LEGO Star Wars ranges explained: UCS, helmets, Microfighters and more

Ultimate Collector Series: the large display models

The Ultimate Collector Series, often shortened to UCS, are the large, detailed versions of well-known ships and vehicles. LEGO marks the UCS sets of recent years 18+ (the Millennium Falcon from 2017 says 16+): they are models to build and display, with a stand or information plaque. Examples are the Millennium Falcon, the AT-AT, the Venator-Class Republic Attack Cruiser, Jabba's Sail Barge and The Razor Crest.

Smaller fighters belong to it too, such as the X-Wing Starfighter and the TIE Interceptor. A UCS set is a project for several evenings and needs a fixed spot: measure the space you have first, LEGO lists the dimensions. All sets in the range are under Ultimate Collector Series.

Starship Collection: a smaller size for the shelf

If you want a ship to display but a UCS set is too big, there is the range our catalogue calls the Starship Collection. These are display models at a smaller scale, often on a stand. Think of the Executor Super Star Destroyer, the Home One Starcruiser, the small Millennium Falcon, the Venator-Class Attack Cruiser, the Acclamator-Class Assault Ship and the Tantive IV.

Watch the set number: well-known ships come as several sets at different scales. The Millennium Falcon, for example, is in the catalogue both as a UCS model and in this smaller range, each with its own number.

Helmets and dioramas

The helmets are busts of famous helmets on a stand with a nameplate. LEGO marks them 18+. The catalogue includes The Mandalorian Helmet, the Darth Vader Helmet, the Captain Rex Helmet, the Jango Fett Helmet, the AT-AT Driver Helmet and the Kylo Ren Helmet. They take little space, which makes them an easy place to start collecting. The full overview is under Helmet Collection.

Dioramas are small scenes from the films, also marked 18+. Examples are the Death Star Trench Run Diorama, the Emperor's Throne Room Diorama and the Mos Espa Podrace Diorama.

Playsets: made for play

Most LEGO Star Wars sets are playsets: ships and vehicles with minifigures, sturdy enough to play with. They often have a cockpit that opens or parts that shoot. Examples are the AT-RT Attack, The Mandalorian and Grogu's Speeder Bike, the Imperial Remnant AT-AT with INT-4 and the New Republic X-Wing Starfighter. The age on the box shows who LEGO has in mind.

Battle Packs and Microfighters

Battle Packs are small sets with a group of minifigures and a small build. People building up an army of clone troopers or stormtroopers often buy several. Examples are the Clone Trooper and Battle Droid Battle Pack, the Death Trooper and Night Trooper Battle Pack, the 327th Star Corps Clone Troopers Battle Pack and the Siege of Mandalore Battle Pack.

Microfighters are small, chunky versions of well-known fighters with one minifigure in the cockpit. They are quick to build and fit a small hand. Browse the Microfighters, such as Plo Koon's Jedi Starfighter Microfighter, Captain Rex's Y-Wing Microfighter and The Mandalorian's N-1 Starfighter Microfighter.

How to choose

• To display, with room to spare: a UCS set.
• To display, with little room: a helmet, a diorama or a ship from the Starship Collection.
• To play with: a playset, topped up with Battle Packs for more minifigures.
• A small gift or a first set: a Microfighter or a Battle Pack.

All sets with their prices are under Star Wars. BricksDeal compares by set number, so you see prices for exactly the same set.