LEGO’s New Lord of the Ring Set Doesn’t Hold a Candle to 2024’s Best Because of Sauron

The arrival of LEGO® The Lord of the Rings has been hugely popular with LEGO fans of all ages, both in the US and globally. After a long wait, the world of Middle-earth became a key focus for LEGO, starting with the impressive Rivendell set (10316) in 2023. This was followed by the enormous Barad-dûr set (10333) in 2024, and will be continued with the smaller Sauron’s Helmet (11373) set planned for 2026.

The LEGO Sauron’s Helmet and Barad-dur sets, both designed for adult collectors, offer very different experiences within Tolkien’s world. The helmet is a striking display piece focused on iconic symbolism, while Barad-dur is a larger, more interactive build meant for extended enjoyment. When considering cost, space, and overall worth, these differences are significant. Ultimately, the presence of Sauron as a key element makes one set a stronger choice than the other.

LEGO’s Sauron’s Helmet (11373): A Clean Display Piece With Limited Engagement

The Sauron’s Helmet LEGO set is clearly made for collectors. Its striking, angular design perfectly captures the intimidating presence of the Dark Lord from The Lord of the Rings, making it a fantastic LEGO display piece. Whether placed on a bookshelf, desk, or display stand, the helmet is sure to grab attention.

However, the set’s design is deliberately simple. It mostly uses dark and light grey pieces, staying true to the original source material, but this creates a model that looks quite uniform. Unlike LEGO’s more detailed and colorful fantasy sets, the limited color palette and textures can make the finished helmet appear a little plain.

What’s most disappointing about Sauron’s Helmet is its lack of playability. Once assembled, it’s simply a static model – there are no hidden compartments, moving pieces, or interesting details to explore. It’s meant to be displayed, not interacted with.

Pros of Sauron’s Helmet (2026)

Instantly recognizable sculptural design, especially for LOTR fans
Faithful interpretation of Sauron’s iconic armor
Compact footprint, ideal for smaller shelving units
Premium presentation aimed at adult collectors
Includes the highly detailed Sauron minifigure

The minifigure is a particularly great addition to the set. Sauron’s armor has fantastic detail, making it a desirable collectible for LEGO villain fans. However, because the exact same minifigure is also available in the Barad-dur set, it’s not quite as rare or valuable as it could be.

Barad-dur (10333): A Large-Scale LEGO Experience That Delivers

Okay, so Sauron’s Helmet was cool and all, but Barad-dur? That thing is HUGE. It came out in 2024, and honestly, it’s one of the most impressive LEGO sets I’ve ever built, especially for a fantasy theme. It just towers over everything, and it’s definitely the centerpiece of my Lord of the Rings LEGO collection now. It really makes a statement!

Barad-dur is unique because of how it’s built in layers. As you assemble it, you discover inner rooms, intricate workings, and smart design choices. It’s a set that rewards close inspection – you’ll likely notice new details each time you look at it.

Interestingly, Barad-dur was released in the same year as LEGO’s Red Dragon’s Tale D&D set, and the two share a comparable design approach.

Unlike most large LEGO sets that are just for display, Barad-dûr is actually fun to play with. You can open different parts of the tower, move the minifigures around inside, and interact with several features – it’s not just something to look at!

Pros of Barad-dur (2024)

Towering presence that dominates any display
Multi-layered build with interior details
Hidden features and secrets revealed during construction
Strong balance between display value and interaction
Includes multiple minifigures, such as Frodo, Sam, Gollum, and Sauron
Greater sense of scale and narrative than smaller LEGO sets

Why Sauron’s Helmet Pales in Comparison With LEGO LOTR’s Biggest Set

The LEGO Barad-dur set is especially appealing to collectors because of the minifigures included. Fans can recreate iconic scenes from The Lord of the Rings with Frodo, Sam, and Gollum, and having the Sauron minifigure – also available in the 2026 Helmet set – makes the set feel more comprehensive and complete.

As a LEGO fan, I’ve been thinking about the new Sauron releases, and it’s a bit tricky. The Sauron minifigure is only in two sets, and buying both feels like you’re diminishing the value of one. The Barad-dûr set is awesome on its own, with a lot going on, but the Sauron’s Helmet set really relies on having the minifigure. So, if you’re thinking about getting the 2026 Sauron’s Helmet, I’d suggest seriously considering getting Barad-dûr first. That way, you’re getting a more complete set and the Sauron figure, making the helmet feel like a great addition later on.

Price vs. Value for LEGO’s Lord of the Rings Sets

For U.S. shoppers, there’s a big price difference between these two LEGO sets. The Barad-dur set is quite expensive at $459.99, placing it in LEGO’s high-end range. Sauron’s Helmet is much more affordable at $69.99, making it a good option for fans who want a smaller, less costly build.

While Barad-dur costs more, it offers a lot in return when you consider how many pieces it has, how intricate it is, the included minifigures, and how much fun it is to build and play with over time. It feels like a truly impressive set, both in size and the experience of building it, and provides hours of enjoyment. Sauron’s Helmet, on the other hand, mainly offers its value right when you build it. After that, there isn’t much reason to rebuild or play with it – it’s mostly for display. For LEGO collectors who want a set that provides lasting value for their money, this difference is important.

Barad-dur’s price-per-piece is around $0.08, whereas it’s $0.13 in the case of Sauron’s Helmet.

2026-02-01 05:05