Unlock the Max Profit Opinion: our stance (buy / accumulate / hold / pass), the reasoning, the exact data behind it (eBay + BrickLink comps, CAGR vs MSRP, our retirement model), and whether the reviewer community agrees.

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LOVED (8)

01Dual-molded 2020 diver helmets with trans light blue lenses
02New stingray and hammerhead shark animal molds
03Good submarine robot arms with multiple articulation points
04Colorful coral using magenta and pink colors
05Detachable submarine module works well for display
06Remote operated vehicle (ROV) has realistic design with good use of limited pieces
07Modular connector system allows easy assembly and reconfiguration
08Submarine canopy opens easily

CRITICIZED (8)

01Large molded pieces reduce building satisfaction and feel less like traditional LEGO
02Submarine hull piece in particular feels non-LEGO-like despite adding value
03Central hub has open back with minimal detail and no imaginative interior development
04Passageways between modules unrealistically small for minifigure navigation
05Lack of effective playable interior spaces despite modular design
06No minifigure alternate faces across five figures
07Control room hatch doesn't actually open functionally
08Crew quarters can fit only one figure, no window access without gymnastics required

What reviewers are saying

"Sadly, I do not enjoy the Ocean Exploration Base (60265). After last year's Lunar Space Station, this set really falls flat. It lacks a sense of completion and a lot of detail."

True North Bricks

"It's usually exciting when LEGO comes out with a new animal of any sort. I was very excited to see this."

JANG's LEGO Reviews

Ecosystem

Lunar Space Station (2019) — Ocean Exploration Base is a disappointing follow-up. Although both have similar brick counts and modular three-module structure, Lunar Space Station is almost 30% cheaper and offers a more detailed, complete design with minor details that needed fixing. Lunar Space Station is superior. Space Station would be a better purchase.

Previous deep sea exploration theme sets — completely compatible with this one as well regarding supply loops and crane connection points, but this current iteration feels like a letdown compared to the reviewer's expectations

CityTier 2Investment Grade

By Reviewer · 2

Avg score

Consensus

SKIP

True North Bricks

Expert Video Source

SKIP

"Sadly, I do not enjoy the Ocean Exploration Base (60265). After last year's Lunar Space Station, this set really falls flat. It lacks a sense of completion and a lot of detail."

Key Pros

✓Exterior design looks great
✓Excellent minifigure brick-to-fig ratio (71:1, well above reviewer average of 146:1)
✓Five minifigures with front and back torso printing and leg printing

Key Cons

✕Extremely poor value at $0.22 per brick (expensive even by City standards)
✕Design lacks realism and interior details

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JANG's LEGO Reviews

Expert Video Source · avg of 2

BUY

"It's usually exciting when LEGO comes out with a new animal of any sort. I was very excited to see this."

Key Pros

✓New glow-in-the-dark angler fish is a standout piece that is bigger and better than expected
✓Functional manipulator arms with actual range of motion and grasping capability
✓Clever part usage given the 5+ age rating and limited piece count

Key Cons

✕Price of $40 USD is a bit high; would prefer $35
✕Open back of main submarine (though this allows roof removal and accessibility)

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Dimensional Analysis

Investment Layer

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Value drivers

JANG's LEGO Reviews: Jessica Sharp from LEGO City Adventures animated series

Minifigures & Standout Parts

In this set (5)

Scuba Diver - Female, Open Mouth, Red Helmet, White Air Tanks, Red Flippers

Ocean Submarine Pilot - Male, Harness, Sand Blue Legs with Pockets, Red Cap, Headset

Scuba Diver - Male, Smirk, Red Helmet, White Air Tanks, Red Flippers

Ocean Researcher - Female, White Jacket, Sand Blue Legs, Glasses, Medium Nougat Hair

Deep Sea Diver - Male, Dark Blue Helmet, Lopsided Grin

Standout parts (per reviewers)

Glow-in-the-dark angler fish
New animal mold with dual molding. The white is glow-in-the-dark (off-white, cooler than usual LEGO white), and green is regular opaque lime green. Features anti-stud spots on the bottom for different attachment options. Reviewer expresses strong excitement: 'It's usually exciting when LEGO comes out with a new animal of any sort' and 'I like it a lot. It's bigger than I expected it to be.'
Angler fish lure ball
Looks like a Mixels ball joint but is not compatible with that system (3.8mm diameter). Requires custom attachment solutions.
Sand green pieces in terrain
Adds believability to the underwater terrain build
Yellow manipulator arm claws
Good reuse of previously molded parts. Reviewer notes they were done in orange originally for the space theme and appreciates seeing them used more.
Technic lift arm in pure clear
Used for angler fish lure mechanism for up-and-down movement
new hammerhead shark
Newly designed animal figure with articulation; also available in cheaper sets