It’s no secret that certain retired LEGO sets can consistently exceed expectations on the resale market. And with several high-profile sets nearing retirement in 2026, the next two years could be especially lucrative for those who know where to look. Recent history suggests the ceiling for certain LEGO builds is higher than others, however, and scarcity, licensing, and sheer ambition all matter in the search for value.
That said, there is one quality that most overlook when predicting post-retirement value: replacement difficulty. Larger (and more expensive) sets or those deeply tied to a specific cultural moment are often harder for LEGO to reissue, and demand tends to persist long after retail shelves empty. As such, the following retiring LEGO sets stand out not only for their impressive builds, but also because history suggests their current prices may look modest, almost doubly so, when looking back.
Dune Atreides Royal Ornithopter Icons Set (#10327)
The Dune Atreides Royal Ornithopter is a rare example of LEGO hitting a cultural phenomenon at exactly the right time. Released during the peak of Dune’s mainstream resurgence, this Icons set captures a vehicle that feels inseparable from Denis Villeneuve’s films. Its 1,369-piece count, intricate wings, and eight exclusive minifigures give it a level of completeness that licensed display sets don’t always achieve.
- Current Price: $164.99
- Retires July 31
The Ornithopter is also uniquely positioned because of a lack of precedent. There’s no older LEGO Dune set to anchor expectations, and no obvious alternative if it disappears. That uniqueness could inflate resale prices once availability dries up after its July 31 retirement, especially if future Dune films continue to sustain interest. Evergreen franchises like Star Wars usually benefit from set saturation, but it’s a solid bet that Dune’s narrow LEGO presence could make this set feel twice as indispensable to collectors in retrospect.
Dungeons & Dragons: Red Dragon’s Tale Ideas Set (#21348)
At nearly 3,800 pieces, Dungeons & Dragons: Red Dragon’s Tale is already a centerpiece set ahead of its retirement. The build delivers a dense, multi-level tavern, dungeon, and tower, all wrapped in classic Faerun fare. Its relation to games like Baldur's Gate 3 and its further expansion of Dungeons & Dragons minifigures also contribute massively to the set's appeal, especially considering the included monster builds, like the (quite ingeniously designed) Beholder.
- Current Price: $359.99
- Retires on July 31
With Dungeons & Dragons minifigures as its own standalone project, LEGO hasn't yet matched the scope of this set and doesn’t seem intent on it anytime soon. That leaves Red Dragon’s Tale as the definitive D&D LEGO experience. Even beyond that, however, larger, self-contained fantasy sets age historically well once retired. In two years, this could easily be seen as a steal at this price.
Millennium Falcon Star Wars Set (#75192)
The latest Ultimate Collector Series Millennium Falcon set is undoubtedly the safest bet on this list, and that isn’t too hard to divine considering how popular Star Wars LEGO sets are. With 7,500 pieces and a retail price that truly demands commitment to the hobby, this set is more than likely to follow the exact price trajectory that previous Falcons established once it retires. Earlier versions were much less detailed and now command anywhere from the high hundreds to several thousand dollars, with the oldest sealed Falcons approaching absurd territory on resale markets.
- Current Price: $849.99
- Retires on December 31
What separates #75192 from its predecessors is its timing and refinement, as while Star Wars at large may be in a cultural trough, the set appeals to both original trilogy loyalists and sequel-era fans through interchangeable minifigure options. Once retired, this will likely remain the definitive Falcon build for quite a while. Between those “definitive” and “unavailable” tags is where value explodes, and the LEGO Millennium Falcon's history suggests a doubling in price within the next two years could be likely.
Honorable Mentions Worth Watching Closely
With so many sets retiring this year, the Venator-Class Republic Attack Cruiser (#75367) deserves attention purely based on the precedent previous Star Wars LEGO sets put in place. The far smaller 2009 Venator now sells for several times its original price, despite being objectively less detailed. With over 5,000 pieces and exclusive Clone Wars characters, the modern UCS version feels primed for a similar trajectory once retired.
- Current Price: $649.99
- Retires on December 31.
Why Size and Specificity Matter Just As Much As Brand
Despite how many Star Wars sets appear on this list, it’s worth noting that one of the biggest misconceptions about LEGO investing is that the brand alone guarantees returns. While Star Wars branding certainly helps, not every licensed set is equally appreciated. The strongest performers tend to go beyond brand as large, display-first builds, ones that feel tied to a specific era or creative vision.
When LEGO revisits a subject, it usually does so with compromises to hit new price points or audiences. That leaves retired premium sets occupying a unique lane with no true substitute. This is why smaller playsets, even popular ones, rarely see the same growth curve; they’re easier to remake and easier to ignore. By contrast, sets like the Atreides Royal Ornithopter or UCS Millennium Falcon are statement pieces, and once they're gone, they’re gone in spirit as much as in inventory.
The Two-Year Window That Matters Most
Though these sets will likely continue to grow in value for years, the first two years after retirement are often where the sharpest growth occurs. That’s the window where casual collectors realize a set is gone, and speculative sellers haven’t yet flooded the market. The tone set by that early jump is what turns a $350 purchase into a $700 conversation piece. Collectors willing to think beyond their build experience to the economic value of their shelves should be warned: if history holds, today’s hesitation could become tomorrow’s doubly painful regret.