How many pieces are in the Lightning Dragon Battle?

Lightning Dragon Battle contains 645 pieces.

What age is the Lightning Dragon Battle recommended for?

This set is recommended for ages 8-14.

When was the Lightning Dragon Battle released?

Lightning Dragon Battle was released in 2011.

Breaking News

LEGO Retiring Soon List – October 2026 Update

The Brick Fan • about 13 hours ago

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🏛 Ninjago

Set #2521

Lightning Dragon Battle

The Lightning Dragon Battle is a standout set from the early Ninjago era.

Before you buy

Who it's for: Ages 8+ · Intermediate build Ideal for Ninjago fans and those who enjoy building creatures and vehicles
Build: 645 pieces · about 4.5 hours Build time is an estimate.
Price: $79.99 list price · 12.4¢ per piece
Availability: Retired at LEGO

★★★★☆ 4.5 community rating from 72 ratings

Fans appreciate the detailed Lightning Dragon design and exclusive minifigures, but some find the build repetitive and the price-per-piece ratio a bit high.

$79.99

Check price on eBay

📝 Our Take

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

The Lightning Dragon Battle is a standout set from the early Ninjago era. Capturing the essence of the theme with its vibrant colors and dynamic dragon design, it remains a memorable piece for collectors.

This set is perfect for Ninjago enthusiasts and dragon lovers. The build offers a satisfying experience with a good balance of complexity and playability, making it suitable for both younger builders and adult fans.

Skip this if you're looking for a more challenging build or a larger display piece. Consider the newer Ninjago dragon sets for increased size and complexity.

✨ New

Ask BlockTalk about this set

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How does the Lightning Dragon Battle compare to other Ninjago dragon sets in terms of design and playability? What are the most valuable minifigures in this set, and why? What is the best way to display the Lightning Dragon to showcase its features? How has the value of this set changed over time, and what factors contribute to its collectibility?

🧱 Building Experience

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

🧩

645

Pieces

⏱

4.5h

Estimated Build Time

📊

Intermediate

Difficulty

👤

8-14

Ages

Build Highlights:

Building the posable Lightning Dragon
Integrating the lightning bolt details
Constructing the Bonezai's vehicle
Creating the battle scene diorama

📈 Investment Analysis

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

Not enough price history for a trend

Investment Grade

⏳ Retired

The Lightning Dragon Battle set presents a moderate investment opportunity. As an early Ninjago set, it benefits from the theme's enduring popularity and nostalgia factor. The presence of exclusive minifigures and a well-designed dragon contribute to its collectibility. However, its relatively high MSRP for the piece count and the potential for condition issues in older sets should be considered. While not a guaranteed high-return investment, it has the potential to appreciate modestly over time, especially if kept in pristine condition.

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

📖 About This Set

Fly the Lightning Dragon to rescue Sensei Wu!

⚖ Compare Similar Sets

The Lightning Dragon Battle offers a unique blend of dragon design and Ninjago action compared to later, larger dragon sets. While sets like 71718-1 Wu's Battle Dragon offer a larger build, the 2521-1 set provides a more compact and focused experience. Collectors might choose this set for its classic Ninjago appeal and manageable size.

4 Minifigures Included

Master Wu (The Golden Weapons)

Jay DX (The Golden Weapons)

4 parts

A-

The set includes several unique minifigures, including Jay DX with the Golden Weapons and exclusive versions of Kruncha and Frakjaw, adding to its collectible appeal.

📦 Parts Inventory

Official piece count: 645
Parts cataloged in this inventory: 154 unique parts, 620 pieces
Minifigures: 4

The official piece count includes the 25 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.

Tile Special Roun...

Part #: 2376 1× Black

Wedge Plate 3 x 6...

Part #: 2419 1× Light Bluish Gray

Plate 2 x 2 Corner

Part #: 2420 2× Black

Plate 2 x 2 Corner

Part #: 2420 2× Dark Blue

Tile 1 x 4 with G...

Part #: 2431 2× Black

Tile Special 1 x ...

Part #: 2432 4× Reddish Brown

Bracket 1 x 2 - 1...

Part #: 2436 3× White

Plate Special 2 x...

Part #: 2444 2× Dark Bluish Gray

Brick 2 x 6

Part #: 2456 1× Black

Tile Special 2 x ...

Part #: 2460 1× Black

Propeller 4 Blade...

Part #: 2479 1× Black

Barrel 2 x 2 x 2

Part #: 2489 2× Reddish Brown

Plate Special 1 x...

Part #: 2540 2× Dark Bluish Gray

Tile Special 1 x ...

Part #: 2555 4× Black

Plate Round 2 x 2...

Part #: 2654 1× Dark Bluish Gray

Bar 8L - Two Stop...

Part #: 2714a 2× Black

Technic Disc 3 x 3

Part #: 2723 1× Black

Technic Brick 1 x...

Part #: 2730 2× Black

Technic Slope Lon...

Part #: 2744 2× Black

Brick 2 x 4

Part #: 3001 1× Dark Blue

Brick 2 x 2

Part #: 3003 2× Light Bluish Gray

Brick 2 x 2

Part #: 3003 1× Yellow

Plate Special 2 x...

Part #: 30033 1× White

Brick 1 x 2

Part #: 3004 4× Dark Blue

Brick 1 x 6

Part #: 3009 1× Black

Weapon Sword / Ka...

Part #: 30173b 1× Black

Plate 2 x 4

Part #: 3020 5× Black

Plate 2 x 4

Part #: 3020 2× White

Plate 2 x 4

Part #: 3020 1× Reddish Brown

Plate 2 x 4

Part #: 3020 1× Dark Bluish Gray

Plate 2 x 3

Part #: 3021 3× Dark Blue

Plate 2 x 3

Part #: 3021 10× Dark Bluish Gray

Plate 2 x 2

Part #: 3022 6× Red

Plate 1 x 2

Part #: 3023 8× Medium Blue

Plate 1 x 2

Part #: 3023 1× Blue

Plate 1 x 2

Part #: 3023 3× White

Plate 1 x 2

Part #: 3023 2× Black

Plate 1 x 2

Part #: 3023 4× Trans-Red

Plate 1 x 1

Part #: 3024 2× White

Plate 4 x 4

Part #: 3031 2× Dark Bluish Gray

Plate 4 x 4

Part #: 3031 4× Black

Brick Round 2 x 2...

Part #: 30367b 8× White

Bar 4L (Lightsabe...

Part #: 30374 4× Reddish Brown

Hinge Brick 1 x 2...

Part #: 30386 6× Black

Brick Sloped 45° ...

Part #: 3039 9× Dark Blue

Hook with Towball

Part #: 30395 1× Dark Bluish Gray

Brick Sloped 45° ...

Part #: 3040b 2× White

Brick Special 1 x...

Part #: 30414 2× White

Brick Special 1 x...

Part #: 30414 2× Dark Bluish Gray

Brick Sloped 45° ...

Part #: 3046a 2× Dark Blue

Brick Sloped 45° ...

Part #: 3049d 7× White

Hinge Cylinder 1 ...

Part #: 30553 3× Black

Brick Round 1 x 1...

Part #: 3062b 2× Trans-Dark Blue

Tile 2 x 2 with R...

Part #: 3068bpr0187 1× White

Technic Axle and ...

Part #: 32013 1× Black

Technic Axle and ...

Part #: 32015 4× Black

Technic Pin Long ...

Part #: 32054 4× Black

Wedge Plate 4 x 6...

Part #: 32059 2× Black

Wedge Plate 4 x 6...

Part #: 32059 1× White

Technic Axle 2 No...

Part #: 32062 5× Red

Technic Brick 1 x...

Part #: 32064b 5× Light Bluish Gray

Technic Bush 1/2 ...

Part #: 32123b 1× Light Bluish Gray

Technic Pin Long ...

Part #: 32556 1× Tan

Plate 1 x 3

Part #: 3623 4× Black

Minifig Head Skel...

Part #: 3626bpr0494 4× White

Technic Gear 8 Tooth

Part #: 3647 1× Dark Bluish Gray

Technic Gear 24 T...

Part #: 3648b 1× Dark Bluish Gray

Brick Sloped Inve...

Part #: 3660 2× White

Brick Sloped Inve...

Part #: 3660 4× Dark Bluish Gray

Plate 1 x 6

Part #: 3666 10× Dark Blue

Brick Sloped 65° ...

Part #: 3678b 2× Light Bluish Gray

Technic Brick 1 x...

Part #: 3700 1× Dark Bluish Gray

Technic Axle 4

Part #: 3705 2× Black

Technic Axle 8

Part #: 3707 1× Black

Plate 1 x 4

Part #: 3710 2× White

Plate 1 x 4

Part #: 3710 3× Black

Plate Special 1 x...

Part #: 3794b 2× White

Plate Special 1 x...

Part #: 3794b 23× Dark Blue

Plate 2 x 6

Part #: 3795 2× Black

Plate Round 2 x 2...

Part #: 4032a 4× Reddish Brown

Hinge Cylinder 1 ...

Part #: 41532 1× Black

Brick Wedged, Cur...

Part #: 41747 1× Black

Brick Wedged, Cur...

Part #: 41748 1× Black

Technic Pin 1/2 w...

Part #: 4274 2× Light Bluish Gray

Brick Sloped Inve...

Part #: 4287b 2× Black

Technic Axle Pin ...

Part #: 43093 3× Blue

Brick Wedged, Cur...

Part #: 43712 1× White

Brick Wedged, Cur...

Part #: 43713 2× Dark Bluish Gray

Wedge Plate 3 x 2...

Part #: 43722 4× Dark Bluish Gray

Wedge Plate 3 x 2...

Part #: 43723 4× Dark Bluish Gray

Hinge Plate 1 x 2...

Part #: 44301a 4× Dark Bluish Gray

Hinge Plate 1 x 4...

Part #: 44568 1× White

Hinge Plate 3 x 4...

Part #: 44570 1× Light Bluish Gray

Bracket 1 x 2 - 2...

Part #: 44728 3× White

Bracket 1 x 2 - 2...

Part #: 44728 2× Black

Weapon Pike / Spe...

Part #: 4497 2× Pearl Gold

Technic Axle 3

Part #: 4519 2× Light Bluish Gray

Pneumatic T-Piece...

Part #: 4697b 2× Light Bluish Gray

Technic Brick Spe...

Part #: 47452 2× Dark Bluish Gray

Technic Rotation ...

Part #: 47455 7× Black

Brick Wedged, Cur...

Part #: 47753 1× Dark Blue

Brick Wedged, Slo...

Part #: 47759 6× Dark Blue

Technic Brick Spe...

Part #: 48169 5× Dark Bluish Gray

Technic Brick Spe...

Part #: 48170 3× Dark Bluish Gray

Technic Brick Spe...

Part #: 48171 2× Dark Bluish Gray

Plate Special 1 x...

Part #: 48336 1× Light Bluish Gray

Bar 1L with Clip ...

Part #: 48729b 3× Black

Brick Wedged, Slo...

Part #: 48933 2× White

Wheel Arch, Mudgu...

Part #: 50947 2× Red

Brick Curved 3 x ...

Part #: 50950 4× Dark Blue

Brick Curved 3 x ...

Part #: 50950 2× Dark Purple

Brick Special 1 x...

Part #: 52107 4× Black

Animal Body Part,...

Part #: 53451 12× Pearl Gold

Large Figure Foot...

Part #: 53562 4× Black

Arm Mechanical wi...

Part #: 53989 6× Black

Arm Mechanical wi...

Part #: 53989 4× White

Brick Sloped 30° ...

Part #: 54200 2× Dark Purple

Brick Sloped 30° ...

Part #: 54200 18× Medium Blue

Brick Sloped 30° ...

Part #: 54200 23× Trans-Medium Blue

Brick Sloped 30° ...

Part #: 54200 10× Dark Blue

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× Trans-Dark Blue

Wheel 18mm x 14mm...

Part #: 55982 2× Light Bluish Gray

Wheel 30.4 x 20 w...

Part #: 56145 2× Light Bluish Gray

String Cord Thin ...

Part #: 56823c50 1× Black

Technic Axle Conn...

Part #: 57585 4× Light Bluish Gray

Hinge Plate 1 x 1...

Part #: 57906 4× Black

Technic Brick Spe...

Part #: 57908 4× Dark Bluish Gray

Technic Brick Spe...

Part #: 57909a 1× Dark Bluish Gray

Weapon Mace / Fla...

Part #: 59232 1× Flat Silver

Wave / Lightning ...

Part #: 59233pat0001 1× Trans-Light Blue

Technic Axle 5.5 ...

Part #: 59426 1× Dark Bluish Gray

Technic Axle Conn...

Part #: 59443 3× Light Bluish Gray

Technic Axle Conn...

Part #: 59443 1× Black

Cone 1 x 1 [Top G...

Part #: 59900 12× White

Cone 1 x 1 [Top G...

Part #: 59900 2× Trans-Orange

Chain 16L [21 Links]

Part #: 60169 2× Light Bluish Gray

Brick Sloped 18° ...

Part #: 60477 2× White

Plate 1 x 12

Part #: 60479 2× White

Weapon Sword / Sc...

Part #: 60752 1× Pearl Gold

Technic Pin 1/2 w...

Part #: 61184 4× Light Bluish Gray

Wave / Flame Roun...

Part #: 6126b 2× Trans-Orange

Technic Circular ...

Part #: 61403 1× Light Bluish Gray

Brick Sloped 18° ...

Part #: 61409 4× Black

Plate Round 1 x 1...

Part #: 6141 2× Dark Purple

Plate Round 1 x 1...

Part #: 6141 4× Trans-Red

Plate Round 1 x 1...

Part #: 6141 16× Yellow

String Reel 2 x 1...

Part #: 61510 1× Light Bluish Gray

Brick Curved 4 x ...

Part #: 61678 2× White

Technic Pin Conne...

Part #: 62462 2× Black

Plate Special 2 x...

Part #: 62743 8× Medium Blue

Tile 1 x 3

Part #: 63864 2× Black

Plate Special 1 x...

Part #: 63868 2× Light Bluish Gray

Plate Special 1 x...

Part #: 63868 4× Black

Bar 6L with Stop ...

Part #: 63965 1× Reddish Brown

Launcher, Large F...

Part #: 64275 2× Pearl Titanium

Weapon Lightsaber...

Part #: 64567 4× Black

Weapon Spike Flex...

Part #: 64727 4× Pearl Gold

Technic Brick 1 x...

Part #: 6541 2× Black

Technic Brick 1 x...

Part #: 6541 10× White

Brick Wedged, Ang...

Part #: 6564 2× Black

Brick Wedged, Ang...

Part #: 6565 2× Black

Technic Axle 3 wi...

Part #: 6587 2× Dark Tan

Tile 1 x 6 with G...

Part #: 6636 8× White

Brick Sloped Inve...

Part #: 72454 1× Dark Bluish Gray

Hinge Plate 1 x 4...

Part #: 73983 16× Black

Hinge Plate 1 x 4...

Part #: 73983 3× White

Tile 2 x 4 with J...

Part #: 87079pr0008 2× White

Brick Special 1 x...

Part #: 87087 2× Dark Bluish Gray

Plate Special 2 x...

Part #: 87580 18× Dark Blue

Animal Body Part,...

Part #: 87747 6× Pearl Gold

Animal Body Part,...

Part #: 87747 8× White

Propeller 7 Blade...

Part #: 87751 1× Dark Purple

Technic Axle and ...

Part #: 89650 1× Dark Bluish Gray

Technic Axle Conn...

Part #: 89652 4× Dark Bluish Gray

Technic Brick Spe...

Part #: 92013 4× Dark Bluish Gray

Chain 6L [5 Links]

Part #: 92338 1× Pearl Gold

Turntable 6 x 6 R...

Part #: 92547pr0018 1× Trans-Bright Green

Hinge Plate 2 x 2...

Part #: 92582 2× Black

Bar 1L with Top S...

Part #: 92690 2× Pearl Gold

Plate Special 1 x...

Part #: 92692 2× Black

Creature Body Par...

Part #: 93070pr0004 1× Medium Blue

Creature Body Par...

Part #: 93072pr0003 1× Dark Bluish Gray

The set contains a good selection of dark blue elements, including a variety of plates and slopes, useful for MOC builders looking to add texture and detail to their creations.

🛒 Where to Buy

eBay

Search listings

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💎 Notable Parts

Dark Blue Plate Special 1 x 2 with 1 Stud with Groove (Jumper) (23x) $2.30

Dark Blue Plate Special 2 x 2 with Groove and Center Stud (Jumper) (18x) $2.70

Pearl Gold Animal Body Part, Barb / Claw / Tooth / Talon / Horn, Small (12x) $3.60

Medium Blue Plate Special 2 x 16 with Angled Side Extensions and Hole (Rotor Blade) (8x) $4.00

Black Hinge Plate 1 x 4 Swivel Top / Base - Solid Clip [Complete Assembly] (16x) $4.80

Est. BrickLink Part Value

$17.40

💡 MOC Potential

🦄 Alternate dragon designs with different elemental themes (fire, ice, earth)

🤖 Transform the dragon into a mecha-style robot

🏰 Use the parts to create a Ninjago-themed fortress or temple

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

Brickformula's review of the Lightning Dragon Battle (2521) highlights the dragon's color scheme and design as strong positives. They also point out the set's clickie joints are useful for MOCs and that it easily complements other Ninjago sets.

Lego 2521 Review Lightning Dragon Battle Ninjago

Brickformula • 145.0K views Review

What the Community Says

1 YouTube reviews

BlockTalk AI Summary

Reddit Reviews

No Reddit reviews found

YouTube Reviews

1 video

Lego 2521 Review Lightning Dragon Battle Ninjago

Brickformula

145.0K views Review

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

📖 Building Instructions 4

BI 3005/52 - 2521 V29/39 1/2

Download PDF

BI 3005/52 - 2521 V29/39 1/2

Download PDF

BI 3005/72+4*- 2521 2/2 V29/39

Download PDF

BI 3005/72+4*- 2521 2/2 V29/39

Download PDF

Inventory Statistics

156

Unique Parts

645

Official Piece Count

620

Cataloged Inventory Pieces

Minifigures

Spare Parts

The official piece count includes the 25 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.