There’s a specific moment when a Gundam kit stops being a toy and becomes a craft. For most builders, that moment arrives somewhere between opening the first runner and hearing the satisfying click of a perfectly fitted part. The kit isn’t just assembled — it’s understood.
If you’ve been circling the idea of building your first Gundam model kit, this guide is for you. We’ll walk through the grades, recommend specific kits that reward new builders, and address the practical realities of starting Gunpla in India.
What Is Gunpla, Exactly?
Gunpla — short for “Gundam Plastic Model” — refers to snap-fit model kits produced primarily by Bandai. Unlike traditional model kits that require glue and extensive painting, Gunpla kits are engineered to snap together cleanly. Colour separation is built into the runner design, so even an unpainted build looks accurate to the source material.
This engineering is what makes Gunpla accessible. You don’t need years of modelling experience. You need a pair of nippers, some patience, and a kit suited to your skill level.
Understanding Gundam Grades
Bandai categorises their kits into grades based on scale, complexity, and detail:
High Grade (HG) — 1/144 Scale
The entry point for most builders. HG kits typically contain 100-150 parts, take 1-3 hours to assemble, and cost between ₹1,500–₹4,000 in India. The smaller scale keeps the part count manageable without sacrificing the essential design.
Real Grade (RG) — 1/144 Scale
Same scale as HG but significantly more detailed. RG kits include an inner frame, finer colour separation, and more intricate engineering. Part counts range from 150-250. These suit builders who’ve completed 2-3 HG kits and want more complexity.
Master Grade (MG) — 1/100 Scale
Larger, more detailed, and considerably more involved. MG kits contain 300-500+ parts and take 8-15 hours. The inner frame is fully articulated, and the level of mechanical detail is substantially higher. These are investments — in time, skill, and budget (₹4,000-₹12,000).
Perfect Grade (PG) — 1/60 Scale
The summit. PG kits are large-scale display pieces with 800+ parts, LED lighting options, and exceptional detail. These are for experienced builders and typically cost ₹15,000+.
For beginners, start with HG. No exceptions. The lessons you learn — nub removal, part identification, patience with small pieces — transfer directly to every grade above it.
The 5 Best HG Kits for Your First Build
1. HG RX-78-2 Gundam (Revive)
The original. The Revive version of the RX-78-2 modernises the classic design with improved articulation and cleaner proportions. It’s straightforward, iconic, and teaches you the fundamentals without overwhelming you.
Why it’s great for beginners: Simple part count (~140 pieces), excellent colour separation, and the satisfaction of building the most recognisable mecha in anime history.
2. HG Barbatos (Iron-Blooded Orphans)
If the RX-78-2 is the classic choice, Barbatos is the modern one. The design is aggressive and distinctive, and the kit’s engineering reflects more recent Bandai innovations — tighter joints, better proportions, and satisfying posability.
Why it’s great for beginners: The build is intuitive, the design is striking, and Iron-Blooded Orphans is an excellent entry point into the Gundam franchise itself.
3. HG Aerial (Witch from Mercury)
From the most recent mainline Gundam series, the Aerial benefits from Bandai’s latest engineering. The colour separation is impressive for an HG, and the design translates well to the smaller scale.
Why it’s great for beginners: Modern engineering means fewer frustrations with fit and finish. The series is also the most accessible recent Gundam show.
4. HG Strike Freedom Gundam
For builders who want something visually dramatic. The Strike Freedom’s wing design gives the completed kit significant shelf presence, and the build introduces slightly more complex assemblies without becoming overwhelming.
Why it’s great for beginners: High visual reward for moderate effort. You’ll learn to handle more delicate parts while building something genuinely impressive.
5. HG Zaku II (Revive)
Every collection needs a Zaku. The mono-eye design is iconic, and the Revive version builds cleanly with excellent posability. Building a Zaku also teaches you about Bandai’s design philosophy for non-Gundam mobile suits.
Why it’s great for beginners: Simple build, classic design, and your first step toward understanding the broader Universal Century universe.
Essential Tools for Getting Started
Must-have: A pair of sharp side cutters (nippers) for removing parts from runners. Bandai’s own entry nippers work well and cost around ₹400-₹800.
Strongly recommended: A hobby knife for cleaning nub marks, and a cutting mat to protect your workspace.
Nice to have (but not essential): Panel lining markers (Gundam Markers), a top coat spray for a finished look, and tweezers for handling small decals.
Resist the urge to buy every tool before your first build. The kit itself will teach you what you need.
Buying Gundam Kits in India
The Indian Gunpla market has improved significantly over the past two years. Officially licensed kits are now available through authorised importers, which means consistent quality and genuine Bandai products — not recasts or bootlegs.
At OneFigures, every Gundam kit we stock is sourced directly from verified Bandai distributors. No exceptions. When you’re investing time in a build, the quality of the plastic matters.
Browse our Gundam collection to see what’s currently available, including new arrivals and pre-orders for upcoming releases.
Common Beginner Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
Cutting parts too close to the gate. Leave a small amount of the nub attached, then trim it flush in a second cut. This prevents stress marks on the plastic.
Skipping the instructions. Bandai’s instruction manuals are exceptionally well-designed. Follow them sequentially — even if a step seems obvious.
Starting with a grade above HG. An MG or PG as a first kit is a recipe for frustration. The fundamentals matter.
Forcing parts together. If a part isn’t fitting, you likely have it oriented incorrectly. Gunpla should snap together — if you’re applying significant force, something is wrong.
What Comes After Your First Kit
The answer is almost always: another HG. Your second build will be noticeably cleaner than your first. By your third or fourth, you’ll develop preferences — maybe you enjoy the build process more than the finished display, or maybe you’re drawn to specific series.
That’s when you consider stepping up to RG or MG. The transition feels natural rather than forced, and the additional complexity becomes rewarding rather than overwhelming.
Gunpla, at its core, is a craft that improves with practice. Every kit teaches something the previous one didn’t.
Start Building
If you’ve read this far, you’re ready. Pick a kit that appeals to you — design matters more than optimality when you’re starting out. Order the nippers. Clear a workspace.
The rest follows naturally.
Shop Gundam Kits at OneFigures →
Have questions about your first build? Follow us on Instagram @onefigures_toy — we’re always happy to help beginners find their footing.
Prices are approximate and may vary by retailer and exchange rates.
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