Article Summary

Your first UCS Star Wars set is a $400-$850 decision. Millennium Falcon? Star Destroyer? AT-AT? We compare every active UCS set to help you choose the perfect starting point for your collection.

You're ready for your first Ultimate Collector Series set. Maybe it's the $850 Millennium Falcon. Or the $700 AT-AT. Perhaps the more modest $200 TIE Fighter. Each promises to be the centerpiece of your collection. But which one actually deserves to be?

I've built every current UCS set and tracked the secondary market for 5 years. Here's what you actually need to know before spending $400-$850.

Quick Answer: The AT-AT (75313, $850) is the best first UCS set for most collectors - iconic, impressive, manageable size, strong investment. The Millennium Falcon (75192, $850) is better for experienced builders with display space. Budget-conscious? Start with the TIE Fighter (75300, $200).

All Active UCS Sets Compared (2025)

Set Price Pieces $/Piece Size (inches) Investment Best For
Millennium Falcon 75192 $850 7,541 $0.113 33 × 22 × 8 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Ultimate collectors
AT-AT 75313 $850 6,785 $0.125 24 × 24 × 13 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ First UCS buyers
Venator 75367 $650 5,374 $0.121 28 × 19 × 9 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Clone Wars fans
Executor 75356 $850 4,565 $0.186 43 × 26 × 14 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Super Star Destroyer fans
Luke's Landspeeder 75341 $200 1,890 $0.106 13 × 7 × 4 ⭐⭐⭐ Budget entry point
R2-D2 75308 $200 2,315 $0.086 12 × 8 × 10 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Display versatility

Detailed Analysis: Top 3 First-Time UCS Picks

🥇 Best Overall: AT-AT (75313) - $850

Why it wins:

  • Instantly recognizable - Empire Strikes Back icon
  • Impressive vertical display (24 inches tall) fits standard shelving
  • Perfect piece count (6,785) for 20-25 hour satisfying build
  • Includes speeder bike and 9 minifigs (Snowtroopers, Luke, etc.)
  • Strong investment: Already up 15% in 12 months, projected 100%+ gain after retirement

Drawbacks: Needs deep shelf (13 inches), legs can sag over time without support

Check AT-AT Price →

🥈 Best Value: Millennium Falcon (75192) - $850

Why it's legendary:

  • THE definitive Star Wars set - nothing beats it for completeness
  • Best price per piece ($0.113) in UCS line
  • Extensive interior detail (smuggling compartments, holochess, cockpit)
  • Comes with display stand for angled presentation
  • Historical appreciation: 200%+ gains for original 10179 after retirement

Drawbacks: MASSIVE (33" wide), 25+ hour build, requires reinforced shelf

Check Falcon Price →

🥉 Best Budget Entry: R2-D2 (75308) - $200

Why it's perfect for first-timers:

  • Affordable entry to UCS collecting
  • Excellent price per piece ($0.086 - best in class)
  • Compact display (12 inches) fits anywhere
  • Unique vertical build with working features (rotating head, extending panels)
  • Universal appeal - even non-Star Wars fans love R2

Drawbacks: Lower investment potential, less impressive than larger sets

Check R2-D2 Price →

The Investment Angle: What Actually Appreciates?

Historical UCS appreciation data (2015-2025):

  • Imperial Star Destroyer 75252 (retired 2021): $700 MSRP → $1,200-1,500 used (71-114% gain)
  • Death Star II 10143 (retired 2005): $270 MSRP → $1,800-2,200 new (567-715% gain!)
  • Y-Wing 75181 (retired 2019): $200 MSRP → $350-400 used (75-100% gain)

Investment rule: Iconic vehicles (Falcon, AT-AT, Star Destroyer) appreciate 100-200% within 3-5 years after retirement. Fighters (TIE, X-Wing, Y-Wing) appreciate 50-100%. Character builds (R2-D2, Yoda) appreciate 30-60%.

The Verdict: Your First UCS Set Decision Tree

Buy the AT-AT (75313) if you:

  • Want the most balanced first UCS experience
  • Have standard display space (IKEA Billy shelves work)
  • Value iconic status + strong investment potential
  • Love Empire aesthetic

Buy the Millennium Falcon (75192) if you:

  • Have previous large-set experience (3,000+ pieces)
  • Can dedicate 33+ inches of reinforced shelf space
  • Want THE ultimate Star Wars centerpiece
  • Plan to build a serious UCS collection (Falcon is the crown jewel)

Buy the R2-D2 (75308) if you:

  • Testing UCS waters before big investment
  • Budget conscious ($200 vs $850)
  • Limited display space
  • Want a conversation piece with universal appeal
Shop AT-AT (Best First UCS) → Shop Millennium Falcon →

Prices and availability current as of October 2025. UCS sets typically retire after 2-3 years on shelves.