As both an architecture and Star Wars enthusiast, I saw #75290 Mos Eisley Cantina as a fitting starting point in my exploration of the Star Wars Master Builder Series line. As the set is likely to retire soon (it was released in 2020 and appears on several ‘retiring soon’ lists), I wanted to assess its merits based on the retail price (before aftermarket prices soar). Let’s explore the architectural aspects, minifigure selection, and my thoughts as a newcomer to the Master Builder Series.

75290 Mos Eisley Cantina is a large set but does it live up to the Master Builder Series standards?

First Impressions

The majority of sets in the Master Builder Series are large vehicles — and to be fair, some builders do not consider playsets like this to be true Master Builder Series sets! Given the size and level of detail, this set has the potential to catch the eye of any collector. The sleek black box is consistent with other sets in the Adults Welcome / 18+ product line, which certainly stand out on store shelves. Upon further examination of the box, bags, and instructions, it’s hard not to notice the inclusion of a generous 21 minifigures. This is particularly uncommon in the Master Builder Series series, most sets include only a few figures.

The box of this set uses the same black color scheme of other sets in the Adult line. (Photo: The LEGO Group)

Upon opening the box, I was immediately struck by the abundance of 5Brick YellowTan pieces in the set. The color dominates the set, giving it a monochromatic appearance. This isn’t really a criticism, though… the designers had to work within the constraints of the sandy location depicted. In addition to the main cantina, the set includes additional buildings and vehicles that complement and enhance the scene. Let’s find out if the set does justice to this iconic location from the first movie in the Star Wars franchise: Episode IV – A New Hope.

Contents and Packaging

Despite its impressive dimensions of 52cm / 20.5in by 58cm / 23in when opened, #75290 Mos Eisley Cantina includes a modest 3187 pieces. With a price tag of $399.99 (£344.99 / €399.99 / 599.99 AUD / 499.99 CAD), the value proposition may not be the most favorable. One of the reasons for this is what is sometimes called the “Disney tax” – higher prices on licensed sets to cover the licensing fees.

The set tries to compensate for this by including a whopping 21 minifigures, 9 of which are exclusive to this set. there is also a molded Dewback figure. A comparison with other sets of similar size is included near the end of the article to better understand the overall value.

• LEGO Parts Weight: 4168 grams (9.189lbs)
• Price per piece: $399.99 / 3187 pieces = $0.126 per piece
• Price per gram: $399.99 / 2521 g = $0.158 per gram

Unlike many large sets that include multiple smaller manuals, this set includes a single instruction booklet spanning 408 pages. It beautifully printed, featuring a black background that contrasts elegantly with the 5Brick YellowTan elements of the set. Throughout the instructions, designers provide insightful notes on design decisions, accompanied by information about the characters and fun facts about the Star Wars universe for each section of the build.

These notes enhance the building experience and add character beyond the LEGO build itself. Designer César Carvalhosa Soares has done an amazing job bringing the set to life and even includes a forward discussing his experiences and motivations in the Star Wars universe. The set is divided into 18 numbered stages. While some bags could have been combined given the predominantly single structure of the set, the ordering was likely a calculated decision by LEGO.

At first glance you see the overwhelming sandy colors of this set.

As is common with many sets, we have the sticker conundrum…. should LEGO sets in this price range include stickers, or should printed pieces be the norm by now? In this set, we have one sticker sheet with 14 unique stickers. The only redeeming aspect is that most of these stickers are used for the vehicles, indicating that LEGO did make an effort to incorporate brick-built texturing or printed parts for the majority of the build.

It is a shame that large sets use stickers rather than printed pieces but that won’t likely ever change.

History of LEGO Mos Eisley Cantina

#75290 Mos Eisley Cantina marks the fourth iteration of this iconic location in LEGO sets. The initial release in 2004 lacked detail, with only 171 parts and a limited resemblance to the actual cantina. However, it did include iconic figures and the first molded Dewback. It took a decade for the second version to arrive, which significantly improved upon its predecessor, featuring more details and three iconic Bith Musicians. Unlike the current version, both of these earlier sets included Luke’s Landspeeder. In 2018, the third cantina set was released, althought it was a smaller scale and focuses on Han Solo and Greedo’s duel. That version also introduced the Ubrikkian 900 speeder and the bartender, Wuher, for the first time.

Star Wars sets from the early 2000s had a unique charm.

Finally, in 2020, we have the pinnacle of Mos Eisley Cantina sets with the master builder version being reviewed here. Having built the first set in 2004 and now revisiting it almost two decades later, it is incredible to witness LEGO’s growth and evolution, with the two sets differing vastly in terms of cost and detail.

Tatooine Architecture

Tatooine’s landscape shots were filmed in Tunisia, while the interiors were filmed at Elstree Studios near London. The architectural style portrayed in the buildings of Tatooine reflects vernacular architecture, designed to meet the local needs and traditions of the location. The structures are constructed using adobe bricks and clay, allowing them to seamlessly blend into the sandy surroundings of the planet. The distinctive igloo-shaped houses draw inspiration from early Tunisian architecture found in desert villages, emphasizing simplicity rather than ornate embellishments. It’s worth noting that while this set does not include the antagonist characters associated with this planet, such as Jabba the Hutt, their architecture often features exposed steel and stone elements, influenced by Byzantine aesthetics.

The original influence for Tatooine comes from Tunisian architecture. (Photo: wikimedia, CC0-2.0)

Build Process

Let’s explore the build process that spans 18 numbered bags in more detail…

The set is jam packed with details, but to appreciate it best you need to break it down into its components.

Bags 1-2 – V-35 Landspeeder

The first thing we assemble in this set is the V-35 Landspeeder. This set is the first time we see outer rim ground transport in LEGO form, which is an exciting addition for any Star Wars vehicle collector. Contrasting against the 5Brick YellowTan that the other bags contain, this build is primarily 1White with hints of 24Bright YellowYellow to provide accent. Underneath the hood, the designers use a plethora of colors to help build your part collection; however, unfortunately, these are not visible at the end of the build. At the back of the build sits a 194Medium Stone GreyLight Bluish Gray motor, which not only is built creatively but also immediately captures your attention as the color contrasts the rest of the build.

Bright colors makes it easy to see what you are building.

To achieve the unique shape of the vehicle, the construction utilizes a combination of side building techniques and upside-down building techniques. This clever approach captures the curved form of the Landspeeder while minimizing exposed studs. The engine at the back of the vehicle exemplifies how this technique is employed to capture distinct shapes.

While the build incorporates interesting techniques to achieve the desired shapes, it should be noted that many of the details rely on stickers. Out of the 14 stickers included in the set, an impressive 6 are used in this build alone, including one for the control panel (which was slightly disappointing, considering LEGO’s usual practice of printing such pieces). However, it should be acknowledged that this set demonstrates appropriate sticker usage, as the majority of these details would be challenging to replicate using brick-built techniques. Given the specific nature of these details, it would not be practical for LEGO to produce them as printed elements.

The V-35 Landspeeder is intricately designed, but the standout details are in the engine build.

Bags 3 – Cantina Bar

The bar serves as a striking centerpiece of the cantina, and it’s evident that the designers spared no effort to make it stand out. Constructed primarily in 1White, with accents of 194Medium Stone GreyLight Bluish Gray, the bar boasts a curved design that enables patrons to be served from either side. While the construction of the bar itself is relatively straightforward, it manages to exude a sense of intricate detail through the clever use of grooves and a tube piece that wraps around the bar, adding texture and enhancing its overall appearance.

The rounded shapes with minimal exposed studs makes this bar very aesthetically appealing.

The engineering behind the piping and taps to serve beverages at the bar is where the main details shine. The standout colors in this section of the build are 297Warm GoldPearl Gold and 309Metalized SilverSilver. These metallic hues not only accentuate the pieces used but also enhance the surrounding colors. To create the mechanisms, a variety of different pieces are employed, including lightsabers, candlesticks, nozzles, and lanterns. These intricate parts are skillfully connected using clips and tubes to achieve dynamic shapes and patterns. However, it should be noted that this particular build can be a bit delicate and prone to falling apart if handled roughly.

Metallic colors makes the details at the center of the bar come to life as it catches the eye.

Bags 4-9 – Seating space left

The core of the build focuses on establishing the foundation and constructing the first half of the Cantina. Despite the set’s substantial size, I was surprised by the number of bags dedicated to this section. In my opinion, what was split into five bags could have easily been condensed into two. It appears that LEGO may be streamlining the build experience and minimizing the time spent searching for pieces.

It was intriguing to compare this set to one I recently built that was released in 2016, where approximately 800 pieces were contained in a single bag, whereas here, the same piece count was divided among nearly four times as many bags. However, building certain sections can be challenging due to the uniform color scheme dominated by 5Brick YellowTan. The instructions do not explicitly indicate where each piece should be placed, necessitating close examination to discern the subtle differences and determine the appropriate placement.

With the bar in the center the space feel cramped, and that is without even having patrons.

As we construct the Cantina from the ground up, the dominance of 5Brick YellowTan in the color palette becomes evident. Thankfully, the designers introduced some variety by incorporating earthy tones such as 138Sand YellowDark Tan and 312Medium NougatMedium Dark Flesh to break up the sandy colors and add visual interest. However, capturing the intricate details required more than just color selection. The designers skillfully utilized a range of brick types, including regular bricks, windows, slopes, log bricks, and even a technique involving stacked 1×1 bricks and 1×1 studs, to create texture and achieve a rugged appearance that reflects the gritty nature of a sandy planet. Additionally, the tops of each section of the Cantina employ a modular building technique, allowing for easy removal of the roof to reveal the interior details and ensure that no detail goes unnoticed.

The exterior walls of the Cantina are littered with shapes and colors making it a very varied surface.

As we venture inside, we encounter a more diverse range of colors and shapes. The Cantina is divided into rooms, each featuring a private seating area for the characters. These spaces are enclosed by grand arches, creating an atmosphere of unease as the rooms are intentionally kept dark. The tightness of the space is intentional, mirroring the expected crowdedness of this location. The rooms are meticulously packed with details, starting with the brick-built large chairs that cleverly hide any exposed studs by employing various slopes, tiles, and jumpers. The jumpers serve the purpose of securely holding the minifigures in place, preventing them from sliding around. The 370Medium Brown color of the chairs and the wooden beam on the wall provide a striking contrast to the sandy tones that dominate the rest of the Cantina, making them instantly noticeable. Lanterns adorn the walls, constructed using lightsaber pieces, although they unfortunately do not emit light, leaving the rooms rather dim. At the center of the seating areas, we find a remarkably unique table design. Using a wheel piece with a Technic pin at the center, the designers achieve a distinctive shape that would be difficult to replicate with regular rounded bricks. However, despite occupying a 2×2 space, the table offers only a single stud’s worth of surface area, limiting its capacity to hold at most one beverage.

Everything from wall details to the seats is designed beautifully.

The impressive entrance catches your eye, showcasing the meticulous attention to detail by the designers. The walls are adorned with slopes, creating a sense of depth and structure, and adorned with archaic rings in 315 Silver MetallicFlat Silver, adding a touch of antiquity to the overall design. These rings, rarely seen in other builds, serve as fantastic accent pieces, and one can only hope to see them used more frequently for detailing in future sets.

Atop the entrance sits a sizable dome piece, cleverly hinged to allow for lifting and revealing the intricate details inside. This smooth, organic curve provides a striking contrast to the roughness of the exterior structures, creating a visually captivating juxtaposition. One of the most fascinating elements of the build is the sliding door. While in the movies the doors slide horizontally, the limited space in this set necessitated a vertical sliding mechanism. Constructed using studs on the side technique, the door seamlessly slots between two layers of bricks in the walls, ensuring a snug fit. The designers even incorporated a handle piece at the top, enabling easy raising and lowering of the door, while expertly blending it into the overall build.

The entryway looks well hidden and uninviting, capturing the essence of the location.

Upon completing this section, the Cantina’s distinct shape emerges, highlighted by the prominent bar piece in striking contrast. The unconventional layout is ingeniously achieved through the strategic use of hinges and wedges, effectively offsetting rooms at 45-degree angles to create the illusion of a curved design.

Building at angles always makes buildings unique.

Bags 10-13 – Seating space right

In this section, we construct the Ubrikkian 9000 Z001 Landspeeder, a vehicle used by Greedo in a brief appearance within the location. This version of the landspeeder is a slight variation from its introduction in the 2018 Mos Eisley Cantina set, showcasing the solid foundation of the original design. Primarily composed of 1White and 26Black elements, the vehicle’s additional colors are achieved through the use of stickers. Despite its square shape, the clever implementation of offset radar dishes creates the illusion of additional facets. The interior of the landspeeder is compact, with limited space for a minifigure and a somewhat obstructive lid that makes posing challenging. Given its minimal significance in the films, it is commendable that the designers included this vehicle without allocating a substantial portion of the budget to its development.

This vehicle is a niche build and was first introduced in 2018.

The second half of the Cantina closely mirrors the first half, as expected due to the symmetrical nature of the structure. Consequently, there is a significant amount of repetition in building techniques, which reduces the overall variety of the building experience. In addition to constructing the structure and seating areas, we also assemble a performance space for the Cantina band. While this space is slightly smaller than its depiction in the movies and the LEGO version of the band has fewer members, these design choices were necessary due to space constraints. Unlike the seats built in the first half, the seats heres incorporate a play feature that allows you to launch seated patrons using a switch located on the exterior of the structure. This adds a fun and dynamic element to the building process.

The bar can be displayed closed up or opened to see all the details.

Similar to the first half, the roofs are removable, enabling you to have a clear view of the interior details. It’s worth noting that the rooms can be a bit dark from the outside due to limited entry points for light, but the removable roofs give you the flexibility to display the set in various configurations. Despite the set including a significant number of minifigures, there is still ample space within the build. Even if you add all the included figures, there is room to incorporate additional patrons, helping you recreate the lively and bustling atmosphere of Mos Eisley Cantina. This presents a wonderful opportunity to bring out and showcase any alien minifigures from your collection, giving them a new home within this iconic setting.

The roof can be removed to show the interior details better.

Bags 14 – Cleaning closet

The final room in the Cantina is the cleaning closet, which is connected to the main structure. Despite its small size, this room is filled with various mini builds and objects. However, it’s worth noting that the room is not very visible from the main Cantina space and is easier to see from above. To address this, the domed roof of the cleaning closet is designed to sit on a hinge, allowing you to raise and lower it to reveal the interior details. The use of a domed roof is a common feature in Tatooine architecture, and it’s a piece that many builders would love to have more readily available for their own supplementary creations (MOCs).

This small room is difficult to see from the outside, if you open up the roof you can see the details within.

The exterior of the cleaning closet utilizes a studs on side construction technique along with tiles to create a sleek and smooth surface, free from exposed studs or ridges. The entrance to the room features a sliding door that can be lifted up and down. This door technique is consistent with the one used at the front entrance of the Cantina, employing clever studs on the side construction to capture intricate details that would be difficult to achieve using the standard sides of bricks.

The same sliding door technique that was used for the front door is used for this back entrance.

Bags 15 – Roof

In a departure from the closed building depicted in the movies, the designers of this set opted for an open roof design for the Cantina. This choice enables you to view the intricate details of the interior from the outside. The roof itself is rather unremarkable, serving as a finishing touch for the set. Notably, the ceiling is not attached to the rest of the structure and can be easily removed, providing convenient access to the interior for play or display purposes.

Unlike in the films the roof is open in this set to let you see the interior.

On the side of the Cantina features a supply storage space and a meticulously designed water evaporator. This cleverly attached structure seamlessly integrates with the main building, thanks to the precise implementation of technic pins that add both visual interest and architectural flair. While the crates may not stand out individually, the inclusion of a crate adorned with an imperial sigil is a noteworthy touch, capturing the essence of the Star Wars universe. The water evaporator steals the show with its intricate construction, combining technic and system elements to achieve a rich interplay of textures and depths. The meticulous use of technic pins as decorative accents further elevates the level of detail. Notably, the structure flawlessly conceals any exposed studs, resulting in a sleek and polished aesthetic that perfectly aligns with the high standards expected from a set of this caliber.

Side builds enhance the shape and feel of the Cantina.

Bags 16 – Dewbak feeding station

Supplementary structures are designed to enhance the overall experience. Among them is the Dewback feeding station. While the Dewback will be discussed in more detail later, let’s focus on the feeding station itself for now. True to the sandy environment, the feeding station predominantly employs the 5Brick YellowTan color palette seen throughout the set. This choice perfectly complements the sandy terrain. Building upon a foundation that emulates the fluid nature of sand, a wide array of pieces is skillfully utilized. The inclusion of tiles and plates enables the creation of diverse surfaces, while the clever integration of wedges, curves, and tiles effectively captures the essence of the sandy landscape.

Albeit simple the feeding station is a nice addition and holding pen for the large included Dewback.

Another evaporator is constructed in this section, albeit with less intricate detailing compared to the earlier build. Nonetheless, it follows a similar pattern and design approach, combining technic and system elements to achieve a diverse range of depth and structural stability. Notably, the designers cleverly incorporated gears and wheels into the design, adding a textured quality to the structure. These components, with their non-smooth finishes, contribute to highlighting and enhancing the overall level of detail.

A second smaller evaporator does not have the same level of detail as the first.

Once all the side builds are completed we can put everything together to truly grasp the combined details

Bags 17-18 – Tatooine buildings

To enhance the Tatooine atmosphere this set includes two side buildings. Both structures employ similar techniques to capture the distinct architectural style of the planet. The first building is owned by the Jawa minifigure included in the set and showcases an array of merchandise for sale. Consistent with the overall color palette, the structure maintains visual continuity. Notably, the walls of the building stand out with their textured appearance. The clever use of various pieces, including a combination of square and rounded tiles stacked together, creates a visually engaging depth that adds character to the walls. This technique particularly stood out to me as a favorite, as it adds an enjoyable level of texture and dimension to the overall design

The side buildings capture the shapes of Tatooine’s buildings.

The junk shop’s intriguing details, like the vents, purifiers, and scrap, stand out in 194Medium Stone GreyLight Bluish Gray. Through a combination of system and technic pieces, the designers achieve captivating shapes and intricate accents, contrasting the natural aesthetics of the rest of the build.

Mechanical creations complement the sandy textures of the structures adding a nice juxtaposition.

The smaller storefront build complements the junk shop with its impressive design. Utilizing similar techniques, the structure showcases the interplay between the sharp edges of slopes and the sleekness of the walls. A distinguishing feature is the round dome, a signature element in Tatooine’s architectural style, crowning the building. Additionally, the tattered awning at the front, created using a fabric element, adds character and a sense of realism to the store. It’s a delightful inclusion that highlights the potential of fabric pieces in LEGO builds.

Fabric pieces always complement the plastic bricks well, I hope LEGO uses more of this material.

The modular construction of the buildings is a standout feature, enabling easy roof removal for a glimpse inside. Thanks to the clever use of hinge pieces, you have the flexibility to showcase the structures in multiple ways—fully open or securely closed, creating a dynamic and interactive display experience.

All buildings in this set are modular in nature and can be displayed in whatever way best captures the builders’ attention.

Minifigures

One of the main highlights of this set is the exceptional lineup of minifigures, each meticulously designed to capture the essence of their on-screen counterparts. The extensive selection of 21 minifigures in #75290 Mos Eisley Cantina truly immerses you in the iconic Star Wars scene. This impressive assortment of characters sets a new standard for LEGO Star Wars sets, offering an unparalleled level of depth and authenticity.

This set features two staple droids from the Star Wars universe: C-3PO and R2-D2. The minifigures showcase detailed printing, capturing the intricate wiring and buttons of the characters. The specialized molds used for these droids are recognizable and authentic, staying true to their iconic designs.

These are not the droids you are looking for.

This set includes two Sandtroopers, distinguished from Stormtroopers by the sand printing on their armor. They are equipped with brick-built SD-48 survival backpacks, featuring coolant units to combat the desert heat. Additionally, each Sandtrooper is adorned with a cloth shoulder pauldron, symbolizing their officer rank within the Galactic Empire.

The printing on these troopers stand out and capture the sandy planet’s harsh environment.

For a galaxy filled with aliens there are an array of humanoid figures included, all of whom are iconic and memorable. These figures are equipped with dual-sided faces, allowing for different expressions, and come with a variety of accessories to faithfully recreate scenes from the cantina. While most of these figures have been previously released in LEGO form, they are still excellent additions to this set, offering fans the opportunity to collect and display them together.

From left to right in the image the included humanoid minifigures are:

• Wuher (Cantina Bartender)
• Dr. Evazan
• Han Solo
• Obi-Wan Kenobi
• Luke Skywalker

Despite Star Wars being full of aliens this set does contain some humanoid characters.

Among the alien figures, the highlights of the set are undoubtedly the four band members from the Mos Eisley Cantina: Figrin D’an, Kithaba, Ithorian, and Tedn. These minifigures are meticulously designed, featuring unique instruments and vibrant outfits that accurately capture the essence of the famous Cantina band. They are a delightful addition for Star Wars fans and bring a sense of authenticity to the scene. Additionally, several other alien figures make their return in this set, adding diversity to the character selection. However, it is disappointing to note that Greedo once again lacks arm printing, as the last time this feature was included on the figure was nearly two decades ago.

From left to right in the image the recurring alien minifigures are:

• Modal Nodes Cantina Band Members (Bith)
• Chewbacca (Wookie)
• Jawa
• Greedo (Rodian)

A strong cast of returning aliens can be found in this set, each with unique printing.

One of the most exciting aspects of this set is the introduction of numerous new alien figures. LEGO has gone above and beyond to create a variety of new molds that accurately represent the different races and iconic characters from the Cantina scene. Some of these characters only appear on screen for a few seconds, but for dedicated fans, they are essential additions to a Master Builder Series set. The new minifigure heads feature entirely new molds, such as the Devaronian horn and ears, the Aquilish head, and the Garindan snout. Other figures showcase new prints and color variations on existing pieces. The facial expressions captured by these figures truly evoke the essence of the Star Wars space drama.

From left to right in the image the new alien minifigures are:

• Ponda Baba (Aqualish)
• Kardue’sai’Malloc (Devaronian)
• Saurin (Trandoshan)
• Kabe (Chandra-Fan)
• Momaw Nadon (Ithorian)
• Garindan (Kubaz)

To some collectors these aliens alone make this set worth getting. With unique printing and new molds.

In addition to the minifigures, this set also includes a highly detailed Dewback. While it may not be a minifigure itself, the Dewback has undergone some subtle updates since its previous appearance in 2014. The newer version features updated printing, including enhancements to the leg, eye, and teeth details. Interestingly, the teeth printing seems to be a step backward compared to the older version, which had teeth printing that is absent in this iteration. The Dewback is comprised of two main pieces: the body and the jaw, providing the flexibility to pose the creature with either an open or closed mouth.

This creature is a huge improvement to the first version we saw two decades back.

The wide variety of figures included in this set enables fans to faithfully recreate memorable moments from the original Star Wars trilogy. Whether it’s reenacting scenes or engaging in imaginative play, the diverse range of figures offers endless possibilities for creative storytelling. Additionally, these figures are not only great for play but also make impressive display pieces, showcasing the rich and vibrant world of Star Wars.

Iconic Movie Scenes

This set showcases an iconic Star Wars location, and the designers have carefully recreated iconic scenes in brick form.

Confronting Dr. Evazan and Ponda Baba

For the first time in LEGO form, Dr. Evaza and Ponda Baba allow you to recreate the iconic moment when Obi-Wan Kenobi intervenes to protect Luke. Add the severed arm of Ponda Baba for added realism, but be cautious to avoid damaging the parts when removing figure arms from the torso.

To fully capture this scene you would need to remove a minifigure’s arm, this could damage the minifigure however.

The Cantina showdown

Recreate the tense encounter between Han Solo and Greedo at their booth, complete with the table. With a play feature, you can capture the moment when Han shoots first or create your own version of this iconic scene.

Who shot first? Han or Greedo?

The Cantina Band performance

Set up the Cantina band members on the stage, ready to perform. Although there are seven members in the Modal Nodes, this set includes three with unique instruments, allowing you to recreate the lively performance of their iconic tunes.

This set is missing a few band members but those included capture the essence of the band well.

Value

In summer 2022, LEGO announced a price increase of up to 20% on their sets. #75290 Mos Eisley Cantina was one of the sets hit heavily by this seeing a $50 price increase. With licensed sets always fetching a higher price the price of this set can be daunting to fans given the piece count. Fans have been using 10 cents per piece as a metric to judge the fairness of LEGO set prices, but with many sets containing small pieces, it’s worth considering the price per weight as well.

In summer 2022, LEGO announced a significant price increase of up to 20% on their sets. Unfortunately, #75290 Mos Eisley Cantina was one of the sets heavily impacted by this, experiencing a $50 price increase. Licensed sets often come with a higher price tag, which can be daunting for fans, especially considering the piece count. While fans commonly use 10 cents per piece as a benchmark to assess LEGO set prices, it’s also worth considering the price per weight, particularly for sets that contain many small pieces.

This set does exceed the 10 cents per piece guideline, with a price of $0.126 per piece. When compared to other sets in a similar price range, it becomes apparent that the price per piece and price per gram are quite high, nearly double that of many unlicensed sets. The price per gram, at $0.158, is particularly expensive compared to both unlicensed and licensed sets. However, where this set truly shines is in its minifigure selection. With a large number of iconic minifigures, including seven completely new ones, it holds a strong appeal for die-hard Star Wars fans. The allure of these minifigures, which may increase in value after retirement, could justify the higher price for some collectors.

Conclusion

When investing $399.99 in a set (especially considering the current economy), it’s important to ensure you’re getting your money’s worth. Although I received this set for review, I approached it with the mindset of a consumer purchasing it myself. Despite LEGO’s reputation for being a costly hobby, I found the price point to be too high for what is included.

For me, the standout feature of this set is the rich selection of minifigures. With 21 minifigures, including 9 unique ones, this is a very desirable set for Star Wars minifigure collectors. The unique figures already have high aftermarket value, which is likely to increase further after retirement.

The set is jam packed with details and is a great play set for a very iconic venue.

As a fan of the Star Wars universe, I appreciate the faithful rendition of this iconic location, but the overall price feels excessive, especially considering the similarity of pieces and build techniques used throughout the set. I find the recent $50 price increase discouraging, but it may still hold significant appeal for many builders, especially considering its upcoming retirement. After balancing the great selection of minifigures, the play features, and the relatively hough price, #75290 Mos Eisley Cantina earns our 3/5 (Good) rating.