Review of a Popular Legend of Zelda LEGO Set
When LEGO announced they'd secured the rights to The Legend of Zelda, longtime fans could hardly believe it. After years of amazing fan-made Ideas submissions that never quite made it to store shelves, we finally got our hands on something official: the Great Deku Tree 2-in-1 (Set 77092). But does this $299.99 Legend of Zelda LEGO set live up to decades of anticipation, or should it stay buried in the Lost Woods?
Unboxing the Sacred Treasure
Opening the sleek black packaging feels like unwrapping a treasure chest. LEGO has clearly positioned this LEGO Legend of Zelda set as a premium adult experience, and the presentation doesn't disappoint. The familiar tray-style box with removable lid makes storage simple, while the artwork showcases both the Breath of the Wild and Ocarina of Time versions beautifully.
The Stats:
2,500 pieces - A substantial build
- Four minifigures - Princess Zelda, Adult Link (Breath of the Wild), Adult Link (Ocarina of Time), and Young Link
- Ages 18+ - Definitely not your typical children's LEGO set
- Release date: September 1, 2024
What immediately stands out? Zero sticker sheets. Every single decoration comes pre-printed, from the detailed work on Link's Champion Tunic to the gorgeous Hylian Shield design. This premium touch alone justifies part of that hefty price tag.
Heroes and Legends Come to Life
Let's be honest - these minifigures are the real treasure in this Legend of Zelda LEGO set. LEGO has mastered its subject to perfection with these characters.
Princess Zelda
The Breath of the Wild version of Princess Zelda looks absolutely stunning. Her Champion's Tunic features gorgeous printing with detailed blue elements, and her blonde hair piece perfectly captures her iconic look. The dual-sided face printing gives you options for different expressions, adding versatility to displays. Getting an official Princess Zelda minifigure after all these years feels surreal.
The Links
Getting three versions of Link feels like Christmas morning for Zelda fans. The Breath of the Wild Link sports his iconic blue tunic with amazing detail work. The Ocarina of Time version rocks the classic green ensemble. Young Link brings that nostalgic charm with his smaller stature and innocent expression.
Legendary Accessories
The accessories deserve their spotlight. The Master Sword features a gorgeous opalescent blue blade with purple hilt details. The Hylian Shield showcases detailed printing that's absolutely screen-accurate. The Ocarina of Time itself comes in a beautiful, translucent blue, with detailed moulding that includes finger holes and a mouthpiece.
These characters represent a dream come true for longtime Legend of Zelda fans who have fantasised about LEGO acquiring the license from Nintendo one day.
Illuminating the Sacred Grove
Want to take your display to the next level? A quality Light Kit for Great Deku Tree can completely transform this set from impressive to absolutely magical. The translucent elements throughout the build - from the Master Sword's blade to the Koroks' glowing details - practically beg for proper illumination.
Third-party lighting solutions typically include warm LED strips for the tree's interior, spotlights for the minifigure displays, and accent lighting for the Master Sword shrine. The Breath of the Wild version especially benefits from subtle backlighting through those pink cherry blossoms, creating an almost ethereal glow that captures the game's beautiful lighting effects.
Most light kits require some basic wire management through the hollow sections LEGO thoughtfully included in the design. Installation usually takes 2-3 additional hours, but the payoff is enormous. Your Great Deku Tree transforms from a static display into a living, breathing centrepiece that draws attention from across the room.
Awakening the Ancient Guardian
The build itself brings joy, though perhaps shorter than you'd expect for the price point. Expect to spend six to eight hours putting together this complete LEGO Zelda experience.
Shared Foundation
The first nine instruction bags build elements common to both versions: Link's house, the base structure, the surrounding landscape, and all minifigures. This foundation takes about 4 hours, creating anticipation for the main event. The organic building techniques here remind me of other nature-focused sets, such as the LEGO Family Tree. However, this Zelda LEGO Deku Tree takes things in a much more fantastical direction.
The Choice
Here's where things get interesting. The instructions literally ask you to choose your path - Breath of the Wild or Ocarina of Time. Think Choose Your Adventure book, but with LEGO bricks.
Breath of the Wild Version
This version bursts with life and colour. Pink cherry blossoms create a lush canopy while cute brick-built Koroks hide throughout the foliage. The interior details stay incredibly accurate to the game. Fans who've spent countless hours exploring Breath of the Wild's Hyrule will feel right at home here, especially surrounded by those adorable brick-built Koroks. Hidden panels reveal Easter eggs like the Sheikah Slate holder and bomb rune references.
Ocarina of Time Version
The classic version embraces a more angular, blocky aesthetic that perfectly captures those N64-era graphics. The big blocky polygons that created the character back in 1998 translate beautifully into LEGO bricks. This feels ancient and mystical, with weathered bark textures and a more sombre colour palette.
Switching Between Builds
Here's where things get tricky. Building either main option feels straightforward, but switching from one to the other? That's no mean feat. The instructions don't clearly explain how to dismantle one version to build the other. You're left playing detective with the manual. Experienced builders will manage fine, but newcomers might find it frustrating.
Commanding Your Gaming Shrine
Both versions create impressive centrepieces, though they serve different moods. The Breath of the Wild tree brings energetic colour to any room. The Ocarina of Time version offers timeless, mystical appeal.
Size Reality Check: The largest configuration measures 33cm (12.9 inches) in width and 31cm (12.2 inches) in height—a decent size for this price range. While substantial, some fans expected something larger given the price point. The LEGO Deku Tree certainly commands attention, but you might find yourself wishing for a bit more presence.
Hidden Details: Both versions reward close inspection. Removable bark panels reveal game-accurate interiors. Poseable facial features bring the tree to life. Countless small details reference specific game moments that fans will love discovering.
Is LEGO Deku Tree Worth Your Rupees?
Here's where things get complicated. Most reviewers agree that this Legend of Zelda LEGO set feels quite pricey.
The Numbers:
- $299.99 for 2,500 pieces = 12 cents per piece
- Only 4 minifigures in such a large, expensive set feel light
- Same price as a Nintendo Switch!
Comparison Reality: You can add just $60-70 more and get substantially larger models with many more minifigures from other themes.
The Nintendo Premium: Let's face it - you're paying for the license here. LEGO probably (correctly) thinks people will pay this for a LEGO Zelda set, something Nintendo and LEGO fans have waited forever to see happen.
Who Should Buy:
- Die-hard Zelda fans who've dreamed of official LEGO sets
- Adult collectors who appreciate premium display pieces
- LEGO enthusiasts interested in unique building techniques
- Anyone wanting both nostalgia and gaming represented
Who Should Wait:
- Budget-conscious buyers hoping for sales or discounts
- Casual fans who don't feel deeply invested in the franchise
- Those expecting maximum piece value for their money
Worthy of the Master Sword?
This LEGO Legend of Zelda set represents a genuine love letter from LEGO to Nintendo and a dream come true for Zelda fans. Hopefully, it paves the way for many more sets ahead.
The Good:
- Absolutely gorgeous minifigures with premium printing
- Zero stickers - everything comes pre-printed
- Authentic details that honor both game versions
- Solid build experience with interesting techniques
- Historic significance as the first official Legend of Zelda LEGO set
- Beautiful display pieces for either version
The Not-So-Good:
- High price point that may alienate many fans
- Relatively few minifigures for the cost
- Confusing transition between builds
- Size doesn't quite match price expectations
- No beginner-friendly entry point to the theme
Bottom Line: If you're a devoted Zelda fan with the budget for it, this set delivers genuine magic. The minifigures alone justify the price for many collectors. Having official LEGO versions of these beloved characters feels truly special. However, the value proposition seems questionable for casual fans or those hoping for typical LEGO bang-for-buck.
Rating: 8/10 - A beautiful, well-crafted set that achieves its goals but comes with a premium price that won't work for everyone.
FAQ
Can I build both Deku Tree versions at the same time?
No, you can only build one version at a time. The set shares most pieces between both builds, so you'll need to dismantle one to create the other.
How long does the Great Deku Tree take to build?
Expect 6-8 hours total. The shared foundation (minifigures, base, Link's house) takes about 4 hours, then another 2-4 hours for your chosen tree version.
Does this set include any stickers?
Not a single sticker! Everything comes beautifully pre-printed, which adds serious premium value and makes this feel like a truly high-end collector's piece.
Is switching between builds difficult for beginners?
The instructions don't clearly show how to dismantle for the rebuild, which can frustrate newcomers. Experienced LEGO builders will figure it out, but beginners might struggle.
Is the $299.99 price worth it for casual fans?
Probably not. This feels designed for serious Zelda enthusiasts and adult LEGO collectors. Casual fans might want to wait for potential sales or smaller, more affordable Zelda sets.
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