Okay, I need to confess something. I used to see those incredibly detailed Gundam models in anime shops and think, “Wow, those are so cool… but I could never build one. That’s for, like, expert-level engineers.”
Sound familiar?
If you’ve ever felt that way, let me let you in on a little secret: I was completely, totally wrong. The truth about Gunpla for beginners is that it isn’t about being an expert; it’s about following instructions that are clearer than most IKEA furniture, and the reward is your own personal anime robot. It’s the perfect mix of mindfulness, gaming satisfaction, and pure, unadulterated geekery.
Consider this your absolute no-stress guide to Gunpla for beginners. We’re going to walk through what it is, what you need, and how to start, without any of the scary jargon. Let’s build your first Gundam!
So, What Is Gunpla, Anyway? (It’s Not Just a Toy)
Let’s clear this up first. Gunpla is a portmanteau of “Gundam Plastic Model”. They are model kits based on the massive Mobile Suit Gundam anime franchise.
But calling them “toys” or “models” doesn’t quite capture it. Think of it like this:
- It’s like LEGO, but instead of blocks, you’re snapping out pre-colored pieces from “runners” (the plastic frames the parts are attached to) and assembling them into something incredibly detailed and poseable.
- It’s like a video game side-quest you do in real life. You have a clear objective (build the kit), you follow a guide (the instruction manual), you “grind” by snipping out the parts, and you get a huge dopamine hit when you finally “defeat the boss” and see the finished product on your shelf.
- It’s mindful and therapeutic. For a few hours, your only job is to find part B-17 and snap it into part A-3. It’s a fantastic way to unwind and focus on something tactile.
And no, you don’t need to be a Gundam superfan! You can just think the robots look cool. That’s a perfectly valid reason to start.
Start Here: Picking Your Perfect First Gunpla Kit
This is the most important step. The world of Gunpla is divided into “Grades,” which indicate size, detail, and complexity. For your first kit, you want to stick to the beginner-friendly tiers.
Entry Grade (EG): The Modern No-Tools Marvel
- The Vibe: As simple as it gets. Designed to be built with your hands alone.
- Scale: 1/144 scale.
- Build Time: 1-2 hours.
- Why It’s Great: It’s a zero-risk, zero-investment way to see if you enjoy the process. The EG RX-78-2 Gundam is a legendary starter kit.
First Grade (FG): The Humble Beginning
- The Vibe: The original, no-frills Gunpla experience from the 1980s. These are the simplest kits with the least parts and detail.
- The Reality: While super affordable, they often require painting or stickers for color accuracy and have very limited poseability. They are a cool piece of history but are generally not recommended for a first build when modern options like EG and HG exist.
High Grade (HG): The Go-To Gunpla for Most Beginners
- The Vibe: The perfect balance of detail, poseability, and affordability. This is where 90% of builders should start.
- Scale: Usually 1/144 scale (about 5-6 inches tall).
- Build Time: A great HG kit can take a relaxed 4-6 hours.
- Why It’s First: The instructions are clear, the part count is manageable, and no painting is required; the plastic is already colored.
Master Grade (MG) & Real Grade (RG): What to Know Before You Level Up
- Master Grade (MG): 1/100 scale, incredibly detailed, with an internal “skeleton.” More parts and a longer build. Avoid for your first kit.
- Real Grade (RG): 1/144 scale with MG-level detail, including a pre-assembled skeleton. Very intricate and fragile. They are amazing, but not for beginners. You’ll appreciate them more after building a few HGs.
Gunpla for Beginners Starter Toolkit
You don’t need a workshop. You just need three basic tools:
- Nippers / Side Cutters: This is non-negotiable. You use these to cleanly snip the plastic parts off the runners. Do not use scissors or twist parts off, as this can stress and damage the plastic. A basic pair from Tamiya or Mr. Hobby is perfect.
- Hobby Knife: Used for cleaning up the little “nubs” left behind after you snip a part out. A simple X-Acto knife works perfectly.
- Tweezers: For applying the tiny sticker decals that come with the kit. Your fingers are too big for these!
That’s it! You can expand into sanding sticks, panel lining pens, and top coats later. For now, these three tools are your starter pack.
The Build: It’s Not a Race, It’s a Vibe
Once you have your kit and tools, here’s the basic workflow:
- Sort the Runners: Identify all the plastic runners (they’re labeled A, B, C, etc.) and lay them out. This saves you searching for parts later.
- Follow the Manual: The instruction manual is almost entirely visual. It will show you exactly which runner and part number you need for each step. Go one step at a time.
- Snip, Clean, Assemble: Snip the part out with your nippers, leaving a little bit of the “gate” attached. Then, carefully shave that excess nub off with your hobby knife. Then, snap the part into place.
- Take Breaks! This is a hobby, not a job. If you feel tired, stop. The kit will be waiting for you.
Top 3 Gundam Model Kits for Your First Build
Based on stability, simple construction, and classic cool factor, here are my top picks:
- HG RX-78-2 Gundam: The original. It’s like starting a JRPG with the first hero. Simple, iconic, and a timeless build.
- HG Gundam Aerial (From The Witch from Mercury): A modern kit with fantastic engineering. It goes together smoothly and looks stunning with minimal effort.
- EG RX-78-2 Gundam: If you want to try the hobby with zero tool investment, this is the one. It will convince you to buy your first pair of nippers.
Your Next Mission: Where to Go From Here
Once you’ve finished your first build and caught the bug, the world opens up. You can try:
- Panel Lining: Using a special pen to make the engraved lines on the armor pop.
- Top Coating: Using a spray can to give your kit a matte or gloss finish and protect the plastic.
- Simple Customization: Painting small details with a brush.
But for now, just focus on that very first step. Pick a High Grade kit that speaks to you, grab your three tools, and find a quiet spot to build.
You’ve got this. And welcome to the club, as well as to our first article for the Action Figures category.
