Blocks explores the world of LEGO Minecraft as the video game marks 15 years since it was first released into the world.
Minecraft took the world by storm when it released in 2009. Even in the early days, when it was little more than a point-and-click building game, fans saw its potential. The game exploded in popularity, helped along by its official release in 2011, and has seen a consistent stream of updates ever since. Minecraft recently celebrated its 15th anniversary since that very first unveiling — though that isn’t the only milestone for the game this year.
LEGO Minecraft started in 2012 with the release of 21102 Micro World – The Forest, a CUUSOO (Ideas) set proposed by Mojang itself. The set was a fun novelty for fans and three further micro-scale Minecraft sets were released in 2014. LEGO Minecraft as fans know it today then started in November 2014 with the introduction of larger builds and, most importantly, minifigures. Ten years on and LEGO Minecraft shows no signs of stopping. To celebrate 15 years of Minecraft and 10 years of its LEGO play scale counterpart, Blocks, the monthly LEGO magazine, lists the top five LEGO Minecraft sets to date.
21156 BigFig Creeper and Ocelot
Minecraft’s most iconic image is undoubtedly that of the Creeper and the brick-built version in 21156 BigFig Creeper and Ocelot does an excellent job of capturing its look in just about one hundred pieces. Prints are used to create the face of this skulking monster, while the rest of the detailing is achieved through the simple yet effective use of tiles and plates. The legs and head are fully posable, opening up plenty of display options. The ocelot included alongside the Creeper is a plain build but accurately represents the in-game animal. It’s the perfect companion for the Creeper, who is scared of the cat in the game.
21137 The Mountain Cave
Released in 2017, 21137 The Mountain Cave remains the largest LEGO Minecraft set. Those pieces are put to good use — the set depicts an entire mountain, complete with minecart track, home base and underground area. The build has so much going on that it may appear to be a little cluttered at first, but upon further inspection, each section does its part to create a full Minecraft world in a single box. There are plenty of secrets to discover amongst this set’s 2,863 pieces, including a Creeper face carved in stone, an abandoned mineshaft and plenty of monsters to fight along the way. An included light brick assembly cleverly illuminates different spots of the build, letting you highlight your favourite sections of this massive set.
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21115 The First Night
21115 The First Night appropriately released in 2014 as part of the first wave of minifigure-scale LEGO Minecraft sets. Ten years later in 2024, it still holds up as some of the best the theme has to offer. The build is a functional yet quaint house made from stone and wood with a natural roof — there’s even a tree growing up top. The interior is fully furnished with everything Steve needs to survive his first days in a new world, including bed, crafting table and furnace. A Creeper and pig round out a solid minifigure selection for what is a very respectable set.
21187 The Red Barn
Rather uncreative name aside, 21187 The Red Barn is a fantastic set, for Minecraft fans and non-fans alike. The barn is made up primarily of standard bricks and plates and still manages to have some excellent shaping for its roof. There are two stalls on the inside as well as an outdoor pen for the sets five animals — a chicken, goat, horse, cow and calf. The barn hinges open to provide full access to the inside, complete with upper loft area for the player character to sleep. While this set may not be representing anything particular or iconic from the game, it’s an incredibly well-designed set and its appeal to all types of fans is a testament to its quality.
21128 The Village
2016’s 21128 The Village accomplishes exactly what it sets out to do — create a full Minecraft village in the brick. It does so masterfully, with a total of four buildings plus a variety of side builds, from a market stall to desert well. The buildings come with tiled-off roofs, giving the village a more polished look compared to some other LEGO Minecraft sets, and each come with their own detailed interiors. The set depicts the older style of Minecraft village, which has since been updated and revamped in the game. But that only adds to the charm of the set — it becomes not just an impressive model, but a time capsule for fans to look back on as well.
Did your favourite LEGO Minecraft set make the list? Or does another earn your top spot? Let Blocks know on any of our social media channels.