LEGO Reviews City60036

Arctic Base Camp

Name: LEGO Arctic Base Camp 60036
Brand: LEGO
SKU: 60036
Rating: 4.78 (52 reviews)

76 · RECOMMENDEDINVESTMENT GRADE: BBB2014735 pcsHigh agreement · 96%

Expert reviews

2analyzed

Owner ratings

Consensus

BUY

BrickScore

Recommended

Owners

Synthesized Verdict

"The Arctic Base Camp earns its Recommended BrickScore of 76.1 as one of the more thematically ambitious City sets of its release year, with reviewers from both Jay's Brick Blog and JANG praising the exploration focus, working mechanisms, and memorable animal figures. Owners rate it 4.78/5 with universal recommendations."

Both Jay's Brick Blog and JANG's LEGO Reviews recommend the Arctic Base Camp as one of the standout City sets of its era, praising its thematic focus on science and exploration over the typical City crime or emergency formula. The BrickScore of 76.1 reflects broad positive consensus with a few specific criticisms. Owners strongly validate this verdict: 4.78/5 across 52 ratings, with 100% recommending it, though the value-for-money signal is slightly lower at 4.28/5.

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LOVED (8)

01Refreshing focus on science and exploration in a City theme typically dominated by police and emergency scenarios
02Modular build structure with each instruction booklet covering a distinct component
03Distinctive bright orange vehicle and structure color scheme against the arctic white setting
04Impressive drilling truck called out as a highlight by JANG
05New husky dog sled with ball joint and four huskies in grey and white
06White polar bear in new color using the existing mold
07Working conveyor belt mechanism that actually functions
08Well-furnished interiors including a research lab with microscope and conveyor belt, and living quarters

CRITICIZED (5)

01Helicopter is the weakest vehicle, described as blocky and unfinished from the side
02Netting cargo container is frustrating to attach and falls apart easily
03Lopsided gender ratio among minifigures, with only one female Arctic Explorer
04Limited floor space inside the research lab
05Some buyers noted the price could be cheaper

What reviewers are saying

"The combination of bright orange vehicles and structures with the unique Arctic setting was a huge win in my books."

Jay's Brick Blog

"I think it looks pretty good I think the the decision to go with the arch shape here was a really good one"

JANG's LEGO Reviews

Ecosystem

Arctic Icebreaker — Both sets include polar bears and huskies; reviewer loves the Icebreaker as well and notes the ship is really cool as a display piece

Old LEGO Polar Bear — New polar bear in white uses same mold as old bear; looks pretty good in new color

LEGO Brown Bear — Polar bear mold comparison shows consistency with existing bear aesthetics

60124 Volcano Exploration Base — Commenter notes the Arctic Base Camp is being compared unfairly to 60124; should compare 60124 more to 60035 Arctic Outpost plus volcano plus tracked vehicle instead

CityTier 2Investment Grade

By Reviewer · 2

Avg score

Consensus

BUY

Jay's Brick Blog

Editorial Source

BUY

"The combination of bright orange vehicles and structures with the unique Arctic setting was a huge win in my books."

Key Pros

✓Makes a great centerpiece for the Arctic sets
✓Includes all major Arctic animals (Polar bear + four huskies)
✓Plenty of vehicles facilitate interactive roleplaying

Key Cons

✕Lopsided ratio of male to female minifigures (only 1 female Arctic Explorer)
✕Helicopter is the weakest vehicle – too simple and oddly positioned in the set

READ FULL REVIEW

JANG's LEGO Reviews

Expert Video Source

BUY

"I think it looks pretty good I think the the decision to go with the arch shape here was a really good one"

Key Pros

✓Great thematic variety
✓Many things to do and build
✓Drilling truck is impressive

Key Cons

✕Helicopter looks blocky and unfinished from the side
✕Netting cargo container frustrating to attach and easily falls apart

JUMP TO REVIEW

Dimensional Analysis

Investment Layer

Buy now (1)Wait for sale (0)

Exclusivity

Jay's Brick Blog: Not exclusive; wide retail availability when released, though now retired

JANG's LEGO Reviews: Standard LEGO City retail release

Resale

Jay's Brick Blog: Reviewer actively seeking additional copies on clearance for $70, indicating strong secondary market interest and desire to acquire multiples.

Minifigures & Standout Parts

In this set (7)

Arctic Scientist

Arctic Explorer

Arctic Research Assistant

Arctic Explorer, Female

Arctic Explorer, Male with Green Goggles

Arctic Explorer, Male with Orange Goggles

Arctic Helicopter Pilot

Standout parts (per reviewers)

Polar Bear (white)
Newly introduced to Arctic sets with great articulation, beady black eyes and nose, and ability to stand on hind legs. May be a recolour of existing Forest Police bear.
Husky Dogs (grey and white, set of 4)
One of the reviewer's favorite new LEGO animals with unique grey and white fur patterns achieved by random mixing of paints, giving each dog unique identity
Ice Crystal Piece (silvery)
New piece for Arctic exploration narrative
New Husky dog mold
New animal type in minifig scale, with big fluffy tails and harness connectors
Polar Bear in white
Same mold as existing bear, but first time in white color; can stand on hind legs and hold fish
Snowshoes
Short reddish brown pieces with half-peg design allowing two to fit in single hole

What Owners Say · summarized from 24 written reviews (LEGO, Amazon, Walmart)

Owners praise the Arctic Base Camp as a detailed, versatile set with excellent play value and charming animals, though some note the higher price point, insufficient minifigures, and occasional missing-piece issues.

COMMON PRAISE