Summary
- LEGO has released a new R2-D2 set for the 25th anniversary of LEGO Star Wars.
- Thanks to a hands-on review, the new R2-D2 set is more appealing & sleeker in design compared to the previous model.
- R2-D2 (75379) is more compact with an improved design, more affordable, and also includes a bonus Darth Malak minifigure.
LEGO Star Wars has released a new R2-D2 set, the iconic astromech seen throughout the Skywalker saga. While it’s a model that makes perfect sense given how popular the little droid is, the timing of the release is rather unique considering The LEGO Group already had a very similar R2 model for sale prior to this new set’s release. However, a review of this new Artoo model helps identify which set is arguably the better of the two.
In celebration of LEGO Star Wars‘ 25th anniversary, multiple sets are being released in 2024 to commemorate the occasion, as well as the more specific 25th anniversary of The Phantom Menace. This includes the new R2-D2 (75379) which was released in March 2024, even though 2021’s very similar R2-D2 (75308) is still available for purchase (a surprising and fairly uncommon occurrence for The LEGO Group). To that end, here’s Screen Rant’s official review of R2-D2 (75379), as well as how it compares to LEGO’s previous Artoo model.
Every Confirmed Star Wars LEGO Set Releasing In 2024
It’s the 25th anniversary of LEGO’s always-popular Star Wars line, so here’s every confirmed set releasing in 2024 (that we know about so far).
Box Art And Contents Overview For LEGO R2-D2 75379
A Twin Suns Background
|
Name |
Piece Count |
Price |
Minifigures |
Ages |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
R2-D2 (75379) |
1,050 |
$99.99 |
2 |
10+ |
Priced at $100 and coming in at just over 1,000 pieces, this new R2-D2 set’s price-to-piece count feels about right. Some models aren’t and can be pretty egregious ahead of sales or price drops. Featuring all the various astromech attachments on the back of the box as well as the bonus LEGO minifigure celebrating the 25th anniversary, the model’s packaging also features LEGO’s 25th-anniversary box art for 2024.
It’s also worth noting that R2-D2 (75379) is featured with the desert sands of Tatooine in the background. This could be a clue supporting the rumors that LEGO will be releasing a model of C-3PO later on in 2024. It’s widely been assumed that this upcoming set will hopefully be scaled to match this new R2-D2 set, which would make for a pretty exciting display piece mirroring the droid duo’s desert travels in both A New Hope and Return of the Jedi.
Build Breakdown For R2-D2 75329
A Streamlined Process With Some Great Features
A more compact and somewhat smaller version than the 2314-piece R2-D2 (75308) currently available on LEGO.com as well, R2-D2 (75379) has a relatively straightforward building process with pieces split across 12 separate bags. Thankfully, stickers are limited as well. Beginning with an internal base for the body, each side is effectively color-coded (having green, red, brown, and tan sides). This certainly helps while building each side of Artoo’s cylindrical body and each section of his circular domed head.
Beginning with the body, the head is built next before each of the primary legs and various attachments which can be easily removed and replaced depending on how collectors want Artoo to be posed. Likewise, the final bag features the droid’s smaller and easily removable third leg in the middle and an information plaque that goes over the droid’s various in-universe specifications. At a leisurely building pace (while listening to a great Star Wars lo-fi playlist), the full R2-D2 build took just over 2 hours to complete in full.
A Closer Look At Darth Malak, 75379’s Bonus Lego Minifigure
Celebrating 25 Years of LEGO Star Wars
Beyond the minifigure-sized astromech that also comes with the model, R2-D2 (75379) also includes a bonus LEGO minifigure of the Sith Lord Darth Malak to celebrate the 25th-anniversary of LEGO Star Wars. Like many other sets with bonus figs releasing in 2024, Darth Malak has never received the brick-built treatment before. Coming from Legends’ Knights of the Old Republic games as the former apprentice of Darth Revan, Malak’s signature half-mask is featured along with unique printing for his head and body, matching the character’s appearance incredibly well.
The Darth Malak figure also comes with a classic red lightsaber and an all-black cape. Currently, The bonus Darth Malak minifigure joins ARC Trooper Fives and Saw Gerrera as the third bonus 25th-anniversary figure to have been revealed thus far. Likewise, all their stands can be connected as fans build their collections throughout the year with each new release.
LEGO Star Wars 25th Anniversary Boarding The Tantive IV Review (75387)
For its 25th anniversary with Star Wars, LEGO is releasing Boarding The Tantive IV, a new model depicting the Skywalker saga’s very first scene.
How Does LEGO’s R2-D2 75379 Compare To LEGO’s 75308?
The New Model Is Far More Appealing
All in all, LEGO’s R2-D2 (75379) looks to be the better of the two astromech builds currently available to collectors. While the new R2 set is smaller, the benefit is that it’s more compact and arguably sleeker in its design compared to R2-D2 (75308), while also taking up less shelf space (which is nothing to sneeze about for longtime collectors). It’s also much cheaper at $100 compared to the previous model’s $230.
The bonus minifigure is certainly a plus given Darth Malak’s popularity, and the likelihood of a C-3PO model to pair with it later on in 2024 is a very exciting prospect as well. That said, while the new R2-D2 model has the same arm attachments and periscope, it does not include Luke Skywalker’s lightsaber held within the head as the previous version does. Regardless, LEGO’s new R2-D2 (75379) does appear to be the clear winner over R2-D2 (75308) when all is said and done.
Click Here To Buy R2-D2 (75379) On LEGO.com