This post explores the much anticipated new LEGO Star Wars Death Star UCS, its design, massive figure line-up and how it evolves from the 2008 original, the 10188 Death Star, with detailed analysis and comparisons.
Release Date
LEGO Insiders: 1 October 2025
Widely available: 4 October 2025
MSRP / Price Range
Approximately $999.99 (also £899.99 / €999.99)
Edition Size / Production Run
Not officially disclosed, typical for LEGO UCS sets
Manufacturer / Licence
Produced by The LEGO Group under official Star Wars licence
A Slice of Classics, LEGO Star Wars Death Star playset Reimagined
The new LEGO Death Star UCS shifts direction from previous iterations by leaning into a build-as-display format. Unlike the 2008 10188 Death Star, which featured a full sphere that could be turned for access, this version introduces a cross-sectional layout. At just 27 cm deep, it is designed with display practicality in mind.
This “sliced” design offers clear visibility into detailed interior rooms including the superlaser, Emperor’s throne room, trash compactor, detention block and Leia’s cell. Every section has been carefully composed for aesthetic clarity, offering a more structured visual experience.
LEGO UCS Death Star release date and price history, From 2008 Sphere to 2025 Slice
The original 10188 Death Star, released in 2008, included 3,803 pieces and 24 minifigures, retailing for approximately £274.99. It was primarily a playset, with a focus on interaction, rotating access and internal play features.
In 2025, LEGO returns with a larger and more focused build. The new LEGO Death Star UCS contains 9,023 pieces and 38 minifigures, nearly tripling the complexity and offering a significant increase in visual fidelity. It is also the most expensive LEGO set ever released to date. While it removes some of the interactive features of its predecessor, it redefines the Death Star format as a high-end display piece.
This shift follows a broader trend seen in other recent sets, such as the LEGO Andor K-2SO Security Droid Set, which also balances detail and stature with minimal interactive function. These newer builds focus on cinematic presence, making them more suited for adult collectors and focused displays.
LEGO Death Star piece count and minifigure details
With 9,023 pieces and 38 minifigures, this set offers both volume and variety. The figure line-up spans multiple eras and includes several key characters: Darth Vader, Emperor Palpatine, Grand Moff Tarkin, Director Krennic, Admiral Piett, General Tagge, Princess Leia, Luke Skywalker (Jedi and Stormtrooper versions), Han Solo (standard and disguise), Chewbacca, R2-D2, C-3PO, R2-Q5, plus a selection of Imperial Officers, Stormtroopers, and crew members.
This expanded roster ensures that major scenes from the Star Wars trilogy can be recreated in detail. The figures are distributed throughout key areas of the build to maximise storytelling potential and scene accuracy.
It’s an approach that echoes LEGO’s commitment to comprehensive figure assortments, similar to what was seen in the recent LEGO Gremlins Gizmo 21361 Ideas set, which offered surprising depth in a much smaller footprint.
The Superlaser and Interior, From Green Beam to Glow-Tech
The updated superlaser features a layered, translucent design that adds visual precision and depth compared to the more basic green cone of the original 2008 model. Its structural improvements bring it closer to its on-screen counterpart in form and proportion.
The throne room, detention block, trash compactor and hangar have all been reworked. The throne room now uses sharper architectural lines and improved scale. The trash compactor includes a more functional sliding wall mechanism. The hangar, complete with a buildable version of the Emperor’s Shuttle and a starfield backdrop, enhances scene composition and adds dimensional context. These elements offer a more refined, less play-driven experience, aligning with the UCS collection’s evolving focus.
Display Over Play, What This LEGO Death Star Really Represents
The LEGO Star Wars Death Star playset has moved beyond its role as a toy and into a category of collector-grade display sets. With its expanded piece count, deeper minifigure selection, and layered cross-sectional presentation, this release builds upon and surpasses the 10188 in visual execution.
However, this new approach also changes the nature of the set. While the 10188 was functionally rich and offered interactive features, the 75419 model prioritises cinematic presentation and refined structure. This aligns with LEGO’s recent trajectory towards more display-focused products under the UCS label.
For long-time LEGO Star Wars enthusiasts and dedicated collectors, this set presents a definitive version of the Death Star. It is large, detailed, and composed with clarity and purpose. The original model brought charm through function. This one offers precision through form.
If you’re interested in other standout builds, take a look at the LEGO Gremlins Gizmo 21361 Ideas set or explore the complex engineering in the LEGO Andor K-2SO Security Droid Set.
Let us know what you think on our Reddit page