Ten Challenging LEGO Sets For Adult Builders

Barad-Dûr

This LotR LEGO adult set is massive. The 5,471-piece build is split into four main sections; the tower section is fully modular. The dark tower features a throne room with a complement containing a map and a ladder to the top floor. The 4th floor is home to Mouth of Sauron’s study, while the 5th floor houses a tower library with a rotating ladder. At the summit of the tower is the Eye of Sauron, which rotates in various directions and features a light brick to make the eye glow.

• 5,471 pieces
• 10 minifigures
• 32.5 in. (83 cm) high, 17.5 in. (45 cm) wide and 12 in. (30 cm) deep

LEGO Icons: Optimus Prime

Thanks to 19 points of articulation, this Optimus Prime model transforms from robot to truck. It also includes some iconic accessories. Open Optimus Prime’s chest chamber to store the Autobot Matrix of Leadership. Arm him with the ion blaster and Energon ax, and attach the included jetpack to him in robot mode. It comes with a character plaque to display next to the model when you’ve completed it.

You can also pick up a same-scale transforming Bumble Bee to keep Optimus company.

• 1,508 pieces
• Truck Mode: over 5.5 in. (15 cm) high, 27 in. (10.5 cm) long and 4.5 in. (12 cm) wide.
• Robot Mode: stands over 13.5 in. (35 cm) tall

UCS TIE Interceptor

This TIE Interceptor is a redesigned version of 2000’s Ultimate Collector Series – it’s a LEGO set tailored for adults. Build the detailed cockpit, laser cannons, and the Imperial fighter’s distinctive wings. It comes with a TIE pilot minifig and a mouse droid that are currently only available with this set. When it’s built, it measures an impressive 16 inches long and comes with a brick-built stand for display.

• 1,931 pieces
• 12.5 in. (32 cm) high, 16 in. (40 cm) long, and 13 in. (33 cm) wide

The Endurance

The brick-built model captures the ship in all its glory with three masts, ten full sails, a flying red ensign flag, and intricate rigging. The multi-level deck is connected by stairs and has removable sections for access to port as well as the starboard cabins and the ship’s steam engine. This adult LEGO set also features four detachable lifeboats, a chained bower anchor, and a ship’s wheel that operates the rudder.

• 3,011 pieces
• 18.5 in. (47 cm) high, 31.5 in. (80 cm) long and 9.5 in. (24 cm) wide

LEGO x Dungeons & Dragons – Red Dragon’s Tale

This Adult LEGO set features incredible details D&D fans will love, including a dungeon and a tower for the giant Cinderhowl red dragon to perch on. There’s also a tavern with a removable roof, so you can see inside to the upper level. Plus, six LEGO minifigures (some with multiple head options) and brick-built classic D&D monsters – a beholder, an owlbear, a displacer beast, and a gelatinous cube. Once built, you can use the castle in the D&D Beyond campaign made just for this set.

• 3,745 pieces
• 6 minifigs
• Buildable monsters
• 19 in. (48 cm) high, 14.5 in. (37 cm) wide and 12 in. (30 cm) deep

JAWS

This fan-created adult LEGO set includes an Ocra boat model with a removable roof, an adjustable boom and rigging, and plenty of iconic accessories from the movie. Place it on the brick-built sea base with Bruce the shark attacking for a perfect display. It even comes with a printed tile featuring Chief Brody’s famous line (“You’re gonna need a bigger boat”).

• 1,497 pieces
• 3 minifigs plus brick-built shark
• 14 in. (35 cm) high, 23 in. (59 cm) long and 7.5 in. (20 cm) wide

Atreides Royal Ornithopter

Build the iconic dragon-fly inspired Ornithopter with this new set designed with grown-up builders in mind. The craft has functional blades that flap and retract with a 180-degree rotation. It also has foldable landing gear. The set includes eight of the key characters: Paul Atreides, Lady Jessica, Gurney Halleck, Chani, Leto Atreides, Liet Kynes, Duncan Idaho, and Baron Harkonnen in his long, flowing robe.

• 1369 pieces
• 8 all-new minifigures
• 9 inches (23 cm) high, 22 inches (57 cm) long and 31 inches (79 cm) wide

Gotham City Skyline

The set recreates iconic locations from the beloved Batman: The Animated Series, including Arkham Asylum, Bat Signal, and Gotham City Court Building. The 15 panels detach, revealing the inside of Wayne Manor and the activities of the Rogues Gallery across the city. It’s packed with easter eggs and characters from the series.

When you complete it, the skyline can be displayed on a wall using mounting brackets or on a shelf with a pair of feet. Both options are included.

• 4,210 pieces
• 4 minifigs
• 16 in. (41 cm) high, 30 in. (76 cm) wide and 2.5 in. (6 cm) deep

Jabba’s Sail Barge

This model is over 30 inches when built and has adjustable textile sails and a top deck that lifts off to reveal the detailed interior. Below deck, you’ll find the cockpit, prison cell, armory, and entertainment room equipped with Jabba’s bed. Up top, there are places for guards and a heavy blaster. The set also includes 11 minifigs, including C-3PO, Princess Leia, and Bib Fortuna. Plus, an R2-D2 LEGO droid figure wearing a bar table, like in Return of the Jedi. This LEGO set’s complexity makes it a great choice for experienced adult builders.

• 3,942 pieces
• 11 minifigs
• 10 in. (25 cm) high, 30.5 in. (77 cm) long and 9.5 in. (25 cm) wide

Avenger’s Tower

Build the iconic Avengers tower with this new set designed for grown-up builders. When built, it stands at nearly three feet tall. Beneath its removable roof, its floors are packed with memorable movie moments and fan-favorite characters.

The set features 31 minifigs—including Iron Man, Wong, Captain America, Thor, Ant-Man, Black Widow, Nick Fury, Hulk, War Machine, Vision, Hawkeye, Wanda Maximoff, and The Wasp. It also comes with a Leviathan, Quinjet, and 2 Chitauri chariots.

• 5,201 pieces
• 31 minifigs
• 35.5 in. (90 cm) high, 13 in. (34 cm) wide and 10 in. (25 cm) deep