10+ Best Gunpla for beginners, easy to build first

The world of Gunpla is packed with stunning designs and detailed model kits, but for newcomers, knowing where to start can be tricky. That’s where our guide to the 10+ best Gunpla for beginners comes in. 

Handpicked by Japan Figure, these kits are fun, simple, and rewarding to build. Whether you love classic Gundam, modern hits like Witch from Mercury, or playful collaborations, these beginner-friendly models will have you assembling, posing, and proudly displaying your first masterpiece in no time.

1. Why does choosing the right Gunpla matters for beginners?

Starting with the right gunpla for beginners makes your building experience fun, easy, and inspiring. At Japan Figure, we handpick simple, attractive kits that don’t require advanced skills, so you can enjoy your hobby from the very first build. If you’re completely new, it’s also worth understanding what is Gunpla so you can appreciate the hobby’s history and different kit types.

Reasons to choose Gunpla for beginners:

• No prior skills needed – suitable for everyone

• Snap-fit parts – no glue or paint required

• Fewer small pieces – less overwhelming

• Affordable – budget-friendly for starters

• Quick builds – complete in just a few hours

2. 10 best gunpla for beginners to build first

Finding the right gunpla for beginners isn’t just about choosing a cool design, it’s about balancing visual appeal with ease of assembly. Top 10 kits below are carefully selected for their straightforward build process, durability, and satisfying results for first-time builders.

1. Entry Grade RX-78

2. Entry Grade RX-93 Nu Gundam

3. High Grade BANDAI S.H.Figuarts Ultraman Leo Figure

4. Bandai Spirits Strike Freedom Gundam

5. Bandai High Grade Spirits 1/144 Gundam Schwarzette Witch Of Mercury

6. Master Grade Blaze Zaku Phantom

7. HGUC Gouf Custom

8. HGUC Char's Zaku II (Revive)

9. Hello Kitty X Gundam 

10. HG 1/144 Witch from the Mercury XVX-016 Gundam Aerial

2.1 Entry Grade RX-78

The Entry Grade RX-78 is the ultimate starting point for anyone new to Gunpla. As one of Bandai’s simplest yet most iconic kits, it captures the essence of Gundam in a clean, approachable build. No paint or glue is required, and the parts come molded in accurate colors, so you get a finished look right out of the box.

This model is designed for complete beginners, offering larger, sturdier pieces that snap together easily. The clear instructions make the assembly process smooth, and you’ll end up with a display-worthy figure that represents the most recognizable Gundam in the franchise.

• Best for: Absolute beginners wanting the classic Gundam look

• Grade: Entry Grade

• Assembly time: Around 1–2 hours

• Features: Pre-colored parts, snap-fit design, high articulation

Add BANDAI Entry Grade 1/144 Rx-78-2 Gundam Plastic Model to cart 

2.2 Entry Grade RX-93 Nu Gundam

The Entry Grade RX-93 Nu Gundam delivers impressive design for a model that’s simple to build. It’s a scaled-down, accessible version of Amuro Ray’s legendary mobile suit from “Char’s Counterattack.” With minimal parts and intuitive assembly, it’s ideal for those who want something striking without a steep learning curve.

What makes this kit great for beginners is its efficient engineering, you get smooth movement in the joints and great proportions, all without the need for specialized tools. It’s a fantastic balance between ease of build and premium appearance.

• Best for: Fans of Char’s Counterattack who are new to Gunpla

• Grade: Entry Grade

• Assembly time: 1–2 hours

• Features: Highly poseable, pre-colored parts, minimal steps

2.3  High Grade BANDAI S.H.Figuarts Ultraman Leo Figure

While technically from the Ultraman line, this kit shares the same straightforward build style perfect for beginners. The High Grade BANDAI S.H.Figuarts Ultraman Leo features bold colors, a dynamic design, and an uncomplicated assembly process that’s friendly for first-time builders.

Beginners will appreciate the sturdiness and the vibrant finish, with parts engineered to lock securely into place. This is a fun choice if you love Japanese pop culture and want a different kind of beginner model before diving deep into Gundam.

• Best for: Fans of Ultraman and Japanese tokusatsu heroes

• Grade: High Grade

• Assembly time: 1–2 hours

• Features: Sturdy design, bold colors, dynamic posing options

2.4 Bandai Spirits Strike Freedom Gundam

The Strike Freedom Gundam is known for its elegant gold details and wide wings, but Bandai Spirits has created beginner-friendly versions of this fan-favorite suit. This model offers a simpler assembly process without losing the mecha’s iconic look.

With pre-molded color separation and an intuitive build, it’s approachable for first-time builders while still delivering an impressive final display. The articulation is excellent, allowing for dynamic poses once you’re done. Collectors might also be curious about the most expensive Gundam ever sold, a reminder of how valuable and collectible these kits can become.

• Best for: Builders who want a showpiece Gundam early on

• Grade: High Grade

• Assembly time: 2–3 hours

• Features: Gold-colored parts, wide wing span, snap-fit joints

Shop Bandai Spirits Strike Freedom Gundam at Japan Figure 

2.5 Bandai High Grade Spirits 1/144 Gundam Schwarzette Witch Of Mercury

From the Witch from Mercury series, the Gundam Schwarzette offers a sleek, modern design with smooth contours and striking weaponry. As part of the High Grade lineup, it maintains beginner-friendly assembly while offering excellent articulation.

Its simplified construction makes it an ideal beginner gundam model kit, yet the final build looks advanced thanks to its sharp silhouette and detailed molding. Beginners looking to enhance their experience might also consider getting essential Gunpla tools to make cutting, trimming, and detailing even easier.

• Best for: Fans of Witch from Mercury

• Grade: High Grade

• Assembly time: 2–3 hours

• Features: Sleek design, high articulation, striking sword accessory

Add Bandai High Grade Spirits 1/144 Gundam Schwarzette Witch Of Mercury to cart 

2.6  Master Grade Blaze Zaku Phantom

Although Master Grade kits are often more complex, the Blaze Zaku Phantom is a relatively forgiving introduction to the MG line. Its assembly is straightforward for the grade, with large, clearly marked pieces that are easier to handle.

This kit is perfect if you want to challenge yourself slightly after a few simpler builds. The details are fantastic, and the completed model is solid and ready for posing.

• Best for: Beginners ready to step up from Entry/High Grade

• Grade: Master Grade

• Assembly time: 4–5 hours

• Features: Large pieces, solid frame, impressive detailing

Browse Master Grade Blaze Zaku Phantom today for the best deal 

2.7 HGUC Gouf Custom

The HGUC Gouf Custom is a fan favorite for its unique blue armor and massive gatling shield. Despite its intimidating look, the build process is straightforward, making it a great gundam model for beginners.

With simple color separation and fewer small pieces, you can enjoy assembling this kit without feeling overwhelmed. Its distinct design also makes it stand out on a display shelf.

• Best for: Fans of unique, non-Gundam suits

• Grade: High Grade UC

• Assembly time: 2–3 hours

• Features: Unique color scheme, large accessories, sturdy joints

Add BANDAI Hguc 117 Gundam Ms-07B-3 Gouf Custom 1/144 Scale Kit to cart 

2.8 HGUC Char's Zaku II (Revive)

Char’s Zaku II is an absolute classic in the Gundam universe, and the Revive edition makes it even more accessible for beginners. It offers modern articulation and a simplified assembly process while staying true to the original design.

This gunpla kit for beginners gives you a taste of the Zeon side of the conflict, with its iconic red armor and mono-eye head. The result is a model that’s fun to build and looks fantastic in any pose.

• Best for: Classic Gundam fans, especially Char Aznable lovers

• Grade: High Grade UC (Revive)

• Assembly time: 2 hours

• Features: Iconic design, improved articulation, simple assembly

Buy BANDAI Hguc 234 Gundam Char'S Custom Zaku Ii 1/144 now

2.9 Hello Kitty X Gundam 

The Hello Kitty X Gundam collaboration is perfect for those who love both cute and mecha aesthetics. This model merges the adorable Hello Kitty character with the RX-78’s features, creating a unique display piece.

The build is incredibly beginner-friendly, with large parts and minimal steps. It’s a great choice for kids, families, or anyone looking for a lighthearted entry into Gunpla.

• Best for: Fans of cute-mecha crossovers
  

• Grade: SD (Super Deformed)

• Assembly time: 1 hour

• Features: Adorable design, large easy-to-handle parts, bright colors

2.10 HG 1/144 Witch from the Mercury XVX-016 Gundam Aerial

The Gundam Aerial is the main mobile suit from the Witch from Mercury series and one of the most popular beginner kits of recent years. It combines a sleek, futuristic design with easy snap-fit assembly.

Beginners will enjoy the satisfying build process, while the final product has the proportions and articulation to rival more advanced kits. It’s a modern, stylish choice for your first Gunpla.

• Best for: Fans of the Witch from Mercury anime

• Grade: High Grade

• Assembly time: 2–3 hours

• Features: Modern proportions, versatile posing, easy snap-fit parts

3. FAQ - People also ask about Gunpla for beginners

Before you start building, it’s normal to have questions about where to begin, which grades are easiest, and what makes certain models better for newcomers. The answers below will help you make confident choices and enjoy your first build.

3.1 What is the best grade of Gunpla for beginners?

For most beginners, High Grade (HG) is the best starting point. HG kits balance detail with an easy assembly process, usually taking 2–3 hours to build. They’re affordable, use snap-fit parts, and require no glue or paint. This makes them the perfect gunpla for beginners.

3.2 What is an entry grade Gunpla?

An Entry Grade Gunpla is designed for absolute newcomers to the hobby. These kits have fewer pieces, pre-colored parts, and extremely simple assembly steps. They focus on providing a stress-free, enjoyable building experience, letting you complete your model in about 1–2 hours without any special tools.

3.3 What Gundam model to start with?

The Entry Grade RX-78 is often recommended as the first Gundam model to be built. It’s iconic, inexpensive, and incredibly beginner-friendly. Its parts are molded in accurate colors and snap together easily, so you can focus on learning the basics of building Gunpla without feeling overwhelmed.

3.4 Is Gundam 00 good for beginners?

Yes, Gundam 00 kits, especially in High Grade, are beginner-friendly. They have attractive designs, good articulation, and manageable parts. While some feature more accessories, the build process is still approachable, making them a great choice for anyone starting their beginner gundam model kits collection.

Starting your Gunpla journey doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right Gunpla for beginners, you can enjoy the satisfaction of building your own model without stress or steep learning curves. The kits we’ve highlighted are easy to assemble, affordable, and deliver impressive results that you’ll be proud to display.

Rikuya Takamine

Rikuya Takamine has been writing about Japanese pop culture for over seven years. With a background in media and communications, he covers major TCG releases and collectible figure launches with accuracy and excitement for leading Japanese pop culture platforms.

View articles by Rikuya Takamine