Small lever on the side opens the trap door.

Review: #10320 Eldorado Fortress

This sprawling remake of the 1989 classic is The LEGO Group’s boldest plea for nostalgia-fueled spending yet — Can five times as many parts make it 5x better than the original set?

LEGO Pirates was the fourth ‘classic’ LEGO theme featuring the iconic LEGO Minifigure. It was introduced in 1989 with four large sets which were available worldwide, and another five small sets which were released in 1989 in Europe, but released in 1990 in the United States.

1989 LEGO Pirates Catalog - United States.

1989 LEGO Pirates Catalog – United States.

Why am I so familar with the original LEGO Pirates theme? I was the perfect age when they were released — I’m pretty sure that my extended family gave me all four of the large sets for Christmas that year (and the smaller sets as soon as they were available in our region). The best set in the lineup was definitely the massive #6285 Black Seas Barracuda, but the original #6276 Eldorado Fortress was the best set in the ‘Soldier’ lineup (since the diminutive #6274 Caribbean Clipper was pretty boring compared to the flag bearing pirate ship).

I am lucky enough to still have my original copy of #6276 Eldorado Fortress.

I’m lucky enough to still have my original copy of #6276 Eldorado Fortress (1989) – and even the box is in decent condition.

My memories of the classic #6276 Eldorado Fortress are pretty crisp since I re-built the set about 10 years ago by finding all of the pieces in my collection of LEGO Bricks from my childhood. As you can see, I still have the original box showing the $62.00 price that my family paid in 1989. That would be about 150$ for the 506-piece set in today’s dollars (based on US government-provided CPI estimates).

#10320 Eldorado Fortress (2023) - Box front and Back.

#10320 Eldorado Fortress (2023) – Box front and Back.

#10320 Eldorado Fortress costs $214.99 (214.99€ / £189.99 / 279.99 CAD / 329.99 AUD), contains 2509 pieces, 8 minifigures, and is recommended for ages 18+. It will be available July 4, 2023 with LEGO VIP.

Build Process

As with all modern LEGO sets, the build process is broken up into numbered stages with one or more bags for each stage.

The build process involves 10 numbered stages.

The build process involves 10 numbered stages.

I was surprised to find not just one, but four instruction booklets in this moderately-sized LEGO Set. This does offer a convenient way to break up the build process into four major phases. It also includes a small pouch containing the three sails required to build the small ship. Notably absent is a sticker sheet – this set does not need one since all of the necessary parts are printed.

The set includes four instruction booklets!

The set includes four instruction booklets!

Book 1 – Soldier Sailing Ship

The first book only requires the first bag of parts – or rather the three different bags with the number ‘1’ printed on them. We begin the project by building a medium-sized sailing ship that was not included in the original set at all.

The ship's hull is brick-built, but I do not understand why it is white.

The ship’s hull is brick-built, but I do not understand why it is white.

I’m not going to mince words – they gave us a small ship that is at a completely different scale than actual pirate ships from the series and isn’t clearly based on anything from the same vintage as Eldorado Fortress. I can not figure out why it has a white hull when all of the earlier ships have a brown hull. (for example: #6274 Caribbean Clipper had a brown hull with blue and white sails.)

To make matters more confusing, the accent colors are black, red and yellow, which was the color of the Black Seas Barracuda – the iconic pirate ship and definitely not an Imperial / Solider set. Besides, wouldn’t it make more sense for the set to come with a larger ship for the villanous pirates?

The completed ship at the end of Bag 1.

The completed ship at the end of Bag 1.

That said, it does feature some decent building techniques, especially in shaping the brick-built hull. I just can’t figure out why it was included at all — to be honest, it feels like it was designed to be a gift-with-purchase set, but was added to the main set at the last minute.

Build time: 35 minutes.

Book 2: Ramp and left fortification

Unlike the 1989 classic, this model is not built on a deep vaccum-moulded baseplate. Instead, we will painstakingly build up the rockwork using individual 199Dark Stone GreyDark Bluish Gray bricks stacked on Medium Azure plates.

As we begin Bag 2, we find a lot of well-greebled rockwork, which does mean that you need to take your time to ensure that the bricks are stacked in the right place. Thankfully, it builds up pretty quickly, since it uses a lot of tall slopes to gain height more quickly. There’s even a letter hidden inside the base.

Progress at the end of Bag 2.

Progress at the end of Bag 2.

We begin Bag 3 by building another section of stonework on another 8×16 322Medium AzurMedium Azure plate, although we end up attaching it to the earlier module only a few minutes later. The shape really starts to take form, revealing a space where a sloping ramp can be attached on the left side of the model.

A hand-cobbled ramp leads up to the fortress.

A hand-cobbled ramp leads up to the fortress.

And that’s exactly what we do at the end of this stage – we build an intricately detailed cobblestone ramp which uses some of the new rounded tiles from the last decade to achieve a worn-in look. This module snaps into place easily, re-creating the ramp of the original – albeit at a somewhat larger scale overall.

I was pleased that we start building the fortress itself in Bag 4. One of the most interesting details is how they captured the exposed red bricks that were printed on the castle wall sections of the original set using individual LEGO elements in this set, mostly using the relatively new 1×2 Plate, ⌀1 Rounded Ends (part 35480) in 154Dark Red color. This is a pleasing effect, with the rounded edges evoking the reality that the white plaster is worn or damaged in these areas.

Back of fortress shows a lot of brick detailing.

Back of fortress shows a lot of brick detailing.

The arched entrance is extremely faithful to the aesthetic of the original set, and it has a swinging gate doors at the top of the ramp. We wrap it up with two highlights – the first is a small palm tree on the right corner of the mode. Finally, I got to share the joy of LEGO cannons with my son, with him jumping with enthusiasm about seeing the cannonballs fly. (I’m please to report that the modern versions still shoot out with an impressive amount of force and distance.)

Front of fortress at the end of Bag 4.

Front of fortress at the end of Bag 4.

The end of Bag 5 offers a satisfying midpoint for the model, since we wrap up the front and left side of the fortress by adding an extra story to the tower. It has a 297Warm GoldPearl Gold lattice window surrounded by 154Dark Red finery, and the small room has a really robust looking brick-built door. On the top of the tower, we find a second working cannon – doubling the projectile play value of this adult-focused set!

Satisfying progress as we complete Bag 5.

Satisfying progress as we complete Bag 5.

Build time: 99 minutes (Bag 2: 23 minutes, Bag 3: 27 minutes, Bag 4: 29 minutes, Bag 5: 20 minutes).

Book 3: Small Tower and Trap Door

Bag 6 builds another standalone module, although I am sure it will be integrated into the larger model later in the project. The small size and singular tower reminds me a lot of #6265 Sabre Island, a smaller set that came out the same year as the orginal #6276 Eldorado Fortress. I was stoked when I opened the bags to see yet another functional cannon, bringing our total to 3 cannons so far. I have no doubt when placed in the hands of kids, the ship will be overtaken by the pirates and one of the cannons will be attached awkwardly to the ship.

This small module reminds me of #6265 Sabre Island.

This small module reminds me of #6265 Sabre Island.

The seventh bag completes a rather bland, square assembly which only really makes sense if you are familiar with the original set. This is the iconic trap door which pirates can be dropped into if they refuse to play nicely once captured. The original set introduced the 8×8 plate with lattice grid (part 4151) that is still used today, but this version uses the modern trap door and frame (parts 92099/92107).

Small lever on the side opens the trap door.

Small lever on the side opens the trap door.

Build time: 45 minutes (Bag 6: 30 minutes, Bag 7: 15 minutes)

Book 4: Crane and Prison Cell

In Bag 8 we build our second-to-last module, which is a small but robust tower for the front right corner of the model. It is super sturdy because a significantly upgraded crane goes on top, with a strong triangular-shaped arm and clips which a slender string can glide through to livt and lower the hook. Even the hanging basket is gussied up, with four chains holding a trasure chest instead of a single bent hose. It looks a bit too large in isolation, but looks great attached to the growing model.

The new crane is a serious upgrade from the original set.

The new crane is a serious upgrade from the original set.

We’re in the home stretch, with just two bags left to complete the final module. Bag 9 is all about creating another intricate platform of rock work. This one has even more stuff hidden in it’s base, with a room full of treasure that’s only a few studs away from a skeleton of a pirate (still wearing a red scarf on it’s head). The book suggests that he might have died looking for a letter hidden somewhere in the tower, but I suspect he was also trying to find the treasure.

Skeleton and Treasure hidden beneath the prison cell.

Skeleton and Treasure hidden beneath the prison cell.

As we work our way up, the foundation of the building comes into view. We even have a wooden trap door that allows access to the treasure hidden below, although it is such a tight squeeze for fingers that it isn’t an especially viable play feature.

In the tenth and final bag, we complete the prison cell on the rock base from the previous bag. The cell is curiously positioned on top of the trap door where a treasure is hidden, leaving lots of questions around whose treasure it really is. I really like angled tile roofs on three sides that add some unique personality to this section of the model.

Front and Back of the final module.

Front and Back of the final module.

Build time: 81 minutes (Bag 8: 29 minute, Bag 9: 28 minutes, Bag 10: 24 minutes)

Minifigures and Parts

I didn’t have time for a detailed assessment of new/rare parts in this set, so I simply highlighted a few of the most notable parts I encountered while building the set, and the role they play in the completed model.

Notable parts in this set:

  • 1×2 Plate, ⌀1 Rounded Ends (part 35480) in 154Dark Red.
    Used extensively to re-create exposed bricks on printed elements of original set.
  • 45° 2×2 Inside Corner Slope (part 3046) in 199Dark Stone GreyDark Bluish Gray.
    Used in large quantities to create the intricate rockwork in the base.
  • 2×4 Cannon Base (part 2527) in 21Bright RedRed, and Shooting Cannon (part 2533) in 199Dark Stone GreyDark Bluish Gray.
    Three are included in this set.

I am also excited to see a nice selection of 8 minifugures included in the set. I am a bit disappointed that we do not have Captain Redbeard in this set, but it looks like a swashbuckling female pirate has taken his job.

The eight minifigures, parrot and monkey are highlighted on the side of the box.

The eight minifigures, parrot and monkey are highlighted on the side of the box.

Notably, this set includes two female soldiers as well, which was not something we found in the original set. This obviously wouldn’t have been common in the era of pirate pillaging the high seas, but I appreciate the attempt to make the set more inclusive.

Value

I already mentioned that this set is only 70$ more than the inflation-adjusted price of the much smaller and much simpler original set. Let’s also do a more contemporary comparison against some modern sets.

Set Price Part Count Price-per-part Weight Price-per-gram
#31203 World Map $249.99 11,695 pieces $0.021 per-piece 4020 grams $0.062 per-gram
#21056 Taj Mahal $119.99 2022 pieces $0.059 per-piece 1811 grams $0.066 per-gram
#21058 Great Pyramid of Giza $129.99 1476 pieces $0.088 per-piece 1832 grams $0.071 per-gram
#77013 Escape from the Lost Tomb $39.99 600 pieces $0.067 per-piece 530 grams $0.075 per-gram
#10278 Police Station $199.99 2923 pieces $0.068 per-piece 2602 grams $0.077 per-gram
#71741 Ninjago City Gardens $299.99 5685 pieces $0.052 per piece 3719 grams $0.081 per-gram
#71043 Hogwarts Castle $399.99 6020 pieces $0.066 per-piece 4899 grams $0.082 per-gram
#10292 Friends – The Apartments $149.99 2048 pieces $0.073 per-piece 1778 grams $0.084 per-gram
#10297 Boutique Hotel $199.99 3066 pieces $0.065 per-piece 2380 grams $0.084 per-gram
#10312 Jazz Club $229.99 2899 pieces $0.079 per-piece 2392 grams $0.096 per-gram
#10270 Bookshop $199.99 2504 pieces $0.080 per-piece 2085 grams $0.096 per-gram
#10320 Eldorado Fortress (this set) $214.99 2509 pieces $0.087 per piece 2188 grams $0.098 per-gram
#10282 Adidas Originals Superstar $79.99 731 pieces $0.109 per-piece 735 grams $0.109 per-gram
#10316 Rivendell $499.99 6167 pieces $0.081 per piece 4375 grams $0.114 per-gram
#77015 Temple of the Golden Idol $149.99 1545 pieces $0.097 per piece 1308 grams $0.115 per-gram
#10305 Lion Knights’ Castle $399.99 4514 pieces $0.089 per piece 3265 grams $0.122 per-gram
#77012 Fighter Plane Chase $34.99 387 pieces $0.090 per piece 285 grams $0.123 per-gram
#10303 Loop Coaster $399.99 3756 pieces $0.106 per-piece 3189 grams $0.125 per-gram
#60339 Double Loop Stunt Arena $159.99 865 pieces $0.267 per-piece 865 grams $0.185 per-gram

Note: Prices based on date of initial release. (The LEGO Group increased the price of many older sets in late 2022.)

As you can see in this chart, this set offers a slightly worse than average price-per-part (8.7 cents per piece) and a slightly worse than average price-per-gram of almost exactly 10 cents per gram. (I prefer price-per-gram as it takes into account sets that feature fewer parts that are larger overall.)

Conclusion

Given my familiarity with the source material, this was a really easy review to write. My only significant gripe with this set is that the ship does not make any sense. I really dislike that color scheme does not match the Imperial / Soldier ships and it has a white hull when I would expect it to be brown. Further, the scale is completely off, with tiny cheese slopes in place of cannon hatches. If you decide to display it alongside the fortress, I suggest you place it behind the model and leverage forced perspective technique to make it look like a much larger ship in the distance.

#10320 Eldorado Fortress - Completed Model.

#10320 Eldorado Fortress – Completed Model.

Fortunately, the rest of this set is excellent. It is fun to build with plenty of treasures integrated into the base, and a range of good building techniques for the fortress built on the rock. I love that it was built as modules that can be rearranged easily, as this increases display value and offers additional play opportunities.

You can arrange the modules differently, such as this flat presentation which would look great as a display model.

You can arrange the modules differently, such as this flat presentation which would look great as a display model.

Most of all, it plays appropriate homage to the original with a very similar overall composition, upgraded prison room, trap door area, and an impressively well built crane. The price is fair but not excellect — it even compares favorably to the inflation-adjusted price of the original set which was much smaller and less detailed.

#10320 Eldorado Fortress is an Excellent set.

#10320 Eldorado Fortress is an Excellent set.

I seriously considered giving this set top marks, but the negative first impression building the small ship brings it down a notch to a still-impressive 4/5 Star (Recommended) rating. I strongly recommend this for anyone who remembers the 1989 Classic Pirate range fondly, as well as anyone who wants to visit the classic Pirates era for the first time, but with a modern twist.

#10320 Eldorado Fortress is an excellent set worth considering as a gift or for your collection. If you decide to add it to your collection, please consider using our referral links — it helps support this website!
The LEGO Group provided this set for the purposes of this review. The opinions in this article are strictly my own—providing sets for review does not guarantee a positive review. Photos in this article are by Tom Alphin unless otherwise noted. Visit the About page for more info about our journalistic standards and affiliate programs.

9 Responses

  1. Alekczander Hoehle says:

    The small ship is from a different vintage pirates set. It is from set 6277 Imperial Trading post. I Think in the context of this set it is supposed to be a merchant ship, as it was in 6277, delivering supplies to the fortress. It had a white hull and the same color scheme in Imperial Trading Post.

  2. Lego_Fan says:

    I have a question about other topic: will you ever review the Titanic? It would be great to see it.

    • Tom Alphin says:

      LEGO Fan,
      It is unlikely that I will go back and review the Titanic set. It is not a set that interested me when it first came out, and I have plenty of brand new sets that need my attention.

      Happy Building,
      —Tom

  3. Ivan says:

    Hi! Do you know the “closed” dimensions of the set? Thank you!!

  4. egab says:

    As always, great read.

    One note is that the ship is taken, almost directly, from the “sister set” of 1992, “6277 – Imperial Trading Post”.
    It’s a nice nod for that set. The white hull was also used for the Armada ship (6280) later on.

    • Westin Hatch says:

      Agree. I think you lambast the ship in your review when it is a clear nod to another set. I have the original eldorado and imperial trading post sets from my childhood so when I built the ship I had a very nostalgic experience. I was actually very impressed with how well they mimicked the ship but used completely modern building techniques like SNOT. It was perhaps the best part of the build for me.

      • Tom Alphin says:

        Westin,
        You are correct and my critique is probably a bit unfair given my unfamiliarity with the second wave of LEGO Pirates sets. I’m glad to hear that you enjoyed the ship even though it wasn’t a highlight for me. It’s always fun to see how different sets, or even different aspects of the same set resonate differently with different customers.

        —Tom

    • Sean Williams says:

      I know this is over a year later, but thank you, I was thinking that the whole time I was reading this review. It’s a district and excellent callback to the trade ship from the Imperial Trade Post!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.