Lego the lord of the rings the shire set review

Here’s how to figure out if the new LEGO The Lord of the Rings: The Shire set 10354 is truly worth adding to your Middle-earth collection, especially if you’ve been eyeing those other epic releases like Rivendell and Barad-dûr. This set, which centers on Bilbo Baggins’ iconic home, Bag End, and his 111th birthday celebration, offers a unique charm compared to its larger, more dramatic counterparts. While some might raise an eyebrow at its price-to-piece ratio, particularly compared to the sprawling LEGO Rivendell set or the imposing LEGO Barad-dûr set, it brings a much-needed slice of Hobbiton’s peaceful, pastoral beauty to the LEGO Lord of the Rings lineup. You’re getting a wonderfully detailed rendition of Bag End, complete with interior rooms and clever play features, plus a fantastic selection of minifigures. It might not be the most challenging build, but it’s designed to be a delightful, nostalgic experience for fans who cherish the heart of Middle-earth. So, let’s break down everything you need to know about this highly anticipated set and see if it earns its place on your shelf.

One of my go-to tricks when deciding on a new LEGO set is to just start typing something into Google or YouTube’s search bar – those autocomplete suggestions are basically a peek into what people are actually looking for, and for the LEGO Lord of the Rings The Shire set, the queries around “lego the lord of the rings the shire set review” and “lego the lord of the rings the shire set reviews” tell us fans are genuinely curious. This set, numbered 10354, is a fantastic homage to the peaceful corner of Middle-earth that started it all. It’s not just a collection of bricks. it’s a doorway back to Hobbiton, specifically focusing on Bag End and the pivotal moments of Bilbo’s 111th birthday party.

A Closer Look at the Set Overview

Let’s get down to the brass tacks first. The LEGO The Lord of the Rings: The Shire 10354 set officially comes with 2017 pieces and retails for US $269.99. It was released on April 2nd for LEGO Insiders and April 5th for everyone else. Now, if you’re like me, that price point for just over 2,000 pieces might make you pause. Many folks on Reddit and YouTube have pointed this out, with some calling it “the worst price per piece ratio set in the lineup comparative to Barad-dûr with over 5,000 pieces that being $460, Rivendell 6,000 pieces $500”. But, as we’ll get into, there’s more to this set than just raw piece count.

What you’re primarily building here is Bilbo Baggins’ iconic home, Bag End, along with some charming side builds that recreate the atmosphere of his legendary birthday bash. The set is split into three main sections for Bag End itself, all designed to be separated or put back together, and they feature an open back for easy access to the interior. This open-back design, while sometimes debated among builders, makes it super easy to show off all those delightful details inside.

The Building Experience: A Relaxing Journey to Hobbiton

If you’re looking for a super challenging, mind-bending LEGO build, this might not be it. And honestly, that’s perfectly okay! Reviewers consistently describe the building process for The Shire as “straightforward and relatively simple,” “easy, breezy,” and even “delightfully meditative and relaxing”. One review even suggested it feels “appropriate, almost as a reflection of the hobbits’ humble, grounded culture and simple lifestyle”.

I’ve seen comments across forums and YouTube channels from people saying that after tackling something massive like LEGO Hogwarts Castle or the LEGO Star Wars UCS Millennium Falcon, a more chill build like this is actually a welcome change. It’s the kind of set you can put on some calming podcast, grab a cup of tea, and just enjoy the process without too much stress.

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Despite the ease, it’s not without its clever moments. You’ll find some neat building techniques, like the “boomerang pieces for fencing” that many have praised as “an awesome technique”. There’s also a brand-new circular window frame element, which is a first for LEGO and perfectly captures the iconic round doors and windows of Hobbit holes. The exterior detailing, with its “pastoral beauty,” “plenty of flowers in the garden,” and “large, rounded, matted green pieces” for grassy hillocks, is really well done and brings the movie’s aesthetic to life. You’ll find yourself building oversized pumpkins and pinecones, a subtle nod to the forced perspective used in the films to make the Hobbits seem smaller.

Minifigure Breakdown: A Party in Plastic

One of the absolute highlights of the LEGO The Shire set is its minifigure selection. You get 9 minifigures in total, and they are, in my opinion, fantastic. They include:

• Frodo Baggins
• Bilbo Baggins older
• Gandalf the Grey
• Samwise Gamgee
• Meriadoc “Merry” Brandybuck
• Peregrin “Pippin” Took
• Rosie Cotton
• Odo Proudfoot
• Mrs. Proudfoot

What really makes these stand out are the exclusive prints and attention to detail. Most of the Hobbits are in their “absolutely best party clothes,” complete with fun alternate faces that capture their personalities. Getting characters like Rosie Cotton Sam’s eventual spouse and the grumpy Proudfoots adds a lot of character and helps “vitalize the display,” as one Reddit user put it. Gandalf looks familiar, but he’s always a welcome addition.

For collectors, these exclusive versions are a huge draw. If you’re a fan of LEGO Minifigures in general, you’ll appreciate the effort put into these. This lineup lets you recreate key scenes from Bilbo’s birthday, which is a big part of the set’s charm. It’s not just about the brick-built environment. it’s about bringing those beloved characters into it.

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Key Features and Details: Inside and Out of Bag End

This set is truly a love letter to Bag End and the surrounding Shire, capturing many “Easter eggs and nods to Bilbo’s adventures”.

Bag End Itself

The main structure of Bag End is the star here. It’s built in three separable modules, allowing you to display it in different ways or easily access the interior. The exterior is beautifully sculpted with those iconic round windows using the new circular element! and that famous dark green door with a microphone element in the center. The “verdant green shades” of the hills are well-executed, though some “lego the lord of the rings the shire set review reddit” posts mentioned wishing for “greener more colors” grass or a “fuller” tree.

Inside, you’ll find several detailed rooms:

• Bilbo’s Study: This is a fan favorite, featuring the iconic Red Book where he chronicles his adventures, and even his contract with Thorin Oakenshield from The Hobbit. These small, printed tiles add so much storytelling.
• Dining Room: Jam-packed with details, it includes a table with a tea set, a map of the Lonely Mountain, and portraits of Bilbo’s parents above the fireplace. The seamless angling of the build is particularly impressive here.
• Bedroom: While some “lego the lord of the rings the shire set reviews and complaints” noted the interior felt “small” or wished for “more rooms” like a cellar or kitchen, what’s there is definitely packed with character. You’ll spot a fireplace with printed elements and a beautiful printed rug made from 2×6 tiles.

Play Features That Bring the Magic to Life

The set isn’t just for looking at. it includes some really fun play features that directly reference the movies:

• Bilbo’s Disappearing Act: A clever mechanism allows Bilbo to “disappear” when he puts on the One Ring, thanks to a simple gear system on the back. This is “a very clever function” and “one of my favorite features in the set for sure”.
• Gandalf’s Revelation: In the parlor, there’s a mechanism where turning a round brick makes the envelope Gandalf threw in the fire burn away to reveal the One Ring. It’s a simple but immensely satisfying detail.
• Dragon Firework: The fireworks tent side build has a function to make the dragon firework blow up, just like in The Fellowship of the Ring.

Charming Side Builds

Beyond Bag End, you get a couple of delightful smaller builds: Hmd fusion x1 review

• Fireworks Tent: This clever structure with a cloth piece matches the on-screen version quite well.
• Bilbo’s Party Tree: This build includes party lights, a stage, and a fabric banner proclaiming “Happy Birthday Bilbo Baggins”. While some YouTube reviews, including a “lego the lord of the rings the shire set review youtube video” from Solid Brix Studios, described the tree design as “probably one of the weakest for an 18 plus set that I’ve seen,” noting its “boxy” look and “weak foliage branches,” it still adds significant color and context to the scene. There’s also Gandalf’s cart, which is a great inclusion for scene-setting.

Display Value vs. Playability: Who Is This Set For?

This set walks a fine line between a detailed display piece and a functional play set, and honestly, it does a pretty good job at both, depending on what you’re looking for.

Display Value

For Lord of the Rings enthusiasts, especially those who appreciate the more tranquil, homey aspects of Tolkien’s world, this set is an absolute winner. Bag End “certainly looks impressive from outside,” particularly around the iconic front door. It perfectly captures the “gentler curves of Hobbiton” and its “verdant green shades” offer a beautiful contrast if you’re displaying it alongside the more grand LEGO Rivendell or the dark LEGO Barad-dûr sets. Imagine all three together – the quiet beauty of The Shire balancing out the Elven elegance and the formidable darkness. It really is “great to display alongside your other LEGO Lord of the Rings sets”.

The ability to separate the Bag End sections means you have some flexibility in how you show it off. Many will appreciate the open back for showcasing the interior details, which are packed with references that fans will love spotting.

Playability

Even though it’s marketed as an 18+ Icons set, the clever play features—like Bilbo’s disappearing trick and Gandalf revealing the ring—make it genuinely fun to interact with. My kids, or even just my inner child, would absolutely love those. The minifigure selection, particularly with all the party-goers, invites storytelling and recreating scenes. It’s not a sprawling battlefield, but it’s a wonderfully detailed diorama that encourages imaginative play within its specific context. Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra Premium Phone Review: Is It The Flagship To Beat?

Pros and Cons: A Balanced Perspective

When you’re shelling out a decent amount of money for a LEGO set, you want to know the full picture. So, let’s break down what’s great and what might make you hesitate.

The Good Stuff Pros

• Minifigure Selection is Top-Tier: Honestly, the 9 minifigures, especially the party-clad Hobbits like Rosie Cotton and the Proudfoots, are a huge draw. They have fantastic, exclusive prints and add so much character.
• Iconic Location, Beautifully Rendered: This is Bag End, and LEGO captured its essence incredibly well. The exterior is charming, with “gentler curves” and “verdant green shades” that evoke the Shire perfectly.
• Relaxing Build Experience: After some of those monster sets, a “meditative and relaxing” build is a breath of fresh air. It’s enjoyable without being overly complicated.
• Clever Play Features: The disappearing Bilbo and the revealing One Ring are genuinely fun and well-executed mechanisms that add a lot to the set’s appeal.
• Interior Details: While compact, the inside of Bag End is packed with delightful Easter eggs, from the Red Book to the map of the Lonely Mountain.
• Complements Other LOTR Sets: It visually balances out Rivendell and Barad-dûr beautifully, completing a sort of Middle-earth display trinity.
• Massive Upgrade from Previous Versions: Many “lego the lord of the rings the shire set reviews” agree it’s a “massive upgrade” over the older 79003 An Unexpected Gathering set, showcasing how far LEGO design has come.

The Not-So-Good Stuff Cons

• Price Per Piece: This is probably the biggest sticking point for many. At $269.99 for 2017 pieces, it’s a higher price-per-piece ratio compared to Rivendell or Barad-dûr. A lot of discussion on “lego the lord of the rings the shire set review reddit” posts revolves around this, with some feeling “the price doesn’t make sense”.
• Smaller Interior: While detailed, the interior of Bag End is somewhat “small” and lacks the expansive feel of other larger sets. Some wished for more rooms, like a proper kitchen or cellar.
• Side Builds Could Be Better: The party tree, in particular, received some criticism for its “boxy” design and “weak foliage branches” compared to other LEGO trees. Some feel the birthday party elements could have been a separate smaller set or GWP to allow for a larger, more detailed Bag End.
• Lacks “Wow” Factor Compared to Siblings: If you’re expecting the sheer architectural grandeur of Rivendell or the imposing scale of Barad-dûr, The Shire might feel a bit “lackluster” or “less cohesive”. It’s humble by design, but that means it doesn’t grab attention in the same way.

What Other Reviewers Are Saying: Reddit, YouTube, and Beyond

When I’m checking out a new set, I always hit up Reddit threads and YouTube channels because you get some of the most honest and diverse opinions. For the “lego the lord of the rings the shire set review reddit” discussions, a common theme is the price, with users acknowledging it’s high but often confessing they’ll “be buying it on day one” anyway because “it’s a set that’s gonna be desired by fans of Lord of the Rings”. There’s a real sense of “it’s too expensive. And I will be buying it on day one yes that makes me part of the problem. Deal with it.”. People truly love the setting and the minifigures, with many appreciating the “vibe” that “fits both perfectly” with Middle-earth and LEGO.

On YouTube, if you search for “lego the lord of the rings the shire set review youtube,” you’ll find channels like Solid Brix Studios and BRICKSIE discussing the build. Many reviewers laud the “lots of new interesting elements and prints” and the clever building techniques. However, the sentiment regarding the smaller interior and the less impressive party tree is also prevalent across these platforms. Despite these criticisms, most “lego the lord of the rings the shire set reviews youtube” videos conclude that it’s a good set for fans, especially for its nostalgic value and the character lineup. Some even suggest waiting for “double points or when there’s a good GWP” Gift With Purchase to soften the blow of the price.

Overall, the consensus from various “lego the lord of the rings the shire set reviews” is that while it has its flaws, particularly with the price-to-piece ratio and a somewhat basic party tree, its charm, excellent minifigures, and faithful recreation of Bag End make it a highly desirable set for true Lord of the Rings fans.

Is It Worth It? Value for Money and Target Audience

the big question: Is the LEGO The Lord of the Rings: The Shire 10354 worth its $269.99 price tag? The Iconic Lego Marvel Logo and Its Stunning Brick-Built Appearance

If you’re purely looking at the piece count, it’s a tougher sell, especially when you compare it to the monumental LEGO Rivendell set 10316 with over 6,000 pieces for $500, or even LEGO Barad-dûr 10333 with over 5,400 pieces for $460. The Shire set’s 2017 pieces at nearly $270 places it at a higher cost-per-piece. However, LEGO sets often involve licensing fees, new molds like that circular window frame!, and high-quality printed elements, all of which contribute to the cost.

Who is this set for?

• Die-hard Lord of the Rings Fans: If you love Hobbiton, Bag End, and the gentle beginnings of the saga, this set is practically essential. The charm and nostalgia factor are incredibly high.
• Minifigure Collectors: The exclusive party-outfit Hobbits, Rosie Cotton, and the Proudfoots are huge draws.
• Display Enthusiasts: Especially if you own Rivendell or Barad-dûr, this set offers a beautiful, contrasting piece that completes a Middle-earth tableau. It looks fantastic on a shelf, evoking a sense of peace and home.
• Casual Builders Looking for a Relaxing Project: If you’re tired of complex, massive builds and want something enjoyable and not too stressful, this fits the bill perfectly.

If you’re on a strict budget and solely prioritize piece count or a “wow” factor akin to the massive Rivendell, you might find the price a bit steep. But for what it delivers – a meticulously detailed, charming recreation of one of Middle-earth’s most beloved locations, packed with iconic minifigures and clever play features – many fans will find it hard to resist. It’s not just a LEGO set. it’s a piece of Middle-earth history that you can build and display. For those who feel a deep “kinship with the hobbits,” this set is “the perfect choice”.

My advice? If you’re a devoted fan and the price isn’t a deal-breaker, absolutely go for it. Consider picking it up during a double VIP points event or when there’s a compelling Gift With Purchase to maximize your value. You won’t regret having this slice of the Shire on your shelf. You can check for the Lego Lord of the Rings The Shire set on Amazon to compare prices and availability. Pulsetto Vagus Nerve Stimulator: Your Guide to Calmer Days and Deeper Sleep

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the piece count of the LEGO The Lord of the Rings: The Shire set 10354?

The LEGO The Lord of the Rings: The Shire set 10354 includes 2017 pieces.

How many minifigures are included in the LEGO The Lord of the Rings: The Shire set?

This set comes with 9 minifigures: Frodo Baggins, Bilbo Baggins older, Gandalf the Grey, Samwise Gamgee, Merry Brandybuck, Pippin Took, Rosie Cotton, Odo Proudfoot, and Mrs. Proudfoot.

Is the LEGO The Lord of the Rings: The Shire set a challenging build?

No, most reviewers describe the building experience as straightforward, relaxing, and not particularly challenging for experienced LEGO builders. It’s often praised for its meditative quality.

What are the main features of Bag End in the LEGO The Shire set?

Bag End features a detailed exterior with iconic round windows and door, and an open-back interior with three separable sections. Inside, you’ll find Bilbo’s study with the Red Book and Thorin’s contract, a dining room with a map of the Lonely Mountain, and other intricate details.

Does the LEGO The Lord of the Rings: The Shire set have play features?

Yes, it includes several fun play features, such as a mechanism for Bilbo to “disappear” using the One Ring, a way for Gandalf to “reveal” the One Ring in the parlor, and a dragon firework explosion from the party tent. Kenyon g2 tabletop electric grill review

How does The Shire set compare to LEGO Rivendell 10316 and Barad-dûr 10333?

The Shire is significantly smaller and generally less visually spectacular than Rivendell or Barad-dûr. It also has a higher price-per-piece ratio. However, it offers a charming, peaceful aesthetic that beautifully complements the other two sets for a comprehensive Middle-earth display.

Is the price of the LEGO The Lord of the Rings: The Shire set considered good value?

The US $269.99 price for 2017 pieces is often criticized for being on the higher side, especially compared to other large licensed LEGO sets like Rivendell and Barad-dûr. However, fans generally agree that its unique charm, iconic location, and excellent minifigure selection make it a desirable, albeit pricey, purchase.