The Best First Gunpla Kits for Beginners in 2025

A Blog by Justin Carlo Ponti

So, you’ve heard of Gunpla and you’re thinking about building your first kit. Maybe you've seen the incredible Gundam models online or caught an episode of Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX? Whatever brought you here, welcome. Gunpla is a hobby that mixes creativity, patience, and a bit of engineering, and it’s a lot more beginner-friendly than most people think.

At Hobbyco, we often get asked the same question: "What’s a good kit to start with?" The answer depends on your style and how much time you want to spend building. But the great news is, Bandai has made it super easy for beginners to jump right in.

We’ve put together a list of the top 10 Gunpla kits for beginners in 2025, all available at Hobbyco. These kits are accessible, fun to build, and give you an impressive result without needing paint, glue, or prior experience.

What Makes a Gunpla Kit Beginner-Friendly?

Before we dive in, here are a few things to look out for in a beginner Gunpla kit:

• Snap-fit parts – no glue needed

• Pre-coloured plastic – no painting required

• Clear instructions – with step-by-step visual guides

• Manageable piece count – fewer small parts for an easier experience

• Solid articulation – so your model can strike cool poses without falling apart

The three best grades for beginners are:

• Entry Grade (EG): The easiest of the bunch. Minimal tools required.

• Super Deformed (SD): Short, cute, and easy to build.

• High Grade (HG): A bit more complex but still very beginner-friendly.

1. Bandai ENTRY GRADE 1/144 Strike Rouge Gundam

This one is a fan favourite and a perfect first step. The Strike Rouge is sleek, stylish, and comes in snap-fit parts that go together without tools. The build is simple, but the final look is surprisingly detailed. No stickers needed, and the parts are moulded in colour. Just click them into place and you're done.

Ideal for: Anyone new to Gunpla who wants a fast, satisfying build.

2. Bandai ENTRY GRADE 1/144 RX-93 Nu Gundam

The Nu Gundam is one of the most iconic mobile suits in the Gundam universe. The Entry Grade version keeps things simple while preserving its bold silhouette. You won’t get the fin funnels like the Master Grade version, but you will get a model that looks great on your shelf and takes under an hour to complete.

Ideal for: Beginners who want a piece of Gunpla history without the difficulty.

3. Bandai ENTRY GRADE 1/144 Strike Gundam

Simple, sturdy, and striking. The Strike Gundam is a perfect pick for new builders who want that classic Gundam look. The joints are tight, articulation is decent, and the parts fit together like LEGO. It’s also a great way to test the waters before moving on to more detailed kits.

Ideal for: First-timers who want an easy win.

4. Bandai SD Gundam Ex-Standard 010 Gundam Barbatos

Let’s talk SD kits. These little guys are adorable and don’t take up much space. The Barbatos version keeps the fierce look of the original while shrinking it down to a palm-sized model. It has fewer parts than a standard HG, so it’s great for kids or those who just want a fun, quick build.

Ideal for: Casual builders or anyone short on time and shelf space.

5. Bandai SD Gundam EX-Standard 004 Wing Gundam Zero (EW)

This kit gives you a chibi version of one of the most dramatic mobile suits ever. The Wing Zero has angel-like wings and a twin buster rifle, all in a super deformed frame. The parts are colourful and easy to put together. Plus, it looks fantastic when posed mid-flight.

Ideal for: Fans of Gundam Wing or those looking for a cute build with personality.

6. Bandai HG 1/144 Immortal Justice Gundam

Now we step up to High Grade (HG) kits. These offer more detail and poseability while still being beginner-friendly. The Immortal Justice has a bold, sharp design with articulated joints and plenty of weapon options. Assembly takes longer than EG kits, but the result is a more dynamic figure.

Ideal for: Builders ready to spend a little more time on extra detail.

7. Bandai HG 1/144 Rising Freedom Gundam

This one pairs perfectly with Immortal Justice if you want a duo display. The Rising Freedom Gundam features an eye-catching colour scheme and a sleek build. It’s stable, fun to pose, and rewarding to complete. The instructions are clear, and the parts fit like a dream.

Ideal for: Builders who want to level up without getting overwhelmed.

8. Bandai HG 1/144 Gundam Calibarn (Witch from Mercury)

This kit is one of the standouts from The Witch from Mercury series. It has a unique look, with an energy-sword-style loadout and a clean white and purple colour scheme. The Calibarn is beginner-friendly, but still feels premium thanks to its fine detailing and clever design.

Ideal for: Fans of The Witch from Mercury or anyone drawn to sleek, modern designs.

9. Bandai HG 1/144 RX-78-2 Gundam [Beyond Global]

The RX-78-2 is the original Gundam. This version, “Beyond Global,” updates the design with improved articulation and cleaner lines. It’s a celebration of Gundam’s legacy, and it builds into a highly poseable and dynamic figure. It looks great in any display, whether it’s your first kit or your fiftieth.

Ideal for: Those who want to start their Gunpla journey with a legend.

10. Bandai HG 1/144 Zeta Gundam

Last but not least, the Zeta Gundam. It’s a little more challenging than the others on this list, but still totally doable for a beginner. The payoff is worth it. The transformation gimmick, the detailed head sculpt, and the imposing design make it a real standout.

Ideal for: Builders who are up for a bit more challenge and want something impressive.

Final Tips for First-Time Builders

• Start with Entry Grade or SD kits if you want a quick win.

• Use side cutters to cleanly remove parts from the runner.

• Follow the instructions closely and take your time.

• Don’t stress over perfection. It’s meant to be fun, not flawless.

You’ll be amazed at how satisfying it is to complete your first Gunpla. Whether you're displaying it on your desk or getting hooked on the hobby, it’s a rewarding experience from start to finish.

Ready to Build Your First Gunpla?

All the kits we mentioned above are available right now at Hobbyco, both in-store and online. Come visit us if you're in Sydney, or shop online and have your first Gunpla shipped straight to your door.

With locations conveniently located throughout Metro Sydney, finding the perfect hobby shop near you has never been easier. Experience the excitement of exploring our vast selection of Gunplas, expert advice, and exceptional customer service. Discover why Hobbyco is the number one hobby shop in Australia. Customers can buy products online through our platform.