LEGO The Lord of the Rings: The Shire (10354) Review – Worth the Gold?

LEGO The Lord of the Rings: The Shire (2025) Set Review – A Precious Opportunity... or Missed One?

For over a decade, LEGO fans have waited for a modern return to The Lord of the Rings theme. And now, in 2025, we finally have it: LEGO ICONS 10354 – The Shire. With over 2,700 pieces, iconic minifigs, and some clever callbacks, this set brings us back to Bag End and Bilbo’s 111th birthday party.

But here’s the twist — while this release should’ve been a celebration, it’s become a bit of a hot topic in the LEGO community. Why? A $270 price tag and some surprisingly lackluster design choices.

Let’s break down what shines, what feels like a misstep, and whether it’s worth adding to your collection.

The Build: Exterior Charm Meets Interior Disappointment

Let’s start outside — because truth be told, that’s where the magic mostly happens.

The shaping of the hobbit-hole is lovely, with curved pieces creating that signature cozy underground look. You get adorable front fencing, a "No Admittance" sign (though it’s a sticker), and blooming flowers. The exterior's use of macaroni tile and boomerang fencing pieces adds a layer of detail that recalls the warmth of the Shire.

But then… you head inside.

Despite the high piece count, the interior is cramped, basic, and feels oddly shallow. While there are nods to key moments — like the fireplace scene with the One Ring tucked inside an envelope — the rooms are small and underwhelming. The writing nook with Bilbo’s “There and Back Again” book feels rushed, and the overuse of stickers (including on the envelope) is a downer, especially at this price point.

Compared to the 2012 Bag End, which was smaller but packed with charm and practical detail, this new Shire feels like it’s stretching to justify the ICONS label.

The Price: $270 for... What Exactly?

Let’s address the elephant (or troll) in the room. This set costs $270 USD — far more than the rumored $200 many fans expected. And when you compare it to other large LEGO sets like Rivendell ($500 for 6,167 pieces) or Barad-Dûr ($460 for 5,471 pieces), the value proposition starts to fall apart.

At 2,700+ pieces, you’re paying 10 cents per piece, but it doesn’t feel like that much in the build. Much of it is concentrated in surface design, with side builds like tents and barrels that feel disconnected — literally. Many aren’t even attached to the base. That hurts the cohesion of the display and makes the set feel like it’s trying to stretch its value with filler.

Minifigures: The Real MVPs

Thankfully, there’s one area where The Shire absolutely shines — the minifigures.

• Gandalf returns with a subtly updated face print.
• Bilbo Baggins features a brand-new torso and possible new facial expression.
• Frodo, Sam, Merry, and Pippin come with unique prints, continuing the attention to detail from the Rivendell set.
• Miss Proudfoot might steal the whole show, debuting a gorgeous new skirt mold and an uncommon hairpiece.
• Farmer Proudfoot is also new and a welcome deep-cut addition to the Hobbit-verse.

Honestly, these figures alone might push some collectors over the edge into buying the set. They're that good.

Smeagol & Deagol GWP: Perfect... and Painfully Limited

Now we get to the 40761 Smeagol & Deagol Gift With Purchase — a tiny diorama capturing one of the darkest, most pivotal scenes in Tolkien’s world. It’s beautiful, with overwater and underwater display, exclusive minifigs, and even a subtle dual-expression system for both characters.

Problem is… it’s only available April 2–8, and only if you buy the $270 Shire set directly from LEGO. That’s a tiny window for one of the best promo builds LEGO’s ever done. This promo is guaranteed to sell out fast and end up on eBay for triple digits.

Fans are rightfully frustrated. A simple $20 retail release would’ve made this a must-buy for everyone.

Minifigure Factory Tie-In

In a fun side note, select LEGO stores will also feature a Minifigure Factory event with custom-printed torsos inspired by the Shire — including Bilbo’s birthday party and the “No Admittance” sign.

It’s a small bonus, but at least it’s accessible and adds some value if you’re lucky enough to live near a participating LEGO store.

Final Verdict: A Set That Feels... Precious, But Hollow

There’s no denying the love and effort poured into LEGO 10354 The Shire, especially with its standout minifigures and some charming exterior design. But at $270, the build itself just doesn’t deliver enough. The interior is cramped, the side builds feel incomplete, and too much detail relies on stickers instead of bricks.

The Smeagol & Deagol GWP might be the most exciting part of this launch — and that’s a problem, considering how limited and inaccessible it is.

If you’re a hardcore Lord of the Rings collector, this might still be a must-have. But for casual fans or even seasoned LEGO lovers? You might want to wait for a sale — or hope for a second-hand deal.

Stay sharp like Sting and follow Land of Geek Magazine for more LEGO deep dives, fantasy builds, and fandom-fueled fun straight from Middle-earth to your shelf!

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