Six of the most surprising new LEGO sets in 2022, so far

We’re not even halfway through 2022, but it’s already been a surprising year for new LEGO sets, from Optimus Prime to anniversary models.

Since 2022 is the 90th anniversary of the LEGO Group, it only makes sense for it to be a year of firsts for various themes. There are likely a few more surprises coming in the next seven months but for now, here are some of the most surprising models released in 2022 so far.

6 – 10302 Optimus Prime

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As the first LEGO Transformers set and the first collaboration between the LEGO Group and Hasbro, 10302 Optimus Prime is more unique than any other build on this list, and it even transforms from robot to truck without disassembly. We’ve reviewed the model in full to explore its functions and secrets.

5 – 76989 Horizon Forbidden West: Tallneck

76989 Horizon Forbidden West: Tallneck is the first LEGO Playstation set, based on the exclusive Horizon Forbidden West game and featuring a brand new minifigure of Aloy, a watcher and the Tallneck itself. This model was quick to sell out when it first released at the start of May. You can take a look at the finer details in the build in our review.

4 – 10300 Back to the Future Time Machine

LEGO Back to the Future sets are nothing new, though they’ve were previously limited to a single Ideas set and a couple of LEGO Dimensions packs. However, 10300 Back to the Future Time Machine (review) was released to give the classic film franchise the model it deserved, including an illuminated flux capacitor

3 – 76832 XL-15 Spaceship

The presence of LEGO Lightyear sets isn’t all that surprising considering the relationship between the LEGO Group, Disney and Pixar. However, where 76832 XL-15 Spaceship might shock you is the inclusion of a brand new trans-yellow windshield as highlighted in our review. The director for the film, Angus MacLane revealed on social media that creating an element for Classic Space builds was one of his personal goals for the movie.

2 – 21058 Great Pyramid of Giza

LEGO Architecture will soon see the launch of 21058 Great Pyramid of Giza, taking the theme back to ancient times for the first time ever. This opens up the possibilities for other structures depicted in times of old, but for now we’ll have to settle with this multi-stage pyramid model.

1 – 11021 90 Years of Play

For the 90th anniversary of the LEGO Group, at least three sets are releasing. Aside from the model paying homage to a classic theme that was voted for on LEGO Ideas, we’ve also seen the release of 11021 90 Years of Play (review) and a smaller expansion polybag 30510 90 Years of Cars. This set references a variety of older product lines, including a miniature BIONICLE build that has been popular with the online community.

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