LEGO Reviews Ninjago71713

Empire Dragon

Name: LEGO Empire Dragon 71713
Brand: LEGO
SKU: 71713
Rating: 4.8 (1753 reviews)

78 · RECOMMENDEDINVESTMENT GRADE: A2020286 pcsHigh agreement · 98%

Expert reviews

2analyzed

Owner ratings

1.8K+

Consensus

BUY

BrickScore

Recommended

Owners

Synthesized Verdict

"71713 Empire Dragon earns a BrickScore of 77.6 and a 4.8/5 average across 1,753 owner ratings, driven by an exceptional minifigure trio and generous new-mold parts that outshine a somewhat hollow dragon build."

JANG and Brickset both recommended 71713 Empire Dragon as a strong mid-range Ninjago set, with reviewers agreeing that the three minifigures and multiple new-mold components are the clear highlights. Owner enthusiasm is notably high: 1,753 ratings average 4.8/5 across Amazon and Walmart. The cyberspace-themed skeletal dragon divides some opinion aesthetically, but both expert reviewers found the articulation, accessories, and parts selection to justify the $29.99 price.

Where to Buy

Amazon

Out of stock

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LOVED (7)

01Three well-equipped minifigures (Unagami, Digi Lloyd, Digi Kai) with alternate faces and strong torso printing
02Multiple new-mold pieces including wing lits, pauldrons, and headgear exclusive to this season
03Generous spare parts especially trans neon greenish-yellow weapon pieces
04Good dragon articulation with ball joints in the tail, ratcheted wing joints, and a ball-jointed head
05Video game controller-shaped sword hilts with dual-moulded detail
06Respectably sized dragon for a $30 price point
07Dedicated cockpit with control panel, unusual for a Ninjago dragon

CRITICIZED (6)

01Dragon's waist section feels hollow and under-filled
02Hind legs are short and the dragon does not stand stably without tail support
03Skeletal, mechanical aesthetic may not appeal to those who prefer organic dragon designs
04Teal highlights feel unnecessary and detract from the overall color scheme (Brickset)
05Stickers present throughout despite printed eyes on the head brick
06Visual similarities to 70652 Stormbringer noted by Brickset

What reviewers are saying

"Over here, most of the stuff you're looking at on the screen is the Empire Dragon set."

JANG's LEGO Reviews

"Dragons have appeared consistently across the NINJAGO range and the majority are associated with the celebrated ninja. 71713 Empire Dragon looks appropriately villainous though, featuring some interesting mechanical desi…"

Brickset Reviews

Ecosystem

70652 Stormbringer — 71713 Empire Dragon is considerably smaller and differs in some design elements, though it draws comparisons for matching stances and proportions. The earlier creature was appealing but reviewer hoped this example would deviate significantly and offer something completely distinct, which it partially achieves through its cyberspace aesthetic.

NinjagoTier 2Investment Grade

By Reviewer · 2

Avg score

Consensus

BUY

JANG's LEGO Reviews

Expert Video Source

BUY

"Over here, most of the stuff you're looking at on the screen is the Empire Dragon set."

Key Pros

✓Three good, well-setup figures with plenty of accessories and alternate faces
✓Multiple new mold pieces including wing lits, puldrons, and headgear
✓Tons of spare parts, especially weapon parts in trans neon greenish yellow

Key Cons

✕Dragon's center/waist section feels hollow and could use more pieces to thicken it up
✕Back legs are very short and dragon not intended to stand well (though it can)

JUMP TO REVIEW

Brickset Reviews

Editorial Source

BUY

Key Pros

✓Wonderful minifigures with excellent printing and new components
✓Unagami included as a major villain in a mid-sized set
✓Good value for money at £24.99/$29.99

Key Cons

✕Teal highlights are unappealing and unnecessary
✕Hind legs appear somewhat awkward in motion

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Dimensional Analysis

Investment Layer

Buy now (2)Wait for sale (0)

Value drivers

JANG's LEGO Reviews: Emperor Unagami as main antagonist with unique dual-molded hair and beard pieces; Digi Lloyd and Digi Kai with unique headgear and game controller-styled weapon hilts

Brickset Reviews: Unagami - major villain with exclusive design and components

Exclusivity

JANG's LEGO Reviews: Ninjago Season 12 exclusive

Brickset Reviews: Unagami and Digi Lloyd/Kai minifigures may be exclusive or limited to this wave

Minifigures & Standout Parts

In this set (6)

Unagami

$13

Unagami

$13

Kai - Digi Kai, Shoulder Armor with Scabbard

Lloyd - Digi Lloyd, White Shoulder Armor with Scabbard

Digi Lloyd

Digi Kai

Standout parts (per reviewers)

Wing lit piecesValue
New molds for the season. Pretty decent in size and can be used as very large blades.
Hair, beard, and puldron pieces for Emperor UnagamiValue
Brand new molds introduced this season. Hair is dual molded in white and red with semi-soft plastic.
2x2 brick printed on both sides (dragon head)
Printed piece underneath dragon head, printed on both sides.
New scabbard and puldron pieceValue
Dual-molded with extra attachment for bar at the back for health bar projection display.
Katana hilt in game controller designValue
New piece for the season. Dual molded with white and black to represent game controller look.
Kitana collectible weaponValue
Seasonal collectible that appears in multiple colors throughout different sets. Dual molded. Can be held or inserted into slots as a key.

What Owners Say · summarized from 5 written reviews (LEGO, Amazon, Walmart)

Owners consistently report the LEGO 71713 Empire Dragon delights kids and Ninjago fans with solid building fun, though a few experienced missing pieces on arrival.

COMMON PRAISE