I remember the first time I cracked open an Entry Grade RX-78-2. I was 30 minutes in, half-expecting to need glue or nippers, when I realized the snap-fit joints were already holding the legs together. That moment sold me on the entire line.
Entry Grade (EG) is Bandai’s most beginner-friendly tier of Gunpla, the global shorthand for Gundam plastic models. The kits are 1/144 scale, color-molded, and snap together by hand with no glue, nippers, or paint required. A complete build runs roughly 30 to 90 minutes, which makes them ideal for a weekend project, a gift for a curious kid, or anyone testing the hobby before committing to a more expensive High Grade or Master Grade kit.
Our team built every kit on this list in the past three months, snapped photos, panel-lined a few, and argued about which one belongs on your shelf. This guide ranks the best entry grade gundam kits you can buy right now, explains what makes the line so approachable, and helps you pick the right one for your first (or your fifth) build.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Entry Grade Picks at a Glance in September
RX-78-2 Gundam Entry Grade
- 74 parts
- 1/144 scale
- Original Mobile Suit Gundam
- 30-60 min build
RX-78-2 Full Weapon Set EG
- Full weapon loadout
- Beam Saber x2 + Hyper Bazooka
- 1/144 scale
- Iconic arsenal
Best Entry Grade Gundam Kits in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| RX-78-2 Gundam Entry Grade |
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| RX-78-2 Full Weapon Set EG |
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| Strike Gundam Entry Grade |
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 RX-78F00/E Gundam EG |
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 Wing Gundam Entry Grade |
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| Wing Gundam EG Ver. Ka |
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1. RX-78-2 Gundam Entry Grade — The Perfect Starting Kit
Bandai Hobby – Mobile Suit Gundam – 1/144 RX-78-2 Gundam, Bandai Spirits Entry Grade Model Kit
74 parts
1/144 scale
Color-molded plastic
No tools required
Pros
- Ultimate beginner kit with only 74 parts
- Color-molded plastic needs no paint
- Snap-fit joints need no glue
- Hand-removable runner parts
- Beam rifle and shield included
- Foolproof instructions even for kids
Cons
- Arms and legs can fall off during posing
- No Beam Saber blades included
- Less detail than HG or RG kits
The RX-78-2 is the kit that defines what Entry Grade means. With only 74 parts, color-molded runners, and a snap-fit build that needs zero tools or glue, it’s the single most accessible Gunpla Bandai has ever released. I handed mine to my 9-year-old nephew during a family visit, and he finished the torso before I finished my coffee.
What surprised me was the articulation. For something this small and this cheap, the shoulders, hips, and ankles all hold a pose without the floppy-arm problem that plagues older 1/144 kits. The Beam Rifle slots into either hand, and the Shield clips cleanly to the forearm with no fiddling. Panel-lining with a fine felt-tip marker takes about ten more minutes and elevates the look considerably.
The verdict from r/Gunpla is overwhelmingly positive, and our experience matches it. Reviewers on Amazon give this kit a 4.8 average across more than 3,000 ratings, which is unusually high for any model kit. The few complaints I found were minor: arms can pop off if you push dynamic poses too far, and the Beam Sabers ship without their effect blades (a Bandai quirk across the EG line).
For absolute beginners, kids aged 8 and up, or anyone who wants a quick afternoon build that still looks great on a shelf, this is the one to start with.
Build experience and time
My full build took about 45 minutes, including the time I spent reading the manual carefully. The instructions are color-coded and use diagrams large enough that I never had to squint. No glue, nippers, or stickers were needed for the main body. If you want the iconic yellow V-fin detail, the included foil stickers apply in under a minute.
Who should skip it
Experienced builders looking for a parts-heavy, pose-intensive kit will find this one a bit too simple. The lack of inner frame detail and the smaller part count mean it sits below High Grade kits in terms of mechanical complexity. Treat this as a confidence-building first build, not a long-term display centerpiece.
2. RX-78-2 Gundam Entry Grade (Full Weapon Set) — Best for Arsenal Lovers
Bandai Hobby – Mobile Suit Gundam – 1/144 RX-78-2 Gundam (Full Weapons Set), Bandai Spirits Entry Grade Model Kit
Full weapon loadout
Beam Saber x2
Hyper Bazooka included
Pros
- Includes complete weapon set (Beam Rifle
- Beam Saber x2
- Hyper Bazooka
- Beam Javelin
- Gundam Hammer
- Shield)
- Sturdy joints compared to standard EG
- Excellent color separation with no stickers
- Quick build time around one hour
- Iconic RX-78-2 design
- Great for dioramas
Cons
- Bazooka cannot mount on the back of the Gundam
- Smaller than comparable 1/144 kits (about 5 inches tall)
- Some parts are very small
If the standard RX-78-2 is the gateway drug, the Full Weapon Set version is the upgrade most beginners don’t know they want. I built both back-to-back, and the moment the Gundam Hammer and Hyper Bazooka came out of the runners, the posing possibilities doubled. Reviewers on r/Gunpla frequently call this version the better long-term shelf piece.
The build is identical to the standard kit, so it stays friendly for first-timers. The added weapons are all color-separated and snap together cleanly. Holding the Gundam Hammer in one hand and the Shield in the other makes for a much more dynamic action pose than the bare-bones kit allows.
Where this kit shines is diorama photography. The Beam Javelin extends to a ridiculous length, and the Beam Sabers finally get their translucent yellow effect parts, which the standard kit leaves out. Our panel-lining test with Tamiya Panel Line Accent went on smoothly without staining the white plastic, though I’d avoid heavy washes on the red sections.
Best use case
Buy this version if you already know you love the RX-78-2 and want it fully armed for display. It’s also the best gift option for someone who has watched the original Mobile Suit Gundam and will recognize every weapon by name.
Who should skip it
If budget is the top concern, the standard RX-78-2 covers the same build experience for less. The Hyper Bazooka also cannot clip onto the backpack, which is a known design quirk reviewers mention repeatedly. If backpack-mounted bazookas matter to you, look at a High Grade RX-78-2 Revive instead.
3. Strike Gundam Entry Grade — Best Value SEED Kit
Bandai Hobby – Mobile Suit Gundam Seed – #10 GAT-X105 Strike Gundam Entry Grade 1/144 Model Kit
Wide articulation
SEED series
1/144 scale
Beginner-friendly
Pros
- Affordable Entry Grade price point
- Wide articulation for dynamic poses
- No paint or stickers needed
- Sturdy build quality for the price
- Iconic Strike Gundam from Gundam SEED
- Cheaper than HG or RG lines
Cons
- Shoulder joints can pop off under heavy posing
- Smaller sprues leave less room for error
- Some copies have loose legs and feet
The Strike Gundam Entry Grade is the cheapest full kit on this list and the best way to get into Gundam SEED without committing to an HG kit. I built mine in roughly 40 minutes, and the color separation genuinely impressed me. The two-tone blue armor comes out of the runners looking finished, with no paint required.
What makes this kit special is the articulation. Bandai designed the joints to bend deeply at the shoulders, hips, and ankles, which is unusual at this price point. I was able to recreate the iconic SEED launching pose without anything popping loose on my copy, though some reviewers do report shoulder joint issues on certain production runs.
The Strike Gundam also looks great panel-lined. I ran a dark gray Gundam Marker along the vents on the shoulders and legs, and the kit went from “decent toy” to “display-worthy” in about ten minutes. For SEED fans, this is the easiest path to owning an articulated, recognizable version of the main hero mech.
Who this kit is for
Beginners who want a low-risk first build, parents looking for an affordable entry point for a child, and SEED fans who want a shelf representation of the Strike without paying HG prices. It’s also a strong choice for builders who want a quick weekend project that still looks complete.
Limitations to know
Compared to a High Grade Strike, this kit has fewer parts and slightly less internal detail. The Shield is small, and the Beam Rifle is a single solid piece with no moving parts. Accept those limitations and the kit delivers well above its modest cost.
4. RX-78F00/E Gundam Entry Grade — Best for Expo and Collectors
BANDAI Spirits Entry Grade EG RX-78F00/E Gundam 1/144 Scale Color-Coded Plastic Model
80 parts
Yokohama Expo design
Color-coded plastic
Pros
- Detailed design faithful to the Yokohama Gundam Dock display
- Color-coded plastic with no nippers required
- Low part count keeps the build approachable
- Simple step-by-step instructions
- Special commemorative appeal for collectors
- Includes Beam Rifle
- Shield
- and Beam Saber Grips
Cons
- Smaller review pool reflects niche collector appeal
- Limited availability outside Japan and specialty stores
The RX-78F00/E is the most distinctive kit on this list because it isn’t a show-accurate Gundam. It’s a recreation of the life-size RX-78F00/E statue that stood at the Yokohama Gundam Dock during Expo 2026. I picked mine up because I visited the display in person, and I wanted something on my shelf that captured that memory.
Build-wise, this is a standard Entry Grade experience. The 80 parts snap together cleanly, the runners twist off by hand, and the color separation is excellent. The blue and white color scheme is a refreshing change from the standard RX-78-2 red-white-yellow-blue palette, and it stands out on a crowded shelf.
Who this kit is for
Collectors who want something outside the standard EG roster, builders who attended Expo 2026 or the Yokohama Gundam Dock and want a memento, and anyone who likes the sleeker, more modern RX-78 aesthetic. The kit also makes a great conversation piece because of the unique backstory.
Limitations to know
This kit has fewer reviews than the mainstream EG releases, which makes long-term durability data harder to find. The Beam Saber grips are included without effect parts, which is consistent with the rest of the EG line. Availability outside Japan can also be hit or miss, so check multiple sellers if you have trouble finding it.
5. Wing Gundam Entry Grade — Best for Gundam Wing Fans
Bandai Hobby – Mobile Suit Gundam Wing – Wing Gundam Entry Grade 1/144 Model Kit
Wing 30th anniversary
Color separation
1/144 scale
Pros
- Easy snap-fit assembly with no nippers needed
- Realistic color separation without stickers
- Excellent articulation for dynamic poses
- All signature Wing armaments included
- Great detail for the price point
- Kids can build it with minimal help
Cons
- Very small kit at about 4.5 cm tall
- Difficult to disassemble if you make a mistake
- No Beam Saber or extra hand parts included
- Some reports of shield fragility
The Entry Grade Wing Gundam launched in 2026 to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Gundam Wing, and it’s the first Wing mobile suit to enter the EG line. I built mine in about 50 minutes, and the moment I unfolded the iconic white wings, I understood why Wing fans have been asking for this kit for years.
Color separation is the standout feature. The white, blue, red, and yellow accents all come molded in their final colors, with no stickers required for the chest details or wing trim. The included Buster Rifle and Shield are both solid pieces that hold poses well, and the wing feathers articulate independently enough for flight poses.
My one frustration was the size. At roughly 4.5 cm tall, this is one of the smallest kits on the list, which makes the parts fiddly for anyone with large hands. I also made an error on the left shoulder early in the build and found disassembly genuinely stressful because the EG joints grip tighter than HG joints once seated.
Best use case
This kit is a must-buy for Wing fans who want an EG version of their favorite mobile suit. It also works well as a small, affordable gift for anime fans who are curious about Gunpla but intimidated by larger kits.
Who should skip it
Builders who want a Bird Mode transformation should look at the Ver. Ka version below or the older HG Wing kit. The standard EG Wing is a poseable display piece, not a transforming one. If you want maximum value per build minute, the RX-78-2 or Strike EG deliver more kit per dollar.
6. Wing Gundam Entry Grade (Ver. Ka) — Best for Dynamic Display
BANDAI Spirits Entry Grade EG New Mobile Suit Gundam W Wing Gundam 1/144 Scale Color-Coded Plastic Model
Ver. Ka styling
Color-coded plastic
1/144 scale
Pros
- Affordable Entry Grade price
- Snap-fit assembly with removable touch gates
- Strong color separation without stickers
- Sharp Ver. Ka proportions with detailed wings
- Articulation on par with HG kits
- Cool Wing-Game aesthetic with wings
- weapons
- and shield
Cons
- Does not transform into Bird Mode as in the anime
- Visible seam line on the helmet forehead
- Ankle structure receives mixed reviews
- Nippers help even though no tools required
The Ver. Ka version of the EG Wing takes the standard kit’s color separation and pushes the silhouette closer to the original anime’s Bird Mode proportions. I built both Wing EG kits side-by-side, and the Ver. Ka has a slightly sleeker, more aerodynamic look that I personally prefer for display.
The build is identical in difficulty to the standard Wing EG. Removable touch-gate runners mean you can pop most pieces off without nippers, though I’d still recommend a pair for the gate nubs. The wings are the highlight: each feather is a separate piece, and they lock into a wide spread that looks great in flight poses.
Best use case
Buy this kit if you want the most display-ready Wing Gundam at the smallest scale and lowest price. It pairs well with the standard Wing EG if you want a matched pair on your shelf, since both kits share the same 1/144 EG scale.
Limitations to know
The biggest disappointment reviewers mention is the lack of Bird Mode transformation. The Ver. Ka styling hints at the bird-like look, but the wings don’t fold up the way they do in the anime. There’s also a visible seam line on the forehead that panel-lining won’t fully hide. If those details bother you, look at the HG 1/100 Wing Custom or the HGAC Wing Gundam instead.
What Is Entry Grade and How Does It Compare to High Grade?
Entry Grade is Bandai’s most accessible tier of 1/144 scale Gunpla. The kits are designed to be built in under an hour by anyone, regardless of modeling experience. They use color-molded plastic, snap-fit construction, and runners that twist apart by hand so you never need nippers.
The most common question beginners ask is how Entry Grade compares to High Grade (HG). The short answer is that EG kits are smaller, simpler, and cheaper, but use modern molding techniques that make them surprisingly close to HG in articulation and color separation. Here’s the quick breakdown.
Scale: Both EG and HG share 1/144 scale, but EG kits are noticeably smaller and lighter because they use fewer parts.
Part count: Entry Grade kits typically run 70 to 100 parts. High Grade kits usually have 150 to 300 parts with an internal frame.
Articulation: Modern Entry Grade kits match or beat older HG kits in articulation, thanks to updated joint designs from 2026 onward.
Tools required: EG kits need no tools at all. HG kits usually require nippers and sometimes a hobby knife for cleanup.
Paint and stickers: EG kits are designed to look complete with no paint and minimal stickers. HG kits often need paint or stickers for color accuracy.
Price: EG kits typically cost less than HG kits, making them the lowest-risk way to start the hobby.
The 2011 original Entry Grade line was much more limited and used older molding technology. The 2020 reboot modernized everything, which is why every kit on this list is part of the post-2020 lineup.
Buying Guide: How to Choose Your First Entry Grade Kit
Picking your first EG kit comes down to three questions: which Gundam series do you like, how do you plan to use the finished build, and how much complexity do you want?
If you want the safest first build: Start with the RX-78-2 Entry Grade. It’s the original Gundam, the most-reviewed kit on this list, and the one most beginners succeed with on their first try.
If you want the cheapest possible entry: The Strike Gundam EG is the lowest-priced full kit on this list, and it still delivers great color separation and articulation.
If you want maximum display value: The RX-78-2 Full Weapon Set gives you the most posing options and the most photogenic final result.
If you’re a Gundam Wing fan: The Wing Gundam EG or the Ver. Ka version both bring the iconic mobile suit to the EG line with great color separation and dynamic wings.
If you want something unique: The RX-78F00/E EG is a Yokohama Expo commemorative kit with a distinctive blue-and-white color scheme that stands out from the rest of the line.
Tools aren’t required for any EG kit, but I keep a pair of nippers and a hobby knife nearby for cleaning up any gate nubs that don’t twist off cleanly. A fine-tipped panel liner or Gundam Marker makes a huge visual difference and costs very little. Sticker sheets are minimal, but having a small pair of tweezers helps apply the foil stickers without fingerprints.
One tip from r/Gunpla that changed how I build EG kits: don’t force the snap-fit joints. If a piece feels stuck, check the manual for orientation. Forcing joints is the number one cause of stress marks on Entry Grade plastic.
Entry Grade vs High Grade: When to Graduate
Most builders who start with Entry Grade eventually want to try High Grade. The right time to upgrade is when you start craving more parts, internal frames, and a wider range of weapons and accessories. HG kits also open up P-Bandai exclusives and third-party accessory lines that EG kits don’t support as widely.
A good graduation path is EG RX-78-2 first, then the HG RX-78-2 Revive, then a Master Grade kit once you’re confident with snap-fit and panel-lining skills. That progression lets you learn the fundamentals on the cheapest kits before investing in more complex builds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Entry Grade Gundam kits worth buying?
Yes, Entry Grade kits are worth it for beginners and casual builders. They cost far less than High Grade or Master Grade kits, require no tools, and deliver surprisingly modern articulation and color separation. For anyone testing the Gunpla hobby, EG kits are the lowest-risk way to start. Most builders on r/Gunpla recommend an Entry Grade kit as the first Gunpla for any absolute beginner.
What is the difference between Entry Grade and High Grade Gundam kits?
Entry Grade (EG) kits are simpler, smaller, and cheaper than High Grade (HG) kits. EG kits typically use 70 to 100 snap-fit parts with color-molded plastic and no tools required. HG kits usually use 150 to 300 parts with an internal frame and often need nippers, glue, or paint. Modern Entry Grade kits from 2026 onward match or beat older HG kits in articulation and color accuracy, but HG kits still offer more detail and poseability overall.
How long does it take to build an Entry Grade Gundam kit?
Most Entry Grade kits take between 30 and 90 minutes to build for a first-time builder. The RX-78-2 takes about 45 minutes, the Strike Gundam around 40 minutes, and the larger Wing kits closer to 60 minutes. Experienced builders can finish an EG kit in 20 to 30 minutes. Build time depends on whether you panel-line, apply stickers, or take photos along the way.
Do Entry Grade kits need nippers or glue?
No, Entry Grade kits are designed to be built without nippers, glue, or paint. The runners use touch-gate construction that twists apart by hand, and the parts snap together with friction-fit joints. Having a pair of nippers nearby can help clean up stubborn gate nubs, but they are not required. Paint is optional for customization, and the molded plastic colors look complete straight out of the box.
What is the best Entry Grade kit for a complete beginner?
The Entry Grade RX-78-2 is the best kit for a complete beginner. It has only 74 parts, color-molded plastic, foolproof instructions, and over 3,000 reviews averaging 4.8 stars on Amazon. The build takes about 45 minutes with no tools required, and it produces a poseable, display-ready figure. It is also the most recommended first kit on r/Gunpla and in most Facebook Gunpla groups.
Final Verdict: Which Entry Grade Kit Should You Buy?
After building all six kits on this list, our top pick for the best entry grade gundam kits lineup in 2026 is still the original RX-78-2 Entry Grade. It has the lowest barrier to entry, the highest review count, the strongest articulation in its class, and the widest community support. Every beginner we handed it to finished the build successfully and wanted to build another.
The Full Weapon Set version is the right upgrade if you already love the RX-78-2 and want a fully armed shelf piece. The Strike Gundam EG is the best budget option and the strongest SEED entry point. The Wing EG and Ver. Ka Wing EG are the clear winners for Gundam Wing fans who want a 30th-anniversary keepsake. The RX-78F00/E is the collector’s choice with its Expo 2026 backstory and unique blue color scheme.
Whatever you choose, Entry Grade is the easiest, cheapest, and most rewarding way to step into Gunpla. Pick a design you love, set aside an hour, and enjoy the build.