LEGO NINJAGO 71790 Imperium Dragon Hunter Hound review

71790 Imperium Dragon Hunter Hound reminds us of the Legend Beasts from a retro theme, in turn bringing something new to LEGO NINJAGO.

Described as a Photac Beast, 71790 Imperium Dragon Hunter Hound is a completely unique model for LEGO NINJAGO and the very idea promises exciting things for the future of the theme. At the same time, it’s a concept we’ve seen before from the LEGO Group in other themes – most notably The Legends of Chima, a theme once billed to replace NINJAGO.

The DNA of that theme can be felt throughout the characters of NINJAGO: Dragons Rising, and nowhere more prominently than in 71790 Imperium Dragon Hunter Hound. Here is a NINJAGO set not to miss out on as we enter a new era of storytelling for the theme.

— LEGO NINJAGO 71790 Imperium Dragon Hunter Hound set details —

Theme: LEGO NINJAGO Set name: 71790 Imperium Dragon Hunter Hound Release date: June 1, 2023

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Price: £18.99 / $19.99 / €20.99 Pieces: 198 Minifigures: 3

LEGO: Available June 1, 2023

— Where to buy LEGO NINJAGO 71790 Imperium Dragon Hunter Hound —

71790 Imperium Dragon Hunter Hound is releasing on June 1, 2023, for £18.99 / $19.99 / €20.99 and it’s not often that we get a LEGO NINJAGO set of this quality for that price. Giant wolves are nothing new for the LEGO Group as a whole, but it’s not something we’ve seen before in NINJAGO.

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— LEGO NINJAGO 71790 Imperium Dragon Hunter Hound build —

The only build in 71790 Imperium Dragon Hunter Hound is the hound itself, complete with a few bits of armour, but mostly showing its black fur. It has a thin, sleek body and armour neatly integrated into the design, all reminiscent of The Legends of Chima (which is now cemented as one of the 16 parallel worlds connected to NINJAGO in the show’s lore). Its natural hunch is an interesting touch, positioning it as if it’s always on the hunt.

Despite its primary motivation seemingly being to hunt dragons, the hound will just have to settle for ninja in 71790 Imperium Dragon Hunter Hound. Unfortunately, the figure is very limited in its posing options. The back legs can only be moved on one angle and that makes it hard to find a stable position for the front legs.

This is where the natural hunch comes in, always posing the hound in an intimidating position. The smaller details are great too, including the fluffy tail, but the light grey ball joints ruin the colour scheme of the model somewhat.

— LEGO NINJAGO 71790 Imperium Dragon Hunter Hound characters —

Lloyd, Jay and the Imperium Claw General make up the minifigures in 71790 Imperium Dragon Hunter Hound and it’s a great selection, and amount, for under £20.

The designs on all three minifigures are interesting and suit the colour scheme of their faction. The new ninja mask pieces work well and combine some of the best parts of previous ninja minifigures too.

The new armour elements for the Imperium are a good addition to the theme but seem likely to be too specific to be used anywhere outside of custom minifigure characters.

— LEGO NINJAGO 71790 Imperium Dragon Hunter Hound price —

For £18.99 / $19.99 / €20.99, the value in 71790 Imperium Dragon Hunter Hound is exceptional. The combination of a sizeable and rare kind of build with three good minifigures make for a deal that you’d be wise not to miss out on.

— LEGO NINJAGO 71790 Imperium Dragon Hunter Hound pictures —

— LEGO NINJAGO 71790 Imperium Dragon Hunter Hound pros and cons —

We’ve sung the praises of 71790 Imperium Dragon Hunter Hound and every word is intended. At £18.99 / $19.99 / €20.99, this is a worthwhile addition to the Dragons Rising sets and one that you should definitely consider to help bolster your Imperium army.

We’re still not sure what a Photac Beast is, but they seem sure to have an important role to play in the future of NINJAGO with such a specific name. For now though, 71790 Imperium Dragon Hunter Hound is just a great LEGO NINJAGO set – and, if you like, a great Legends of Chima set…

71790 Imperium Dragon Hunter Hound pros71790 Imperium Dragon Hunter Hound cons
A unique build for NINJAGOSurprisingly limited posing options
Good minifigure selection for the price

This set was provided for review by the LEGO Group.

Support the work that Brick Fanatics does by decorating your home using our affiliate links.

— Alternatives to LEGO NINJAGO 71790 Imperium Dragon Hunter Hound —

There are few LEGO models like 71790 Imperium Dragon Hunter Hound and most come in more expensive sets. The retired 76084 The Ultimate Battle for Asgard and 70127 Wolf Legend Beast have models akin to the hound, but you might be better looking at 31132 Viking Ship and the Midgard Serpent’s alternate build for a decent alternative to 71790 Imperium Dragon Hunter Hound, despite the much higher price.

— LEGO NINJAGO 71790 Imperium Dragon Hunter Hound FAQs —

How long does it take to build LEGO 71790 Imperium Dragon Hunter Hound?

71790 Imperium Dragon Hunter Hound lasted us just 22 minutes, perfect for building while watching the latest episode of NINJAGO.

How many pieces are in LEGO NINJAGO 71790 Imperium Dragon Hunter Hound?

71790 Imperium Dragon Hunter Hound includes 198 pieces, almost all of which go towards the hound.

How big is LEGO NINJAGO 71790 Imperium Dragon Hunter Hound?

This Photac Beast is 10cm high, 20cm long and 13cm wide so it should fit on a shelf without too much issue.

How much does LEGO NINJAGO 71790 Imperium Dragon Hunter Hound cost?

71790 Imperium Dragon Hunter Hound will be available for £18.99 / $19.99 / €20.99 from June 1, 2023.

Author Profile

Jack Yates
Jack Yates
LEGO has been a part of my life ever since I was young. It all started when my brother passed down 7657 AT-ST to me. It’s guided me through my early years, through school and eventually through my degree in journalism. I still have all my collection proudly on display, including my many NINJAGO sets, my favourite of all the LEGO Group’s themes. Outside of Brick Fanatics I am an avid gamer and enjoy a good game of Dungeons & Dragons.

Jack Yates

LEGO has been a part of my life ever since I was young. It all started when my brother passed down 7657 AT-ST to me. It’s guided me through my early years, through school and eventually through my degree in journalism. I still have all my collection proudly on display, including my many NINJAGO sets, my favourite of all the LEGO Group’s themes. Outside of Brick Fanatics I am an avid gamer and enjoy a good game of Dungeons & Dragons.

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