Gunpla Grades Explained: The Complete Guide for New Buyers in India

Building your first Gunpla kit is exciting, but with grades like SD, EG, HG, RG, MG, and PG all staring back at you, it's easy to feel lost before you've even picked up a nipper. This guide breaks down every major Gunpla grade in plain language so you can find the right kit, buy Gunpla in India with confidence, and get straight to building.

Different Gunpla grades displayed from SD to PG

What Does "Grade" Mean in Gunpla?

Grade refers to the scale, complexity, and detail level of a kit. Higher grades mean more parts, finer detail, better articulation, and a higher price. Lower grades are simpler, faster, and far more beginner-friendly. There's no objectively best grade; the right one depends on your experience, budget, and how much time you want to spend at the build table.

SD (Super Deformed)

Scale: Chibi/non-standard | Difficulty: Very Easy | Build time: 1-2 hours | Price: Rs.600-Rs.2,500

SD kits are the cute, stubby, big-headed versions of Gundam suits, intentionally exaggerated in proportion and designed for fun above all else. Don't underestimate them though. A panel-lined SD on your shelf looks fantastic, and sub-lines like SDW Heroes even feature combining gimmicks that rival larger grades in entertainment value.

Best for: Complete beginners, younger builders, anyone who wants a quick and satisfying build.

EG (Entry Grade)

Scale: 1/144 | Difficulty: Very Easy | Build time: 30-60 minutes | Price: Rs.800-Rs.1,500

Entry Grade is Bandai's answer to the question: what's the simplest possible way to get into Gunpla? EG kits are snap-fit, mostly pre-coloured, and can be built in under an hour with no tools required. The EG RX-78-2 in particular is a legendary beginner kit. It looks like a proper Gundam and costs almost nothing.

If you've never built a Gunpla before and want to try the hobby before committing to something bigger, start here.

Best for: First-time builders, gifting to someone new, a quick build when you want instant gratification.

Mid-Level Grades: HG and RG

HG (High Grade)

Scale: 1/144 | Difficulty: Easy | Build time: 2-4 hours | Price: Rs.1,200-Rs.3,500

High Grade is the backbone of the entire Gunpla lineup. Almost every Gundam suit ever designed has an HG release, which means the variety is enormous. HG kits take a few hours, have satisfying detail, and won't strain your budget, making them the perfect step up after your first EG.

This is also where most builders learn the fundamentals: nub removal, panel lining, and basic finishing. If you're serious about getting into Gunpla in India, an HG is where your real education begins.

Best for: Beginners stepping up from EG, collectors who want variety without overspending, builders practising techniques.

RG (Real Grade)

Scale: 1/144 | Difficulty: Intermediate | Build time: 6-12 hours | Price: Rs.2,500-Rs.6,000

Real Grade kits are engineering marvels packed into a small frame. At the same 1/144 scale as HG, RG kits feature inner frame construction, multi-layered colour separation, and a level of detail that makes them look far larger than they are. The end result is genuinely impressive. An RG on your shelf looks like a miniature masterpiece.

The trade-off: RG kits are not forgiving for beginners. Parts are small and fiddly, nub marks are more visible, and patience is non-negotiable. Build a few HGs first.

Best for: Builders who've completed several HGs and want a serious challenge, detail-obsessed collectors, maximum impact at small scale.

Detailed Real Grade Gundam model with visible inner frame and articulation

Advanced Grades: MG and PG

MG (Master Grade)

Scale: 1/100 | Difficulty: Intermediate | Build time: 8-15 hours | Price: Rs.4,000-Rs.12,000

Master Grade kits are bigger, more substantial, and deeply satisfying. At 1/100 scale they're noticeably larger than HG/RG kits and feature full inner frame construction. You build the skeleton first, then layer the armour over it, which makes posing and display genuinely rewarding.

MG kits hit a sweet spot between detail and buildability. Parts are larger than RG so much easier to handle, and the build process feels methodical and relaxing rather than stressful. Many experienced builders consider MG their favourite grade for exactly this reason.

Best for: Builders with some HG/RG experience who want a substantial long-form build. Excellent for painting and detailing projects.

PG (Perfect Grade)

Scale: 1/60 | Difficulty: Advanced | Build time: 20-40+ hours | Price: Rs.20,000-Rs.60,000+

Perfect Grade is the pinnacle of Gunpla. These are large, heavy, extraordinarily detailed kits that can take weeks to complete properly. Many PG releases feature LED lighting systems, die-cast metal parts, and articulation that borders on mechanical art. They are statement pieces, the kind of kit that lives in a display cabinet and commands attention from across the room.

PG kits are not for beginners. They demand time, patience, experience, and a serious budget. But if you've been building for a while and want the ultimate challenge, a PG is a bucket-list build.

Best for: Experienced builders, serious collectors, anyone who wants the crown jewel of their shelf.

Fully assembled Perfect Grade Gundam model with LED lights glowing

Quick Comparison

Grade	Scale	Difficulty	Build Time	Price (India)
SD	Chibi	Very Easy	1-2 hrs	Rs.600-Rs.2,500
EG	1/144	Very Easy	30-60 min	Rs.800-Rs.1,500
HG	1/144	Easy	2-4 hrs	Rs.1,200-Rs.3,500
RG	1/144	Intermediate	6-12 hrs	Rs.2,500-Rs.6,000
MG	1/100	Intermediate	8-15 hrs	Rs.4,000-Rs.12,000
PG	1/60	Advanced	20-40+ hrs	Rs.20,000-Rs.60,000+

So Which Grade Should You Start With?

Never built before? Start with an EG or HG. The EG RX-78-2 is the classic recommendation. If you want something slightly more involved, pick any HG of a suit you love the look of. Enthusiasm for the design carries you further than you'd expect.

Built a few kits? Step up to RG or MG. RG if you love intricate detail in a compact package, MG if you want a bigger, more immersive build experience.

Experienced builder? You already know. But if you haven't done a PG yet, it's time.

The best Gunpla is always the one you actually want to build. Pick a grade that matches your experience, choose a suit that excites you, and enjoy the process. Every kit teaches you something new.

Browse our full range of High Grade, Real Grade, and Master Grade kits at HobbyVault India. Free shipping available on select orders.

Tips for New Gunpla Builders

• Start simple: Don’t rush into complex kits. Build confidence with easier grades.

• Use the right tools: Basic tools like nippers, a hobby knife, and tweezers improve your experience.

• Follow instructions carefully: Gunpla manuals are detailed and easy to follow.

• Take your time: Enjoy the process. Rushing can lead to mistakes.

• Practice panel lining: Adding panel lines with a fine marker enhances detail.

  
  

Building Gunpla is as much about the process as the final model. Each grade offers a different experience, so pick one that fits your goals and enjoy the journey.