7 Reasons Why Gundam Models are so Addictive? Is it a Good Hobby?

Building Gundam models is a fun and exciting hobby we can try. I spent an enormous amount of time having fun building model kits. So if you’re looking for reasons to try this hobby, you’re in the right place.

Gundam models are so addictive and fun because they give you a sense of accomplishment. After finishing your models, you will always feel proud because you did your best to make these kits as good-looking as possible. Furthermore, they have a huge variety of models that will suit a person’s taste. That’s why this hobby has a huge following worldwide.

This post will share seven reasons why Gundam models are addictive. Then, I will show you what makes it an excellent hobby to spend in your free time. Lastly, I will share a common rule you can use to not overspend on these models.

Is Building Gundam a Hobby?

Building Gundam models is a hobby that promotes your creativity and fine motor skills. Modelers would always do their best to build their models to something they can be proud of. It also has a huge variety of models to choose from, depending on the modeler’s taste. That’s why Gundam models have a huge worldwide following.

Many of us would remember the Gundam anime on our TV.

Most of us could wonder if we could build these models in real life as we see how cool they look.

The good news is building Gundam models is a fun hobby you can try, and there are many reasons why you should try it.

The truth is, Gundam models are a popular hobby worldwide. Their online communities are also active, with hundreds of thousands of people sharing their builds with other modelers.

Recommended Read: Gundam models are popular. But are they in decline? What is to hobby’s future? I discussed this in another post, which you can read here: Are Gundam Models Popular?

But why are these models fun and addictive? That’s what we will discuss in the next section.

Why is Gunpla so Addictive?

Gunpla is addictive because these models offer a challenge that we find fun and exciting. They have something to offer both for beginner and experienced modelers. Finishing these challenging models can make us feel good since we have created something using our creativity and fine motor skills.

Here are the reasons why Gunpla is addictive.

1. Building Gundam Models is Fun and Exciting

What makes Gundam models fun and exciting is the challenge they give to the modeler. These models have various difficulties, which they separate using grade.

The Super Deformed (SD) and High Grade (HG) models are considered to be easy and perfect for beginners, Real Grade (RG) and Master Grade (MG) are ideal for experienced modelers, and Perfect Grade (PG) models often require a challenge to finish even for experienced modelers.

The fun you experience after finishing a Gundam model kit is why people see this hobby as addicting.

This is also why the Gunpla community on various online platforms such as Facebook and Reddit gets new photos of built kits daily.

People are always proud of something they’ve worked on. So seeing the fruit of our work, in this case, the built model, makes people want to build more models.

However, Gundam models aren’t only fun because of the final product. Gunpla is also fun while we are building these model kits.

People tend to love the intense focus they build while working. Some people call this concept as deep work.

This concentration keeps us away from other things as we only focus on one thing.

From carefully putting and snapping parts together to painting the color we want, the process is fun and exciting from scratch to the end.

These are the reasons why Building Gundam models are fun and exciting.

2. Gundam Models have a Huge Variety Depending on your taste

What makes Gundam Models more addicting is that they have something to offer depending on the person’s preference and skill level.

For example, if you’re a fan of Chibi versions, you will have fun with the Super Deformed (SD) Gundam.

We have the High Grade (HG) models for complete beginners as they are cheaper and easier to build.

Experienced modelers would often go for RG, MG, or PG models.

But that’s not all.

There are more than 2,300 different Gundam models, each with its unique design.

They also release 30-40 new Gundams yearly.

With more than 2,300 models to choose from, you will find one that will suit your taste.

The amount of freedom these varieties give makes it appealing to most people.

There is nothing wrong with whatever model you choose the build, and people would always appreciate your build as they know you did your best in building them. That’s the beauty of building Gundam Model kits.

3. Gundam Models Have Different Difficulties Depending on Your Skill Level

Whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced modeler, Gundam models have different difficulties you can choose from.

As I said, HG and SD models are perfect for beginners since they have fewer parts.

MG and RG are great for experienced modelers as they are more challenging but have more details.

PG models will always give a challenge no matter who the modeler is.

Recommended Read: Do you know all the differences between MG and RG models? Since they offer almost the same difficulty, which should you choose? If you’re interested to know, please check this post: MG vs. RG Gundam Models.

Each of these grades offers a challenge, and it will be fun building something you’ve worked hard on.

Building Gundam models is for everyone as it offers models depending on the person’s skills.

4. Gundam Models are Good Displays

Do you want to build the things you display in your living or bedroom? Then Gundam models are a great choice.

These models can be displayed in your home and will surely get the attention of your visitors.

Be careful though, because these models tend to be very popular for children, and you wouldn’t want these models to be broken because they might play with them.

Other than that, you may buy a display case for your models so children won’t use these displays.

They are also good conversation starters, especially for visitors who love anime.

5. Gundam Models Don’t Require Special Equipment

Gundam Models are great because they don’t usually require special equipment to build.

If you’re a complete beginner, you may start building models with a simple knife to cut the sprues.

Other materials such as hobby knives, glue, sandpaper, nippers, and paint are optional.

While these can make your models look better, they aren’t necessary to build models.

For example, glue can make your models more durable or can make you combine two models with kitbashing.

Kitbashing is a term where you combine two different Gundam models. For example, you may attach wings to a Gundam that doesn’t have one, enhancing its uniqueness.

Painting is another. While you don’t need paint to build models, painting can instantly make your models look better.

These are skills to be built once you’re already experienced with Gundam models.

But if you want to know which among these accessories you should buy first to improve your models instantly, I suggest going for a nipper.

6. Gunpla Models Online Communities are Fun

What multiplies the fun of building Gundam models si sharing them with the community of Gunpla modelers.

Popular online platforms such as Reddit and Facebook have groups with thousands of modelers sharing their build and helping beginner modelers.

After building your kit, try sharing it in these communities. You will see how fun it is to see people sharing how they also built your model, giving you some tips to make it better, and appreciating you sharing your build.

7. Getting Gundam Models is Easy

It is very easy getting into Gundam models as there are many online and offline stores where you can buy them. This makes the hobby accessible to everyone who wants to get them.

Before, we had no choice but to wait on hobby shops to restock so we could choose the Gundam we wanted.

Right now, you can pre-order or even buy these models online.

Many Gundam models can be bought online, and they will come to your doorstep in a few days or weeks.

Of course, rare models are an exemption. But beginners can surely buy these models with ease. Plus, they have a wide variety to choose from thanks to the internet.

Conclusion

With all of these in mind, Gundam models are undoubtedly addictive and fun. It is a great way to spend time and build your creative skills.

People who want more challenges can also opt for complicated models such as the PG models.

However, it is worth noting that everything that is too much is bad. Therefore, we should also moderate our spending habits as these models can get really expensive.

These models are considered to be wants, and make sure that you will only spend your extra cash on these models.

A general rule of thumb is to buy models only after completing one. Do not buy lots of models to the point where you won’t have enough time to finish them.

Aside from this, Gundam model building is an exciting hobby with many benefits. It builds our creativity while giving us something to do rather than waste our time on our phones.

Overall, I would recommend this for people looking for something to do in their homes.