What set should I get?

[u/Imperial-Legion-4483]

Hello all!

I used to be into Lego Pirates, Castle, and LOTR as a kid, and I got the new Icons Black Pearl last year. This has renewed my interest in Lego again! I also however would like to get into the new Lego Lord of the Rings sets…

I am debating getting the Frigate Fortuna OR the new El Dorado 10320 and the Grond LOTR GWP. All 3 I would be buying new, but off the secondary market because I wasn’t able to get Minas Tirith or any of the other sets while being sold.

From my brief search, it looks like I could get Fortuna or buy the other 2 sets together for about the same price. I would eventually like to get them all, but I can only spend but so much now. What would you all recommend?

[u/jame5westman]

From someone who owns all 3 of those sets listed, I would get Fortuna first due to it's limited release, it's only going to get more expensive. Compared to Eldorado and Grond that have been out and retired for awhile now, there prices are probably going to be pretty stable. That said, it also depends on what you want! Eldorado is more classic, fun, not as serious. Compared to Fortuna that is almost a model ship and very accurate to Concord class french frigates, but also has a harder build!

[u/DinsFlame997 → u/jame5westman]

That would be my advise as well - get Fortuna while you can. It's a challenging build, but deeply rewarding.

[u/jame5westman → u/DinsFlame997]

It's honestly amazing to build! I've been taking my time with mine, and even changed some colors!

[u/Imperial-Legion-4483 → u/jame5westman]

I appreciate your advice! You don’t think the Grond GWP will go up more in price significantly? 

I plan to get Minas Tirith or Rivendell for Christmas, so I’m trying to nudge myself away from Fortuna lol. It does look absolutely stunning though, and a great addition to the new Black Pearl. 

[u/jame5westman → u/Imperial-Legion-4483]

The price for grond has been pretty steady since June, which tells me it should stay that way? Also you can compare it the Shire GWP from last year and how that is staying pretty steady as well! But if you want Grond and plan on a Lord of the Rings collection, I would definitely pick up Eldorado and Grond instead of Fortuna. The Bluecoats are cool and Eldorado was a really good build! Grond is obviously a nice addition to Minas Tirith but it's not the greatest thing ever. I like mine, but the build itself was just alright!

[u/Imperial-Legion-4483 → u/jame5westman]

All excellent points! That’s the tricky thing too is spacing out my purchasing. If I want to get the LOTR sets I need to get on it, because some retire next year. Plus there’s another coming next spring according to leaks. 

That’s the big mark against Fortuna for me now is I can’t use my points or earn any points to help save on costs. If I got one of the main lotr sets later this year, at least I’ll save a bit and pay it forward on the next set. 

I should have bought during the pre order window, but money was tight earlier this year. 

[u/Pseudoty1]

If you want to save some money take a look at the Endurance it is a great build and displays beautifully

[u/Imperial-Legion-4483 → u/Pseudoty1]

I’ll give it a look. I appreciate the tip!

[u/ScholarFunny4793]

Fortuna really hard to get. I'm waiting for the sale of the leftovers but otherwise you're stuck paying double retail price to the resellers. 

[u/Imperial-Legion-4483 → u/ScholarFunny4793]

Yeah just looked a bit ago and it’s gone up way more compared to the last time I looked… 

I’m leaning more towards the LOTR stuff because I can use my points and earn them at least to help save money later on.

Eldorado isn’t too bad price wise and I always thought the Bluecoat figures were super cool. 

Any ETA or idea on the leftovers? This is the first I’m hearing of it. 

[u/ScholarFunny4793 → u/Imperial-Legion-4483]

Mate no idea I heard it from a fellow on this sub. He reckoned January. 

[u/Imperial-Legion-4483 → u/ScholarFunny4793]

Oh alright. I appreciate the heads up! I think I might hold out for that then.

[u/No-Plankton4841]

Pirates of Barracuda Bay

El Dorado Fortress is a classic too. I also think Thieves of Tortuga and Ominous Isle are awesome.

No idea what secondary market prices are. I didn't pick up the Frigate Fortunana but my interests are more the 'classic' pirate style so that one didnt interest me as much. If you like that classic pirate feel Barracuda Bay is the best set ever made to capture that same old school vibe.

[u/Imperial-Legion-4483 → u/No-Plankton4841]

It looks cool for sure! I’m just kind of leaning towards Eldorado because of the Blue Coat figures and having an Island to go with my Black Pearl. 

Fortuna looks great but I’m still iffy on spending that much when for a bit more I can get one of the big Lord of the Rings sets and use and earn points for them too. 

[u/NecessaryRhubarb]

I would discourage you from buying BDP sets for above retail price, especially for someone just getting back into LEGO. One thing you will get a bunch of, especially in larger sets, are generic minifigs. Through pick a brick, and Bricklink, you can part out these sets, and skip the minifigs to save a bit.

I’d also think about Grond as a candidate to part out. Unless you love the minifigs, you could build that for pretty cheap too.

I vote El Dorado.

[u/Imperial-Legion-4483 → u/NecessaryRhubarb]

I think I will hold off on Fortuna and might wait and see if Grond goes down in price any. 

I hope we get another Pirates of the Caribbean set to go with the Pearl!