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No Glue, No Problem: Gundam Kits for Beginners

Purple Star emoji 14 items
If you’ve ever looked at those sleek Gundam models online and thought “that looks fun, but probably too complicated,” Well, after visiting Gundam Base in Tokyo a few years ago, I got to experience first-hand how simple it actually is. You don’t need ... 

I’ve built a bunch of Gunpla kits with my wife, and I put together a list of the best beginner-friendly Gundam models out there. It covers everything from Entry Grades you can snap together in under an hour, to High Grades and Master Grades that look... 

If you're anything like me, once you build your first kit, you’re going to want a whole squadron.
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Entry Grades (EG) – No Tools Needed

Designed for total beginners, these kits skip the complexity but keep the charm.

 
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You don’t even need nippers for this one—it’s designed to be built right out of the box with pre-colored plastic and no stickers. Perfect for kids, first-time builders, or anyone who wants a taste of Gunpla before diving deeper.
1/144 RX-78-2 Gundam Bandai Entry Grade
 
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Another fantastic no-frills kit, the Strike is a breeze to build but still looks sharp on a shelf. A great intro for fans of Gundam SEED or those who want to start with something outside the Universal Century timeline.
1/144 GAT-X105 Strike Gundam Entry Grade Model Kit

High Grades (HG) – Quick Builds, Big Impact

Affordable, accessible, and packed with variety, HG kits are where most Gunpla journeys begin.

 
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This modern take on the original Gundam is a rite of passage for builders. With crisp detail, great articulation, and minimal tools required, it’s the ultimate starter kit that helps you understand the basics of Gunpla without overwhelming you.
Bandai HGUC RX-78-2 Gundam Revive 1/144
 
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Fans of Iron-Blooded Orphans will love the aggressive design and excellent poseability. The color separation is surprisingly strong for a beginner kit, so you won’t need to paint a thing to get a great display-ready mech.
HG 1/144 Gundam Barbatos Lupus Model Kit
 
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From The Witch from Mercury, this newer kit is beginner-friendly but feels like a modern upgrade to the HG line. It has a sleek silhouette, easy snap-fit design, and dynamic articulation that makes it feel like a higher-grade build.
The Witch from Mercury #03 Gundam Aerial HG Kit
 
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The Origin line’s Zaku II is more detailed than the standard HG and still super approachable. It comes with multiple weapons, clear instructions, and a satisfying build experience that gives you a solid intro to mono-eye suits.
Bandai HG 1/144 Zaku II Type C/Type C-5

Master Grade (MG) Kits That Won’t Break Your Brain

Ready to step up from High Grade? These Master Grade Gunpla offer bigger builds and more detail, without the stress of advanced mechanics or fragile parts.

 
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This is the classic beginner Master Grade for a reason. The Ver. 2.0 frame is intuitive, well-balanced, and comes together without any confusing sub-assemblies. If you’re familiar with the RX-78 design, this kit helps bridge the gap between beginner ...
Gundam RX-78-2 (Version 2.0),Bandai MG
 
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Barbatos offers a fantastic balance of inner frame building and exterior detail, but without being overly complex. The design feels modern, the joints are smooth, and it’s surprisingly stable once complete. A great pick for those who want a visually ...
Bandai MG 1/100 Gundam Barbatos IBO Kit
 
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The “RM” version of Strike is a much-needed update that’s clean, sturdy, and friendly to newer builders. It’s one of those kits that just fits together in a satisfying way, with straightforward part separation and minimal sticker use. Plus, the Aile ...
Bandai MG Aile Strike Gundam Ver. RM 1/100
 
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If you want something with some flair, Wing EW is one of the simpler Ver. Ka kits out there. While the wings may look intimidating, the core build is straightforward, and the parts lock in surprisingly well. It’s a perfect first step into more styliz...
Endless Waltz Wing Gundam Zero Ver.K MG

Tools & Accessories – Build It Better

The right gear turns a good build into a great experience.

 
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Considered the gold standard for clean cuts, GodHand nippers reduce stress marks and make part removal almost effortless. A bit pricey, but totally worth it if you plan to build more than one kit.
GodHand Ultimate Nipper 5.0 GH-SPN-120
 
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For beginners who want a full toolkit, this set includes side cutters, a hobby knife, tweezers, and a mini file. It’s perfect for new builders ready to go beyond snap-builds.
Basic Tool Set
 
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If you’re learning how to apply water slide decals, this pair helps them settle into panel lines and curves like a pro. Great for taking your finished model to the next level.
MS232 Mr. Mark Setter Bottle, GSI
 
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These display stands are made for Gunpla and offer adjustable arms, so you can pose your kit mid-flight or in dramatic combat stances. Easy to assemble and fits most grades right out of the box.
Bandai Hobby 223031 Action Base 5 1/144