Some characters only look right in numbers: a squad of troopers, a rank of knights, a horde of zombies. Army building is one of the most popular ways to enjoy LEGO® minifigures, and it's a brilliant summer holiday project. Here's how to build one without emptying your wallet.
What is army building?
It's simply collecting multiple copies of the same figure (or a closely related group) to create a dramatic display or battle scene. The effect of twenty identical helmets in a row is hard to beat.
Step 1: Choose your army
Pick a character that looks good in groups. Popular choices include:
- Troopers and droids from Star Wars
- Ninja and warriors from Ninjago
- Henchmen and soldiers from Marvel and DC
- Fantasy fighters from our Lord of the Rings and Dungeons & Dragons ranges
Step 2: Set a budget and a size
Decide how many figures you want before you start. Ten is a squad, twenty is an army, and fifty is a serious commitment. Divide your budget by that number to see what each figure can cost.
Step 3: Pick the right condition
Condition makes a big difference to cost. For an army:
- Used - worn is the budget choice. Figures have visible wear, such as scuffs or sun fading, but they've been washed and checked before shipping.
- Used - good is the sweet spot if you want them to look uniform and tidy on a shelf.
- New gives you a perfectly matching set, ideal if you're displaying them side by side.
Mixing grades is fine for play, but if they'll stand in a line, try to match the condition so the colours look consistent. Our condition guide explains each grade.
Step 4: Find them
Most of our figures are single items, so an army is built over time rather than in one go. Use the catalogue code to make sure you're buying the same design each time. Check our guide to codes if you need a hand, and keep an eye on new arrivals.
Step 5: Display and play
- Use a baseplate or shelf so the figures stand in neat rows.
- Add a few "officers" (different figures) to break up the line.
- Build a simple backdrop, even just a wall of bricks.
Need a hand?
If you need a lot of one figure, get in touch and tell us what you're after. We'll let you know if we can help.