Retired ninjago sets have become some of the most sought-after collectibles in the LEGO secondary market. Since the theme launched in 2011, LEGO has released hundreds of Ninjago sets, and once a set retires from production, its value often climbs steadily as supply shrinks.
The challenge for collectors is knowing which retired sets are worth pursuing, where to find them at fair prices, and how to avoid overpaying for damaged or incomplete listings. This guide covers the most valuable retired Ninjago sets, the factors that drive their prices, the best marketplaces to search, and practical steps to verify authenticity before you buy.
You will also learn which retired sets have appreciated the most and which ones to skip if you are building a collection on a budget.
Why Retired Ninjago Sets Gain Value
Retired ninjago sets follow a predictable pattern in the secondary market. When LEGO officially retires a set, production stops and retailer inventory gradually sells through. Once that stock is gone, the only way to buy the set is through resellers.
Several factors influence how quickly a set appreciates. Sets tied to popular characters like Lloyd, Zane, or Kai tend to hold value better than generic vehicle builds. Limited-run or store-exclusive sets often spike faster because fewer units were produced.
The LEGO Group's own LEGO Certified Professional network has noted that Ninjago remains one of the top five most-collected LEGO themes worldwide, which keeps demand strong for older releases.
Condition plays a major role too. A sealed, mint-condition box can sell for two to three times the price of the same set opened and assembled. Collectors who keep original packaging, instruction booklets, and even the cardboard inserts see measurably better resale results.
How to apply this: Before buying any retired set, check its original retail price on LEGO's official product archive, then compare current listings to see if the markup is reasonable.
The Most Valuable Retired Ninjago Sets
Some retired ninjago sets have become genuinely expensive. The Temple of Airjitzu (70751), released in 2015, originally sold for around $199.99. Today, sealed copies routinely list for several hundred dollars above that. Another standout is the Ninjago City (70620) from 2017, a massive 4,867-piece build that has become a grail item for many collectors.
The Destiny's Bounty (70618) also commands strong prices. Its detailed ship design and large minifigure lineup make it one of the most desirable retired Ninjago sets ever produced. Smaller sets can appreciate too, but the percentage gains are usually highest on large, display-worthy models.
| Retired Set | Original Price | Current Market Range | What to Check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temple of Airjitzu (70751) | $199.99 | $400–$700 sealed | Minifigure count, sticker sheet |
| Ninjago City (70620) | $299.99 | $600–$1,000+ sealed | All 16 bags present |
| Destiny's Bounty (70618) | $159.99 | $300–$500 sealed | Sails and rigging intact |
| Ultra Dragon (70679) | $39.99 | $80–$150 sealed | Dragon wing clips |
| Legacy Monastery (70670) | $99.99 | $180–$300 sealed | Golden Lloyd minifigure |
How to apply this: Start your collection with one mid-tier retired set like the Legacy Monastery before chasing the most expensive grail items.
Where to Find Retired Ninjago Sets Safely
The secondary market for retired ninjago sets spans several platforms. BrickLink, owned by the LEGO Group, is the largest dedicated marketplace for LEGO products. You can compare prices across hundreds of sellers and filter by condition, completeness, and location.
eBay offers the widest selection but requires more caution. Check seller feedback scores and look for listings with detailed photos of the actual set rather than stock images. Mercari and Facebook Marketplace sometimes produce bargains from casual sellers who do not know the true value of what they own.
For price tracking, BrickLink provides historical price data for every set ever released. You can also use BrickEconomy to see appreciation charts and projected values for retired Ninjago sets.
How to apply this: Set up saved searches on BrickLink and eBay for your target sets so you get alerts when new listings appear at your desired price point.
How to Verify Authenticity and Completeness
Counterfeit LEGO sets are rare but not unheard of, especially for expensive retired ninjago sets. The bigger risk is buying a set that is missing pieces or has substituted non-LEGO parts.
Every official LEGO element has the word "LEGO" molded onto the studs. Check photos carefully for this detail. For sealed sets, verify the box has intact seals and the correct set number printed on the side. Ask sellers for a piece count or a photo of the instruction booklet's back cover, which lists the full inventory.
According to the LEGO Group's official customer service guidelines, any set purchased secondhand that is missing pieces can be supplemented through LEGO's Pick a Brick service or replacement parts portal. This is a useful fallback if you find a deal on an incomplete set.
How to apply this: Before finalizing any purchase over $100, ask the seller to confirm in writing whether the set is 100% complete with all original minifigures.
Retired Ninjago Sets to Avoid Overpaying For
Not every retired Ninjago set deserves a premium. Some sets retire and barely move in price because demand was low from the start. Others get inflated temporarily by hype cycles or media tie-ins like the Ninjago movie.
Spin-off themes, such as sets from The LEGO Ninjago Movie line, often underperform compared to sets from the main TV series continuity. Buyers sometimes assume any retired Ninjago set is a good investment, but that is not the case. Focus on sets with strong minifigure lineups, iconic locations, or unique build techniques.
How to apply this: Check the BrickEconomy price history for any set you are considering. If the value has been flat for two or more years, it is probably not a strong buy.
Building a Retirement Watchlist
Smart collectors track sets that are approaching retirement rather than chasing them after prices spike. LEGO typically retires sets after two to three years on shelves, though popular Ninjago sets sometimes run longer.
You can monitor retirement announcements through LEGO's official website and fan communities like Brickset, which maintains an up-to-date database of every set and its current status. When a set is marked "retiring soon" on LEGO's online store, that is your signal to buy at retail price before resellers take over.
How to apply this: Create a Brickset account and add your target sets to your watchlist. The site sends notifications when sets change status from available to retired.
Frequently Asked Questions About retired ninjago sets
How do I know if a retired Ninjago set is complete?
Ask the seller for a photo of the instruction booklet's inventory page or a written confirmation of completeness. For sealed retired ninjago sets, the box should have original factory seals intact. If buying opened sets, request photos of all bags or sorted parts before committing.
Are retired Ninjago sets a good investment?
Some retired ninjago sets appreciate significantly, but many do not. The strongest performers are large, display-oriented sets with popular minifigures. Treat collecting as a hobby first. If a set gains value, that is a bonus rather than a guaranteed outcome.
What is the difference between retired and discontinued sets?
The terms mean the same thing in practice. A retired set is no longer in production and will not be restocked by LEGO or major retailers. Discontinued is simply another word for the same status in the secondary market.
Can I still buy replacement parts for retired Ninjago sets?
Yes. LEGO's Pick a Brick and Bricks & Pieces services carry many elements from older sets, though some specialized or printed parts may only be available through BrickLink sellers. Minifigures from retired Ninjago sets are often the most expensive parts to replace.
Why are some retired Ninjago sets cheaper than their original price?
Low demand, overproduction, or unpopular designs can keep prices below retail even after retirement. Movie tie-in sets and smaller vehicle builds often fall into this category. Always check price history before assuming a retired set is automatically valuable.
Conclusion
- Retired ninjago sets gain value based on demand, rarity, condition, and minifigure appeal
- The most valuable retired sets are large display models like Ninjago City and Temple of Airjitzu
- Use BrickLink and BrickEconomy to track prices and find fair deals
- Verify completeness and authenticity before every purchase, especially for sealed sets
- Build a retirement watchlist so you can buy sets at retail before prices climb
Your next step is to pick one retired Ninjago set that fits your budget and start tracking its price across BrickLink and eBay for two weeks. Watch how listings move and what sealed versus opened copies actually sell for. That data will tell you when to strike.
