How many pieces are in the Earth Dragon Defense?

Earth Dragon Defense contains 227 pieces.

What age is the Earth Dragon Defense recommended for?

This set is recommended for ages 7-14.

When was the Earth Dragon Defense released?

Earth Dragon Defense was released in 2011.

Breaking News

LEGO Retiring Soon List – October 2026 Update

The Brick Fan • 1 day ago

1 / 11

🏛 Ninjago

Set #2509

Earth Dragon Defense

Earth Dragon Defense is an early Ninjago gem.

Before you buy

Who it's for: Ages 7+ · Intermediate build Ninjago fans, collectors, and those who enjoy building dragons
Build: 227 pieces · about 2 hours Build time is an estimate.
Price: $34.99 list price · 15.4¢ per piece
Availability: Retired at LEGO

★★★★☆ 4.1 community rating from 117 ratings

Fans appreciate the set's unique dragon design and the inclusion of key Ninjago characters. Some find the build relatively simple compared to later Ninjago sets, but the overall aesthetic and playability are well-received.

$34.99

Best Price

$31.49

You Save

10% OFF

📝 Our Take

AI-assisted editorial summary, grounded in our LEGO database and public community discussions. How we use AI

Earth Dragon Defense is an early Ninjago gem. Released in 2011, this set captures the essence of the theme with its vibrant colors, unique dragon design, and engaging play features. The posable dragon and included minifigures create an exciting battle scene straight out of the Ninjago world.

This set is perfect for Ninjago fans and collectors seeking a nostalgic piece. The build is straightforward and enjoyable, making it suitable for a range of skill levels. Its compact size makes it easy to display, and the dragon design is visually appealing.

Skip this if you're only interested in the latest Ninjago sets or prefer larger, more complex builds. While charming, it might feel simplistic compared to modern Ninjago dragons. Consider newer Ninjago dragon sets for more advanced building techniques and features.

✨ New

Ask BlockTalk about this set

AI assistant with full set data

BlockTalk

Hi! I'm BlockTalk, your LEGO expert. Ask me anything about the Earth Dragon Defense - building tips, investment potential, comparisons, or anything else!

Try asking:

How does this set compare to other Ninjago dragon sets in terms of size and detail? What are some creative ways to display the Earth Dragon? Is this set a good entry point for collecting vintage Ninjago? How does the value of this set compare to other Ninjago sets from 2011?

🧱 Building Experience

AI-assisted build estimate, grounded in our LEGO database and public community discussions. How we use AI

🧩

227

Pieces

⏱

Estimated Build Time

📊

Intermediate

Difficulty

👤

7-14

Ages

Build Highlights:

Building the posable Earth Dragon with its unique color scheme
Incorporating Technic elements for articulation and stability
Creating the small outpost for Wyplash, adding to the playability
Displaying the completed dragon in various dynamic poses

📈 Investment Analysis

AI-assisted investment analysis, grounded in our LEGO database and public community discussions. How we use AI

↑ Trending up since release

B+

Investment Grade

⏳ Retired

Earth Dragon Defense presents a moderate investment opportunity. As a retired set from the early years of the Ninjago theme, it benefits from nostalgia and increasing demand from collectors. The relatively low piece count and original MSRP make it accessible, but its rising price suggests growing scarcity. While not a guaranteed home run, its collectibility and the enduring popularity of Ninjago contribute to its potential for value appreciation. However, price corrections are possible, so diversification is key.

Not Financial Advice: Content is for educational purposes only. Past performance doesn't guarantee future results. Full disclaimer

📖 About This Set

Battle in the Caves of Despair for the golden scythe!

⚖ Compare Similar Sets

Compared to later Ninjago dragon sets, Earth Dragon Defense is smaller and simpler in design, focusing on playability and a classic Ninjago aesthetic. Sets like 71713-1 Empire Dragon offer more advanced building techniques and larger size. However, Earth Dragon Defense's early release and unique color scheme make it a desirable collectible. Consider newer sets for play features, but this one for nostalgia.

2 Minifigures Included

The set includes Cole DX and Wyplash minifigures. Cole DX is a key character, while Wyplash is a notable villain, adding to the set's play and collectible value.

📦 Parts Inventory

Official piece count: 227
Parts cataloged in this inventory: 84 unique parts, 215 pieces
Minifigures: 2

The official piece count includes the 12 parts inside the set's minifigures, which this inventory lists separately. Spare parts are counted in neither figure.

Missing a piece? Check this set piece by piece, with look-alike colors flagged and element IDs for replacements.

Wedge Plate 3 x 6...

Part #: 2419 2× Dark Bluish Gray

Tile Special 1 x ...

Part #: 2432 2× Tan

Plate Special 2 x...

Part #: 2444 1× Light Bluish Gray

Plate Round 2 x 2...

Part #: 2654 4× Dark Bluish Gray

Technic Motorcycl...

Part #: 2904 1× Black

Brick 2 x 4

Part #: 3001 2× Dark Tan

Brick 2 x 3

Part #: 3002 1× Light Bluish Gray

Brick 2 x 2

Part #: 3003 5× Reddish Brown

Brick 1 x 2

Part #: 3004 3× Dark Bluish Gray

Rock 1 x 1 Jewel ...

Part #: 30153 1× Trans-Yellow

Rock 1 x 1 Jewel ...

Part #: 30153 1× Trans-Green

Rock 1 x 1 Jewel ...

Part #: 30153 1× Trans-Red

Weapon Sword / Ka...

Part #: 30173b 1× Flat Silver

Plate 2 x 4

Part #: 3020 2× Reddish Brown

Plate 2 x 3

Part #: 3021 1× Dark Bluish Gray

Plate 2 x 3

Part #: 3021 2× Light Bluish Gray

Plate 2 x 2

Part #: 3022 2× Reddish Brown

Plate 1 x 2

Part #: 3023 9× Dark Bluish Gray

Rock Boulder 4 x ...

Part #: 30293 1× Dark Bluish Gray

Rock Boulder 4 x ...

Part #: 30294 1× Dark Bluish Gray

Plate 4 x 6

Part #: 3032 1× Dark Bluish Gray

Bar 4L (Lightsabe...

Part #: 30374 1× Pearl Gold

Hinge Plate 1 x 2...

Part #: 30383 2× Dark Bluish Gray

Brick Sloped 45° ...

Part #: 3040b 10× Dark Tan

Brick Special 1 x...

Part #: 30414 2× Dark Bluish Gray

Hinge Cylinder 1 ...

Part #: 30553 2× Dark Bluish Gray

Plate Round Corne...

Part #: 30565 1× Green

Technic Axle and ...

Part #: 32016 4× Reddish Brown

Technic Pin Long ...

Part #: 32054 1× Light Bluish Gray

Technic Axle 2 No...

Part #: 32062 4× Red

Technic Brick 1 x...

Part #: 32064b 6× Dark Bluish Gray

Technic Axle 5

Part #: 32073 2× Light Bluish Gray

Technic Gear 12 T...

Part #: 32270 1× Black

Hinge Plate 2 x 4...

Part #: 3639 1× Dark Bluish Gray

Hinge Plate 2 x 4...

Part #: 3640 1× Dark Bluish Gray

Brick Sloped Inve...

Part #: 3660 6× Reddish Brown

Plate 1 x 6

Part #: 3666 3× Reddish Brown

Brick Sloped 65° ...

Part #: 3678b 1× Reddish Brown

Technic Brick 1 x...

Part #: 3700 1× Reddish Brown

Technic Plate 2 x...

Part #: 3709 2× Dark Bluish Gray

Brick Sloped Inve...

Part #: 3747b 2× Dark Bluish Gray

Plate 2 x 6

Part #: 3795 5× Reddish Brown

Weapon Lance

Part #: 3849 2× Black

Plate Round 2 x 2...

Part #: 4032a 4× Reddish Brown

Tile Round 2 x 2 ...

Part #: 4150 5× Dark Tan

Brick Curved 8 x ...

Part #: 41766 1× Reddish Brown

Brick Sloped Inve...

Part #: 4287b 2× Reddish Brown

Wedge Plate 4 x 4...

Part #: 43719 1× Dark Bluish Gray

Bracket 1 x 2 - 2...

Part #: 44728 2× Dark Bluish Gray

Technic Axle 3

Part #: 4519 4× Light Bluish Gray

Technic Rotation ...

Part #: 47455 1× Black

Brick Wedged, Cur...

Part #: 47456 4× Reddish Brown

Brick Curved 2 x ...

Part #: 47457 2× Dark Tan

Brick Wedged, Slo...

Part #: 47759 7× Reddish Brown

Technic Brick Spe...

Part #: 48169 1× Dark Green

Technic Brick Spe...

Part #: 48170 1× Dark Bluish Gray

Plate Special 1 x...

Part #: 48336 4× Light Bluish Gray

Large Figure Foot...

Part #: 53562 4× Black

Wedge Plate 6 x 3...

Part #: 54383 1× Dark Bluish Gray

Wedge Plate 6 x 3...

Part #: 54384 1× Dark Bluish Gray

Projectile, Large...

Part #: 54821 2× Tan

Technic Axle Conn...

Part #: 57585 1× Light Bluish Gray

Technic Brick Spe...

Part #: 57909a 7× Dark Bluish Gray

Weapon Sword Scyt...

Part #: 59229 1× Dark Bluish Gray

Cone 1 x 1 [Top G...

Part #: 59900 2× Dark Bluish Gray

Plate Special 1 x...

Part #: 60470b 4× Light Bluish Gray

Brick Special 1 x...

Part #: 60475a 1× Light Bluish Gray

Technic Beam 1 x ...

Part #: 60483 2× Dark Bluish Gray

Wave / Flame Roun...

Part #: 6126b 1× Trans-Orange

Plate Round 1 x 1...

Part #: 6141 2× Black

Tail Shuttle

Part #: 6239 4× Sand Green

Technic Pin Conne...

Part #: 62462 1× Light Bluish Gray

Plate Special 1 x...

Part #: 63868 4× Black

Launcher, Large F...

Part #: 64275 2× Pearl Titanium

Equipment Telesco...

Part #: 64644 1× Black

Weapon Spike Flex...

Part #: 64727 2× Light Bluish Gray

Brick Wedged, Slo...

Part #: 64867 9× Reddish Brown

Technic Axle 1.5 ...

Part #: 6553 1× Black

Technic Pin Long ...

Part #: 6558 1× Blue

Tile 2 x 4 with J...

Part #: 87079pr0008 2× White

Animal Body Part,...

Part #: 87747 2× Flat Silver

Animal Body Part,...

Part #: 87747 1× Pearl Gold

Technic Brick Spe...

Part #: 92013 2× Dark Bluish Gray

Bar 1L with Top S...

Part #: 92690 1× Pearl Gold

Brick Sloped 45° ...

Part #: 92946 3× Dark Bluish Gray

Creature Body Par...

Part #: 93071pr0001 1× Reddish Brown

Creature Body Par...

Part #: 93072pr0002 1× Dark Bluish Gray

Technic Axle Conn...

Part #: 93571 5× Dark Bluish Gray

The set contains a good selection of reddish brown and dark bluish gray elements, useful for building natural landscapes and dragon scales. The variety of wedge plates and slopes offers flexibility for MOC builders.

🛒 Where to Buy

eBay

✓ In Stock

$31.49 →

Walmart

✓ In Stock

Compare on eBay →

$33.24

Target

✓ In Stock

Compare on eBay →

$34.99

💎 Notable Parts

Dark Tan Slope 45° 2 x 1 with Bottom Pin (10x) $1.00

Reddish Brown Wedge 4 x 4 Fractured Polygon Top (9x) $1.35

Dark Bluish Gray Plate 1 x 2 (9x) $0.45

Reddish Brown Wedge Sloped 45° 2 x 4 Triple (7x) $0.70

Dark Bluish Gray Technic Brick Modified 2 x 2 with Solid Ball and Axle Hole (7x) $1.40

Est. BrickLink Part Value

$4.90

💡 MOC Potential

🌳 Alternate dragon designs with different elemental themes

🏰 Ninjago-themed fortress or training ground

🚗 Earth Dragon-inspired vehicle or mech

Community Insights

Real opinions from Reddit and YouTube

What Reddit Says

No Reddit discussions found for this set.

What YouTubers Say

1 video found

BlockTalk AI

Lego ninjago 2509 earth dragon defense review

LEGOSupremePlease • 44.0K views Review

What the Community Says

1 YouTube reviews

BlockTalk AI Summary

Reddit Reviews

No Reddit reviews found

YouTube Reviews

1 video

Lego ninjago 2509 earth dragon defense review

LEGOSupremePlease

44.0K views Review

Community Content: These reviews are from Reddit and YouTube users sharing their personal experiences. Opinions may vary.

People Also Discussed

Based on Reddit conversations

AT-AT

Ultimate Collector Series · 2021

Discussed together 2 times

📖 Building Instructions 2

BI 3005/60 - 2509 V29

Download PDF

BI 3005/60 - 2509 V39

Download PDF

Inventory Statistics

Unique Parts

227

Official Piece Count

215

Cataloged Inventory Pieces

Minifigures

Spare Parts

The official piece count includes the 12 parts inside the set's minifigures, which this inventory lists separately. Spare parts are counted in neither figure.

Inventory Version: 1

Missing a piece? Use the Missing Piece Checker.