Real Grade Gunpla are impressive because they offer the detailed building experience of larger models in a smaller, 1/144 scale. While this is a great feat of engineering, their intricate designs aren’t ideal for beginners. These kits are best suited for experienced builders who can handle some unique challenges. When built correctly, they can be truly spectacular, but quality varies between different Real Grade models, so it’s helpful to know which ones might cause frustration.
Best RG Gunpla as of 2025
Real Grade Gunpla kits are known for being top quality, but they aren’t always perfect. Some of the most debated kits actually fall into this line. While models like the Hi-Nu and Sazabi are fantastic, others, like the Zeta Gundam and Sinanju, can be really disappointing. Luckily, I’ve built a lot of Real Grade kits and can help you find the best ones, saving you time and frustration.
RG Hi-Nu Gundam
MSRP: $55
It was hard to decide whether to feature the Real Grade Nu or Hi-Nu Gundam, as both are fantastic model kits. Ultimately, the Hi-Nu won out because of its incredible colors and impressive design. Building it really highlights the difference in quality between Real Grade and High Grade kits. The Hi-Nu is packed with detail and cleverly engineered, letting you truly appreciate the artistry of Gunpla.
The Hi-Nu Gundam isn’t just a top-tier Real Grade kit; it’s widely considered one of the best Gunpla models ever created. Any fan of the series should definitely build this kit.
RG Nu Gundam
And just to add to the excitement, we’re including the Nu Gundam! It’s another fantastic Real Grade kit that’s really fun to build, and it’s surprisingly different from the Hi-Nu. What really stood out to me was how tall the Nu Gundam is – it’s much bigger than most 1/144 scale models. It actually towers over many mobile suits from the One Year War era and is closer in size to the Sazabi than the RX-78-2.
The Nu Gundam is a surprisingly stable Real Grade kit. I expected it to need support from an Action Stand when I attached all the fin funnels, but it stands perfectly well on its own, even with the added weight on one side. Like most model kits, you’ll still need a stand for more dramatic poses, but it’s solid enough to display upright without one.
RG RX-78-2 Gundam 2.0
MSRP: $37
The Real Grade series began with the first Grampy Gundam model kit. While the RG RX-78-2 1.0 was impressive when it came out, it started to look dated next to more recent releases. Thankfully, Bandai completely revamped the design to create a new version.
The RG RX-78-2 2.0 is currently the best Gunpla kit in terms of design. It’s a really enjoyable build packed with cool features and incredible detail, making it feel like a miniature version of the Perfect Grade Unleashed Gundam. It pushes the boundaries of what’s possible at the 1/144 scale. While there are a few tiny, fiddly parts (specifically around the knee joints), this kit is a must-have for any Gunpla enthusiast.
RG Sazabi
MSRP: $55
The RG Sazabi is another standout model in Bandai’s 1/144 line. It’s the first Real Grade kit to come in a larger, more substantial box, and it’s impressively large. Bandai seems to have listened to feedback from the Sinaju kit, and like the Tallgeese, it moves away from the ‘Advanced MS Joint’ system. This results in a more solid and custom-feeling build.
The Sazabi is a large kit with many details, but it’s surprisingly easy to pose and move around. If you enjoy creating action-packed scenes, you’ll be very happy with it. It’s a great choice if you’re experienced with Real Grade kits and want to try a bigger, more detailed model while staying with the 1/144 scale. Simply put, it’s a fantastic model that all Gunpla fans should consider adding to their collection – and like many on this list, it’s a truly excellent kit.
RG Tallgeese EW
MSRP: $27
The Real Grade Tallgeese EW was a game-changer for the line, and the quality of most kits released since then has been consistently high. Unlike earlier Real Grades that used a complex “Advanced MS Joint” system, the Tallgeese was built using a construction style similar to Master Grade kits, resulting in a more solid and stable finished model.
The Tallgeese has a fantastic design, and the Real Grade model kit captures it beautifully with very little work. Simple panel lining really makes it pop, and it looks great whether you add stickers or not. Plus, the verniers are incredibly detailed. I highly recommend this kit – it’s a great value and perfect for anyone new to Real Grade models.
RG Zeong
MSRP: $66
The RG Zeong is a mobile suit that some fans dislike, but I’ve included it on this list for a couple of important reasons.
- It’s an entirely unique build.
- It has excellent engineering and construction.
The Real Grade Zeong is a huge improvement over its older High Grade counterpart. It’s packed with impressive detail, though much of it is covered by its armor. A closer look at the model’s thruster area reveals the dedication put into its design – it features a wealth of verniers and gimbals that are thankfully sturdy and don’t fall off easily.
The main drawback of the RG Zeong is that you have to carefully pose it to really appreciate all its intricate details. Some builders might find it frustrating that it looks best with its back end raised, but thankfully it has several connection points that make posing it easier.
I’m really disappointed that P-Bandai didn’t release a Perfect Zeong expansion set. I just want to be able to give my Zeong model some legs!
Real Grade Gunpla to Avoid
This part covers Real Grade Gunpla kits that many builders might find challenging. They’re not necessarily bad kits, but if you prefer a simpler building experience without extra effort, it’s best to avoid them.
RG Sinanju
The Real Grade Sinanju is well-known among Gunpla builders as one of the weaker kits in the series. The problem stems from the fact that it was built using the frame from the Gundam MK II Advanced MS Joint, which doesn’t quite fit the Sinanju’s larger, more imposing design. Specifically, the waist area is fragile, and parts are likely to fall off if you pose it dynamically.
Despite its flaws, this kit isn’t a total loss. Luckily, there are ways to fix the waist issues yourself or with parts from other sources. Plus, if you’re a builder who prefers to pose your Gunpla just once for display, these issues won’t be a big problem.
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2025-09-25 03:39