The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to EG Gunpla
With Gundam model kits now more widely available in the UK than ever before, you might be wondering: what’s the best Gundam kit for beginners?
That, dear reader, is exactly what Bandai’s Entry Grade (EG) line is made for.
These kits are designed to be simple, satisfying builds – often requiring no glue, no stickers, and not even any tools (though in my experience, you’ll definitely want a pair of nippers to get the best results).
👉 Check out my latest Entry Grade reviews here
…or just keep reading to learn everything you need to know about Entry Grade Gundam kits and why the
What Does Entry Grade Mean in Gunpla?
Bandai grades its Gundam model kits based on complexity, size, and detail:
- Entry Grade (EG): Basic kits for beginners with minimal parts and easy snap-fit assembly.
- High Grade (HG): 1/144 scale kits with more parts, better articulation, and sticker detailing.
- Real Grade (RG): Highly detailed 1/144 kits with complex inner frames and realistic design.
- Master Grade (MG): 1/100 scale kits with inner frames, high articulation, and optional LED units.
- Perfect Grade (PG): Premium 1/60 scale kits with maximum detail, complexity, and articulation.
Entry Grade sits at the very bottom of that scale in terms of complexity, but not necessarily quality. Despite being designed specifically for new gunpla builders, Entry Grade kits have been generally well-regarded as decent 1/144 scale kits that strip things down to the basics: not a huge number of parts, colour separation without stickers, snap-fit design, and no polycaps.
Entry Grade kits are affordable and quick to build – making them absolutely ideal for beginners and younger builders.
Entry Grade Gundam Kits You Can Buy Right Now
The Entry Grade line actually started in 2011, with three-colour kits aimed at emerging markets in Asia. These kits were simple builds with basic articulation and hollowed out limbs, making them well below the standard we’re looking for.
In 2020, Bandai Spirits rebooted the Entry Grade line, and thanks to the quality of the kits generating positive word-of-mouth, it’s gotten bigger and better in the years since.
Here’s the list of Entry Grade Gundam kits available as of October 2025:
- EG RX-78-2 Gundam (read the review)
- EG GAT-X105 Strike Gundam (read the review)
- EG RX-93 ν Nu Gundam (read the review)
- EG 01 Lah Gundam (Gundam Build Metaverse)
- EG 02 Build Strike Exceed Galaxy (Gundam Build Metaverse)
- EG MBF-02 Strike Rouge Gundam
- RX-93ff Nu Gundam
Variant Editions
- EG Entry Grade RX-78-2 Gundam (Full Weapon Set) (read the review)
- EG Entry Grade Strike Gundam (Light Package Ver.)
Coming Soon
Bandai recently announced the latest addition to the EG line: the Wing Gundam, releasing in October 2025. As one of the many who first learned about Gundam through Gundam Wing, I’ve got a lot of anticipation for this kit…
Non-Gundam EGs
Bandai has also released EG kits for properties outside the Gundam line, including Kamen Rider, Ultraman, Naruto, Dragon Ball Super and more. These non-Gundam kits follow the same principles as their mobile suit cousins: low parts count, high colour separation, no tools needed.
That said…
Tools You Might Want
EG kits can *technically* be built without using any tools, it’s true. However I find it a much nicer experience when using a few basic supplies. For example, even though you can break the parts off the runners without using nippers, it isn’t exactly fun on the thumbs.
These tools should sort you out nicely:
- Nippers: Cleaner part separation
- Hobby knife: For trimming off any leftover nubs
- Files: For smoothing and buffing nub marks
The way I see it is that these kits are good for beginners to learn skills and techniques they can apply to more complex models. Whilst reducing the need for tools lowers the barrier to entry (and full props to Bandai for that), even just using the basics will vastly improve your experience and the final results.
Entry Grade vs High Grade: What’s the Difference?
| Feature | Entry Grade (EG) | High Grade (HG) |
| Scale | 1/144 | 1/144, 1/100 |
| Build Time | ~30 mins-1 hour | ~2-4 hours |
| Parts Count | Low | Medium |
| Stickers | Rarely included | Often included |
| Price | £10-12 | £13-30 |
| Articulation | Basic | More advanced |
HG kits offer more detail and poseability, but they also demand more time and care.
To me it makes sense to start with an Entry Grade Gundam kit and work your way up to a High Grade kit once you’ve got a better idea of what you’re doing, but hey – your mileage may vary.
Where to Buy Entry Grade Gundam Kits
As Robotic Drift HQ is based in the UK, these are the only suppliers I can recommend from first-hand experience:
Keep an eye out for shipping costs and customs fees when ordering from abroad (customs fees have stung me on a HLJ order before). That said EG kits are light and cheap, so they’re usually safe buys even with international shipping.
Finally, if you fancy being able to walk into a real shop and actually hold something in your hand before making a purchase (what is this, the 2000s?) then check out your local Hobbycraft.
Final Thoughts: Are Entry Grade Gundams Worth It?
At this point I’ve got five of the kits, so you might say I’m a little biased. Either way, are EG Gundam kits worth picking up? Absolutely.
Entry Grade kits are the most accessible, no-stress way to experience the joy of Gunpla. They’re cheap, so you don’t need to sweat the fact that you’re just getting to grips with the process. They’re fast to build, which means you can get the satisfaction of completing a kit from start to finish in just a few hours. And if you’re a fan of the Gundam media, it’s a great way to get hands-on and engage with your favourite mobile suit.
(I mean, I say that and yet we’re still waiting for an EG RTX-65 Guntank, so what do I know?)
Whether you’re totally new to the hobby or just want a quick build without committing to a big project, Entry Grade Gundams are the way to go.
