info@mpmhobbies.com
Call: 1-(904) 885-0559
9297 Ford Rd.
Bryceville, Fl 32009
Bandai’s Gunpla grades can look confusing at first. High Grade, Real Grade, Master Grade, and Perfect Grade all build into impressive mobile suits, but each line offers a different balance of size, detail, engineering, build time, and price. This guide breaks down the main Bandai grades so you can choose a kit that fits your experience and the kind of build you want on your shelf.
Entry Grade (EG): The simplest starting point, with a fast build and surprisingly good articulation.
High Grade (HG): Usually 1/144 scale, affordable, approachable, and available in the widest range of mobile suits.
Real Grade (RG): Usually 1/144 scale, with a high level of detail and more intricate construction than an HG.
Master Grade (MG): Usually 1/100 scale, offering a larger display presence, more detail, and a more involved build.
Perfect Grade (PG): Usually 1/60 scale, designed as a premium centerpiece with a large size and complex engineering.
Entry Grade kits are built for accessibility. They use a small number of parts, do not require painting to look good, and can often be assembled with basic tools. The simplified construction makes them a great choice for a first Gunpla kit, a quick weekend project, or anyone who wants a fun build without a long commitment.
Entry Grade does not mean dull. These kits can have excellent articulation and clean proportions for their size. They are especially useful for learning how Bandai’s color-separated parts and snap-fit construction work.
High Grade, usually marked HG, is the most common Gunpla grade and typically uses a 1/144 scale. Most kits are compact, affordable, and manageable for newer builders, while still offering poseable joints and strong shelf appeal.
HG is often the best place to start if you want a wide choice of mobile suits or enjoy building several kits without each project taking weeks. The construction is generally straightforward, but newer HG releases can include impressive color separation, articulation, and surface detail.
Real Grade, or RG, also typically uses a 1/144 scale, but it packs substantially more detail and engineering into that smaller size. RG kits often feature layered armor, a more detailed inner frame or core structure, and more color separation than a comparable HG.
That extra detail comes with a more involved build. Parts can be smaller, the instructions require closer attention, and some assemblies benefit from careful handling. RG is a strong choice for builders who enjoy intricate construction and want a highly detailed model without moving up to the larger 1/100 scale.
Master Grade, commonly called MG, typically uses a 1/100 scale. The larger format gives Bandai more room for mechanical detail, layered armor, internal structure, and expressive articulation. An MG usually has a stronger presence on the shelf than an HG or RG.
Master Grade kits are more involved and can take considerably longer to build. They are ideal when the building process is part of the hobby, not just the path to a finished model. Because the kits vary by design and release, it is worth checking the specific kit’s complexity before you begin.
Perfect Grade, or PG, is typically built at 1/60 scale and sits at the premium end of Bandai’s Gunpla range. The larger size allows for extensive internal mechanics, intricate armor systems, lighting features on some kits, and a level of presentation intended for a centerpiece display.
PG kits require patience, workspace, and careful organization. Their size and complexity can make them a poor choice for a rushed build, but they are rewarding for experienced builders who want a major project with a dramatic final result.
Gunpla grades are useful shorthand, but they do not tell the whole story. A newer HG can be more refined than an older MG, and different mobile suit designs can make one kit easier or harder than another in the same grade. Release year, engineering style, gimmicks, transformation features, and the builder’s experience all matter.
Scale also varies by line and design. The sizes above are typical rather than absolute, so always check the individual kit details before planning your display.
If you are completely new to Gunpla, Entry Grade or High Grade is the safest starting point. If you already enjoy model building and want more detail at a compact size, Real Grade is a natural next step. Choose Master Grade when you want a larger, more involved build, and consider Perfect Grade when you are ready for a premium centerpiece project.
The best grade is the one that matches your available time, workspace, budget, and enthusiasm for the specific mobile suit. Pick a design you genuinely like, gather the right tools, and enjoy the build rather than treating the grade as a competition.
From the quick, approachable Entry Grade to the ambitious Perfect Grade, Bandai offers a Gunpla format for nearly every kind of builder. High Grade delivers variety and value, Real Grade brings dense detail to a small scale, Master Grade offers a deeper display build, and Perfect Grade turns the hobby into a full centerpiece project.
Once you understand those trade-offs, choosing your next kit becomes much easier. Start with the grade that fits your current experience, then move up when you want a new kind of challenge.