High Grade Gunpla are the most diverse of Bandai’s model lines. So of, the company’s best and worst kits fall under the HG series, and it can be tough to figure out which is which at first glance. While a rule of thumb is that newer kits tend to be better, that’s not always the case. Fortunately, we’ve gathered some of our favorite HG Gunpla below to help you choose.
Best HG Gunpla as of June 2025
The High Grade line of Gunpla has become a catch-all for Bandai’s 1/144 scale models. Both a $10 Guntank and a $100+ behemoth like the Psycho Gundam fall under the HG moniker. So, unlike the other grades, where you generally know what to expect across the line, these Gunpla widely vary in quality and complexity. You’ll find that this is especially true in recent years as some HG kits have approached Real Grade levels of complexity (and price).
The following Gunpla are some of the best High Grade has to offer:
Gundam Calibarn (HGWFM)
MSRP: $27
All of the Witch From Mercury HG kits are excellent, but the Gundam Calibarn tops them. It’s an enjoyable build with minimal frustration, and it comes with some fantastic accessories that enhance the overall experience. I’m also a sucker for its multicolor fin, which is a Gunpla first.
However, like with most High Grades, there is a catch. Calibarn requires some finishing to make it stand out, and that means you’ll have plenty of stickers and panel lining to do, at a bare minimum. Fortunately, it’s an easy kit to get looking great, but not the most beginner-friendly available.
AMS-123X-X Moon Gundam (HGUC)
MSRP: $40
The Moon Gundam is the most obscure mobile suit on our list, but that didn’t deter Bandai from giving it equal treatment to its more popular kits. This High Grade kit looks impressive with its signature Psycho Plate, which can be split into multiple pieces and rearranged into two different configurations. Additionally, Bandai included an Action Base 5, so you can pose the Psycho Plate separately if you choose. Color separation is above average for an HG kit, and no stickers are required. It also doesn’t use polycaps so you don’t have to worry about sloppy joints.
However, the Moon Gundam isn’t a kit you’ll want to just build and place on your shelf. You’ll need to apply extensive panel lining to bring out all the fine, molded details.
RX-78(G)E Gundam EX (HGRFV)
MSRP: $22
The Gundam EX is just a great all-around HG kit. It’s affordable, features details that approach those of a Real Grade, and is a spin on the classic RX-78 design. It sheds the red, white, blue, and yellow of gramps for steel gray and blood red. The color scheme combined with a thinner profile gives it Terminator vibes.
The build process is a blast, and the back-mounted vulcan gimmick, in particular, is very cool. However, it does include some finicky stickers that aren’t the most cooperative. Fortunately, third-party waterslides are available for those who are advanced builders looking for a better-looking alternative that is easier to apply.
MS-06-SSP Police Zaku (HGGQ)
MSRP: $24
The GQuuuuuuX HG Police Zaku got its place on this list because of how radical a departure it is from your typical Gunpla. Its inspiration is immediately evident, but it’s such a wild take on the Zaku that fans won’t want to miss it. I fell in love with the chunky propellant tanks and multiple verniers that give it a more realistic robot vibe than we see in many models.
Unfortunately, the Police Zaku makes extensive use of annoying stickers for its striping. These stickers appear to be made of vinyl, and they won’t be the easiest to apply for beginners. In particular, the arm stripe, which requires precise alignment, was annoying. However, the unique build experience and design, along with the low MSRP, make this kit a must-have for Gunpla fans.
Psycho Gundam Mk. II (HGUC)
MSRP: $110
Bandai isn’t averse to reusing molds to create new models, even years after they were last used. So, fans were surprised to hear that the Psycho Gundam Mk. II would be an entirely new kit (except for the arms, which were created for the Typhoeus Gundam Chimera). The result is a beautiful figure that towers above its 1/144 scale brethren and makes an impressive shelf centerpiece.
Color separation for the HG Psycho Gundam Mk. II is terrific, and the only stickers included are for the eyes and the center of the mega particle cannons. Everything else is molded. It also comes with 10 unfolded bits, 10 folded bits, 12 beam cannon effects parts, and three stands. You have the option to display the kit with the deployed bits or detached hands. Of course, you can also transform it into mobile armor form if you’re so inclined.
