13 challenging LEGO® sets to build for adults
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We know that building LEGO® sets means different things to different people. For some, it’s about creative play and imagination; for others, it’s a way to release stress and be mindful.
But some out there like to test themselves against the most challenging LEGO sets. These people prefer scale, they want endurance, and they like their sets big… very big!
If you’re one of these people, you’ll love this list of some of the most complex LEGO sets to build. So read on and choose your next challenge.
LEGO® Technic™ Volvo EC500 Hybrid Excavator
The build is just the start with the feature-packed, motorized LEGO® Technic™ Volvo EC500 Hybrid Excavator. Based on the groundbreaking (and we mean that literally) hybrid dig-and-dump powerhouse, this 2,359-piece Technic set will put even experienced builders to the test. And when it’s built, the real fun begins. You can get to work with the motor and gearbox or use the lever to select from four functions that move the excavator’s boom and arm, hammer or shovel tools. You can even open the cabin doors, move the tracks or rotate the excavator body. Lovers of heavy machines are sure to dig this set.
LEGO® Icons Williams Racing FW14B & Nigel Mansell
Formula 1® cars represent some of the most advanced automotive engineering in the world and the LEGO sets offer plenty of challenge. True fans of the sport are certain to recognize the Williams Racing FW14B as one of the best of its era and the car that British driving icon Nigel Mansell sped to the F1® Championship victory in 1992. Now, you can celebrate his triumph with this authentic new set that features wide rear slick tires, working steering and a detailed engine. It comes with separate display stands for the car and the included Nigel Mansell minifigure, and is the perfect set if you’re looking for an automotive decoration for your home or the perfect gift for a motorhead.
LEGO® Technic™ Liebherr Crawler Crane LR 13000
Scale the impressive heights of the challenging and technically demanding LEGO Technic™ Liebherr Crawler Crane LR 13000. Standing more than 3ft (almost a meter) tall, it’s one of the largest models in the LEGO Technic range and is perfect for fans of construction and engineering. You can even put your crane model to work using the CONTROL+ app to see what this mighty machine can do. Realistic functions include tank steering, rotating turntable, luffing jib, winch and load-sensing features. It may well be one of the hardest LEGO sets available, but it promises big rewards for anyone who loves a challenge.
LEGO® Icons Concorde
Always been fascinated by aviation? Well now there’s a LEGO set based on the world’s most famous supersonic commercial passenger airplane: the Concorde.
Made with advanced builders in mind, this challenging project allows you to zoom into the world of Concorde and discover all the different features of the famous supersonic aircraft.
With its tiltable droop nose, functioning landing gear, a retractable tail bumper wheel, delta wings with movable elevons and hinged upper and lower rudders, this 2,083-piece set contains everything you need to recreate the Concorde’s iconic exterior. You also get to build part of the cabin, on the inside, too.
Once completed, place it on the tilted display stand for the ultimate take-off effect.
LEGO® Icons Eiffel tower
One of the most famous structures in the world has become the tallest set we’ve ever created. At over 5ft (149cm) tall and with over 10,000 pieces, this is an impressive set and a challenging build. But it will let you bring an iconic part of Paris into your home, not to mention impress your builder friends.
Looking for something bigger? Check out the 10 biggest LEGO sets ever...
LEGO® Icons Loop Coaster
While we’re on the subject of height, the Loop Coaster, with its double loop and fairground setting, is the third-tallest set we’ve ever released. This hair-raising ride lifts a carriage 3ft (just under a meter) high and then sends it whizzing around two loops before bringing customers back to the fairground, complete with balloon seller, pretzel seller and hot-dog seller. After all, having fun can be hungry work!
Interested in the physics behind this set? Here’s how we made the LEGO Icons Loop Coaster…
LEGO® Technic™ Yamaha MT-10 SP
The jewel of Yahama’s stripped-back Hyper Naked range, the LEGO Technic Yahama MT-10 SP set is about to become a must-have for motorcycle lovers. With a 4-cylinder engine, multi-speed and a chain drive with functional front and rear suspension gearbox, this set will let fans display their passion and build the legend for themselves. To dive more into the mechanics of this machine, the LEGO AR app enables you to experience your model in a different and exciting way.
LEGO® NINJAGO® City Markets
The new expansion to the NINJAGO® City set is a busy marketplace packed with detail and filled with opportunities for play. This modular build is one of the most complicated LEGO sets in the NINJAGO line-up. It includes a cable car to traverse the city, a bustling market and a line-up of 21 minifigures, including a few fan favorites.
LEGO® Technic™ Ferrari Daytona SP3
In classic red with chrome-painted rims, this 1:8 scale model of the Ferrari Daytona SP3 was designed in collaboration with the Prancing Pony themselves. It’s loaded with authentic engineering details, like the 8-speed sequential gearbox with paddle shifter, butterfly doors and an authentic V12 engine with moving pistons. Start your engines!
LEGO® StarWars™ The Razor Crest™
If you’ve followed the adventures of the Mandalorian and Grogu, then you’ll know all about the Razor Crest. You might not know that the Razor Crest LEGO set is one of our most challenging StarWars™ builds. With over 6,000 pieces and over 28in (72cm) long, it features a detailed interior and plenty of references to iconic scenes from the show. This set will delight StarWars fans old and new. This is the way.
LEGO® Icons THE LORD OF THE RINGS: RIVENDELL™
One of the top ten biggest LEGO sets ever released, this stunning set is bursting with details and will delight The Lord of the Rings™ fans. A faithful recreation of the memorable venue of the Council of Elrond™ and the home of the Shards of Narsil™, the Rivendell™ set comes with 15 minifigures, including all nine members of the Fellowship, plus Elrond™, Arwen™ and even Bilbo Baggins™.
LEGO® Icons The Lord of the Rings: Barad-dûr™
While we’re in Middle-earth™, we can continue our quest to the Dark Tower of Barad-dûr™. Twice the height of Rivendell and topped with the famous Eye of Sauron™, this 5,471-piece set is filled with twisted secrets and surprises, like the Mouth of Sauron’s study, a tower library and throne room. It also comes with 10 minifigures, including Sauron™, Mouth of Sauron™, Gothmog, Frodo, Sam and Gollum™. A dark and foreboding set, its grimly atmospheric architecture is sure to send shivers down even the most experienced builder’s spine.
LEGO® Technic™ NASA Mars Rover Perseverance
As you read this, the NASA Mars Rover Perseverance and its companion helicopter, Ingenuity, are somewhere on the surface of Mars. We’re honoring this intrepid rover in a new set that features 360° steering and a movable arm, plus fully articulated suspension that lets the vehicle maintain traction on all six wheels. It makes a perfect gift for a science-loving child in your life or for anyone obsessed with outer space.
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