What is your favourite set of 2022?
Posted by CapnRex101,
LEGO released an exceptional selection of 658 sets in 2022, including several to celebrate the company's ninetieth anniversary. In fact, many could become all-time classics!
However, your nominations have narrowed the competitive field to just fourteen extraordinary sets. View the options and vote for your favourite set of 2022 below. You can choose a maximum of three, which should make the selection slightly easier...
(Select up to 3 options.)
Which set(s) received your vote and would you consider any smaller sets among your overall favourites of the year? Let us know in the comments.
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79 comments on this article
Methinks the Galaxy Explorer wins this round handily
Congratulations on the win to 10497 .
When I first saw Bowser was not impressed, after building it, it was the second and very easy choice for me along with the Galaxy Explorer. Checking a third was difficult but BTTF it was.
Optimus Prime, easily
10497. That's it.
10305 in 2nd and 76989 in 3rd. But 71411, 21333, 10300 and 10302 were also amazing sets.
Would like to mention 42143, 10303, 80039, 80036, 80109, 80035, 42141, 71767, 71765, 31132, <21331, 80034 from the sets that didn't made it to the finals but that were amazing as well. Monkie Kid in special. So underrated...
It is a relief to see that some certain oversized sets didn't appeared here.
When you release the results I hope you will tack on the winners of the last 3-5 years as well, it would be fun to be reminded of those...
May Aurora Point Lighthouse's Fresnel Lens light the way to the end of 2022.
Majestic Tiger has been such an unexpected pleasure. So the third vote goes to it, after the obvious Galaxy Explorer and Lion Knights’ Castle
Don't have any of these... Maybe I have bad taste in Lego?
Or maybe most of these are for the rich? Tiger is fun, but not what I collect.
Probably Boutique Hotel or Galaxy Explorer
On a sidenote, you can pick up a Galaxy Explorer for just $75 at Walmart at the moment... ;)
Tallneck
The castle is a clear winner for me, but man, I love the tiger too. That would be the best set that I own.
I really like it that the question is about "favourite" set and not "best" set. Sometimes these align, sometimes not.
No AT-TE nor UCS Hogwarts Express? ??
Galaxy Explorer 10497 hits the sweet spot of nostalgia, price, and swooshability. What an amazing set.
@Bison_Bricks said:
"When you release the results I hope you will tack on the winners of the last 3-5 years as well, it would be fun to be reminded of those..."
I just went ahead and looked up the past winners:
2021: 21325 Medieval Blacksmith
2020: 21322 Pirates of Barracuda Bay
2019: 21318 Treehouse
2018: 10261 Roller Coaster
Tough choice. I own many of these, but have not opened or built them yet. Maybe I should limit myself to sets I have actually constructed...
There were many sets that would have easily been my favourite in any other year, but 10497 Galaxy Explorer made it an unfair competition this year.
I don’t even have 10497 yet, but from everything I’ve seen, I know I’d like it in person too. The tiger would be my second as it has great value and detail without necessarily being a 100+ dollar/euro set or a licensed theme.
It has to be the Lion Knights Castle for me. Only miss is not including a traditional crown for if you wanted a king.
It’s a behemoth that embodies the castle we remembered as a kid!
10305 Lion Knights Castle BY FAR.
Tiger takes top spot for me. Price, parts, design, questionable anatomy, it's all so good. My favorite Creator set to date in fact!
Bowser is an easy second. It's actually insane how on-model he is, being built in Lego, not to mention the seamless functionality!
Starry Night. I really like the other sets as well but this was so different than we have gotten before
I don't see anything that comes even close to 10305 for me, easy poll.
10300 Back to the Future Time Machine receives my vote, 10497 and 76989 are great sets too even though I am not familiar with the original set and the game that inspired each one.
I only own three of these so while I might have liked another set on the list had I built it I will only choose from the three I own. I voted for 10497 only, though.
The other sets I own on the list are 10305 and 10297 . 10297 , Boutique Hotel, is a good set but not best-of-the-best quality. 10305 is awesome but part of its awesomeness is its sheer size. Building a set that large isn't as fun as building a set roughly the size of 10497 Galaxy Explorer so 10497 wins. Both are a blast to play with. But the fun of Galaxy Explorer comes at a cheaper price.
I still have my original Galaxy Explorer I got for Christmas and I purchased two more complete sets, one with an immaculate box, from Bricklink. I didn't think a remake could match my nostalgia but it does. The build quality is exceptional and it's fun to play with. The addition of two other builds to make the set a 3-in-1 is just added fun. What a great set for $100.
@StorzN said:
"On a sidenote, you can pick up a Galaxy Explorer for just $75 at Walmart at the moment... ;)"
Such a great deal, even considering the fact you don’t get any VIP points. I purchased one for someone who wanted to give me the set so they could save some money. Might need to pick up another one at that price to have one alternate model on display….
My top favorites in order: Galaxy Explorer, Tallneck, and the Boutique Hotel (which I'll be purchasing at midnight).
Lion Knight’s Castle is the best it is the ultimate LEGO castle and the crowning jewel of my castle collection. Though the choice not to include a king was odd.
Strong shortlist, but perhaps a shame that after such a super year for the theme, no Friends set could claim a place.
Galaxy Explorer had like 80% of the votes in the nomination thread, so it should be top pick. Along with Pirates of Barracuda Bay, thats 2 out of the last 3 years a retro set will win. Throw in the Lion Knight's Castle, I think Lego is starting to see the power of classic inspired sets. Took them long enough, but I think it'll be a regular thing.
Absolutely has to be 10305. Castle is the greatest LEGO theme of all time, and now we have the greatest castle set of all time. Not just a nostalgia ride like the Galaxi Explorer, the castle improves upon its theme.
@Bison_Bricks said:
" @Bison_Bricks said:
"When you release the results I hope you will tack on the winners of the last 3-5 years as well, it would be fun to be reminded of those..."
I just went ahead and looked up the past winners:
2021: 21325 Medieval Blacksmith
2020: 21322 Pirates of Barracuda Bay
2019: 21318 Treehouse
2018: 10261 Roller Coaster"
Thanks for sharing @Bison_Bricks, and if, as expected 10497 wins this year's favourite set, then re-imaginings/updates of the classic themes Pirates, Castle (I see Blacksmith as Castle) and Space will have seen AFOL nostalgia score three for three.
So if 99% of voters made the Galaxy Explorer their favourite.
And 99% made Lion Knights Castle their 2nd favourite.
And 100% made the Majestic Tiger a distant 3rd favourite.
Then the Majestic Tiger would win?
Without limiting it to 1 vote per person, or giving 1st, 2nd and 3rd ratings, I don't think this really works.
The castle with the tallneck close behind
@sjr60 said:
"So if 99% of voters made the Galaxy Explorer their favourite.
And 99% made Lion Knights Castle their 2nd favourite.
And 100% made the Majestic Tiger a distant 3rd favourite.
Then the Majestic Tiger would win?
Without limiting it to 1 vote per person, or giving 1st, 2nd and 3rd ratings, I don't think this really works."
True, first vote should be multiplied by 3, second by 2 and third as is. Since we were just choosing 3 sets without preference (order), it is very possible that everybody's third choice becomes the first choice for all. My order would be 10497, 76989 and 10305 but with the current setup, they only know I like all three of them equally.
Loop Coaster didn't make the cut?
Ugh only big sets...
I guess the tiger then
I am saying Boutique Hotel because I have been nuts for modulars ever since seeing Cafe Corner on the shop at home website when I was at work one day. I am only missing three of them. That said, the original Galaxy Explorer was my big Christmas present in 1983, and I LOOOOOOOOVE the new one very much.
I don’t have any of these, but if I could have one it would be 10300.
@ao_ka said:
Would like to mention 42143, 10303, 80039, 80036, 80109, 80035, 42141, 71767, 71765, 31132, <21331, 80034 from the sets that didn't made it to the finals but that were amazing as well. Monkie Kid in special. So underrated...
Still no review for 21331 Green hill zone unfortunately and I'm starting to feel like it won't end up getting one...
I'm an idiot.
I just realised how the Majestic Tiger aligned nicely with the Chinese year of the tiger, last year ... and this year, the year of the rabbit, one of the first Creator sets (that's already on the shelves, in my local toy store) is the white rabbit.
And I only just realised that those two things aren't a coincidence.
Strong list but a shame that either the friends theatre or art school couldn't make the short list. Exceptional builds, fun play features and both loved by their target demographic in this household. Bonus points for being original creations (although I really wish to modify the theatre into a Muppet theatre...)
I voted for the Sanctum Sanctorum (my personal favorite), the Lion Knight's Castle and the Galaxy Explorer. I don't own the last two (nor the sets they were inspired by), but I still felt they're incredible, modern, representations of the original set/theme.
10497 Galaxy Explorer by a mile because not only is it an amazing set, but the price was actually reasonable for what you got and you didn't have to spend three times as much for nostalgia that's really just too big for display. (I'm looking at you, 10305. You may be a bigger set, but you're just too darn expensive.)
A lot of greats, but no contest when it comes to the amazing homage to Classic Space at an amazing price.
I voted only on 10497.
Voted for Galaxy Explorer, since Grimmauld Place didn't make the cut. With almost exclusively D2Cs, I think the polls could be expanded with one more category.
@Kenmore said:
" @Bison_Bricks said:
" @Bison_Bricks said:
"When you release the results I hope you will tack on the winners of the last 3-5 years as well, it would be fun to be reminded of those..."
I just went ahead and looked up the past winners:
2021: 21325 Medieval Blacksmith
2020: 21322 Pirates of Barracuda Bay
2019: 21318 Treehouse
2018: 10261 Roller Coaster"
Thanks for sharing @Bison_Bricks, and if, as expected 10497 wins this year's favourite set, then re-imaginings/updates of the classic themes Pirates, Castle (I see Blacksmith as Castle) and Space will have seen AFOL nostalgia score three for three."
Interesting that Ideas sets won the previous 3 years. There were some great ones this year too, notably Starry Night in my opinion, but the anniversary sets are just catnip.
@Prof_Physika said:
"Methinks the Galaxy Explorer wins this round handily"
If people don’t vote for it because they think others will, it won’t win. If it’s your favourite set, don’t be complacent and please vote for it!
I own all but two of the sets listed. I'm actually voting for sets that I own, instead of a lot of people who will be voting for a set they love, but not enough to actually buy.
There’s a couple I wish I could list as 1. It was an exciting year for releases between the anniversary stuff and licensed stuff. I voted for the castle but galaxy explorer, tiger, and BTTF were all great fun.
1 - 10302
2 - 10497
3 - 10300
I voted 10497 of course. As a matter of fact I would have given it three votes if that had been possible since I think it is not only the best set of 2022 but one of the best LEGO sets ever.
Oh, and Happy New Year everyone!
For me, it's a hard call between Galaxy Explorer and Starry Night, but Starry Night wins out.
I really can't understand all the appeal for the Galaxy Explorer. In a year with Castle, Modulars, Razor Crest, Optimus, Delorean, and other great Ideas/Icons sets, I can't assimilate why that blue and gray triangle should win.
@khomps said:
"I really can't understand all the appeal for the Galaxy Explorer. In a year with Castle, Modulars, Razor Crest, Optimus, Delorean, and other great Ideas/Icons sets, I can't assimilate why that blue and gray triangle should win."
Wholly understand that @khomps, lots of really great sets - and joy in that diversity but for many fans I think it struck a chord. I know for me it reconnected me with the childhood joy of the original - and motivated me to pen a review which concluded:
“With this build LL928 is definitely all grown up, like many of us and this is a wonderful homage to the groundbreaking 1979 original. I am glad it was re-imagined and not just re-released so that it could truly be a love letter to Classic Space fans and to the LL928 itself. This is my set of the year (and I know it's only August) but it's a perfect blend of nostalgia, style, challenge and value for money - not to mention fun.”
@khomps said:
"I really can't understand all the appeal for the Galaxy Explorer. In a year with Castle, Modulars, Razor Crest, Optimus, Delorean, and other great Ideas/Icons sets, I can't assimilate why that blue and gray triangle should win."
The castle, the Delorean and especially the Razor Crest are even more grey
10497 because I am a diehard Space fan, 10305 for the kindred Castle community, and 76989 because even though I have no tie to the game, it's still a cool set.
I'm looking forward to getting the Razor Crest the most, so that has my vote.
However, I remain angry about the stickers. It's not good enough on a UCS model.
I recently watched Jamie talk about 15 years of modular buildings, and that because fans were so upset with stickers on the cinema, the cinema is the only modular that has stickers.
I accept stickers on play sets, a lot of kids like them, but not on an expensive display piece unless I get at least 3 extra sets of stickers included from Lego, because they will peel off in a few years. At this point I would even pay extra for printed pieces (which 3rd parties are offering because of Lego's ineptitude in this area)
Galaxy Explorer 2.0...had to be said, I bought 2, and don't regret it:)
Close 'runners up': SC Lamborghini Countach (because I've been wanting since the series/line started), and City Ice Cream Truck Police Chase (liked both the Ice Cream truck and the Police car...truck?...van?...)
I went with the Boutique Hotel, Mighty Bowser, & the Tallneck. Honorable mention to the Sanctum.
Modular is always a favorite of the year & I went with the Tallneck over Sanctum because I already have a big building...but that’s not to say they Tallneck isn’t an amazing set on its own. Fun build, great color scheme & a fantastic minifg. Bowser was such a surprising standout. I wasn’t really sold on it by the pictures but once I saw it in action & got a better look at it I was sold.
@khomps said:
"I really can't understand all the appeal for the Galaxy Explorer. In a year with Castle, Modulars, Razor Crest, Optimus, Delorean, and other great Ideas/Icons sets, I can't assimilate why that blue and gray triangle should win."
Easy.
For one, as mentioned many times, it struck a chord with lots of people who are reminded of their childhood in a very positive way.
Then there's the general popularity of everything Classic Space, so any new set, even a lackluster one like the new Blacktron GWP, garners enormous response. A great one even more so, naturally.
Thirdly, there's the undeniable qualities of the set.
No expense was spared.
Every decoration is either printed or brick-built.
The design shows that a lot of thought went even into the tiniest details.
The price is very fair compared to most other current LEGO sets.
And to round it out they even made the effort to design a proper B and C model. A luxury not even Technic sets are awarded anymore.
Seriously, what else can you ask for?
Sure, Optimus Prime is also a nostalgia trigger, as is the DeLorean. But seeing that Optimus Prime is on constant high discount it apparently isn't as popular as LEGO (or even I) imagined, and the DeLorean is highly overpriced for what you get - especially since almost every expense has been spared on that one, so for anyone not looking at it through rose-tinted glasses it is apparent that it's just a huge money-grab of a set. And just as grey (actually more so) than the Galaxy Explorer.
And while the Classic Castle will also tick several of the boxes the Galaxy Explorer does, it is just so expensive that it is out of reach for most people.
Especially since it didn't need to be that expensive. Classic Castles cost about the same as the flagship Classic Space sets of the time, not more than three times as much. Let it sink in for a moment, for the price of one of the Castle you get three (!) Galaxy Explorers plus have 50 Euro spare to spend on even more sets. And that's at RRP. Factoring in the usual discounts you currently get (not for the Castle since it's a LEGO exclusive), you get three Galaxy Explorers, a Tallneck, and a couple of Speed Champions for the equivalent of ONE Castle.
Amy more questions?
I went with Optimus Prime, a) enjoyed the build, b) love the look and feel and c) it is a combination of my two favourite toys as a kid.
I’m disappointed in not seeing Obi wan vs. Darth Vader or that Black Panther bust set as an option to choose from.
The only one I own is 10300 because I am a big BTTF fan. But I don't believe it's actually THAT good to deserve a place on the podium.
I vote for 10305 instead. Big, detailed, realistic, lot of playability, that's the quintessential LEGO set.
10300 Back to the Future is the best set. 10497 might win just because of the nostalgia of people, but it does not deserve it.
@Altair1970 said:
"10300 Back to the Future is the best set. 10497 might win just because of the nostalgia of people, but it does not deserve it. "
Strange opinion.
Would you care to explain in what way the DeLorean is more deserving?
The nostalgia factor might be strong with both 10300 and 10497, but objectively, what makes the DeLorean a better set in your opinion?
Is it better value for money?
Has more effort been put into the design?
Has it got better production values?
Does it offer additional value such as a B and even C model?
Does the box offer anything out of the ordinary such as a special retro design?
I think you will find that you have to admit that the answer to all those questions is No.
So, even if one is a huge BTTF fan (such as myself) one has to admit which of the two sets is better objectively.
Subjectively of course every set can be felt to be deserving, but there has rarely been a set as objectively great in so many tangible ways as 10497.
@Altair1970 said:
"10300 Back to the Future is the best set. 10497 might win just because of the nostalgia of people, but it does not deserve it. "
Of course, the question being asked was what is your favourite set, not what is the best set.
Your favourite is a cast iron fact. The best is merely an opinion.
None of the anniversary sets get my vote...
No Technic in this price bracket. I would have voted for the helicopter.
Voted for the DeLorean. Just built it and it's a great set. Interesting to build, and the options for the 3 versions don't add too many pieces/ dollars to the set.
I'm not a Marvel fan but I also voted for the Sanctorum. A bit pricey but looks much better than both the boutique hotel and the jazz club. Keeping an eye out for discounts on this set.
@AustinPowers said:
" @Altair1970 said:
"10300 Back to the Future is the best set. 10497 might win just because of the nostalgia of people, but it does not deserve it. "
Strange opinion.
Would you care to explain in what way the DeLorean is more deserving?
The nostalgia factor might be strong with both 10300 and 10497, but objectively, what makes the DeLorean a better set in your opinion?
Is it better value for money?
Has more effort been put into the design?
Has it got better production values?
Does it offer additional value such as a B and even C model?
Does the box offer anything out of the ordinary such as a special retro design?
I think you will find that you have to admit that the answer to all those questions is No.
So, even if one is a huge BTTF fan (such as myself) one has to admit which of the two sets is better objectively.
Subjectively of course every set can be felt to be deserving, but there has rarely been a set as objectively great in so many tangible ways as 10497. "
Objectively great? I could not disagree more. 10497 is just a remake of a 40-year-old basic assemblage of grey and blue bricks forming a random triangular spaceship. Again, its only interest is for those who got the original one in their childhood and are nostalgic of that period (which is totally fine and understandable but does not make this set particularly great). On the other hand, 10300 is a perfect reproduction of the iconic vehicle at the base of one of the most successful and revered film franchises of all times. And in spite of what you say, the answer is yes to all your questions, 10300 is better value for money, more effort has been put into the design, etc...
@Altair1970 : do you actually own both sets? Have you built both?
I have but I'd wager to guess you haven't. Because if you had you would know that your statement about the objective qualities just doesn't make sense.
The fact that BTTF is (and I agree with you completely on that) such a successful and revered film franchise says nothing about the quality of the set.
Also it is recognizable, yes, but far from a "perfect reproduction". For a start its the wrong colour. A perfect reproduction would be drum lacquered silver with chrome highlights. The actual set is just light bluish grey (not even flat silver) with a few drum lacquered silver highlights. Even the Playmobil version (which I also have, along with several other DeLorean models) is a better representation of the source material.
Also 10497 isn't just a remake. It's a completely different set that just imitates the general look of the original. 497/928 was a very different build, basically just several layers of plates on top of one another, with regular studs on top brick built canopy and cargo bay / details.
10497 employs loads of cool building techniques, is stuffed with exclusive printed pieces, replicates all the functions of the original in modern form, and then some.
And while you get several extra pieces to transform the DeLorean into the versions of BTTF 2 and 3, with the new Galaxy Explorer you get two complete extra sets of instructions to build modern replica/retro style versions of two more Classic Space sets (918 and 924). Seriously, there isn't even a contest.
Some of my favorites that were not listed, Eiffel Tower, Loop Roller Coaster, Lamborgini Countach (fantastic set great build, waited long for this & was worth the wait), Friends Theatre School, Elvis art (already sold out!) . From the list I chose Boutique Hotel, BTTF and Starry Night, but Sanctum was close choice. 2022 had some really good sets.
Voted for 10497 Galaxy Explorer, which is an all around great set and offers great value as you can pick it up for $75 at Walmart in the states; I've picked up 4 copies (so far) to build the main set and the 2 alternate ships, and to keep one sealed in the box. It's definitely my favorite set of the year, and I also voted for the Lion Knights Castle and the Back to the Future Time machine since we can vote for 3 sets as I received both of these as gifts from my wife for Christmas. An honorable mention would be the UCS Razor Crest, will hopefully be able to get this eventually too.
@kwickbrick said:
"Some of my favorites that were not listed,
.......
Elvis art (already sold out!) . "
Yes, I managed to make do with just 3, although I was very tempted to get 6 for the 3 little ones plus the big one.
It's very confusing in the UK when we keep hearing about some bloke called The King, and it turns out to be an imposter!
10302 is an easy winner, but 71765 is a close second.
@AustinPowers said:
" @Altair1970 : do you actually own both sets? Have you built both?
I have but I'd wager to guess you haven't. Because if you had you would know that your statement about the objective qualities just doesn't make sense.
The fact that BTTF is (and I agree with you completely on that) such a successful and revered film franchise says nothing about the quality of the set.
Also it is recognizable, yes, but far from a "perfect reproduction". For a start its the wrong colour. A perfect reproduction would be drum lacquered silver with chrome highlights. The actual set is just light bluish grey (not even flat silver) with a few drum lacquered silver highlights. Even the Playmobil version (which I also have, along with several other DeLorean models) is a better representation of the source material.
Also 10497 isn't just a remake. It's a completely different set that just imitates the general look of the original. 497/928 was a very different build, basically just several layers of plates on top of one another, with regular studs on top brick built canopy and cargo bay / details.
10497 employs loads of cool building techniques, is stuffed with exclusive printed pieces, replicates all the functions of the original in modern form, and then some.
And while you get several extra pieces to transform the DeLorean into the versions of BTTF 2 and 3, with the new Galaxy Explorer you get two complete extra sets of instructions to build modern replica/retro style versions of two more Classic Space sets (918 and 924). Seriously, there isn't even a contest. "
I own and have built 10300. It is one of the best sets Lego has ever made, and I love every detail of it. I have no interest in buying nor building 10497, because it looks just like an ordinary spacecraft and its nostalgia factor has no effect on me (as I didn't have its ancestor 40 years ago). I much prefer the Star Wars ships (I own all the existing OT ones).
@Altair1970: your logic is really funny.
You claim that 10300 is one of the best sets LEGO has ever made, but admit you don't even have the set it's competing against.
That's like saying the Morris Marina is one of the best cars ever made, because it's the one you own, so it can't be worse than the Rolls Royce Silver Shadow, which you don't own.
I rest my case. Believe what you want. TLG needs people like you.
I went for the Tallneck since I only noticed after casting my vote O could pick up to 3 choices.
It’s a really interesting and good looking set. Plus value is there for the price.
I would add the Tiger and the Boutique Hôtel if I could.
I built the Kind Castle during the holidays and was not amazed by it. It’s big and good looking but not 400€ big.
I just happen to dislike the Explorer (too bulky for me) but everyone is so enthusiastic with it I might just end up buying it to make my own opinion.