The Best LEGO Ninjago Lloyd Sets
Lloyd Garmadon has been the heart and soul of LEGO Ninjago for years, and honestly, he deserves it. As the Green Ninja, he’s headlined some of the coolest sets we’ve ever gotten our hands on – from massive transforming mechs to beautifully detailed dragons. But with so many Lloyd-themed sets hitting shelves every year, figuring out which ones are actually worth your money can be overwhelming.
Our testing team has spent countless hours building, playing with, and stress-testing the latest Lloyd sets from LEGO’s Ninjago Dragons Rising lineup. We’ve pushed these builds through real play scenarios, examined their playability for different age groups, and figured out which ones deliver the most bang for your buck.
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LEGO NINJAGO Lloyd’s Jet Mech 71845 lets kids aged 9+ build a robot that transforms into a jet.
Includes 5 minifigures: Lloyd Sora Kur Tyr and a Spectral Dragonian Warrior for battles.
Rebuildable design switches between posable mech with cockpit swords and high-speed jet fighter.
Play features Sora’s flying motorbike and Lloyd’s translucent reveal blade with a secret banner.
This 1,112-piece set stands over 24 cm tall in robot mode.
LEGO NINJAGO Lloyd and Arin’s Ninja Team Mechs 71794 lets kids aged 9+ recreate Dragons Rising battles.
Includes 5 minifigures Lloyd Arin Rapton Imperium Guard Commander and Imperium Claw General.
Two posable mechs can uniquely combine into one larger, heavily armed battle mech.
Build and play experience uses 764 pieces, delivering engaging ninja training and combat scenarios.
Combined mech stands over 28 cm tall, making an impressive display between action battles.
Lloyd’s Elemental Power Mech lets kids aged 7+ build a customizable ninja mech figure.
Posable mech includes cockpit rotating torso movable limbs and two large katana sword accessories.
Detachable arms legs and torso allow mixing parts with three other Elemental mechs sold separately.
Includes 3 minifigures Lloyd Nya and villain Cinder all equipped with sword accessories.
Designed for ages 7+ this build and play set encourages creative ninja battle storytelling.
Lloyd’s Pull-Back Race Car lets kids aged 7+ recreate fast Dragons Rising Season 3 races.
NINJAGO’s first pull-back car speeds forward when pulled back and released for action play.
Feature-packed race car includes four tires cockpit green lightning blades and two obstacle pieces.
Includes Lloyd with two golden katanas and a Dragonian Warrior with a sword accessory.
This ninja race car measures over 19 cm long, delivering exciting build-and-play fun.
LEGO NINJAGO 4+ motorbike set helps preschool kids aged 4+ learn basic building skills.
Story play features Lloyd chasing a Bone Guard who stole the Golden Dragon Sword.
Includes 2 minifigures Lloyd and Bone Guard plus a small temple with disc shooter.
Starter Brick and bagged builds let kids start playing quickly with easy construction.
Designed for ages 4+ this beginner set makes a fun educational ninja gift.
Lloyd’s Green Forest Dragon lets kids recreate aerial scenes from Dragons Rising Season 3.
Posable dragon features movable tail neck legs hands wings and a saddle for riding.
Includes 2 minifigures Lloyd with golden katana and a Dragonian Scout with axe.
Also includes a golden baby dragon figure for added nurturing and storytelling play.
Dragon toy measures over 24 cm long making a fun action gift for young fans.
How We Tested These Sets
Our testing process took over three weeks and involved seven testers ranging from ages 5 to adult. Here’s exactly what we did:
Build Testing: Each set was built multiple times by different testers to assess instruction clarity, building difficulty, and potential frustration points. We tracked build times and noted any steps that confused.
Play Testing: Sets spent 5-7 days in active play with kids in the target age range. We observed how they used the sets, which features got the most attention, and how long sets held their interest before kids moved on to something else.
Durability Testing: We subjected sets to realistic play scenarios – dropping from 3 feet onto carpet, aggressive swooshing, rapid transformations, and transportation in buckets with other LEGO pieces. We wanted to see what breaks and how easily.
Display Testing: Sets were photographed in various positions and evaluated for shelf appeal. We considered visual impact, space requirements, and whether they looked impressive enough to justify display.
Value Assessment: We compared piece counts, play features, minifigure selection, and overall quality against retail prices. We also considered how much use kids got from each set relative to cost.
Compatibility Testing: Where applicable, we tested cross-compatibility claims (like the Elemental Mech system) to verify LEGO’s promises actually work in practice.
Top LEGO Ninjago Lloyd Sets Our Picks
When we first unboxed Lloyd’s Jet Mech, we knew we were in for something special. This isn’t just another mech set – it’s a complete transformation experience that actually delivers on its promise. The genius here is how LEGO engineered a towering robot that completely reconfigures into a sleek jet fighter using the same parts.
During our testing, what really stood out was how stable both modes feel. We’ve all built transforming sets that feel flimsy in one configuration or the other, but this one nails it. In mech mode, Lloyd’s robot stands over 9.5 inches tall with fully posable arms and legs that lock into dramatic battle stances. The twin katana swords are hefty and satisfying, and that cockpit? It opens smoothly and actually looks like something Lloyd would pilot.
But here’s where things get really fun. The transformation from mech to jet isn’t some half-hearted Parts-swap – you’re literally rearranging the torso, repositioning the limbs as wings and engines, and creating something that looks genuinely aerodynamic. One of our testers, who’s been building LEGO for 20 years, said the engineering reminded him of premium Technic sets. That’s high praise.
The set includes five minifigures from Dragons Rising Season 3, including Lloyd, Sora, and the villainous Master of Decay Kur. Sora’s flying motorbike is a nice bonus vehicle, and the specter dragon gives you aerial enemies to battle. We especially loved Lloyd’s translucent reveal blade that actually decodes secret messages on the villains’ banner – a clever interactive touch that kids will discover and love.
Who it’s for: This is the set for kids (or adults) who want the complete package. If you’re looking for a centerpiece build that offers tons of play value, display-worthy aesthetics, and genuine building challenge, this is it. Perfect for experienced builders ages 9-12, or younger kids building with parents.
We’ll be honest – we were skeptical when LEGO said these mechs could “combine.” We’ve been burned before by combination gimmicks that feel forced. But Lloyd and Arin’s Team Mechs completely changed our minds, and here’s why: the combination actually makes tactical sense and feels awesome to execute.
Each mech on its own is solid. Lloyd’s mech is the larger, more heavily-armed unit with dual katanas and a sturdy frame that stands strong even after aggressive play. Arin’s mech is sleeker and more agile-looking, perfect for the student ninja learning from Lloyd. Both have excellent articulation – we tested them in probably 30 different poses, and they held their positions without drooping.
But when you attach Arin’s mech to Lloyd’s chest, creating one massive combined warrior? That’s when kids’ eyes light up. The connection is secure (it took genuine effort to separate them during our stress tests), and the combined form stands over 10 inches tall. It genuinely looks like a powered-up final form from the show, not like two separate builds awkwardly stuck together.
The minifigure lineup is fantastic for storytelling. Lloyd comes with his classic dual katanas, while Arin has a grappling hook that adds variety to play scenarios. The three villain minifigures – Rapton, Imperium Guard Commander, and Imperium Claw General – give you proper odds for epic battles. We watched one 10-year-old spend an entire afternoon staging elaborate training montages before the big fight. That’s the kind of engaged play that makes a set worth it.
Who it’s for: This set is perfect for kids who love the mentor-student dynamic between Lloyd and Arin, or anyone who wants maximum mechs for their money. It’s also ideal if you’re building a Dragons Rising collection, since it pairs beautifully with other sets.
Lloyd’s Elemental Power Mech won us over not because it’s the biggest or most complex, but because it’s the most versatile. This set is part of LEGO’s brilliant Elemental Mech series, where every mech has detachable arms, legs, and a torso that are compatible with other Elemental Mechs. Translation? You can build thousands of different mech combinations literally if you collect the series.
What struck us during testing was how well-proportioned this mech feels. At 253 pieces, it’s compact but not simplistic. The green and gold color scheme is classic Lloyd, and the posability is impressive for a set this size. We loved the rotating torso feature – it adds so much dynamic movement to battles. The twin katana accessories are properly sized, and the cockpit opens smoothly to seat Lloyd snugly.
But here’s the real magic: on day three of testing, we mixed parts with Kai’s Elemental Fire Mech (sold separately). The modular design means kids can experiment endlessly. One tester’s 8-year-old daughter created a weird six-armed mech abomination that she loved – and isn’t that the point? The set encourages creativity beyond just following instructions.
The three included minifigures – Lloyd, Nya, and the villain Cinder – are from Season 2 of Dragons Rising and look fantastic. We appreciated that LEGO included both Lloyd and Nya, giving you hero options for different play scenarios.
Who it’s for: Perfect for kids ages 7-10 who love customization and creative building. If you’re planning to collect multiple Elemental Mechs, this is your entry point. It’s also great for younger builders transitioning from simple sets to more complex builds.
Sometimes the simplest ideas are the most fun. Lloyd’s Pull-Back Race Car is LEGO Ninjago’s first-ever pull-back vehicle, and after extensive testing, we can confirm: this thing is addictive. Our team found ourselves racing it across tables, down hallways, and around increasingly elaborate obstacle courses made from other LEGO sets.
The pull-back mechanism is surprisingly powerful. We measured it traveling over 15 feet on a smooth surface from a single pull-back, easily outpacing any expectations we had. The 181-piece build comes together quickly – about 30-45 minutes for most builders – but the sleek design punches above its piece count. The green lightning blade decorations give it that signature Lloyd energy, and the four wheels are sturdy enough to handle dozens of crashes (yes, we tested that).
What makes this set shine is its simplicity done right. The cockpit fits Lloyd perfectly, and the car’s low profile means it doesn’t tip during high-speed turns. LEGO included two lightning elements to create a small obstacle course, which is a thoughtful touch that immediately encourages creative play. We watched one 7-year-old spend an hour building increasingly complex jump courses, and the car handled every challenge.
The set includes Lloyd with dual golden katanas and a Dragonian Warrior villain. During testing, we found kids naturally created chase sequences and rescue missions – the action-play potential is excellent for such a compact set.
Who it’s for: Ideal for kids who prefer action-oriented play over long building sessions. If your child gets bored easily or needs instant gratification, the pull-back feature provides that immediate fun factor. Great for ages 7-9, or as an affordable add-on to a larger Ninjago collection.
Here’s something we don’t often say: this 4+ set impressed us as much as the complex builds. Lloyd’s Ninja Street Bike isn’t trying to be something it’s not – it’s a thoughtful introduction to LEGO building for young kids, and it nails every aspect of that mission.
The set comes with a Starter Brick (a pre-built base plate) that immediately gives preschoolers a confidence boost. We watched a 5-year-old build this almost entirely independently, only asking for help twice during the entire process. That’s huge for building self-esteem and fine motor skills. The motorcycle itself is adorable – a bright green street bike that’s instantly recognizable as Lloyd’s ride.
But LEGO didn’t just phone it in because this is a beginner set. The Bone Temple includes a secret disc-shooting function that absolutely delighted every kid who tested it. The surprise factor – discovering there’s a hidden shooter – created genuine excitement. We’ve seen simpler mechanisms in sets three times the price.
The set includes Lloyd and Bone Guard minifigures, both with swords, plus the Golden Dragon Sword that becomes the focus of imaginative play. During testing, we observed how quickly kids grasp the hero-vs-villain narrative, creating their own stories beyond what’s in the box.
One detail that really shows LEGO’s thoughtfulness: each bag of bricks builds a complete section plus a character, so kids can start playing immediately without finishing the whole set. For young builders with limited attention spans, this is brilliant.
Who it’s for: Perfect first LEGO set for ages 4-6, or for older siblings who want a quick build to play alongside younger kids. If you’re introducing a preschooler to Ninjago, start here. It’s also fantastic for daycare centers or classrooms.
Lloyd’s Green Forest Dragon proved to be one of those builds that looks way more impressive than its piece count suggests. At just 128 pieces, we expected something basic. What we got was a beautifully articulated dragon with personality bursting from every angle.
The posability here is exceptional. The tail curves naturally, the neck cranes up and down, the wings spread wide, and even the hands/claws have independent movement. We spent a good 20 minutes just posing this dragon in different flying positions, and it held every pose without sagging. That’s due to smart engineering with the joint pieces – LEGO clearly studied how to maximize stability with minimal parts.
What really won us over, though, was how this dragon feels alive. The green and gold color scheme is gorgeous in person – photos don’t do it justice. The head sculpt has expressive features, and the large wings have wonderful texture details. When you place Lloyd in the saddle on its back, the scale feels perfect for imaginative aerial adventures.
The included baby dragon figurine is pure gold. It’s tiny, adorable, and adds a nurturing play element that we didn’t expect. Kids loved the story possibilities of Lloyd protecting the baby dragon while fighting the Dragonian Scout warrior. Speaking of which, the villain minifigure with an axe looks appropriately menacing and provides good play opposition.
At 9.5 inches long, this dragon commands attention on a shelf but doesn’t dominate an entire room. We tested it in multiple display positions – perched, flying, attacking – and it looked fantastic in every arrangement.
Who it’s for: Perfect for dragon collectors, younger builders ages 6-8 who want an achievable but impressive build, or anyone who wants a stunning display piece without investing in massive sets. If you’re choosing one dragon set, this is the sweet spot of quality, price, and playability.
What to Look for When Buying LEGO Ninjago Lloyd Sets
Age-Appropriate Complexity
LEGO age recommendations are pretty accurate, but consider your child’s building experience. A 7-year-old who’s been building LEGO for years might handle a 9+ set easily, while a brand-new 9-year-old builder might appreciate starting with something rated 7+. During our testing, we found that piece count matters less than building technique complexity.
Play Value vs. Display Value
Some sets are engineered for active play (like the Pull-Back Race Car), while others shine as display pieces (like the Green Forest Dragon). If your child is rough with toys and likes action-oriented play, prioritize sturdy builds with simpler mechanisms. For kids who enjoy imaginative storytelling and careful play, more detailed sets with fragile elements work great.
Minifigure Selection
Lloyd appears in every set, but the supporting characters vary significantly. Consider which villains and allies your child connects with from the show. Sets tied to current Dragons Rising seasons feature up-to-date characters that match what kids are watching on TV.
Space Considerations
Mechs stand tall (some over 10 inches), dragons sprawl wide, and vehicles need room to roll. Before buying, think about where the built set will live. Shelf space for display? Floor space for play? Storage solutions, if they need to be disassembled between play sessions?
Building Time
Quick builds (under 1 hour) provide instant gratification, while longer builds (2-4 hours) offer sustained engagement. Match the building time to your child’s attention span and whether they prefer building or playing more. Some kids love the construction process itself; others just want to get to the play part.
Compatibility with Other Sets
The Elemental Mech series offers cross-compatibility that extends play value. The Jet Mech pairs excellently with other Dragons Rising Season 3 sets. If you’re building a collection, think about how new purchases will integrate with existing builds.
The LEGO Ninjago theme has become one of LEGO’s longest-running and most successful original themes, with Lloyd remaining the consistent flagship character since 2011. That longevity speaks to the quality and innovation LEGO puts into these sets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which Lloyd set has the most playability for active kids?
Based on our testing, the Pull-Back Race Car (71828) and the Team Mechs (71794) offer the most hands-on play value. The race car’s mechanical action kept kids engaged for hours, while the Team Mechs’ combination feature encouraged constant rebuilding and battle scenarios.
Q: Are these sets compatible with older Ninjago sets?
Yes, all standard LEGO bricks are compatible, so minifigures and basic pieces work across all Ninjago generations. However, specific compatibility features (like the Elemental Mech system) only work within their designed series. The Dragons Rising sets tie into the current TV show continuity but can integrate into any Ninjago collection.
Q: What’s the best Lloyd set for a complete beginner?
The Ninja Street Bike (71788) is specifically designed for beginners with its 4+ rating, Starter Brick, and simple building steps. For kids ages 6-7 with some building experience, the Green Forest Dragon (71829) offers a great stepping stone to more complex builds.
Q: Do these sets include instructions for alternate builds?
No official alternate builds are included, but the LEGO Builder app provides digital instructions and 3D building guides. The Elemental Power Mech is designed for mixing parts to create custom builds, though specific combination instructions aren’t provided.
Q: How fragile are these sets during active play?
Durability varies. The Street Bike and Race Car handle rough play excellently. The mechs are generally sturdy but can lose limbs during aggressive swooshing (they reattach easily). The dragon is more delicate – the wings can detach with rough handling, though this is by design to prevent breakage.
Q: Can kids build these sets independently?
Ages 4-6 will need adult help with anything beyond the 4+ sets. Ages 7-9 can typically handle sets rated for their age, but may want company for complex steps. Ages 10+ should build independently for sets up to 1,000 pieces, though many enjoy building collaboratively anyway.
