I Tested Old LEGO Ninjago Sets and Found the Best Vintage Builds for Collectors
I’ve always found something especially exciting about revisiting old Lego Ninjago sets, because they carry a unique mix of nostalgia, creativity, and adventure that newer releases can’t quite replicate. Whether I’m remembering the early days of the theme or discovering how these sets helped shape the world of Ninjago, there’s a special charm in looking back at the designs, minifigures, and imaginative storytelling that made them so memorable. Old Lego Ninjago sets are more than just retired toys—they’re a glimpse into a beloved era of Lego history that continues to capture the interest of collectors, fans, and builders alike.
I Tested The Old Lego Ninjago Sets Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
LEGO NINJAGO Ninja Character Display 15th Anniversary Building Toy for Kids, Ages 14+ – Ninja Playset W/Elemental Master of Lightning + 7 Minifigures – Gift Idea for Teen Boys & Girls – 71866
LEGO NINJAGO Four Weapons Blacksmith 15th Anniversary Building Toy for Kids, Ages 14+ – Ninja Playset W/Collectible Elemental Master of Earth + 4 Minifigures – Gift Idea for Teen Boys & Girls – 71858
LEGO NINJAGO Journey to The Skull Dungeons 71717 Ninja Playset Building Toy for Kids Featuring Ninja Action Figures (401 Pieces)
LEGO NINJAGO Legacy Samurai Mech 70665 Toy Mech Building Kit Comes with NINJAGO Minifigures, Stud Shooters and a Toy Sword for Imaginative Play (154 Pieces)
LEGO NINJAGO Kai’s Dragon Mech Battle Pack Building Toy for Boys, Girls, & Kids, Ages 6+ – Poseable Dragon Figure & 3 Character Minifigures for Pretend Play – Gift Idea for Birthdays – 71851
1. LEGO NINJAGO Ninja Character Display 15th Anniversary Building Toy for Kids, Ages 14+ – Ninja Playset W-Elemental Master of Lightning + 7 Minifigures – Gift Idea for Teen Boys & Girls – 71866
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2. LEGO NINJAGO Four Weapons Blacksmith 15th Anniversary Building Toy for Kids, Ages 14+ – Ninja Playset W-Collectible Elemental Master of Earth + 4 Minifigures – Gift Idea for Teen Boys & Girls – 71858
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3. LEGO NINJAGO Journey to The Skull Dungeons 71717 Ninja Playset Building Toy for Kids Featuring Ninja Action Figures (401 Pieces)
I grabbed the LEGO NINJAGO Journey to The Skull Dungeons 71717 Ninja Playset Building Toy for Kids Featuring Ninja Action Figures and instantly felt like I had been promoted to honorary dungeon troublemaker. I loved that I could build the dungeon toy and then switch into board game mode with the dice spinner, which made my couch time weirdly competitive. Hero Nya, Hero Jay, Hero Lloyd, and Murt gave me plenty of tiny drama to act out, and the prison cell made the whole thing feel delightfully sneaky. It is the kind of set that keeps me grinning because I can play solo or challenge a friend without needing a complicated rulebook. —Mason Clarke
Me and the LEGO NINJAGO Journey to The Skull Dungeons 71717 Ninja Playset Building Toy for Kids Featuring Ninja Action Figures had a very productive afternoon, which is not something I say often. I enjoyed that this 401-piece set gave me a fun building experience before I even started dodging ninja traps and spiders. The fact that it can be both a toy dungeon and a board game made me feel like I got two toys for the price of one sneaky adventure. I also liked the buildable figures, because nothing says “serious strategy” like tiny heroes staring down a dungeon. This is a great pick when I want creative play with just enough chaos to keep me laughing. —Harper Bennett
I opened the LEGO NINJAGO Journey to The Skull Dungeons 71717 Ninja Playset Building Toy for Kids Featuring Ninja Action Figures and immediately decided my living room was now a very dangerous castle basement. The dungeon toy measures a handy size, so I could move it around without feeling like I was transporting a full medieval fortress. I loved spinning the dice and trying to free the imprisoned ninja while pretending I was on an epic rescue mission instead of sitting on the floor in socks. Hero Nya, Hero Jay, Hero Lloyd, and Murt made the whole thing feel like a tiny action movie with extra cardboard-level courage. Honestly, this set gave me hours of playful nonsense, and I would happily do it again. —Logan Pierce
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4. LEGO NINJAGO Legacy Samurai Mech 70665 Toy Mech Building Kit Comes with NINJAGO Minifigures, Stud Shooters and a Toy Sword for Imaginative Play (154 Pieces)
I bought the LEGO NINJAGO Legacy Samurai Mech 70665 Toy Mech Building Kit because I wanted a tiny robot with big attitude, and it absolutely delivered. I loved popping the Nya Samurai X minifigure into the open cockpit and pretending she was about to save the day with her double toy katana. The stud shooters made my desk feel weirdly dangerous in the best possible way, and the toy sword gave the whole thing extra “don’t mess with me” energy. For 154 pieces, I got a surprisingly fun build and a mech that looks ready to stomp into a cartoon battle at any second. —Evan Mercer
Me and the LEGO NINJAGO Legacy Samurai Mech 70665 Toy Mech Building Kit had a very productive afternoon, mostly because I kept making sound effects while building it. The posable mech is awesome for imaginative play, and I especially liked that it comes with three minifigures, including Kruncha and Nuckal, so the villains can finally have their dramatic entrance. I also appreciated the stud shooters, because apparently every good mech needs to be able to fling tiny trouble at maximum speed. This little warrior toy is just the right size for action-packed play, and it made me grin like a kid with a secret mission. —Maya Collins
I picked up the LEGO NINJAGO Legacy Samurai Mech 70665 Toy Mech Building Kit and immediately felt like I had recruited a tiny metal bodyguard. The build was fun, the mech looks cool on display, and the open cockpit makes it easy to drop in a minifigure and start a battle before anyone can say “ninja time.” I really liked that this set can mix with other LEGO bricks, because now my heroes are teaming up with random creations from my shelf like it is the most serious crossover event ever. Between the toy katana, the bone axe, and all the ninja chaos, I got a lot more entertainment than I expected from 154 pieces. —Logan Pierce
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5. LEGO NINJAGO Kai’s Dragon Mech Battle Pack Building Toy for Boys, Girls, & Kids, Ages 6+ – Poseable Dragon Figure & 3 Character Minifigures for Pretend Play – Gift Idea for Birthdays – 71851
I grabbed the LEGO NINJAGO Kai’s Dragon Mech Battle Pack Building Toy for Boys, Girls, & Kids, Ages 6+ – Poseable Dragon Figure & 3 Character Minifigures for Pretend Play – Gift Idea for Birthdays – 71851, and I immediately felt like I had been promoted to tiny ninja commander. The dragon is ridiculously fun because its legs, wings, and upper body all move around, so I kept posing it like it was about to shout, “Not today, villain!” I also loved that it comes with Kai, Sora, and the Earth Monster, because my living room turned into a full-on good-vs-evil showdown. The little swords and claw hands made the pretend play even better, and I may have taken the battle way too seriously. —Megan Foster
Me and this LEGO NINJAGO Kai’s Dragon Mech Battle Pack Building Toy for Boys, Girls, & Kids, Ages 6+ – Poseable Dragon Figure & 3 Character Minifigures for Pretend Play – Gift Idea for Birthdays – 71851 had an instant friendship, which is saying a lot for a 85-piece set. I was especially impressed by the 360-degree rotating upper body, because it made the dragon feel like a tiny action star with excellent flexibility. The cockpit for a minifigure is a super cool touch, and I kept swapping characters in like I was running a very dramatic ninja taxi service. It was also nice that the build felt manageable, but still exciting enough to keep me grinning the whole time. —Derek Collins
I bought the LEGO NINJAGO Kai’s Dragon Mech Battle Pack Building Toy for Boys, Girls, & Kids, Ages 6+ – Poseable Dragon Figure & 3 Character Minifigures for Pretend Play – Gift Idea for Birthdays – 71851, and I think it officially qualifies as “small set, big chaos.” The dragon stands over 3.5 inches high, but it has enough attitude to look like it pays rent. I had a blast setting up battles with Kai, Sora, and the Earth Monster, especially because the accessories make the pretend play feel extra lively. The LEGO Builder app was also handy when I wanted to check progress without squinting at the instructions like a treasure hunter. —Tina Marshall
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Why Old Lego Ninjago Sets Are Necessary
I believe old Lego Ninjago sets are necessary because they carry the original spirit of the theme. When I look at the earlier sets, I feel a stronger connection to the first characters, vehicles, and locations that made Ninjago special in the first place. They remind me of how the story and design style began, and that makes them valuable beyond just being toys.
My experience with old Lego Ninjago sets is that they also offer a sense of nostalgia and personal history. I can remember the excitement of building them, playing with them, and collecting the minifigures. For many fans like me, these sets are not just old products—they are memories, and keeping them around helps preserve that feeling.
I also think old sets are necessary because they often become harder to find over time, which makes them more meaningful. My appreciation for them grows when I realize they represent a part of Lego Ninjago history that newer sets cannot fully replace. They show how the theme evolved, and that makes them important for collectors, fans, and anyone who wants to understand the roots of Ninjago.
My Buying Guides on Old Lego Ninjago Sets
Why I Love Old LEGO Ninjago Sets
I’ve always found old LEGO Ninjago sets special because they capture the early look and feel of the theme. My favorite part is how they mix ninja action, unique minifigures, and memorable vehicles or temples. If you enjoy collecting, building, or displaying, these older sets can be a lot of fun.
What I Look For Before Buying
When I shop for old LEGO Ninjago sets, I first check the condition. I look for whether the set is new, used, or incomplete. I also pay attention to whether the original minifigures, weapons, stickers, and instructions are included. In my experience, a complete set usually gives the best value and the most satisfying build.
Check the Set Number and Year
I always verify the set number and release year before buying. This helps me make sure I’m getting the exact version I want, especially because some Ninjago sets have similar names or re-releases. Older sets from the early years of the theme are often more collectible, so I like to compare prices based on age and rarity.
Inspect for Missing Pieces
Missing pieces can turn a good deal into an expensive project. I like to ask sellers if they have checked the set against the original inventory. If I’m buying used, I prefer sets that come with a parts list or proof that everything is included. For me, a few missing small pieces may be acceptable, but missing minifigures or key build parts usually lower the value a lot.
Look Closely at the Minifigures
Old LEGO Ninjago sets often become valuable because of the minifigures. I always check whether the figures are original, complete, and in good condition. Some older characters, masks, and weapons can be hard to replace, so I treat them as a big part of the purchase decision.
Consider Box and Instruction Value
If I’m collecting rather than just building, I care about the box and instructions too. A set with its original packaging and manuals often feels more complete and can be worth more to collectors. Even if I don’t need the box for display, I know it can help preserve value over time.
Compare Prices Carefully
I never buy the first listing I see. I compare prices across marketplaces and look at what similar sets have sold for recently. Sometimes a set looks cheap at first, but after missing parts or shipping costs, it may not be a real bargain. I’ve learned that patience usually helps me find a better deal.
Decide Whether I Want to Collect or Build
My buying choice depends on my goal. If I want to collect, I focus on condition, rarity, and completeness. If I want to build and play, I’m more flexible about box condition and minor wear. Knowing my purpose helps me avoid overpaying for features I don’t really need.
Final Thoughts
Buying old LEGO Ninjago sets is most rewarding when I take my time and check the details. I look at condition, completeness, minifigures, and price before making a decision. With a little research, I can find sets that are fun to own, great to build, and satisfying to collect.
Final Thoughts
I think old Lego Ninjago sets hold a special kind of charm because they capture the early spirit of the theme and the memories many fans made with it. My takeaway is that these sets are not just fun builds, but also meaningful collectibles that reflect the evolution of Ninjago over time. Whether I’m revisiting them for nostalgia or adding them to a collection, they still stand out for their creativity and lasting appeal.
Author Profile
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Hi, I'm Amy Lewis, and I'm so glad you're here. I created Amyiswriting.com as a place to share the kind of product research I have always enjoyed doing. I've spent years comparing features, reading reviews, and digging into the details that often get overlooked before making a purchase. I balance my love of writing with a genuine curiosity about the products people use every day.
Through this blog, I share honest insights, practical observations, and thoughtful reviews designed to help you feel more confident in your choices. I hope you'll find helpful information, discover something useful, and enjoy exploring alongside me.
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