LEGO NINJAGO 71797 Destiny’s Bounty – race against time review

71797 Destiny’s Bounty – race against time is the latest, but not quite the greatest, version of LEGO NINJAGO's iconic flying ship.

It wouldn't be a new era of NINJAGO without another massive model of the Destiny's Bounty, as 71797 Destiny’s Bounty – race against time takes the ship to a new price point, coming in as the most expensive iteration of the vessel to date.

With a lofty cost leading to equally lofty expectations, 71797 Destiny’s Bounty – race against time has some big shoes to fill. That task is helped in no small part by one huge innovation.

--- LEGO NINJAGO 71797 Destiny’s Bounty – race against time set details ---

Theme: LEGO NINJAGO Set name: 71797 Destiny’s Bounty – race against time Release date: June 1, 2023

Price: £129.99 / $159.99 / €149.99  Pieces: 1,739 Minifigures: 6

LEGO: Order now

--- Where to buy LEGO NINJAGO 71797 Destiny’s Bounty – race against time ---

71797 Destiny’s Bounty – race against time is available now, and retails for £129.99 / $159.99 / €149.99. It's the most expensive Destiny's Bounty model yet, but you may be able to save money on it through third-party retailers. Check out the latest deals below.

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--- LEGO NINJAGO 71797 Destiny’s Bounty – race against time build ---

Every build of the Destiny's Bounty features at least one decorative dragon head as the figurehead of the ship. When 71797 Destiny’s Bounty – race against time was revealed in a NINJAGO book, there was no such figurehead. However, we now know why: in 71797 Destiny’s Bounty – race against time, the figurehead isn't just a head, but a full dragon that is nesting inside the front half of the ship.

It's exactly the innovation needed in this new era of NINJAGO, but it means sacrificing much of the interior space for the beast. There is easily enough space for a room here but instead, the bottom is left open. The dragon is a bit finicky to slot into the ship thanks to the tail, but it becomes easier with practice.

The dragon itself is small, but it looks great. We only wish the wings were a bit bigger as right now, there's no way this beast is getting off the ground. A turret with a seat sits on top and can be an extra weapon for the bounty when it is nesting.

Another important feature of the bounty is the sails, and while we love the design of these sails and their simple but functional feature to open them, we're not impressed with how flimsy the structure to hold them up is. It's not going to fall down but with how often it gets in the way, it's easier to just remove it when accessing other parts of the ship.

The middle section of the ship in 71797 Destiny’s Bounty – race against time is thin and textured. This appears to be a carrying point, but it's hard to grip it with the sail in the way. It also makes it needlessly difficult for minifigures to get from the front to the back. This might be why a hook is provided in the set, for the included characters to swing across, but it ultimately feels lacking next to the rest of the fleshed-out hull.

The back of the new bounty is where the set starts to shine, with three floors to explore and a rear with enough detail to draw the eye. At the bottom, you'll find the ninja's quarters with a TV, chalkboard and two beds. It's surprisingly full considering the room available, and there's almost enough space to stand a ninja up and attach the next floor.

A navigation room is next and this area feels very lacking in comparison, beyond what appears to be a deed for the ship on the wall and the large open window at the back. The top floor is one of the best with a space for Baby Riyu, including a ball and bone for him to play with. It's arguably unnecessary but absolutely adorable.

--- LEGO NINJAGO 71797 Destiny’s Bounty – race against time characters ---

The minifigures are another area in 71797 Destiny’s Bounty – race against time where the set is lacking. It's great that the most expensive set in the new wave (71799 NINJAGO City Markets notwithstanding) comes with the three new characters – Arin, Sora and Baby Riyu – but it has only one uncommon minifigure and only one Imperium minifigure. Empress Beatrix should have been included here, or at least Lord Ras, considering the price.

That said, the minifigures here are rife with detail and perfectly acceptable, with the exception of Master Wu, who's wearing his Core outfit rather than anything new – a huge disappointment considering the creativity otherwise on show here. Given that this is a new chapter for NINJAGO, it would have been a great opportunity for a full slate of new costumes, but it seems that isn't the case.

Lloyd and Kai also appear, though they are much less interesting than the colourful designs on display in Arin, Sora and Rapton.

--- LEGO NINJAGO 71797 Destiny’s Bounty – race against time price ---

At £129.99 / $159.99 / €149.99, 71797 Destiny’s Bounty – race against time is more expensive than any model of the NINJAGO ship to date but its 1,739 piece count is in its favour. The features aren't particularly impressive as the turning engines aren't nearly as intricate as other versions, but the sails are fun enough.

The functions aren't where your money is going in 71797 Destiny’s Bounty – race against time, though, as the ship itself is undoubtedly beautiful with innovations for longtime fans to appreciate. With that in mind, 71797 Destiny’s Bounty – race against time is just good enough value at RRP.

--- LEGO NINJAGO 71797 Destiny’s Bounty – race against time pictures ---

--- LEGO NINJAGO 71797 Destiny’s Bounty – race against time pros and cons ---

LEGO NINJAGO fans heading into Dragons Rising after watching the last decade of the theme likely have at least one model of the bounty already, and for them, 71797 Destiny’s Bounty – race against time doesn't have enough new features to justify a purchase. The minifigures can all be found in other sets for less money.

The included living dragon figurehead is an appreciated addition and innovation but overall, this isn't a must-have set for longtime fans. However, those new to the theme, which is more likely than ever with the start of a new series, will find a lot to love in 71797 Destiny’s Bounty – race against time. There's a decent interior, a good selection of minifigures (but one more would be great) and a beautiful design to act as the centrepiece of your collection.

Simply put, it's all about perspective.

71797 Destiny’s Bounty – race against time pros	71797 Destiny’s Bounty – race against time cons
One of the best Destiny's Bounty interiors yet	Trades more interior for the dragon's nest
Living dragon figurehead as an innovation	Weak minifigure selection compared to cheaper sets
Fun and adorable details	Turning engines are unimpressive

This set was provided for review by the LEGO Group.

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--- Alternatives to LEGO NINJAGO 71797 Destiny’s Bounty – race against time ---

LEGO NINJAGO is a bit slim on Destiny's Bounty builds at the minute, with 71756 Hydro Bounty being the closest available alternative to 71797 Destiny’s Bounty – race against time. It's not quite as big or even travels in the same places, but otherwise, the retired 71705 Destiny's Bounty is your best bet without spending a fortune on the aftermarket.

--- LEGO NINJAGO 71797 Destiny’s Bounty – race against time FAQs ---