfect Grade. The naming suggests a simple hierarchy, but there’s much more happening behind the scenes that you need to know about.

Each grade has a distinct identity and a distinct target builder in mind, with tradeoffs that matter depending on skill level, budget, and what you actually want out of the hobby. Picking the wrong grade early is one of the most common mistakes newcomers make.

Get the inside track on Gundam grades with this Plaza Japan guide.

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High Grade (HG): The Starting Point HG kits are the most accessible entry point in the lineup, but calling them ‘beginner kits’ would undersell them. These are built at roughly 1/144 scale, snap together without glue, and most can be finished in just a few hours. The engineering for these model kits has gotten incredible over the last decade.

More Suits, More Coverage

This Gundam grade lineup covers more mobile suits than any other grade by a wide margin. Suits that never get Master Grade or Perfect Grade releases often exist only in HG form, which makes this grade essential for collectors who want broad coverage across the Gundam universe rather than just the flagship designs.

What You Need to Know About HG

Articulation is typically the main limitation for HG. Most HG kits can’t hold dramatic poses the way MG or RG kits can, and surface-texture detail might not reach the heights other grades offer. That said, for shelf display at a normal viewing distance, modern HG kits hold up incredibly well.

Great for Customizers!

This Gundam grade’s lower cost and faster build time make taking risks much less painful for builders who want to paint, modify, or experiment. A ruined HG kit will sting a lot less than a ruined PG.

Real Grade (RG)

Real Grade kits are built at the same 1/144 scale as High Grade, but Bandai packs Master Grade-level detail into these smaller kits. They’re known for:

• Inner frames
• Intricate surface work
• Part counts that can rival kits twice the size

The Catch

RG kits can be fiddly. They feature small parts with tight tolerances and joints that can loosen over time on some releases. They reward experience and will punish rushing, unlike our last Gundam grade.

Who RG is Actually For

RGs are targeted towards people who have finished several HG kits and want more challenge and detail without moving to a larger scale, especially if they don’t mind spending multiple sessions on a single kit. For shelf impact per square inch, nothing else in the lineup can quite match a well-finished RG.

Master Grade (MG): For Serious Builders

Master Grade kits are built at a 1/100 scale, noticeably larger than HG and RG kits, and feature full inner frame construction. The process involves building a complete internal skeleton first, then layering armor pieces over it.

The mechanical depth on MG kits is visible through the gaps in the armor, and the articulation range is usually excellent on this Gundam grade.

The MG Ver. Ka Distinction

Ver. Ka kits are designed by mechanical designer Hajime Katoki and carry a more angular, technical aesthetic than standard MG releases. You can look forward to higher part counts, more complex builds, and widely-considered prestige releases within an already premium grade. If you’re a long-term collector, landing a sought-after Ver. Ka is a milestone.

Pricing and Availability

MG kits typically retail for $40-$80, occasionally more for larger model kit releases. Stock on some of the more popular releases tends to move fast, and we recommend acting quickly if you see something you like in this Gundam grade.

Perfect Grade (PG): The Peak These kits are built at 1/60 scale, making them significantly larger than the other grades detailed on our list. A finished PG Gundam stands around 30cm tall, and part counts can run into the hundreds. Some releases also include LED lighting systems built directly into the inner frame. Prices for these grades typically range between $150 and $300. Certain recent releases can cost even more.

Get Started Today

If you’re a beginner, the Gundam grade you should go for is HG. Build those fundamentals and make your way to the top with a PG for the ultimate display piece.

Get the Gundam you’ve been dreaming of with Plaza Japan’s incredible collection today. Enjoy fast shipping on Japan-exclusive releases and shop from Japan’s greatest brands. Get started today with Gundams, keychains, and more at Plaza Japan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Gundam grade is best for beginners?

High Grade is easily the best choice for beginners. They’re affordable, fast builds, and are much more forgiving with mistakes.

What is the difference between RG and MG Gundam kits?

RG is built at a 1/144 scale with MG-level detail in a smaller frame. MG is built at 1/100 with a full inner frame system.

Are Gundam model kits worth collecting?

Absolutely. Regardless of which Gundam grade you’re building, a finished model kit looks incredible on any shelf or desk, and is some of the most fun you can have with the hobby.

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