Is it worth to buy the LEGO 75419 UCS Death Star? The record-breaking set ever |Mark's Magic

LEGO has just unveiled its biggest and most piece-heavy UCS set to date – the legendary UCS Death Star™, a true centerpiece for any Star Wars™ fan. Scheduled for release this October, it has already found its way into the hands of a few LEGO Insiders and experts who have completed the massive build. Their early ratings and reviews give us the first glimpse into its scale, design, and value. But the real question remains: is this UCS Death Star™ truly worth adding to your collection?

Information

75419 UCS Death Star™ – Set

Set Number: 75419
Set Name: Death Star™
Theme: LEGO® Star Wars™
Pieces: 9,023

Release Date: 1 October 2025
LEGO Designer: César Soares

Minifigures (38):
Luke Skywalker, Stormtrooper Disguise Luke Skywalker, Jedi Knight Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Han Solo, Stormtrooper Disguise Han Solo, Chewbacca, Ben Kenobi, C-3PO, R2-D2, Darth Vader, Grand Moff Tarkin, Emperor Palpatine, Imperial Dignitary, Colonel Yularen, Admiral Motti, General Tagge, Director Krennic, Galen Erso, 5D6-RA-7, R3-T6, Stormtrooper ×6, Imperial Gunner ×2, Imperial Crew Member ×2, Imperial Navy Trooper ×2, Imperial Navy Officer, Imperial Shuttle Pilot, Royal Guard ×2, Hot Tub Stormtrooper

Retail Price:

• US – $999.99

• AUS – $1,499.99

• EU – €999.99

• UK – £899.99

• CAN – $1,299.99

Size reference

Among LEGO fans, the UCS Death Star has earned plenty of nicknames over the years — from the “Big Grey Sphere” to the “Space Golf Ball.” But if you ask me, the most fitting description might be something a little more playful: the “Winter Melon Skin.” With its massive round shell and layered interiors, the build almost resembles the thick rind of a giant melon. It’s a tongue-in-cheek way of saying that this Death Star is as oversized and dense as a winter melon, and cracking it open piece by piece is half the fun.

Compared with other items for reference

Unboxing & Build

When you lift the top flaps of the box, you’re greeted first with a schematic-style illustration of the Death Star, followed by a striking, stylized artwork featuring Tarkin and Galen Erso set against the looming backdrop of the battle station.

Building

Expert Reviews to the UCS Death Star (75419)

The UCS Death Star is not just another LEGO set; it’s a cultural statement wrapped in 9,023 pieces. As the largest UCS Star Wars model ever released, it has drawn a wide range of reactions from LEGO experts — some in awe, others more cautious.

A Score That Sparks Debate

On Brick Search, the Death Star sits at a 73/100 Brick Score. This middle-high rating doesn’t scream perfection, but it does signal respect. It reflects a love–hate relationship: fans admire the audacity of the design, but question the balance of cost, detail, and build experience.

 

The Brothers Brick

Reviewers at The Brothers Brick praised the set’s engineering feats and ambitious diorama layout, noting the depth of the interiors and clever construction techniques. However, they also remarked that the build stretches across roughly 25 hours, with some repetitive sections that feel more like a grind than a thrill.

Jay’s Brick Blog

Jay provided an in-depth look at the unboxing and complete build. He admired the overall design and interior variety but flagged concerns about box durability and warned that the sheer length of the build could become taxing over time.

BricksFanz

Turning the spotlight on the 38 included minifigures, BricksFanz celebrated the mix of iconic characters and Rogue One additions. Still, they criticized the lack of dual-moulded legs and some inconsistent prints, which feel underwhelming for a $1,000 set.

BrickEconomy

Rather than critiquing the build itself, BrickEconomy focused on the long-term value and investment potential, underlining how such a large UCS model will likely remain a sought-after centerpiece for collectors.

Strengths of the UCS Death Star

• Commanding Presence: The sheer size of the build makes it one of the most impressive LEGO Star Wars centerpieces ever released, dominating any display space.

• Layered Storytelling: With multiple floors and recognizable rooms, the set does a fine job of capturing key movie moments in a single model.

• Generous Minifigure Selection: Featuring 38 characters, the set offers a broad cast that covers both the Original Trilogy and Rogue One storylines.

• Collector Status: As LEGO’s largest UCS project to date, its scale and ambition ensure long-term appeal among Star Wars enthusiasts.

Criticisms and Limitations

• Overwhelming Build Time: Clocking in at nearly 25 hours, the build is a test of endurance. Instead of a rewarding pace, large portions feel monotonous and mechanical.

• High Price, Mixed Value: At $999.99, the Death Star sits in LEGO’s most premium tier, yet compromises like sticker-heavy detailing and the absence of molded parts raise doubts about whether it truly delivers on value.

• Display Shortcomings: Designed to be admired from the front, the model’s unfinished back and visible framework undermine its polish, especially given the cost. The the rear is exposed and lacks reinforcement, leaving it looking unfinished and structurally less solid.

• Space Demands: The enormous footprint makes it impractical for many collectors. Without a dedicated display area, the set risks feeling more like clutter than centerpiece.

• Not for Everyone: Its intimidating size, weight, and complexity may exclude casual builders — narrowing its audience to only the most committed and deep-pocketed fans.

 

UCS Death Star: Old vs. New

Scale & Pieces

• 75419 (2025): 9,023 pieces – the largest UCS Star Wars model to date, massive and ambitious.

• 10188 / 75159: Around 4,000 pieces – still large, but much more approachable for most builders.

Price

• 75419 (2025): US$999.99 – ultra-premium, nearly double the cost of earlier UCS sets.

• 10188 / 75159: US$400–500 at launch – still pricey, but far more accessible to a wider audience.

Design & Interiors

• 75419 (2025): Six stacked levels with detailed rooms like the Emperor’s Throne Room, advanced turbolift, and a refined superlaser. Designed mainly as a display model.

• 10188 / 75159: Playset-first design with open-access rooms, action features like the trash compactor, laser turrets, and elevators.

Minifigures

• 75419 (2025): 38 minifigures, including Rogue One exclusives such as Galen Erso and Director Krennic.

• 10188 / 75159: 23–27 minifigures, focused mainly on Original Trilogy characters.

Display & Space

• 75419 (2025): Jaw-dropping from the front, but requires enormous space and has an unfinished rear.

• 10188 / 75159: More compact, easier to fit on shelves, and balanced display value with playability.

The new UCS Death Star (75419) is built as a collector’s centerpiece — massive, ambitious, and designed to impress. But the old versions (10188 / 75159) shouldn’t be overlooked: they stood out for their playability, affordability, and accessibility, making them family favorites and long-lasting classics in their own right.

Is it worth to buy the set?

Whether the UCS Death Star (75419) is worth buying really depends on what you value most as a LEGO fan. If you’re looking for a breathtaking centerpiece, have the space to display it, and enjoy long, complex builds, this set is unmatched — it’s the largest and boldest UCS model ever made, with a minifigure lineup that Star Wars collectors will love.

But if you weigh cost against detail and practicality, the picture changes. At nearly $1,000, it’s not flawless: the repetitive build, sticker reliance, unfinished rear, and sheer size mean it won’t suit everyone. For casual fans, or those with limited budget and display space, the investment may feel excessive.

In short: this is a statement piece for die-hard collectors, not an all-rounder. If you’re ready for the commitment, it can be the crown jewel of your LEGO Star Wars collection. If not, there are many other sets that deliver more satisfaction at a fraction of the cost.