Gunpla Grade Guide: HG vs RG vs MG vs PG — Which Should You Buy?
If you've ever searched for a Gundam model kit, you've probably seen abbreviations like HG, RG, MG, and PG — and wondered what they actually mean. These letters represent grades, Bandai's way of categorizing Gunpla by scale, complexity, detail, and price.
The short answer: HG (High Grade) kits are the most affordable and beginner-friendly at 1/144 scale. RG (Real Grade) packs incredible detail into the same small scale. MG (Master Grade) is the sweet spot at 1/100 scale with an internal frame and great detail. PG (Perfect Grade) is the premium 1/60 scale experience for serious builders. Keep reading for a full breakdown of each grade.
At P-Rex Hobby, a Bandai Recommended Store, we've helped thousands of builders choose the right grade. This guide covers everything you need to know.
What Are Gunpla Grades?
Bandai uses a grading system to categorize its Gundam plastic model kits (Gunpla). Each grade defines the kit's scale, part count, level of detail, build complexity, and price range. The four main grades are:
- HG (High Grade) — 1/144 scale, ~13cm tall, beginner-friendly
- RG (Real Grade) — 1/144 scale, ~13cm tall, advanced detail
- MG (Master Grade) — 1/100 scale, ~18cm tall, intermediate-to-advanced
- PG (Perfect Grade) — 1/60 scale, ~30cm tall, premium collector builds
There are also specialty grades like SD (Super Deformed), EG (Entry Grade), MGEX, and PG Unleashed, which we'll cover briefly at the end.
HG (High Grade) — Best for Beginners
Overview
High Grade is Bandai's most popular and accessible Gunpla line. At 1/144 scale (roughly 13cm or 5 inches tall for a standard mobile suit), HG kits are compact, affordable, and quick to build. Most HG kits have between 100–200 parts and can be completed in 1–3 hours.
Why Choose HG?
- Price: Typically $10–$30 USD, making them the most budget-friendly grade
- Build time: 1–3 hours for most kits
- Difficulty: Beginner-friendly with simple construction
- Variety: The largest selection of any grade — hundreds of designs from every Gundam series
- Great for customizing: Low cost makes them ideal for practicing painting, kitbashing, and weathering
Who Is HG For?
HG is perfect for first-time builders, anyone on a budget, collectors who want variety, and builders who enjoy customizing. The HGUC (High Grade Universal Century) and HGCE (High Grade Cosmic Era) lines are particularly popular.
Popular starter kits: Browse HG kits at P-Rex Hobby →
RG (Real Grade) — Maximum Detail in a Small Package
Overview
Real Grade kits share the same 1/144 scale as HG but pack in dramatically more detail. RG kits feature an inner frame, intricate color separation through multiple plastic runners, and realistic panel lines — all in a compact form factor. Part counts range from 200–350+.
Why Choose RG?
- Price: Typically $25–$55 USD
- Build time: 3–8 hours
- Difficulty: Intermediate — small parts require patience and precision
- Detail: Closest to MG-level detail at 1/144 scale
- Space-efficient: Display-quality models that don't take up much shelf space
Who Is RG For?
RG is ideal for builders who want high detail but prefer the smaller 1/144 scale, or for those looking to step up from HG without the commitment of a larger MG kit. Note that some older RG kits (pre-2018) can be fragile — newer releases like the RG Hi-Nu Gundam and RG God Gundam have significantly improved engineering.
Browse RG kits at P-Rex Hobby →
MG (Master Grade) — The Sweet Spot
Overview
Master Grade is widely considered the "sweet spot" of Gunpla. At 1/100 scale (~18cm / 7 inches tall), MG kits are large enough to show off impressive detail while remaining manageable to build and display. Every MG features a fully detailed inner frame, extensive color separation, and typically 400–800+ parts.
Why Choose MG?
- Price: Typically $45–$90 USD
- Build time: 6–15 hours
- Difficulty: Intermediate to advanced
- Inner frame: Full skeleton that you build and then armor over — satisfying construction
- Display presence: Large enough to be a centerpiece without dominating your shelf
- Best value for detail: More detail-per-dollar than PG in many cases
Who Is MG For?
MG is perfect for builders who have completed a few HGs and want a more rewarding build. It's also the most popular grade for display collections. The MG Ver.Ka line (designed by Hajime Katoki) is especially prized for its sharp proportions and premium decals.
Browse MG kits at P-Rex Hobby →
PG (Perfect Grade) — The Ultimate Build
Overview
Perfect Grade is the top of the line. At 1/60 scale (~30cm / 12 inches tall), PG kits are massive, incredibly detailed, and engineered to the highest standards. Part counts range from 800 to well over 1,000. Some PG kits include LED lighting units for added display impact.
Why Choose PG?
- Price: Typically $150–$350+ USD
- Build time: 15–40+ hours
- Difficulty: Advanced — a significant time and skill investment
- Unmatched detail: The most detailed inner frame, armor, and mechanical features of any grade
- Impressive scale: Towering display pieces that command attention
- LED compatibility: Many PGs support optional or included LED units
Who Is PG For?
PG is for experienced builders who want the ultimate Gunpla experience. These are centerpiece kits — many collectors build one or two PGs as the highlight of their collection. The PG Unleashed RX-78-2 is widely regarded as one of the greatest model kits ever produced.
Browse PG kits at P-Rex Hobby →
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | HG | RG | MG | PG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scale | 1/144 | 1/144 | 1/100 | 1/60 |
| Height | ~13cm / 5" | ~13cm / 5" | ~18cm / 7" | ~30cm / 12" |
| Parts | 100–200 | 200–350 | 400–800 | 800–1,000+ |
| Price (USD) | $10–$30 | $25–$55 | $45–$90 | $150–$350+ |
| Build Time | 1–3 hrs | 3–8 hrs | 6–15 hrs | 15–40+ hrs |
| Difficulty | Beginner | Intermediate | Intermediate+ | Advanced |
| Inner Frame | Partial/None | Yes | Yes (full) | Yes (full) |
| Best For | Starting out, variety | Detail in small scale | Best all-around | Ultimate experience |
Other Grades Worth Knowing
EG (Entry Grade)
Even simpler than HG, Entry Grade kits are designed for absolute beginners. They snap together in under 30 minutes with minimal parts and no runner cutting required on some models. Priced around $5–$10, they're perfect for kids or as a first-ever model kit experience.
SD (Super Deformed) / SDCS / SD Gundam World Heroes
SD kits feature cute, chibi-style proportions with oversized heads. They're quick to build, fun for all ages, and often more affordable than HG. The Cross Silhouette (SDCS) line lets you swap in a taller frame for a more proportional look.
MG Ver.Ka
A sub-line of MG designed by mechanical designer Hajime Katoki. Ver.Ka kits feature sharper, more angular proportions, premium waterslide decals, and distinctive blue-and-white packaging. They're the enthusiast's choice within the MG line.
MGEX (Master Grade Extreme)
A premium step above standard MG, MGEX kits feature extreme engineering innovations like embedded LED systems throughout the entire inner frame. Currently a limited line with select releases.
PG Unleashed
The newest evolution of Perfect Grade, PG Unleashed kits push the boundaries of detail and engineering even further than standard PG, with hyper-detailed surface textures and advanced joint systems.
Which Grade Should You Start With?
Here's our recommendation based on your experience level:
- Never built a model before? Start with an EG or HG. The HGUC RX-78-2 Revive or any HGCE kit from Gundam SEED are excellent first builds.
- Built a few HGs and want more? Try an RG (we recommend the RG Wing Gundam or RG Nu Gundam) or jump to an MG if you want a bigger build.
- Experienced builder looking for a challenge? Pick up a MG Ver.Ka or take on a PG like the PG Unleashed RX-78-2 for the ultimate weekend project.
- On a tight budget? HG offers the most variety and value. Check our HG collection — many kits are under $20.
Why Buy From P-Rex Hobby?
As a Bandai Recommended Store, P-Rex Hobby guarantees 100% authentic products sourced directly from Bandai. We ship to customers across the US and Canada — shipping calculated at checkout based on destination.
Whether you're picking up your first HG or adding a PG to your collection, we're here to help. Shop all Gunpla grades at P-Rex Hobby →
Frequently Asked Questions
What does HG, RG, MG, and PG stand for in Gunpla?
HG stands for High Grade, RG for Real Grade, MG for Master Grade, and PG for Perfect Grade. These are Bandai's grading categories for Gundam model kits, each representing a different level of scale, detail, and complexity.
Is MG worth the extra cost over HG?
For most builders, yes. MG kits offer a significantly more detailed and satisfying build experience with a full inner frame, better articulation, and larger display presence. If you enjoy the building process itself, MG delivers the best value for time and money spent.
Are RG kits fragile?
Some early RG kits (released before 2018) can be finicky with small, delicate parts. However, newer RG releases have dramatically improved engineering and durability. Modern RGs like the RG Hi-Nu Gundam, RG God Gundam, and RG Wing Gundam Zero EW are rock-solid.
Do I need tools to build Gunpla?
Gunpla kits snap together without glue. However, a pair of side cutters (nippers) is highly recommended for cleanly removing parts from the runners. A hobby knife and sanding sticks help clean up nub marks for a polished finish.
What's the difference between 1/144 and 1/100 scale?
Scale refers to the size ratio between the model and the fictional mobile suit. A 1/144 scale kit means the model is 1/144th the size of the "real" mobile suit. For a standard 18-meter Gundam, that works out to about 13cm (5 inches) at 1/144 scale and 18cm (7 inches) at 1/100 scale.
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