Growing up a fan of the Original Trilogy in the pre-Thrawn Trilogy days, a lot of lore was left to question and head-canon. One of those pieces of lore was Darth Vader’s headquarters. Where did he hang his helmet when he wasn’t terrorizing the galaxy? Did he have quarters on Coruscant like Palpatine? Did he just go from Imperial installation to Imperial installation? Did he spend most of his time on his personal Star Destroyer or the Super Star Destroyer? If he had his own palace somewhere, where was Darth Vader’s castle?

The Expanded Universe answered this question in the 90’s comic “Dark Empire II” when Vader’s castle was given a location and a name: Bast Castle on the planet Vjun. For many years, this was the accepted location of Lord Vader’s personal residence. However, this location was never officially canon. As years passed, and more official lore was added to the franchise (and the subsequent turning the Expanded Universe into “Legends”) Darth Vader got a new home.

On a cliff on Mustafar, overlooking the spot where Anakin Skywalker died and Darth Vader was born, rose Darth Vader’s castle. From now on, this would be the place where Vader would go when he wasn’t on assignments from the Emperor. Vader’s Castle on Mustafar embodied the fiery rage that dwelled within the Dark Lord of the Sith. It would be the perfect location to base an interactive LEGO set to showcase in your collection.

Enter the LEGO Star Wars Darth Vader’s Castle 75251. This set is a must-have addition for your collection. The imposing structure captures the dark and mysterious nature of the Sith Lord’s fortress on Mustafar. Completing the set offers an engaging build experience and provides hours of play and display opportunities.

overview

• Set Details: Contains 1,060 pieces and includes five minifigures: Darth Vader, two Royal Guards, an Imperial Transport Pilot, and an unarmored Darth Vader for the Bacta Tank.
• Features: Features a detailed castle with multiple levels and many interactive play functions.
• Price Point: It’s on the higher end for LEGO Star Wars intended for those 9+. However, it offers good value for the price.

The set presents a faithful representation of Darth Vader’s home base as first seen in “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.” With its dark design and intricate details, it captures the essence of the Sith Lord’s foreboding castle.

design & build

• Detailed Exterior: The set boasts a stunning, dark color palette with angular and sharp architectural designs.
• Interior Features: Inside, you’ll find multiple rooms including a meditation chamber, a Bacta Tank room, and a Sith shrine.
• Play Functions: Includes hidden compartments, a TIE Fighter hanger for the included TIE Advanced x1, and a stud shooter cannon.

The design of Darth Vader’s Castle is most impressive. The set’s towering height (16 inches (41cm) high!!) and dark aesthetic capture the dark side of the Force, while the interior rooms provide ample opportunities for play and storytelling.

The features included are nothing short of spectacular. Vader’s Castle boasts a hangar bay for the included TIE Advanced x1. Flanking the hangar bay is a Sith shrine with a holocron and hidden compartments. Going up one level is the Bacta Tank where Vader can get respite from the constant pain he is in due to his injuries. Above that is Vader’s Meditation Chamber complete with a holographic communication unit. At the top of Vader’s Castle is a defensive cannon and area for Vader to greet (and intimidate) visitors.

The aesthetic of Vader’s castle is remarkable. The crystalline bricks used to create the red glass windows and orange lava flows are gorgeous. The brown bricks used for the cliff face lends itself well to building a Mustafar MOC to place the castle and further enhance the look of the set.

build experience

• Clear Instructions: The build is guided by clear, step-by-step instructions.
• Gradual Complexity: The set’s build starts simple and becomes progressively more complex.
• Enjoyable Construction: The set offers a balanced mix of repetitive and challenging sections, keeping the build engaging.

The build experience for LEGO Star Wars Darth Vader’s Castle is highly enjoyable. The step-by-step instructions are easy to follow, making the process smooth and accessible. This has come to be expected from LEGO. It’s age appropriate for the 9+ rating, but even experienced builders will find satisfaction in seeing the castle take shape. The gradual introduction of complexity keeps the build interesting throughout the process. It’s similar in difficulty to the First Order Star Destroyer.

pros & cons

Pros

• Authentic Design: The castle’s appearance is true to the iconic visage seen on-screen.
• Multiple Play Functions: The set offers numerous interactive features for imaginative play.
• Great Minifigure Selection: The set includes an impressive roster of minifigures to add to your Imperial collection.
• Display and Play: It’s suitable for both display and play purposes. The impressive design makes it a wonderful display piece, and the multiple features is perfect for younger fans who want a toy.

Cons

• Size and Space: The set’s size may be challenging for those with limited display space.
• Price Point: While offering good value, the price may be high for some collectors.
• Lack of Difficulty: The set might be too easy for experienced builders looking for the challenger larger sets bring.

Despite its minor drawbacks, the LEGO Star Wars Darth Vader’s Castle offers an outstanding combination of play and display value. The set’s pros far outweigh the cons, making it a worthy addition to any LEGO Star Wars fan’s collection.

conclusion

The LEGO Star Wars Darth Vader’s Castle 75251 is a top-notch set that appeals to older and younger fans alike. Its impeccable design, engaging build experience, and versatile play options make it an excellent choice for any collector. The dark and majestic visage of Vader’s Castle is the perfect structure to rule over your LEGO Star Wars Empire.

Once more the Sixth will rule the galaxy. And we shall have peace.