HG vs MG vs RG Gundam Kits — Which Grade Should You Start With?
Walk into any hobby store or browse online and you'll quickly notice that Gundam kits come in a variety of grades — HG, MG, RG, PG, SD and more. If you're new to Gunpla, this can be overwhelming. Which one should you buy first? What's actually the difference? This guide breaks it all down so you can choose with confidence.
What Are Gundam Kit Grades?
Gunpla grades refer to the complexity, size, detail level, and price of a model kit. They're not a quality ranking — every grade is well-engineered — but they do indicate how challenging and involved the build will be. Here's a breakdown of the most common grades you'll find at Aussie Hobbies.
HG — High Grade
Scale: 1/144 | Difficulty: Beginner | Build time: 2–5 hours
High Grade kits are the entry point for most Gunpla builders, and for good reason. They're affordable, widely available, and build quickly — making them perfect for beginners or experienced builders who want a relaxing weekend project.
HG kits have come a long way in recent years. Modern HG releases feature impressive articulation, colour separation, and detail straight out of the box. Don't let the "entry level" label fool you — a well-finished HG can look absolutely stunning.
Best for: First-time builders, younger hobbyists, budget-conscious collectors, and anyone wanting a quick satisfying build.
RG — Real Grade
Scale: 1/144 | Difficulty: Intermediate | Build time: 5–10 hours
Real Grade kits are the same 1/144 scale as HG, but pack in Master Grade-level detail and complexity. They feature an inner frame, highly detailed armour parts, and often water-slide decals — all in a compact package.
RG kits are impressive but can be fiddly. The small parts require patience and steady hands. They're best tackled after you've completed a few HG builds and feel comfortable with the basics.
Best for: Intermediate builders who want maximum detail in a small footprint, or collectors who love display pieces.
MG — Master Grade
Scale: 1/100 | Difficulty: Intermediate to Advanced | Build time: 8–20+ hours
Master Grade kits are larger, more detailed, and more complex than HG or RG. They feature full inner frames, extensive colour separation, and often include gimmicks like opening cockpits, moveable fingers, or weapon storage. The larger scale also makes them easier to handle than RG despite the higher part count.
MG kits are a favourite among experienced builders and make for impressive display pieces. They're a significant step up in both build time and price, but the results are worth it.
Best for: Builders with a few HG kits under their belt who are ready for a bigger challenge and a showpiece build.
PG — Perfect Grade
Scale: 1/60 | Difficulty: Advanced | Build time: 20–40+ hours
Perfect Grade kits are the pinnacle of Gunpla engineering — massive, incredibly detailed, and priced to match. These are serious collector's items and long-term projects. Not recommended for beginners, but worth aspiring to!
SD — Super Deformed
Scale: Non-standard | Difficulty: Beginner | Build time: 1–2 hours
SD kits feature chibi-style proportions with big heads and small bodies. They're quick, fun, and very beginner-friendly — a great option for younger builders or anyone who loves the cute aesthetic.
HG vs MG vs RG — Quick Comparison
| Grade | Scale | Difficulty | Build Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HG | 1/144 | Beginner | 2–5 hrs | First builds, quick projects |
| RG | 1/144 | Intermediate | 5–10 hrs | Detail lovers, compact display |
| MG | 1/100 | Intermediate–Advanced | 8–20+ hrs | Showpiece builds, experienced builders |
| PG | 1/60 | Advanced | 20–40+ hrs | Serious collectors |
| SD | Non-standard | Beginner | 1–2 hrs | Kids, fun quick builds |
So Which Grade Should You Start With?
For the vast majority of beginners, HG is the right choice. Here's why:
- Affordable — you can try the hobby without a big financial commitment
- Quick to build — you'll feel the satisfaction of a finished kit within a few hours
- Great quality — modern HG kits look fantastic on display
- Wide variety — almost every Mobile Suit has an HG release
Once you've completed two or three HG kits and feel confident with nippers, nub removal, and panel lining, you'll be well-prepared to step up to an RG or MG.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is RG harder than MG?
In many ways, yes. RG kits are 1/144 scale, meaning the parts are very small and fiddly. MG kits are larger (1/100), which makes handling parts easier despite the higher part count. Many builders find RG more challenging than MG for this reason.
Can a beginner build an MG kit?
It's possible, but we recommend starting with at least one or two HG kits first. MG kits have significantly more parts and steps, and the experience from an HG build will make the process much smoother.
What's the best HG kit for a beginner in Australia?
Popular beginner choices include the HG RX-78-2 Gundam (the classic), HG Zaku II, and any of the HG kits from the Gundam Build series. Browse our full HG range at Aussie Hobbies to find one that appeals to you.
Are higher grade kits better quality?
Not necessarily — all Gunpla grades are well-engineered by Bandai. Higher grades simply offer more complexity, detail, and size. A beautifully finished HG can look just as impressive as an MG on a display shelf.
Ready to Choose Your Kit?
Browse our full range of Gundam model kits at Aussie Hobbies — we stock HG, RG, MG, PG and SD kits with fast shipping across Australia. Not sure which one to pick? Feel free to get in touch and we'll help you find the perfect kit for your skill level and budget.