How to Get Into Gunpla–The Best Gundam Model Kits for Beginners
![Left to Right: The EG Gundam RX-78-2, HG Gundam Aerial, EG Strike Gundam, HG Gundam Lfrith, EG Nu Gundam, and the HG Darilbalde.](https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/c_fill,f_auto,fl_progressive,g_center,h_80,pg_1,q_80,w_80/d76aeb2776091cddfb5b00e539963107.png 80w, https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/c_fit,f_auto,g_center,pg_1,q_60,w_140/d76aeb2776091cddfb5b00e539963107.png 140w, https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/c_fit,f_auto,g_center,pg_1,q_60,w_265/d76aeb2776091cddfb5b00e539963107.png 265w, https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/c_fit,f_auto,g_center,pg_1,q_60,w_340/d76aeb2776091cddfb5b00e539963107.png 340w, https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/c_fit,f_auto,g_center,pg_1,q_60,w_490/d76aeb2776091cddfb5b00e539963107.png 490w, https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/c_fit,f_auto,g_center,pg_1,q_60,w_645/d76aeb2776091cddfb5b00e539963107.png 645w, https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/c_fit,f_auto,g_center,pg_1,q_60,w_740/d76aeb2776091cddfb5b00e539963107.png 740w, https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/c_fit,f_auto,g_center,pg_1,q_60,w_965/d76aeb2776091cddfb5b00e539963107.png 965w, https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/c_fit,f_auto,g_center,pg_1,q_60,w_1165/d76aeb2776091cddfb5b00e539963107.png 1165w, https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/c_fit,f_auto,g_center,pg_1,q_60,w_1315/d76aeb2776091cddfb5b00e539963107.png 1315w, https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/c_fit,f_auto,g_center,pg_1,q_60,w_1465/d76aeb2776091cddfb5b00e539963107.png 1465w, https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/c_fit,f_auto,g_center,pg_1,q_60,w_1600/d76aeb2776091cddfb5b00e539963107.png 1600w)
It all comes down to taste! If you’re worried and want a guaranteed basic starting point, the aforementioned Entry Grade line is a great place to start. There are three kits in the series so far: the classic Gundam RX-78-2 from the original series, the Nu Gundam from Char’s Counterattack, and the Strike Gundam from Gundam SEED. There’s variations here too, ranging from the cheapest, bare-bones sets that have little in the way of extra accessories, or more complete options packs that include more weapons.
Beyond that, if you’re already a Gundam fan, just go with designs from your favorite series—odds are there’s going to be an HG kit of it, although the more obscure the mobile suit, the likelier the kit is going to be older, and not as enjoyable or as well engineered as modern kits in terms of their builds. If you’re just here for the mecha modeling factor and not Gundam specifically, well… take a look at some kits and see what designs appeal to you!
If you’re looking for a personal recommendation, if you’re willing to import (and perhaps wait around, as they often sell out fast), the HG Witch From Mercury line has been consistently excellent so far. The newest kits Bandai are making at the moment, they’ve all been incredibly enjoyable yet simple builds, packed full of cool techniques and details that give you a fantastic end product. I’ve loved every one I’ve built, but a particular shoutout goes to the Gundams Lfrith and Aerial, and Guel’s Darilbalde.
![Left to Right: The EG Gundam RX-78-2, HG Gundam Aerial, EG Strike Gundam, HG Gundam Lfrith, EG Nu Gundam, and the HG Darilbalde.](https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/c_fill,f_auto,fl_progressive,g_center,h_80,pg_1,q_80,w_80/d76aeb2776091cddfb5b00e539963107.png 80w, https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/c_fit,f_auto,g_center,pg_1,q_60,w_140/d76aeb2776091cddfb5b00e539963107.png 140w, https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/c_fit,f_auto,g_center,pg_1,q_60,w_265/d76aeb2776091cddfb5b00e539963107.png 265w, https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/c_fit,f_auto,g_center,pg_1,q_60,w_340/d76aeb2776091cddfb5b00e539963107.png 340w, https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/c_fit,f_auto,g_center,pg_1,q_60,w_490/d76aeb2776091cddfb5b00e539963107.png 490w, https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/c_fit,f_auto,g_center,pg_1,q_60,w_645/d76aeb2776091cddfb5b00e539963107.png 645w, https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/c_fit,f_auto,g_center,pg_1,q_60,w_740/d76aeb2776091cddfb5b00e539963107.png 740w, https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/c_fit,f_auto,g_center,pg_1,q_60,w_965/d76aeb2776091cddfb5b00e539963107.png 965w, https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/c_fit,f_auto,g_center,pg_1,q_60,w_1165/d76aeb2776091cddfb5b00e539963107.png 1165w, https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/c_fit,f_auto,g_center,pg_1,q_60,w_1315/d76aeb2776091cddfb5b00e539963107.png 1315w, https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/c_fit,f_auto,g_center,pg_1,q_60,w_1465/d76aeb2776091cddfb5b00e539963107.png 1465w, https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/c_fit,f_auto,g_center,pg_1,q_60,w_1600/d76aeb2776091cddfb5b00e539963107.png 1600w)
It all comes down to taste! If you’re worried and want a guaranteed basic starting point, the aforementioned Entry Grade line is a great place to start. There are three kits in the series so far: the classic Gundam RX-78-2 from the original series, the Nu Gundam from Char’s Counterattack, and the Strike Gundam from Gundam SEED. There’s variations here too, ranging from the cheapest, bare-bones sets that have little in the way of extra accessories, or more complete options packs that include more weapons.
Beyond that, if you’re already a Gundam fan, just go with designs from your favorite series—odds are there’s going to be an HG kit of it, although the more obscure the mobile suit, the likelier the kit is going to be older, and not as enjoyable or as well engineered as modern kits in terms of their builds. If you’re just here for the mecha modeling factor and not Gundam specifically, well… take a look at some kits and see what designs appeal to you!
If you’re looking for a personal recommendation, if you’re willing to import (and perhaps wait around, as they often sell out fast), the HG Witch From Mercury line has been consistently excellent so far. The newest kits Bandai are making at the moment, they’ve all been incredibly enjoyable yet simple builds, packed full of cool techniques and details that give you a fantastic end product. I’ve loved every one I’ve built, but a particular shoutout goes to the Gundams Lfrith and Aerial, and Guel’s Darilbalde.