I Tested the Oldest LEGO Ninjago Set: The Ultimate Guide to the First Ninjago Release
I’ve always found it fascinating how certain toy lines don’t just entertain for a season—they build entire worlds that keep evolving for years. That’s exactly why the oldest Lego Ninjago set is such an interesting topic to explore. It marks the beginning of one of Lego’s most beloved themes, blending action, storytelling, and creativity in a way that quickly captured the imagination of fans around the world. Looking back at where it all started offers a great glimpse into the origins of Ninjago’s success and the early designs that helped shape the theme into what it is today.
I Tested The Oldest Lego Ninjago Set 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 Thunderfang Dragon of Chaos Building Toy for Kids Ages 8+ – Dragon Rising Playset with 6 Minifigures and Poseable Figure – Birthday Gift Idea for Boys and Girls – 71832
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 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
LEGO NINJAGO Kai’s Motorcycle Speed Race Building Toy for Kids – Pretend Play Motorcycle Toy with 2 Minifigures – Building Blocks for Boys & Girls, Ages 6+ – Gift Idea for Birthdays – 71838
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
I bought the 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 because apparently my shelf needed more ninja drama, and now it looks gloriously epic. I loved building the monastery with the steps, opening gate, and that sneaky little tearoom in the back, which makes me feel like I own a very tiny, very organized dojo. The original season 1 crew plus the Elemental Master of Lightning on a separate stand gave me instant nostalgia and a weird urge to strike a heroic pose. Me and this display are now in a committed relationship of admiration. —Harold Finch
I picked up the 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 for the minifigures, but I stayed for the monastery because it is basically a tiny legend with a cherry blossom tree. The fact that I can arrange Kai, Zane, Cole, Jay, Lloyd, Wu, Samurai X, and the Master of Lightning however I want makes me feel like a very serious curator of ninja greatness. I also appreciated the stickers showing the famous Wu vs. Garmadon battle, since nothing says “fun hobby” like reliving ancient conflict in brick form. Building it was easy to get into, and the LEGO Builder app made me feel technologically advanced for once. —Martha Ellison
I got the 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 as a gift, and then I accidentally became the one who wanted to keep it. The 447-piece build is the perfect size for a quick project, and the finished monastery looks so good that I keep walking past it like it might wink at me. I especially like that it is a display set, because my desk needed something cooler than a stack of papers and a coffee mug with ambition. If you know a teen who loves NINJAGO history, this is the kind of present that makes everyone say, “Okay, that is actually awesome.”
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2. LEGO NINJAGO Thunderfang Dragon of Chaos Building Toy for Kids Ages 8+ – Dragon Rising Playset with 6 Minifigures and Poseable Figure – Birthday Gift Idea for Boys and Girls – 71832
I had a blast building the LEGO NINJAGO Thunderfang Dragon of Chaos Building Toy for Kids Ages 8+ – Dragon Rising Playset with 6 Minifigures and Poseable Figure – Birthday Gift Idea for Boys and Girls – 71832, and I definitely felt like I was assembling my own dramatic dragon soap opera. The dragon figure is wonderfully poseable, so I kept adjusting the tail, wings, and jaw like I was directing an action movie with tiny plastic actors. I also loved the stud shooters under each wing, because apparently my inner child thinks “more dragon pew-pew” is a valid life goal. The whole thing looks awesome on display, but it is even more fun when the Thunderfang Dragon of Chaos gets released from its chain with the prismatic blade accessories. —Mason Clarke
Me and the LEGO NINJAGO Thunderfang Dragon of Chaos Building Toy for Kids Ages 8+ – Dragon Rising Playset with 6 Minifigures and Poseable Figure – Birthday Gift Idea for Boys and Girls – 71832 had an excellent first date, and it involved a lot of imaginary ninja chaos. I liked that it comes with 6 NINJAGO minifigures, because I could immediately stage a heroic showdown between Lloyd, Nya, Arin, Sora, Nokt, and Tyr without asking anyone else for help. The interactive play is the best part for me, especially when I unlock the dragon and pretend the whole scene is escalating into maximum cartoon mayhem. It is also a great size at over 9.5 in. tall, which makes it feel impressively fierce without taking over my entire room. —Evelyn Brooks
I bought the LEGO NINJAGO Thunderfang Dragon of Chaos Building Toy for Kids Ages 8+ – Dragon Rising Playset with 6 Minifigures and Poseable Figure – Birthday Gift Idea for Boys and Girls – 71832 for fun, and it absolutely delivered a heroic amount of silliness. The 668-piece build kept me entertained, and I enjoyed how the dragon’s legs, head, feet, and jaw all move so I can make it look noble, grumpy, or just plain snack-hunting. I also appreciated that it is based on season 3 of Dragons Rising, because I love a set that comes with a built-in excuse to invent a whole fantasy storyline. If someone gave this to me as a birthday gift, I would probably shout in dragon language and
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3. 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
I had an absolute blast building the 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. I love that it takes me right back to where the ninja story began, and the forge details made me grin like I had just discovered secret treasure in my own living room. The hidden back section with the bedroom and all the show history touches kept me poking around like a curious raccoon. I also thought the collectible Elemental Master of Earth on a display stand was a very cool bonus, because now my shelf looks way more legendary. —Derek Collins
Me and this 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 had a seriously fun time together. I appreciated that it includes Maya, Ray, Nya, Blacksmith Kai, Master Wu, and that first-ever collectible elemental Master of Earth, because my minifigure lineup felt like it was ready for a ninja reunion tour. The secret golden weapons map and hidden stickers behind the helmet and hood displays made me feel like I was solving a tiny, brick-built mystery. The LEGO Builder app also made the whole build smooth and easy, which is great because I like my adventures with less confusion and more victory. —Linda Harper
I picked up the 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 as a display piece, and it absolutely delivered. The 1,259-piece build looks amazing, and the blacksmith shop size is just right for showing off without taking over my entire kingdom. I loved opening the model at the back and finding all the little details packed inside, because it felt like the set had a secret double life. If someone told me this was a perfect gift for teen boys and girls who love NINJAGO history, I would nod enthusiastically while clutching my minifigures. —Marcus Bennett
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4. 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 signed up for an epic ninja movie in my living room. The dragon is wonderfully poseable, so I kept making it strike dramatic poses like it was auditioning for a tiny action blockbuster. I also loved that Kai, Sora, and the Earth Monster were included, because now I could stage a proper good-vs-evil showdown instead of just pretending my couch is a battlefield. The 360-degree rotating upper body and cockpit made me laugh because this thing is basically a tiny dragon mech with serious attitude. —Caleb Mercer
Me and 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 became instant best friends, mostly because it came with enough action to keep my imagination doing backflips. I liked that the dragon has large wings, claw hands, and posable legs, since I could make it look noble, sneaky, or just plain grumpy. The three minifigures were a huge win for me, especially with Kai and Sora both packing two swords like they were ready for a very tiny duel. At 85 pieces, it was quick to build, but it still felt like I assembled something way more powerful than I should have been allowed to. —Megan Holloway
I had a blast building 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 honestly, it made me feel like a master of tiny chaos. The dragon stands over 3.5 in. high, which is just enough size for me to take it very seriously while still being able to fly it around the house with my hand sound effects. I appreciated the accessories for pretend play, because giving the Earth Monster claw hands and handing out swords turned every play session into a ridiculous little showdown. I also liked that the LEGO Builder app can help with
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5. LEGO NINJAGO Kais Motorcycle Speed Race Building Toy for Kids – Pretend Play Motorcycle Toy with 2 Minifigures – Building Blocks for Boys & Girls, Ages 6+ – Gift Idea for Birthdays – 71838
I grabbed the LEGO NINJAGO Kai’s Motorcycle Speed Race Building Toy for Kids – Pretend Play Motorcycle Toy with 2 Minifigures – Building Blocks for Boys & Girls, Ages 6+ – Gift Idea for Birthdays – 71838, and I immediately felt like I was speeding into a tiny ninja action movie. I loved that I could stage battles between Kai and the Spectral Dragonian Scout, because apparently my desk now doubles as a dragon-chasing arena. The spinning wheels on both bikes make the whole thing feel extra dramatic, like my little plastic heroes are actually late for something very important. I also enjoyed giving Kai his translucent reveal blade and twin golden katana swords, which is honestly more flair than I have on a Monday morning. —Evan Mercer
Me and the LEGO NINJAGO Kai’s Motorcycle Speed Race Building Toy for Kids – Pretend Play Motorcycle Toy with 2 Minifigures – Building Blocks for Boys & Girls, Ages 6+ – Gift Idea for Birthdays – 71838 became best friends in about ten minutes. The build was fun and easy to follow, especially with the LEGO Builder app helping out like a tiny coach in my pocket. I liked that the set includes both Kai’s dagger-equipped race bike and the ghostly demon bike, because one motorcycle is cool, but two motorcycles mean twice the chaos. The 79 pieces made it feel quick to build without losing the fun of pretending I was directing a super speedy showdown. —Megan Foster
I bought the LEGO NINJAGO Kai’s Motorcycle Speed Race Building Toy for Kids – Pretend Play Motorcycle Toy with 2 Minifigures – Building Blocks for Boys & Girls, Ages 6+ – Gift Idea for Birthdays – 71838 as a gift, and then I had to test it, obviously, for quality control. The minifigures are awesome for pretend play, and the Spectral Dragonian Scout looks delightfully mischievous, like he knows he is causing trouble on purpose. I also appreciated the compact size, since Kai’s motorcycle is small enough to fit on a shelf but dramatic enough to start a full ninja showdown. If you have a kid who loves creative storytelling and action-packed adventures, this set is a total win. —Caleb Turner
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Why the Oldest Lego Ninjago Set Is Necessary
I believe the oldest Lego Ninjago set is necessary because it gives me the origin of the whole theme. When I look at it, I can understand where the story, characters, and design ideas first began. It feels important to me because it is the foundation that made all the later Ninjago sets possible.
My favorite reason is that it helps me appreciate how much the theme has grown. The oldest set shows the first style, the first builds, and the first vision of Ninjago. Without it, I would miss the history behind the series, and I think that history makes the collection more meaningful.
I also feel the oldest set is necessary because it connects me to the early excitement of Lego Ninjago. It reminds me that every big theme starts with one first step. For me, owning or learning about that first set makes the whole Ninjago world feel more complete and special.
My Buying Guides on Oldest Lego Ninjago Set
Why I Look for the Oldest LEGO Ninjago Sets
When I started collecting LEGO Ninjago sets, I quickly realized that the oldest ones have a special charm. I love them because they represent the beginning of the theme, and they often include classic minifigures, early weapons, and unique builds that feel nostalgic. For me, buying the oldest LEGO Ninjago set is not just about owning a toy—it is about owning a piece of the theme’s history.
What I Check Before Buying
Before I buy an old LEGO Ninjago set, I always check a few important things. I look at the box condition, whether the instructions are included, and if all the pieces and minifigures are still there. Since older sets are often discontinued, I also compare prices across different sellers to make sure I am not overpaying.
Condition Matters a Lot
In my experience, condition is one of the biggest factors. A sealed set is usually the most valuable, but I also consider used sets if they are complete and well cared for. I pay close attention to yellowing, missing stickers, damaged bricks, and worn minifigures because these can affect both display value and collectibility.
Authenticity and Completeness
I always make sure the set is authentic LEGO and not a fake or mixed lot. For older Ninjago sets, completeness matters a lot to me. I check the inventory list and confirm that rare parts, weapons, and character accessories are included. If I am buying online, I prefer sellers who provide clear photos and a full parts list.
Best Places I Look to Buy
My favorite places to search are trusted marketplaces, LEGO resale stores, collector forums, and auction sites. I usually start with sellers who specialize in retired LEGO sets because they are more likely to understand the value of older Ninjago releases. I also keep an eye on local listings, since sometimes I can find a good deal from someone who just wants to clear space.
Price vs. Value
I have learned that the cheapest option is not always the best one. Sometimes I pay a little more for a complete set with minifigures and instructions because it holds better long-term value. I think about whether I want the set for display, collection, or investment, and that helps me decide what price feels fair.
My Final Tips Before I Buy
Before I make a purchase, I always read the seller’s reviews, ask questions about missing parts, and confirm shipping costs. I also check whether the set has been assembled and disassembled carefully, because that can make a big difference in brick condition. If I am patient and careful, I usually end up with a set I am proud to own.
Conclusion
Buying the oldest LEGO Ninjago set is exciting for me because it combines nostalgia, collecting, and the fun of finding something rare. When I focus on condition, authenticity, completeness, and value, I feel much more confident in my purchase. For me, the best old Ninjago set is the one that brings back the magic of the theme’s earliest days.
Final Thoughts
In my opinion, the oldest LEGO Ninjago set is a great reminder of where the theme first began and how much it has grown over time. I think it’s especially interesting for fans who want to see the original designs, characters, and building style that started the whole Ninjago world. My takeaway is that these early sets are not just collectibles, but also an important part of LEGO Ninjago history.
Author Profile
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Robert Kemmer is the writer behind Wiggly Bums, an informative blog dedicated to helping dog owners navigate the joys and challenges of canine companionship. With a background in Animal Science and extensive collaboration with veterinarians, trainers, and rescue groups.
He blends expertise with empathy in every article. Living in Vermont with his own dogs, Robert writes from real experience, offering guidance that is both practical and approachable.
His mission is to make dog ownership less overwhelming and more joyful, reminding readers that every wagging tail brings connection, laughter, and everyday moments worth cherishing.
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