Top 12+ best HG Gundam kits models from classic to new releases 2025

Japan Figure is your go-to source for collecting the best HG Gundam kits. Whether you're a seasoned builder or just starting, this comprehensive guide covers iconic and new releases for 2025. Discover what makes these kits special and why they deserve a place in your collection.

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1. What are HG Gundam kits? Why are they the perfect choice for your collection?

HG stands for High Grade, referring to 1/144-scale model kits that balance quality, affordability, and buildability. These kits feature molded color separation, easy snap-fit assembly, and good articulation, making them ideal for a range of modelers, from newcomers to experts.

Main benefits:

• Affordability: Prices typically range from $15–30, letting you build a diverse collection without breaking the bank.
• Variety: With constant releases across Gundam’s many series, there’s always something new to add.
• Easy Customization: Smooth, even surfaces and clear panel lines make painting or sanding simple.
• Availability: Widely stocked in hobby stores and online worldwide, including Japan Figure.

Overall, HG Gundam kits are perfect for starting your hobby or expanding your display with minimal investment and effort.

2. Top 12+ best HG Gundam kits from classic to new releases in 2025

With decades of creativity and engineering behind them, HG Gundam kits have evolved to capture both nostalgic classics and fresh innovations. In this curated HG Gundam list, we’ve included fan favorites, iconic designs, and exciting 2025 debuts that showcase the best of what High Grade has to offer. 

1. Bandai HG(215) 1/144 HGUC AMS-123X-X Moon
2. Bandai HG 1/144 Gundam Calibarn
3. HGUC 1/144 #210 RX-79 Ground Gundam Type
4. Bandai HG 1/144 Police Zaku
5. Bandai Gundam RFV Gunpla HG 1-144 Model Kit
6. HGUC RX-78-2 Gundam
7. Bandai HG Gundam Aerial Palmetto Score Six 1/144 Model Kit
8. HGUC RX-0 Unicorn Gundam 1/144
9. Bandai 1/144 HG Darilbalde
10. Bandai Gundam Wing Leo 1/144
11. Bandai 1/144 HG Michaelis
    
12. HG 1/144 Gundam Barbatos Lupus Model Kit

2.1. Bandai HG(215) 1/144 HGUC AMS-123X-X Moon

The HGUC Moon Gundam debuted in Mobile Suit Gundam Moon, capturing fan hearts with its mysterious aesthetic and lunar themes.

This kit excels in articulation, especially around the arms and waist. It includes a detachable beam scythe and satellite cannon for dynamic posing. Color separation is impressive, with pre-colored parts minimizing the need for paint.

• Scale: 1/144
• Release Date: June 2025
• Price Range: $25–30
• Difficulty Level: Intermediate
• Accessories: Beam scythe, satellite cannon, display stand

2.2. Bandai HG 1/144 Gundam Calibarn

The HG Calibarn Gundam appears in Mobile Suit Gundam Calibarn, known for its sleek framing and glowing energy cores.

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This kit features translucent parts to simulate energy effects. It includes adjustable beam saber blades and thruster units to mimic its anime agility. The inner frame is well-detailed, offering next-level realism at HG price.

• Scale: 1/144
• Release Date: March 2025
• Price Range: $28–33
• Difficulty Level: Intermediate–Advanced
• Accessories: Twin beam sabers, effect parts, boosters

2.3. HGUC 1/144 #210 RX-79 Ground Gundam Type

From Mobile Suit Gundam: The 08th MS Team, the Ground Gundam is a rugged workhorse known for ground combat.

This kit has sturdy engineering, sturdy armor plating, and detailed cockpit internals. It includes heavy armament like a bazooka and Gatling shield plus optional parts. The model is ideal for diorama builders.

• Scale: 1/144
• Release Date: Reissued September 2024
• Price Range: $20–25
• Difficulty Level: Beginner–Intermediate
• Accessories: Bazooka, beam rifle, shield, extra ammo drum

2.4. Bandai HG 1/144 Police Zaku

A fan-favorite alternate-universe MS from pig-gritty street scenes, the Police Zaku has become iconic for its riot police colors.

This kit uses bold color inserts and optional riot shields. It includes a heat hawk, baton, and riot shield for dynamic display options. The build is straightforward for beginners.

• Scale: 1/144
• Release Date: January 2025
• Price Range: $18–22
• Difficulty Level: Beginner
• Accessories: Heat hawk, baton, riot shield

2.5. Bandai Gundam RFV Gunpla HG 1/144 Model Kit

This special release from Mobile Suit Gundam celebrates the Rocket Fired Vehicle (RFV), widely used in early Universal Century scenes.
It has a modular design with interchangeable launcher parts and foldable frames. Includes clear parts and acrylic display stand. Great for collectors seeking unique prototypes.

• Scale: 1/144
• Release Date: April 2025
• Price Range: $30–35
• Difficulty Level: Intermediate
• Accessories: RF launcher, multiple display config parts

2.6. HGUC RX-78-2 Gundam

The original Gundam from 1979’s Mobile Suit Gundam. It needs no introduction; it's the kit that started it all.

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Modern redesign with improved articulation and feet soles. Comes with beam rifle, shield, beam saber, and effect parts. Solid color separation means out-of-box display.

• Scale: 1/144
• Release Date: Reissued February 2025
• Price Range: $22–28
• Difficulty Level: Beginner–Intermediate
• Accessories: Beam rifle, shield, beam sabers, effect parts

2.7. Bandai HG Gundam Aerial Palmetto Score Six 1/144 Model Kit

Featured in Gundam Build Divers Palmetto, this kit captures the series’ mix of custom designs and battle ingenuity.

Includes layered armor and clear wing blades. Offers wide articulation and multiple hand parts for varied poses. Also comes with scoring effect parts to represent its unique Palmetto battle system.

• Scale: 1/144
• Release Date: July 2025
• Price Range: $26–32
• Difficulty Level: Intermediate
• Accessories: Score six effects, hand parts, and display stand

2.8 HGUC RX-0 Unicorn Gundam 1/144

The high grade Gundam Unicorn is a staple in many collections thanks to its sleek design and transformation between Unicorn and Destroy Mode. Even at HG scale, this kit manages to capture the iconic look of the mobile suit, complete with excellent color separation.

Builders often highlight how satisfying it is to pose this kit, particularly with its long beam magnum and shield accessories. If you’re a fan of the Gundam Unicorn series, this kit is practically mandatory.

• Scale: 1/144
• Release Date: November 2009
• Price Range: $25–$40
• Difficulty Level: Medium
• Accessories: Long beam magnum, shield, transformation parts (Unicorn ↔ Destroy Mode)

2.9 Bandai 1/144 HG Darilbalde

The Darilbalde is another star from The Witch from Mercury. With its sleek crimson armor and unique scythe-like weapon, it offers a bold alternative to traditional Gundam designs. The kit is sturdy and stable, making it enjoyable for both building and posing.

Collectors love the intimidating aura it brings to a lineup of HG kits. Its color separation is excellent, meaning it looks great even without paint.

• Scale: 1/144
• Release Date: December 2022
• Price Range: $26–$35
• Difficulty Level: Relatively easy/medium
• Accessories: Beam javelin, possibly stand (per spec list)

2.10 Bandai Gundam Wing Leo 1/144

The Wing Leo may look simple compared to Gundam protagonists, but it is beloved for its versatility. Appearing in Gundam Wing as a grunt unit, this kit is inexpensive, easy to assemble, and perfect for diorama builders who want multiple units for battle scenes.

Because of its affordability, many fans collect several Leos to create squad formations or replicate scenes from the anime.

• Scale: 1/144
• Release Date: May 2018
• Price Range: ~$17–$28
• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Accessories: Rifle, shield, beam sabers etc.

2.11 Bandai 1/144 HG Michaelis

The Michaelis is a striking mobile suit with futuristic armor and sharp weaponry. Coming from The Witch from Mercury, it offers a clean, stylish design that looks amazing on display.

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This kit is relatively simple but leaves a lot of room for customization, which makes it appealing for hobbyists who enjoy painting or adding personal touches.

• Scale: 1/144
• Release Date: January 2023
• Price Range: ~$22–$31
• Difficulty Level: Easy/medium
• Accessories: Shield x1, joint parts x1, beam saber parts x2, stickers etc.

2.12 HG 1/144 Gundam Barbatos Lupus Model Kit

The Barbatos Lupus from Iron-Blooded Orphans is one of the most aggressive-looking Gundams ever released. With its sharp claws and heavy melee weapons, this HG kit captures the raw energy of the anime’s battles.

Its inner frame and articulation allow for extreme poses, making it a favorite among fans who love dynamic action displays.

• Scale: 1/144
• Release Date: March  2016
• Price Range: ~$11–$25
• Difficulty Level: Medium
• Accessories: Sword-mace, backpack arms/adapters etc.

3. How to choose the best HG Gundam kits for you?

Now that you’ve seen some of the best HG Gundam kits, let’s talk about choosing the right one for your collection. When picking your next HG kit, consider these factors:

Skill level and experience

• Beginners benefit from simpler kits like the RX-78-2 or Police Zaku.
• Intermediate builders can handle kits with translucent parts or extra articulation such as Moon or Calibarn.

Budget & pricing

• Standard HG kits are $20–30.
• Special releases or translucent variants can be $30–35. Set your spending range accordingly.

Anime series preference

• Love Universal Century? Go for Ground Gundam or RX-78-2.
• Prefer alternate timelines? Try Calibarn or Aerial Palmetto Score Six.

Customization & accessories

• Kits like Calibarn and Moon encourage painting and detailing.
• Police Zaku and RFV come with extra gear for dioramas or photography.

Tips for finding special editions

• Join online hobby shops and Japan Figure newsletters for alerts.
• Follow hobby expos like Wonder Festival or Gunpla Expo for limited color variants.
• Browse auction sites and event booths for kit exclusives or metallic variants.

4. FAQs – People also ask about the best HG Gundam kits

From kits to choose between grades, tools, and customization, these expert-answered FAQs help your Gundam journey. Here are answers to common questions about HG kits:

4.1. What is the highest grade Gundam kit?

The highest grade refers to Perfect Grade (PG), which offers 1/60 scale, full inner frames, lighting, and extreme detail, while HG is 1/144 simpler scale.

4.2. Are high grade Gundams worth it?

Yes, HG kits provide a great balance of cost, build time, and display quality, making them an excellent choice even for experienced builders.

4.3. Which is better, HG or MG Gundam?

HG is 1/144 small, affordable, quick builds. MG (Master Grade) is 1/100 with more detail and complexity. Choose HG for variety, MG for depth.

4.4. What is the difference between HG and HGUC?

"HGC" is brand-wide; HGUC is a sub-line focused on Universal Century models like RX-78 and AMS-123X-X Moon. They share the same build grade but UC models align with that timeline’s lore.

4.5. Does HG Gundam need tools?

Basic tools like nippers, hobby knife, and sanding file are recommended for clean builds and trimming sprues. Optional paint or markers enhance color separation but aren’t required.

From classics like the RX-78-2 to new jewels like Moon Gundam and Calibarn, the best HG Gundam kits offer variety, customization, and value. Japan Figure provides easy access to these kits and expert advice, visit now and begin building your next HG masterpiece.