Is the Lego UCS Venator just an empty shell?

As someone who’s spent countless hours playing with Lego, I was particularly excited about their new UCS ship. Its size is undeniably impressive. With a length of 109 cm and a total of 5,374 parts, this colossus is a real eye-catcher. The two command bridges and the striking red stripes capture the characteristic silhouette of the Venator cruiser very well. Lego has obviously put a lot of effort into replicating the iconic shapes and structures.

But on closer inspection, some decisions are questionable. Although the outer shell is richly detailed, the use of stickers instead of prints for important elements such as the Open Circle Armada logos raises questions. In a set of this price category, stickers are an unexpected and disappointing compromise. They undermine the premium feel of the model.

LEGO

EUR576,72

LEGO UCS Venator-class Republic Attack Cruiser

75367, LEGO Star Wars, LEGO Rare Sets

31

LEGO

EUR576,72

LEGO UCS Venator-class Republic Attack Cruiser

75367, LEGO Star Wars, LEGO Rare Sets

31

But let’s (nevertheless) start with the construction first.

Construction: meditative, but repetitive

The building instructions for the Venator cruiser consist of four thick books. As usual with Lego, it’s clear and easy to understand. So easy to understand and simple that even children can assemble the ship without any problems.

Unfortunately, as the construction progresses, monotony sets in. To construct the outer cladding, I have to assemble the same segments several times. This is meditative, but also tiring. There are moments when the construction almost feels like working on an assembly line. For such a large and expensive set, especially for adults, I would’ve liked more variety and creative challenges.

Visually stunning, but only from the outside

After building, you’re faced with a true Lego giant. This set is undoubtedly a masterpiece in terms of size and appearance. For Star Wars fans and Lego lovers, it’s an impressive display piece.

However, the shortcoming of this set is what’s missing. That is, life inside. For a model of this size and price, I would’ve expected Lego to include the interior as well. Instead, the cruiser is just an empty shell. This omission is particularly noticeable when compared to other large UCS sets. For example, the Razor Crest. It has an interior you can play with, it consists of more bricks and is also cheaper.

The two exclusive minifigures are undoubtedly a highlight for collectors: Captain Rex and Admiral Yularen. Captain Rex stands out with his unique helmet design and detailed printing. Admiral Yularen, although neatly designed, doesn’t stand out as much as Rex and almost seems like a standard character.

Verdict: only for hardcore fans

The Venator-Class Republic Attack Cruiser is an impressive piece of Lego, both in size and detail. But a closer look reveals its weaknesses: construction is monotonous, there’s a lack of life inside and a hefty price tag. This set is certainly a must-have for the true Lego and Star Wars fan who has enough space and a big wallet. However, I recommend that you wait a few more months before buying. From January, the set will be on the open market and no longer exclusively available from Lego. That means, in the coming months, the price will drop and become more attractive.