LEGO Reviews Ninjago71847

The Guardian Dragon

Name: LEGO The Guardian Dragon 71847
Brand: LEGO
SKU: 71847
Rating: 4.68 (266 reviews)

76 · RECOMMENDEDINVESTMENT GRADE: BBB20251,650 pcsHigh agreement · 88%

Expert reviews

3analyzed

Owner ratings

266

Consensus

BUY

BrickScore

Recommended

Owners

Synthesized Verdict

"A BrickScore of 75.8 makes The Guardian Dragon a solid Recommended buy for Ninjago fans and display collectors: the cloth wings and scenic base deliver a genuinely impressive shelf piece at a fair $0.09 per piece, though buyers expecting a playable dragon should look elsewhere."

The Guardian Dragon (71847) earns a BrickScore of 75.8 (Recommended) as a striking 1,650-piece Ninjago display set built around cloth wings, a posable dragon body, and an elaborate scenic base. Owner ratings are strong across all four retailers, averaging 4.68 out of 5 across 266 reviews. One notable anomaly stands out: the LEGO.com would-recommend percentage is an unusually low 39%, suggesting a segment of buyers expected more playability from a set that expert reviewers clearly position as a display and collector piece.

Where they split: The moderate agreement rating reflects one genuine tension: owner value-for-money (4.32/5) and the overall rating (4.68/5) are high, but the would-recommend percentage on LEGO.com (39%) is strikingly low, suggesting buyers who expected a playable dragon were disappointed. Reviewers who understood it as a display and collector piece were consistently enthusiastic.

Where to Buy

Out of stock · 9% off

$135.99

Buy

Target

Out of stock · 9% off

$135.99

Buy

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LOVED (9)

01Cloth dragon wings universally described as gorgeous, giving the model a premium, centerpiece quality
02Detailed scenic base with pond, floating sword, lanterns, gate, and hidden storytelling elements
03Posable head (with opening mouth), arms, tail, claws, and scales offering display flexibility
04Impressive finished dimensions: 55 cm wide and 48 cm tall
05Sturdy construction that holds together when moved despite its size
06Rewarding, engaging build experience with clever techniques
07Glowing halo and atmospheric design singled out as visually striking
08Master Wu minifigure with staff included
09Numbered bags and clear instructions praised for keeping the build organized

CRITICIZED (6)

01Limited playability: the model is large and primarily display-oriented, with the dragon fixed to its stand
02Dragon cannot be easily detached from the display base for independent play
03Cloth wings are printed on one side only, limiting certain display angles
04Some buyers received incomplete bags (missing parts reported by at least one owner)
05Build instructions noted as occasionally unclear due to printing quality on some copies
06Play experience score on LEGO.com sits at just 3.7 out of 5, and would-recommend at only 39% on that platform

What reviewers are saying

"What a great set!"

Rebrickable Reviews

"Dragons are common in NINJAGO, although no other seems as authentically organic and its presence on display is unmatched."

Brickset Reviews

"It's big and nice. I like that they put the photograph."

JANGBRiCKS

Ecosystem

Dragon playset — The big step up in the look becomes very clear when compared to the dragon playset. This Guardian Dragon is far superior as a display piece.

71846 - Fire Knight Mech — Companion display set from same summer wave, both primarily designed as display sets rather than play sets

71819 - Dragon Stone Shrine — Related set from same wave designed as play set but works perfectly as display set too

71821 Cole's Titan Dragon Mech — Guardian Dragon shares attributes with 71821, being as product intended for older NINJAGO fans with display focus. Reviewer would recommend this much like they recommended 71821.

NinjagoTier 1Investment Grade

By Reviewer · 3

Avg score

Consensus

BUY

Rebrickable Reviews

Editorial Source

BUY

"What a great set!"

Key Pros

✓Impressive dimensions and overall visual impact
✓Dynamic dragon posture with varied leg angles and stepping heights
✓Amazingly well-built rocks with natural, smooth appearance

Key Cons

✕Mostly static posture - legs, body, neck, and wings are permanently fixed
✕Limited posability due to fixation to base

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Brickset Reviews

Editorial Source

BUY

"Dragons are common in NINJAGO, although no other seems as authentically organic and its presence on display is unmatched."

Key Pros

✓Outstanding display model with naturalistic body shaping
✓Exceptionally detailed throughout, especially base
✓Distinctive design among LEGO dragons

Key Cons

✕Very limited articulation
✕Poor play value

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JANGBRiCKS

Expert Video Source

WAIT FOR SALE

"It's big and nice. I like that they put the photograph."

Key Pros

✓Large, impressive visual presence
✓Well-designed head
✓Cloth wings with nice shading effect

Key Cons

✕Completely static pose—cannot be repositioned
✕Not playable; purely a display statue

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Dimensional Analysis

Investment Layer

Buy now (2)Wait for sale (0)

Value drivers

Rebrickable Reviews: Master Wu with exclusive new prints and dragon-headed shoulder armor is the primary minifig draw

Brickset Reviews: Master Wu exclusive minifigure in unique battle-ready attire with special new head component

Exclusivity

Rebrickable Reviews: Not exclusive - available at LEGO store and discounts already seen

Brickset Reviews: LEGO-exclusive set; Master Wu exclusive minifigure to this set

Resale

Rebrickable Reviews: Set is not exclusive to retailers therefore discounts will be available (up to 33% already seen in Germany), which may limit strong aftermarket growth

Minifigures & Standout Parts

In this set (1)

Wu Sensei - Legends

$33

Standout parts (per reviewers)

7243pr0002 - Creature Body Part, Dragon Head Upper JawValue
New mold with Bright Light Yellow Eye, Dark Green/Gold Markings print
7104pat0001 - Minifig Neckwear Shoulder ArmourValue
New mold with Pearl Gold Dragon pattern
7182pat0002 - Weapon Sword, Broad
New mold with Pearl Titanium Blade
113308pr0001 & 113309pr0001 - Wing, Large Left and Right
New molds with Dark Green print
68212 - Hair Small Tuft Olive Green
New color (Olive Green)
4590 - Plate Special 1 x 4 Offset with Bar Holes GreenValue
New color (Green)

What Owners Say · summarized from 42 written reviews (LEGO, Amazon, Walmart)

Owners love the Guardian Dragon as a stunning, high-detail display piece with an engaging build, but quality control issues, limited playability, and design shortcomings frustrate some buyers.

COMMON PRAISE