LEGO Star Wars 75361 Spider Tank looks to be an accurate but pricey build

12/07/202312/07/2023 Matt Yeo 4303 Views 1 Comment

Early reviews of the upcoming LEGO Star Wars 75361 Spider Tank reveal that the set is a mostly-accurate build, if a little on the pricey side.

Only one of a handful of LEGO Star Wars sets based around The Mandalorian Season 3, 75361 Spider Tank is due to arrive online and in-stores next month. Fans eager to get their hands on something new from a galaxy far, far away won’t have long to wait to pick up the model, yet it’s one that’s already proving divisive amongst reviewers lucky enough to get their hands on early copies of the set.

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— LEGO Star Wars 75361 Spider Tank set details —

Theme: LEGO Star Wars Set name: 75361 Spider Tank Release: August 1, 2023

Price: £46.99 / $49.99 / €52.99 Pieces: 526 Minifigures: 2

LEGO: Pre-order now

It’s a mostly-accurate build

The Spider Tank was a mysterious mechanical being found lurking deep within the mines of Mandalore on the Disney+ show. A smaller cyborg creature piloted the insectoid vehicle, although it’s one that’s unfortunately missing from 75361 Spider Tank. In fact it appears that the lead time required to create the 526-piece set may have ultimately impacted on the overall final design of the model.

“I presume the designers had access to concept artwork shown at the end of episode 18 when developing this model,” notes Brickset, “as the head has received particular attention. There should be an additional trans-red light on the front, but the angled position, circular hatch on top and fang-like structures underneath each correspond with the source material.”

“The hatch does not actually open though and the head is fixed in place,” Brickset continues, “but the grasping claws on either side are articulated. They can grip a minifigure easily and the ball joints alone provide ample motion, which is fortunate because the arms can swing just a short distance from side to side. Also, the arms decidedly lack texture, represented by the now-common limb element.”

However, BricksFanz praises the design of 75361 Spider Tank’s legs, noting that they’re one of the unexpected highlights of the set. “Two of the limbs are arm-like claws which use the angled plates often used for legs in mechs. The rest of the legs are spread around the body and are connected in such a way as to give them a surprising amount of movement.”

BricksFanz continues, “They are not mounted by clip joints or hinges. Instead, they are attached with rods, pins and rubber connectors. This makes them unexpectedly flexible. It’s difficult to fully show this off but as you can see from the images, they can be freely positioned on uneven surfaces.”

Jay’s Brick Blog reveals a couple of hidden features lurking within 75361 Spider Tank, but also notes the lack of a cyborg pilot. “The bodywork actually hides a secret – a foldaway pair of stud shooters! These are upside-down so the trigger is at the bottom, and you can fire off a pair of trans-green studs.”

“The rest of the model opens up further to reveal an interior of sorts,” the review continues. “complete with brown and dark tan upholstery inside. However, the cyborg one-eyed alien is not included in this set to pilot the vehicle. There is actually enough space inside to accommodate a full minifigure! This makes the exclusion of the cyborg alien even odder. Perhaps you are meant to capture Din Djarin and put him inside?”

Praise for the set’s minifigures

When it comes to the minifigures included with 75361 Spider Tank, the LEGO Star Wars set receives glowing praise from Brickset. “(The Mandalorian’s) metallic silver armour continues to look splendid and I like the reddish brown straps on Din Djarin’s chest, as well as his printed arms. Bo-Katan Kryze is equally detailed, or perhaps even more so!”

“Both minifigures include heads beneath their helmets,” notes Brickset, “but only Bo-Katan comes with her hair element, unfortunately. This piece is new and looks fantastic, in combination with the printed headband underneath.”

BricksFanz also praises the set’s minifigures, stating, “Bo-Katan has also had a design tweak. The armour is a darker colour compared to the previous version and the LEGO Group has really upped their arm printing game as the minifigure also has detail on both arms. Along with her helmet, she has a hairpiece and it’s a different version than previously used and I much prefer it.”

The review also mentions the inclusion of a new Darksaber element, saying, “Thankfully, a new piece is now used along with the standard hilt. It’s a vast improvement and this set features two of them thanks to the extra pieces the set contains.”

Jay’s Brick Blog concurs, mentioning that, “Bo-Katan is an all-new minifigure with new helmet, torso, head, arm, and leg printing, and looks absolutely marvelous. Din Djarin now wields the new Darksaber element (that first appeared in the more expensive 75348 Mandalorian Fang Fighter vs. TIE Interceptor), which looks far better than the previous LEGO versions.”

“Both these figures have printed heads under the helmets,” says the review, “although only Bo-Katan gets a hairpiece since she likes to remove her helmet often. This is the first Bo-Katan minifigure with arm printing, and it really elevates the figure to a higher level of detail.”

Price seems to be a sticking point

However, the price of the LEGO Star Wars set seems to have divided some reviewers, with Brickset noting, “£46.99, $49.99 or €52.99 is expensive for such an enigmatic subject, although the new Bo-Katan minifigure is enticing.”

Brickset goes on to say, “The omission of the cyborg pilot and the cage on the underside are disappointing. These flaws were doubtless outside LEGO’s, but the model feels incomplete without them. Given that price, desirable minifigures are not enough to counterbalance the issues.”

Jay’s Brick Blog follows suit, concluding, “Overall, 75361 Spider Tank is a pretty decent set but is ultimately let down by its price. The Spider Tank also looks good, but sacrifices size in exchange for intricacy, and also lacks the appropriate driver to command the vehicle.”

The review sums up by stating, “$50 just feels like too high of a price for a rather small model, especially considering only 3 figures are included.”

— LEGO Star Wars 75361 Spider Tank summary —

Despite some inaccuracies and the set’s price, BricksFanz seems more upbeat about the model, summing up with, “This is a great set. It offers something new for LEGO Star Wars and the way it’s built is not only fun but results in a unique-looking and moving LEGO set.”

“After the disappointment of the (75360 Yoda’s Jedi Starfighter) set,” says BricksFanz, “75361 Spider Tank has more than redeemed this new wave of (LEGO Star Wars) sets.”

75361 Spider Tank will launch on LEGO.com and in LEGO Stores on August 1 for £46.99 / $49.99 / €52.99 and can be pre-ordered right now.

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Author Profile

Matt Yeo

From video game journalism to kids’ publishing, I’ve been there, seen it, done it and worn the T-shirt. I was also the editor of the first-ever official LEGO magazine way back when, LEGO Adventures. I have a passion for movies, comic books, tech and video games, with a wallet that’s struggling to keep up with my LEGO set wish list.