Three LEGO NINJAGO sets to get you started in the theme
LEGO NINJAGO is an expensive theme but you don’t have to know everything to get started with these three great starter NINJAGO sets.
With nearly 13 years of episodes, books, models and more to digest, you’d be forgiven for knowing your Nya from your Arin in LEGO NINJAGO and while the theme has undergone a soft reboot for Dragons Rising, there’s still a lot to take in to get started.
To make this task easier, we’ve picked out a few of the latest LEGO NINJAGO models that are ideal for non-NINJAGO enthusiasts looking to get started with the theme. They arguably have more universal appeal than other sets in the theme, thanks in part to their size, pieces and unique minifigures.
The smallest set in our selection is 71818 Tournament Battle Arena as an affordable starter set for non-NINJAGO enthusiasts. While the context of the model and its minifigures may be confusing, you don’t need to know anything about NINJAGO to enjoy 71818 Tournament Battle Arena.
The set’s contents include six characters, three of which are entirely exclusive to this set. The model and minifigures all feature some enticing new parts for NINJAGO and non-NINJAGO fans alike to use elsewhere, including a miniature dragon, a green version of Storm’s Mohawk from the second series of Marvel minifigures.
We’d also note that the green-haired minifigure is a new version of Tox, who initially shared the same design as Toxikita from the retired Ultra Agents theme. It’s useful in case you want a blast of nostalgia in a small and affordable package.
As well as its characters, two of the most important aspects of NINJAGO since its beginning have been sizable mechs and dragons and just as the theme and its audience have grown older, the sets for mechs and dragons have become more challenging and detailed.
For mechs, older newcomers to the theme will be well served with 71821 Cole’s Titan Dragon Mech. This is the biggest LEGO NINJAGO mech by height ever designed and certainly the most versatile and detailed. It has plenty of moving parts for dozens of poses, including joints at the knees and elbows while remaining stable in all areas.
It also features the new blade piece from the LEGO Dune set, for those who are curious about the new part but not interested in the Dune build. 71821 Cole’s Titan Dragon Mech only has one minifigure but it features an anime-inspired design the likes of which NINJAGO has never seen before.
As well as the biggest mech, LEGO NINJAGO is also debuting its biggest dragon this year in the form of 71822 Source Dragon of Motion. It would be a strong start for any new NINJAGO fan and 71822 Source Dragon of Motion specifically compares well with the detailed dragon from the recent LEGO Ideas Dungeons & Dragons set.
The new dragon also features a throne build to place on the dragon’s back with a wolf-head design that might remind you of the retired Legends of Chima. The set also features six of the new small dragon elements to cross that fresh piece off your list.
All three new NINJAGO sets are available now but you can save 20% on the trio at GAME right now with discounts of up to £26 to score at the retailer. Whether you’re a longtime LEGO NINJAGO enthusiast or new to the theme, it’s still fairly early in Dragons Rising’s lifespan if you want to join in on the fun.
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Author Profile
- LEGO has been a part of my life ever since I was young. It all started when my brother passed down 7657 AT-ST to me. It’s guided me through my early years, through school and eventually through my degree in journalism. I still have all my collection proudly on display, including my many NINJAGO sets, my favourite of all the LEGO Group’s themes. Outside of Brick Fanatics I am an avid gamer and enjoy a good game of Dungeons & Dragons.
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