Eight of the biggest LEGO sets retiring in 2023

There comes a time when we need to say goodbye to every LEGO set – and some giants are leaving this year.

As the LEGO Group adds more and more sets to its shelves, inevitably some need to shuffle off into retirement to make room. While this frees up room for new and exciting sets, it also means that, if you had your eye on a particular set that's on its way out this year, then you only have a few short months to make sure you add it to your collection before it disappears forever (or appears on a secondhand market at a huge markup).

Those secondhand increases are felt all the more on larger, more expensive sets, so you'd be well-served in making sure you snap up any larger sets that you've had on your wishlist for a while. Here are a few of the largest sets that are on their way out of circulation this year.

8 – 31203 World Map

Not only huge in terms of piece counts thanks to its many, many studs, 31203 World Map is also one of the biggest LEGO sets in sheer width. Hang it on your wall or prop it up on a shelf, the choice is yours – as well as choosing which area of the world to focus on, with different instructions placing different continents at the centre of this brick-built world map.

7 – 75309 Republic Gunship

With 75374 Coruscant Guard Gunship on its way, it's time to wave off 75309 Republic Gunship on its last flight. From its swing-out dome guns to the swinging doors that allow your troops to leap down and head to battle, there's no better ship to fit out your clone armies with. When the fighting is done, the gunship can rest on its own stand, complete with a unique information plaque.

6 – 10276 Colosseum

One of the most popular tourist spots in Europe could take up residency within your LEGO collection. Original features both within and without have been captured in authentic detail, from the exact outline of the crumbling walls to the stone-paved paths and olive trees outside. 10276 Colosseum was once the largest LEGO set ever, so you'll be adding both LEGO and real history to your collection in one purchase here.

5 – 10255 Assembly Square

Get three buildings in one with 10255 Assembly Square, packed full with eight minifigures to browse its bakery, florist, cafe, dentist, and more. Adorably, this population includes a minifigure baby and pram, taking a stroll past the brick-built fountain outside. For any LEGO city architect, 10255 Assembly Square makes for an ideal central set to build a bustling avenue around.

4 – 21325 Medieval Blacksmith

Travelling back through time from a modern LEGO city, 21325 Medieval Blacksmith beckons from simpler times, when cars were horse and carts and a hard day's work meant hammering out swords rather than on a keyboard. The warm tones of 21325 Medieval Blacksmith make it a truly stunning set, from its blue-green roof to the several shades of brown and grey that make up its wood-and-stone exterior.

3 – 42131 App-controlled CAT D11 Bulldozer

At 3,854 pieces, 42131 App-controlled CAT D11 Bulldozer is a real beast - with a lot of the same features as the real thing. From adjustable tracks to the blade, ripper, and ladder that can all be controlled via the CONTROL+ app, your time with this set doesn't need to end once you've finished building. Complete in CAT's signature colours of yellow and black, 42131 App-controlled CAT D11 Bulldozer is a must-have for LEGO Technic fans.

2 – 31205 Jim Lee Batman Collection

Another LEGO Art set, 31205 Jim Lee Batman Collection doesn't even need to take up any shelf space – which is lucky at 4,167 pieces. Plus, you get three set options in one with this mosaic-style build, with the option to build it as Batman, the Joker, or Harley Quinn (as well as various custom mod options taking you through everything from cityscapes to Taylor Swift).

1 – 10299 Real Madrid – Santiago Bernabéu Stadium

The well-loved architecture of the home of Los Blancos has been carefully recreated in 10299 Real Madrid – Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, with each layer of the build offering fresh insights into the history of the stadium. For Real Madrid and general football fans, there are plenty of nods to iconic moments, as well as of course the club itself.

Check out our full list of retiring sets to make sure you don't miss out on any other soon-to-retire LEGO builds.

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