Kat Rees-Jauke considers the price of Star Wars battle packs and considers whether they have in fact become more expensive – and if they have, whether the higher price is justified.
Battle packs have been a staple of the LEGO Star Wars theme for years as they offer a range of troopers to help build an intergalactic army. There have been a wide range of characters from across the Star Wars galaxy, including Stormtroopers, Mandalorians, bounty hunters, Clone Troopers, Night Troopers and more. But while these sets used to be an affordable way to fill up a set like 75313 AT-AT to reenact the Battle of Hoth, fans seem convinced that battle packs like the new 75431 327th Star Corps Clone Troopers are getting more expensive.
So are they truly increasing in price? Or is this a reflection of the minifigures included? Blocks, the monthly LEGO magazine, is on a reconnaissance mission to find out…
When determining whether LEGO sets are increasing in price, as multiple factors need to be taken into account when comparing sets from across the years. Inflation can especially affect set prices, which differs depending on region. However, an easy way to fairly compare LEGO sets is the price per piece. Even when taking inflation into account, the price per piece should remain relatively steady no matter when a set is released.
75412 Death Trooper & Night Trooper Battle Pack is currently on shelves, a set that focuses on the zombified units under the command of Grand Admiral Thrawn from Star Wars: Ahsoka. It includes 4 minifigures and 119 pieces with a retail price of £17.99 / $22.99. That equates to 15.1 pence per piece or 19.3 cents per piece. The average price per piece for a LEGO set, even a licensed one, is about 10-11 pence per piece (or 12-13 cents per piece), so this does seem to suggest a price increase.
Upgrade your LEGO hobby! If you take out a subscription to Blocks, the monthly LEGO magazine, you’ll get each issue first and at a discount, plus other perks including a free digital subscription and the chance to win LEGO prizes every month.
It can be compared to 75166 First Order Transport Speeder Battle Pack from 2017. Alongside sharing a ridiculously long name, that set also has 4 minifigures and 117 pieces, so it’s basically the same size as 75412. It retailed for £11.99 / $14.99 which was 10.2 pence per piece or 12.8 cents per piece. It was clearly a lot cheaper than its modern counterpart.
There is another element to be considered when thinking about increasing prices – the minifigures. 75166 First Order Transport Speeder Battle Pack may have had four minifigures, but only the First Order Colonel was exclusive and used generic elements that were simply recoloured into teal. The Stormtroopers and the Flametrooper were the same as in other sets. 75412 Death Trooper & Night Trooper Battle Pack has three exclusive minifigures, including two redesigned Death Troopers and a new Night Trooper. And that seems to be the current trend for LEGO Star Wars battle packs. They are no longer about army building but rather about the LEGO Group delivering sought after minifigures.
This means the more recent battle packs have exclusive characters with new designs, detailed printing and often new helmet moulds. They are not using elements or minifigures that are generic to the other Star Wars sets that are available to buy at the same time. Although 75373 Ambush on Mandalore Battle Pack seemed overpriced for a rock wall, both Imperial Commandos have new helmet moulds to reflect their unique armour. When a battle pack features more generic characters, like the troopers in 327th Star Corps Clone Trooper Battle Pack that only have updated printing, the price per piece is about average yet again.
So while LEGO Star Wars battle packs have definitely increased in price, it’s because they are evolving. They aren’t just a way to package some extra minifigures anymore and are now highly collectible because of the variety of exclusive minifigures. But what do you think about the changes to these iconic little sets? Are you happy with the increasing focus on unique characters? Jump through hyperspace to any of the Blocks social media channels and join the conversation!
Planning to buy a battle pack or two? Purchase your sets via our affiliate links to help support the work we do at Blocks, online and in print.
To get new LEGO set announcements straight to your inbox, sign up to our free newsletter. Of course, if you really want to upgrade your LEGO hobby for the true insider experience, take out a subscription to Blocks, the monthly LEGO magazine for fans.