Which LEGO Super Mario Set Should You Buy First?

LEGO never ceases to impress with their brand collaborations, with Super Mario set to become the newest member of the brick family on 1 August 2020. The collection is certainly a treat, too, offering fans a staggering slate of 16 play options for new, enhanced interactivity and gameplay.

But between the various power-up packs, collectible characters, and expansion sets, the LEGO Super Mario purchase experience might be a tad overwhelming and confusing. It’s not just the cheerful, jumpy Italian plumber alone, after all – others like Yoshi, Bowser, King Boo, and even Piranha Plant will be sharing the stage as well. While it’s perfectly fine to purchase the sets individually, more fun comes in pairs, and our starter’s guide is here to help you kick off your Super Mario brick adventures.

The LEGO 71360 Adventures with Mario Starter Course (S$84.90) will be a staple across all options as the base set-up, carrying a Mario figure, green pipe, flag pole, yellow brick, and monsters such as Goomba and Bowser Jr.

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1) The great nemesis showdown (Mario + Bowser)

The rivalry between Mario and Bowser is one of the most iconic in the gaming community, and continues to hold up against the passage of time. For folks looking to stage an epic face-off between the arch-enemies, the combination of the Starter Course and the LEGO 71369 Bowser’s Castle Boss Battle Expansion Set (S$159.90) is for you.

The combination will set you back by S$244.80 with a castle toy playset in tow, which includes rotating/shaking platforms, ‘?’ Block and Time Blocks, a shaking bridge, and Lava Bubble figures of Bowser, Boo, and Dry Bones. Turn up the heat, y’all.

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2) Mario, Yoshi, and a place to call home (Mario + Yoshi)

With Luigi absent from the LEGO collection, the next thing that’s closest to a brother for Mario would be the trusty, adorable Yoshi. Smashing bricks and executing the Flutter Jump is hard work, however, so some well-deserved rest is certainly in order. The LEGO 71367 Mario’s House & Yoshi Expansion Set (S$49.90) and the Starter Course make a perfect pair for fans of the dynamic duo and Super Mario World enthusiasts who enjoy the double team action in-game.

Totalling S$134.80, the 205-piece playset features a brick-built house with a Super Star Block under the opening roof, a resting hammock, and Yoshi and Goomba figures for further interaction. But first, take a chill pill.

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3) The vanquished Ghost House threat (Mario + King Boo)

King Boo plays an extremely prominent role as the main antagonist in the Luigi’s Mansion series, but that doesn’t mean Mario has been spared from his clutches. The Super Mario 64 remake sees the leader of the Boos locking Luigi away and capturing a part of Peach’s Castle, prompting the moustached man to step in and save the day.

Instead of Big Boo’s Haunt, though, builders are given the LEGO 71377 King Boo and the Haunted Yard Expansion Set (S$89.90) to mess around. The combined S$174.80 price tag yields King Boo, two Goombas, and four Swoop figures, alongside a hidden Super Star that can be accessed by stomping on Goombas, flipping a tree, and spinning Swoops to topple King Boo. It’s perfect for those who favour more interactivity, or who wish to relive Mario’s heroic legacy. WA-HOO!

4) Load up, Toad (Mario + Toad)

The reliable, faithful assistant of Princess Peach, Toad is always a pleasant, welcome addition to the party. In LEGO 71368 Toad’s Treasure Hunt Expansion Set (S$109.90), players will have to defeat enemies and overcome challenges in Toad Village, making the toy playset an attractive prospect for fans of the adventurous spirit, and Toad lovers.

At S$194.80 a two-set pop, the kit includes Toad and Toadette figures, two Cheep Cheeps, and a Goomba that are accompanied by a bridge, sliding and rotating platforms, 1-2-3 Blocks, a tree, and treasure chest. No ‘X’ marks the spot, unfortunately.

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5) Siege of the guarded fortress

Nothing beats the feeling of immense gratification in Super Mario Bros. after lowering the Goal Poles and hearing the subsequent jaunty victory tune. With the LEGO 71362 Guarded Fortress Expansion Set (S$79.90), you’ll build and choose your own route to reach the iconic fort, which would be great for the nostalgic, #throwback crowd.

Forking S$164.80 out of your wallet will see a set-up sporting a buildable fortress, catapult, brick-built water, lava routes, and a ‘POW’ Block, in addition to the Bob-omb, Koopa Troopa, and Piranha Plant toys for LEGO Mario to defeat. Wander forth, son.

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BONUS: Most wallet-friendly option

For those with a leaner wallet, there’s also the more affordable option of blind bag character packs. Priced at S$6.50 each, the LEGO 71361 Character Packs will include 10 collectible enemy characters in the Super Mario universe, from Paragoomba and Bob-omb to Buzzy Beetle. These figures are naturally less interactive than any of the five above expansion sets, but still allow for a touch of customisation. A summary of all paired variants may be found below:

LEGO Sets	Characters Included	Price
71360 Adventures with Mario Starter Course + 71369 Bowser’s Castle Boss Battle Expansion Set	Mario, Monsters (Goomba, Bowser Jr., etc) Bowser, Boo, Dry Bones	S$244.80
71360 Adventures with Mario Starter Course + 71367 Mario’s House & Yoshi Expansion Set	Mario, Monsters (Goomba, Bowser Jr., etc) Yoshi, Goomba	S$134.80
71360 Adventures with Mario Starter Course + 71377 King Boo and the Haunted Yard Expansion Set	Mario, Monsters (Goomba, Bowser Jr., etc) King Boo, two Goombas, and four Swoops	S$174.80
71360 Adventures with Mario Starter Course + 71368 Toad’s Treasure Hunt Expansion Set	Mario, Monsters (Goomba, Bowser Jr., etc) Toad, Toadette, two Cheep Cheeps, and a Goomba	S$198.40
71360 Adventures with Mario Starter Course + 71362 Guarded Fortress Expansion Set	Mario, Monsters (Goomba, Bowser Jr., etc) Bob-omb, Koopa Troopa, and Piranha Plant	S$164.80
71360 Adventures with Mario Starter Course + 71361 Character Packs	Mario, Monsters (Goomba, Bowser Jr., etc) Any of the 10 enemy characters: Paragoomba, Fuzzy, Spiny, Buzzy Beetle, Bullet Bill, Bob-omb, Eep Cheep, Blooper, Urchin and Peepa	from S$91.40

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As the saying goes, the more the merrier. The above list is by no means a hard rule, and further exploration, creative expression, and mixing around are most certainly encouraged. The complete product line-up will drop on 1 August 2020, with the Mario Starter Course available for pre-order on Amazon. Still, there’s some time before everything comes together, so you’ll have plenty of time to plan out your next LEGO Super Mario masterpiece.