The best Real Grade Gunpla combine the complexity of larger models with the convenience of the 1/144 scale in a marvel of engineering. However, their complex construction isn’t always a good thing. RG Gundam models are for advanced builders who are able to overcome some of the peculiarities of the format. Some of these kits are among the best Gunpla ever made, and piece together in an almost magical way to create an amazing figure. However, not all RGs are created equally, and you’ll want to know which ones to avoid if you want to avoid frustration.

Best RG Gunpla as of 2025

Real Grade Gunpla are supposed to be the best of the best, but that’s not always the case. Some of Bandai’s most controversial kits are part of this lineup. There are amazing kits like the Hi-Nu and Sazabi and absolute disappointments like the Zeta Gundam and the Sinanju. Fortunately, I’ve built a ton of RG models and have figured out some of the best on the market, so you don’t have to deal with the frustration.

Check out our favorite High Grade and Perfect Grade Gunpla!

RG Hi-Nu Gundam

Image Credit: Bandai

MSRP: $55

It was tough choosing between including the Real Grade Nu or Hi-Nu Gundam on this list, as they’re both amazing kits. However, the Hi-Nu won out with its amazing color scheme and striking design. Putting this together makes the difference between Real Grade and High Grade obvious. There’s so much detail on the Hi-Nu, and it goes together in an ingenious way that really helps you to appreciate the engineering behind Gunpla.

The Hi-Nu Gundam isn’t only one of the best RG; it’s one of the best Gunpla ever made. If you’re a fan, this is a must-build kit.

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RG Nu Gundam

Image Credit: Bandai

Just kidding, we’re also adding the Nu Gundam. This is another amazing RG and offers an excellent building experience, which is a lot less similar to the Hi-Nu than you’d think. The one thing that surprised me about this kit is just how tall the Nu Gundam is compared to other 1/144 models. It dwarfs most One Year War mobile suits and is a lot closer in stature to the Sazabi than the RX-78-2.

Unlike some of the older Real Grade kits, the Nu Gundam is solid. When I put that big stack of fin funnels on its back, I was prepared to have to use an Action Stand to brace the model. Surprisingly, despite the extra weight on the left side of its back, the Nu has no issues standing up by itself. Of course, you’ll need a stand if you want to bend the model into any dynamic poses, but that’s the case with most kits.

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RG RX-78-2 Gundam 2.0

Image Credit: Bandai

MSRP: $37

The Real Grade line premiered with the release of the original Grampy Gundam kit. The RG RX-78-2 1.0 was great for its time but really started showing its age compared to newer releases. Fortunately, Bandai went back to the drawing board with a complete redesign.

The RG RX-78-2 2.0 is the current pinnacle of Gunpla design. It’s a fantastically fun build that’s full of gimmicks. It’s so detailed that it feels like a miniature of the Perfect Grade Unleashed Gundam and takes 1/144 scale to the limits. There are very few cons to this kit (I’m looking at you little pieces that fit in the back of the knee joint), and it’s another must-build for Gunpla fans.

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RG Sazabi

Image Credit: Bandai

MSRP: $55

Another pinnacle of Bandai’s 1/144 models is the RG Sazabi. This is the first Real Grade to get the big box treatment, and it’s a chonky boy. Fortunately, Bandai must have heard the complaints about the Sinaju (which is ripe for a 2.0). Like the Tallgeese below, it largely abandons the “Advanced MS Joint” system, resulting in a much more stable and bespoke build.

Despite being a big kit with lots of flaps, gimmicks, and armor, the Sazabi is fairly nimble and surprisingly posable. So, if creating dynamic scenes is your thing, it won’t disappoint. If you’ve built a few Real Grade kits and want to move on to something a bit bigger but want to stick to 1/144 scale, this is the ticket. It’s a marvelous model that every Gunpla lover should have in their collection (I know I say this a lot in the list, but these are all excellent kits).

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RG Tallgeese EW

Image Credit: Bandai

MSRP: $27

The RG Tallgeese EW marked a turning point for the Real Grade line, and most kits released after range from good to excellent in quality. For the Tallgeese, Bandai decided to ditch the “Advanced MS Joint” construction that RGs were known for almost entirely. Instead, this kit builds up more like a Master Grade, which makes for more stable results.

I love the design of the Tallgeese, and the RG version of it shines with minimal effort. A little panel lining goes a long way here, and it looks great with or without decals. Also, the verniers are amazing. I recommend this affordable kit for anyone looking to build their first Real Grade model.

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RG Zeong

Image Credit: Bandai

MSRP: $66

The RG Zeong might be a controversial pick for this list. Many fans aren’t crazy about the design, but I had to include it for two reasons:

It’s an entirely unique build.

It has excellent engineering and construction.

The Real Grade Zeong might be the greatest glow-up compared to its High Grade version. It features incredible detail, most of which is unfortunately hidden under the armor skirts. When you look at the RG Zeong’s nethers, it’s easy to see just how much love went into designing this model. There are verniers and gimbals galore, and the best thing about them is that they don’t randomly pop off whenever you touch them.

The biggest con about the RG Zeong is that you really need to pose it well if you want to show off all that detail. Some builders will be annoyed that it looks best with its butt in the air, but it does include multiple mounting points, which helps quite a bit.

Unfortunately, there’s no P-Bandai Perfect Zeong expansion set, which breaks my heart. I just want to give my beautiful cyclops some legs.

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Real Grade Gunpla to Avoid

This section is where we’ll add the Real Grade Gunpla most builders will want to avoid. These aren’t absolutely terrible (for the most part), but if you’re someone who doesn’t want to put in extra work on a kit, stay clear.

RG Sinanju

The Real Grade Sinanju is renowned throughout the Gunpla community for being one of the most inferior models in the line. The main issue the kit has is that Bandai built it on top of the Gundam MK II Advanced MS Joint frame. Unfortunately, it doesn’t carry the bulk that the Sinanju design brings well. In particular, the waist has issues, and pieces will almost assuredly fall off if you’re overzealous with your posing.

Two things save this kit, though. There are both DIY and third-party fixes for the issues with the waist. Additionally, if you’re a builder who likes to pose their Gunpla once and put them up for display, it’ll be fine.

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