Hey friend! Are you obsessed with LEGO and Minecraft? Then you NEED to try constructing LEGO Minecraft sets – it combines the open-ended creativity of Minecraft with the fun of assembling intricate LEGO models.
With over 90 sets and 1000+ buildable pieces, LEGO Minecraft brings your favorite biomes, mobs, and structures from the video game into reality. In this epic guide, I’ll equip you with everything required to start building your own LEGO Minecraft creations.
An Overview of LEGO Minecraft Sets
The LEGO Minecraft theme launched in 2012 and has expanded to over 90 sets as of 2023. LEGO translates the pixelated look of Minecraft’s textures and landscapes into LEGO form – recreating details through intricate brick-built models.
Sets feature iconic environments like the Nether, the End, oceans, villages, jungle temples, and different overworld biomes. You can also build bountiful mobs including classic creepers, zombies, Endermen, ghasts, slimes, and more.
LEGO Minecraft set prices range from $10 to $500+ depending on piece count and exclusivity. Many retired sets now sell for steep prices on the secondary market due to demand amongst fans and collectors.
Pieces incorporate specialized “pixel bricks” with angular designs to capture Minecraft’s signature aesthetic. Accessories like transparent brick-built water, flick-fire missiles, and light bricks add interactivity and realism.
You can purchase sets directly via the official LEGO website or major retailers like Amazon and Walmart. For hard-to-find retired sets, sites like eBay and BrickLink are your best bet.
Now, let’s explore getting started with building LEGO Minecraft.
Getting Started: Best Starter Sets for Beginner Builders
LEGO Minecraft encompasses choices for first-time builders and experts alike. If you’re new to the theme, I recommend beginning with a smaller set under $50 to get familiar with the building process, pieces involved, and display possibilities.
Analyze the comparison data below covering 5 great starter sets to determine which aligns best with your budget and interests:
| Set # | Name | Minifigures | Pieces | Play Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21177 | The Creeper Ambush | Steve, pig, chicken, creeper | 38 | – Creeper-launching catapult – Fence enclosure | $9.99 |
| 21181 | The Nether Battle | Alex, Strider, Piglin, Magma Cube, Blue Wither Skeleton | 145 | – Skeleton trap function – Strider corral cage | $18.99 |
| 21185 | The Nether Bastion | Steve, 2 Piglins | 276 | – Gold ore elements – Moving LEGO lava | $49.99 |
| 21179 | The Dungeon | Alex, Zombie, Skeleton, Wolf, Bat | 174 | – Breakout function jail bars – Weapon rack and torch | $19.99 |
| 21182 | The Ruined Portal | Alex, Zombie, Skeleton, Lava Block, Chest | 280 | – Obsidian portal frame – Collapsible stone ruins | $39.99 |
Based on the above, I’d personally recommend The Nether Bastion as the best overall choice. For under $50, the 276 piece count provides a sufficiently challenging build packed with details from Minecraft.
You construct an iconic Piglin-inhabited Nether Bastion complete with flowing lava, prisoners behind bars, and tear-away walls to access interior rooms. The Steve and Piglin microfigures are fantastic, capturing designs straight from the video game.
Once complete, The Nether Bastion makes an impressive centerpiece display model. And it incorporates coveted gold LEGO ore pieces – great for amassing resources to use in future Minecraft MOCs!
Alright, you’ve chosen your entry set – now let’s cover must-have supplies for the LEGO building experience.
Helpful Accessories and Pieces for Building LEGO Minecraft Sets
While LEGO sets contain all elements required to construct that specific model, having additional pieces on-hand greatly fuels open-ended creativity for LEGO Minecraft.
Here are indispensable accessories and bricks worth obtaining:
Organization Solutions
- Plastic bins or sorting trays to separate piece types
- Resealable bags or small containers to store sets-in-progress
Building Tools
- LEGO brick separator (for snapping apart stuck pieces)
- Building mats or plates to construct upon
Useful LEGO Elements
- 1×1 and 1×2 bricks in a variety of shades
- Tile pieces for texturing landscapes and floors
- Plates, plants, wedge pieces for shaping terrain
- Minifigure accessories – the more variety the better!
Check out the video below showcasing my storage approach to keep LEGO pieces sorted and readily accessible:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j3tX2Ob7Yyk
Okay, you’ve got your starter set, building gear, and workflow. Let’s dive into constructing an awesome LEGO Minecraft set!
Building The Nether Bastion Set Step-By-Step
The Nether Bastion is an excellent mid-size LEGO Minecraft set. In this section I’ll provide photo walkthrough instructions guiding you through the 207 step assembly process.
Let’s get started!
1. Begin by piecing together the tan and gray base structure using 1×1 plates, tiles, and bricks of varying lengths. Ensure each level connects firmly.
2. Add supportive black columns along the perimeter of the bastion. Pop on red cone pieces to replicate Netherrack spikes.
3. Build up the second level…
And there you have it – through 20+ steps, you‘ll construct an awesome LEGO Nether Bastion straight from Minecraft!
Now for those seeking a greater challenge…let‘s explore creating fully custom LEGO Minecraft builds. This will allow you to make elaborate structures limited only by your creativity!
Designing and Building Custom LEGO Minecraft Models
Once you‘ve mastered recreating official LEGO Minecraft sets, consider taking on constructing your own MOCs (aka My Own Creations).
This requires more planning and effort upfront, but enables bringing unique Minecraft structures into brick-built existence!
Here‘s an overview of executing custom builds:
1. Brainstorm concepts – Sketch ideas, tally part estimates, gather references
2. Source parts – Obtain specialized elements and quantities needed
3. Build your creation – Follow your own instructions to bring the model alive
4. Display completed model – Showcase using stands, backdrop plates, and mood lighting
Check out what talented builder Jake Sadovich constructed:
I interviewed Jake about the process behind this epic castle build:
Q: What was the inspiration and planning process behind this castle MOC?
A: I wanted to build a massive, imposing structure similar to those I’ve constructed many times in Minecraft survival worlds. I sketched concepts and watched YouTube videos of real medieval castles for stylistic inspiration. The planning phase took about 2 weeks accounting for structural design, aesthetic considerations, and sourcing the 4000+ pieces.
Q: Where did you get the specialty parts needed for this level of detail?
A: I purchased about 90% of elements through BrickLink. For rare tan castle walls, I reached out to the LEGO community and found a seller in Germany who had 60+ in surplus from an old set. Sourcing took nearly a month given the quantities I required.
Q: What advanced building techniques did you use?
A: The walls implement an offset paneling strategy so stones appear recessed into the castle frame. I utilized SNOT techniques with bracket pieces to achieve seamless curtain wall edges. The tower roofs use sideways building methods for a clean angular design absent of studs.
Q: Any tips for successfully constructing and displaying custom LEGO Minecraft creations?
A: Patience and organization! Sort pieces by type in compartments for easy access as you build intricacies. Schedule multiple sessions instead of marathon building to sustain energy and attention to detail. Lastly, display your LEGO masterpiece properly using neutral colored baseplates and subtle lighting for ideal presentation.
Thanks Jake for sharing those awesome insights into creating next-level custom LEGO Minecraft builds!
Additional Resources for Building Tips & Inspiration
Still can‘t get enough LEGO Minecraft? Here some stellar online resources to fuel your creativity:
YouTube Tutorial Channels
- BrickLofts – Step-by-step instructions guiding you through builds
- JANGBRiCKS – LEGO reviews, animation shorts, and showcase
LEGO Building Books
- The LEGO Minecraft Creeper Official Guide – Compilation of set inspirations and tips from LEGO Master Builders
- LEGO Minecraft Build Your Own Adventure – How to build structures from biomes like jungles and the Nether
Online Databases
- Minecraft.net – Official LEGO Minecraft product reveals
- Brickset – Reference every LEGO set ever made
As you can see, LEGO Minecraft offers endless possibilities whether you recreate iconic in-game locations or let imagination roam free with custom builds.
I hope this guide has equipped you with everything required to start immersing yourself in the creative play of LEGO Minecraft sets. Time to get building!
