Beginner-Friendly Gunpla Kits: Your Gateway to the World of Gundam Model Building

So, you’ve decided to jump into the world of Gunpla (Gundam Plastic Models)? Excellent choice! Whether you’re a fan of the anime or just looking for a satisfying new hobby, Gunpla is an incredible way to combine creativity, patience, and a touch of engineering. But if you’re staring at shelves of Gundam kits wondering where to start, fear not—I’ve got you covered. Let’s check out the best beginner-friendly Gunpla kits that will make your first build an enjoyable experience.

What Makes a Kit Beginner-Friendly?

Before diving into the recommendations, here are a few things that make a kit suitable for newbies:

1. Ease of Assembly: Fewer parts and simple construction mean less frustration.

2. Only Basic Tools Required: All kits snap together easily without needing glue or paint, you only need some basic tools.

3. Affordability: Test the waters without spending a fortune.

4. Durability: Forgiving designs that can handle a little trial and error.

Top Beginner Gunpla Kits

Here’s a list of kits that check all the boxes for a smooth introduction to the hobby:

1. HGUC RX-78-2 Gundam (Revive)

• Why It’s Great: This iconic Gundam is a rite of passage for Gunpla builders. The Revive version has updated engineering, making it easy to assemble while still looking fantastic right out of the box. The RX-78-2 also happens to be my favorite Gundam.

• Skill Level: Beginner-friendly but offers enough detail to feel rewarding.

• Pro Tip: Use a pair of nippers to cleanly remove pieces from the runners, but don’t stress about perfection—this kit is super forgiving.

High Grade (HG) RX-78-2

2. HGUC Zaku II

• Why It’s Great: If you’re more of a Zeon fan, the Zaku II is a perfect starting point. Its chunky design makes it sturdy, and the assembly process is straightforward.

• Skill Level: Beginner-friendly with a bit of variety in weapons to keep things interesting.

• Fun Factor: The green, soldier-like design is perfect for practicing panel lining to add depth.

High Grade (HG) MS-06 Zaku-II

3. SD Gundam EX-Standard Series

• Why It’s Great: Super Deformed (SD) kits are small, cute, and quick to build. They’re perfect for younger builders or anyone intimidated by bigger kits.

• Skill Level: Entry-level, with minimal parts and simplified instructions.

• Bonus: These little guys look great on display and are easy to customize with stickers or paint.

Super Deformed (SD) RX-78-2

4. EG RX-78-2 Gundam

• Why It’s Great: The Entry Grade (EG) line is specifically designed for beginners! The RX-78-2 in this series offers incredible detail for such an affordable kit and requires zero experience.

• Skill Level: Absolute beginner. Seriously, if you can follow IKEA instructions, you’re golden.

• Pro Tip: Practice snapping parts together firmly to ensure a seamless look.

Entry Grade (EG) RX-78-2

5. HG Gundam Barbatos

• Why It’s Great: This fan-favorite from Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans has a striking design but isn’t overly complex to build. The articulation and weapon details make it feel more advanced than it really is.

• Skill Level: Beginner-friendly with a pinch of flair for added satisfaction.

• Challenge: This kit is slightly more intricate than the others on this list, so it’s great for those wanting to level up.

High Grade (HG) Gundam Barbatos

What You’ll Need to Get Started

While beginner kits are designed to minimize frustration, having a few basic tools can make your first build even smoother:

• Nippers: For cutting parts off the runners cleanly, single blade nippers cut the best.

• Hobby Knife: To remove any leftover plastic nubs (be careful!), X-Acto knives are great.

• Tweezers: Handy for applying stickers precisely, angled tweezers help a lot.

• (Optional) Panel Liner Pens: For adding details that make your kit pop.
  

Final Thoughts

Building your first Gunpla is all about having fun and experimenting! Don’t worry if your kit doesn’t look perfect—it’s all part of the learning process. These beginner-friendly kits are just the start of an endless rabbit hole of customization, painting, and advanced techniques.

So grab a kit, pop on some music or your favorite Gundam anime, and let your inner Newtype shine! And remember: Gunpla is freedom, so build it your way.

What’s the first kit you’re excited to try? Drop your answer in the comments, and happy building!