HG vs RG vs MG: Which Gunpla Grade Should You Buy?

# HG vs RG vs MG: Which Gunpla Grade Should You Buy?

"Should I get the HG, the RG, or the MG?"

It's the most common question we hear from builders — and the answer depends on your experience, budget, and what you want from the build. Let's break it down completely.

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Quick Comparison Table

| Feature | HG (High Grade) | RG (Real Grade) | MG (Master Grade) |
|---------|-----------------|-----------------|-------------------|
| Scale | 1/144 | 1/144 | 1/100 |
| Height | ~5 inches | ~5 inches | ~7-8 inches |
| Price | $15–$35 | $30–$65 | $45–$85 |
| Part Count | 100-200 | 150-300 | 300-600 |
| Build Time | 1-3 hours | 3-6 hours | 6-15 hours |
| Detail Level | Good | Excellent | Outstanding |
| Inner Frame | None | Pre-built | Full inner frame |
| Best For | Beginners, collectors | Detail enthusiasts | Serious builders |

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High Grade (HG) — The Versatile Workhorse

HG kits are the backbone of Gunpla. At 1/144 scale, they're compact, affordable, and fast to build. Bandai produces more HG kits than any other grade, so you'll find virtually every mobile suit available.

Pros

• ✅ Largest selection of any grade (1000+ kits)
• ✅ Most affordable ($15-$35)
• ✅ Quick builds (1-3 hours)
• ✅ Great for learning fundamentals
• ✅ Modern HGs have incredible detail for the price

Cons

• ❌ Smaller finished size (~5 inches)
• ❌ No inner frame (simpler construction)
• ❌ May need stickers for color accuracy
• ❌ Less impressive on display vs. larger grades

Best HG Kits Right Now

• HG Gundam Calibarn — Best-looking HG in recent years
• HG GQuuuuuuX — Latest series, modern engineering
• HG RX-78-2 (Revive) — The classic, perfected

Verdict: If you're building your first 1-3 kits, or want a huge collection without breaking the bank, HG is the way to go.

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Real Grade (RG) — Maximum Detail, Minimum Size

RG kits pack MG-level detail into an HG-sized body. They're the engineering marvel of Gunpla — pre-molded inner frames, advanced color separation, and stunning surface detail at 1/144 scale.

Pros

• ✅ Incredible detail at 1/144 scale
• ✅ Pre-built inner frame (Advanced MS Joint)
• ✅ Outstanding color separation (minimal stickers)
• ✅ Compact display size
• ✅ Some of the best kits Bandai makes

Cons

• ❌ Small parts can be fiddly
• ❌ Older RGs (2010-2015) can be loose-jointed
• ❌ More fragile than HG or MG
• ❌ Limited selection (~40 kits)
• ❌ Not recommended for absolute beginners

Best RG Kits Right Now

• RG Wing Gundam Zero EW — Stunning wings, solid build
• RG Nu Gundam — Huge, dramatic, incredible value
• RG God Gundam — Latest engineering at its finest

Verdict: If you've built 2-3 HG kits and want a challenge with stunning results, RG is the sweet spot.

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Master Grade (MG) — The Builder's Favorite

MG kits are where Gunpla becomes an experience. At 1/100 scale, these kits feature full inner mechanical frames, hundreds of parts, and a build process that's deeply satisfying. The finished model commands attention on any shelf.

Pros

• ✅ Full inner mechanical frame
• ✅ Impressive 7-8 inch finished size
• ✅ Deep, satisfying build experience (6-15 hours)
• ✅ Outstanding articulation
• ✅ Ver.Ka editions are collector masterpieces

Cons

• ❌ Higher price ($45-$85, Ver.Ka can be $80-$150)
• ❌ Requires more space for building and display
• ❌ Longer build commitment
• ❌ Can be overwhelming for beginners

Best MG Kits Right Now

• MG Freedom Gundam 2.0 — The fan-favorite, perfected
• MG Barbatos — IBO's star in 1/100 glory
• MG Full Armor Unicorn Ver.Ka — The ultimate shelf piece

Verdict: If you want the most satisfying build experience and an impressive display piece, MG is the gold standard.

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So Which Should YOU Buy?

You should buy HG if:

• It's your first Gunpla kit ever
• You want a quick, fun build (1-3 hours)
• You're on a budget ($15-$35)
• You want to collect many different suits

You should buy RG if:

• You've completed 2-3 HG builds
• You want maximum detail in a compact size
• You enjoy precision and patience
• Budget is $30-$65

You should buy MG if:

• You've completed 5+ kits across grades
• You want a weekend-long build project
• You want an impressive display piece
• Budget is $45-$85+

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Our Expert Recommendation

Start with 2-3 HG kits → try 1 RG → graduate to MG.

This progression builds your skills naturally. You'll learn nub cleanup on HG, precision on RG, and then fully enjoy the MG experience without frustration.

Ready to find your next kit? Browse our full collection or use our Builder's Assistant chatbot to get personalized recommendations based on your experience level!

Build on, Pilots. 🎯