How many pieces are in the Planetary Decoder?

Planetary Decoder contains 81 pieces.

When was the Planetary Decoder released?

Planetary Decoder was released in 1996.

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r/lego • 2 days ago

🏛 Exploriens

Set #6856

Planetary Decoder

Planetary Decoder is a charming throwback to classic LEGO space exploration.

Before you buy

Who it's for: Beginner build Ideal for younger builders or LEGO fans interested in classic space themes.
Build: 81 pieces · about 1 hours Build time is an estimate.
Price: $7.99 list price · 9.9¢ per piece
Availability: Likely retired

★★★★☆ 4.0 AI-generated review score, not a customer rating

Fans appreciate the classic Exploriens theme and unique radar dish design, although some find the set a bit simple compared to modern LEGO sets. The rising price reflects collector demand for vintage LEGO space sets.

$7.99

Best Price

$7.19

You Save

10% OFF

📝 Our Take

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

Planetary Decoder is a charming throwback to classic LEGO space exploration. Released in 1996 as part of the Exploriens theme, this set captures the era's focus on discovery and scientific instruments, featuring a unique radar dish and a cool little rover.

This set is perfect for LEGO space enthusiasts and collectors of vintage themes. It's a quick, enjoyable build that evokes a sense of nostalgia, and the Exploriens minifigure is a great addition to any space crew.

Skip this if you're looking for a complex build experience or modern building techniques. Consider newer LEGO City space sets for a more intricate and detailed model.

✨ 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 Planetary Decoder - building tips, investment potential, comparisons, or anything else!

Try asking:

How does the Planetary Decoder compare to other Exploriens sets in terms of playability? What are some creative ways to display the Planetary Decoder to highlight its features? How has the value of the Planetary Decoder changed over the years, and what factors contribute to its current price? What other classic LEGO space themes would complement the Planetary Decoder in a collection?

🧱 Building Experience

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

🧩

Pieces

⏱

1.0h

Estimated Build Time

📊

Beginner

Difficulty

Build Highlights:

Simple and straightforward build
Unique radar dish mechanism
Classic Exploriens color scheme
Small rover adds playability

📈 Investment Analysis

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

↑ Trending up since release

Investment Grade

⏳ Retired

The Planetary Decoder presents a moderate investment opportunity, driven by its age, the popularity of the Exploriens theme, and its relatively low piece count, which keeps the entry price reasonable. While not a major grail set, its increasing value trend indicates a steady demand from collectors. However, the small size and limited complexity may cap its potential growth compared to larger, more iconic sets.

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

⚖ Compare Similar Sets

Ice Planet 2002 • 46 pcs

Compared to modern LEGO City space sets, the Planetary Decoder offers a simpler, more nostalgic building experience. While lacking the complexity and detail of newer sets, it provides a charming glimpse into LEGO's space exploration history. Collectors might prefer this set for its vintage appeal and unique Exploriens branding, while younger builders might find it a more accessible entry point into LEGO space.

1 Minifigure Included

Exploriens Spaceman, with Radio on Belt

6 parts

B+

The Exploriens Spaceman minifigure is exclusive to this set and other Exploriens sets, making it a desirable collectible for LEGO space fans.

📦 Parts Inventory

Piece count: 81
Parts cataloged in this inventory: 42 unique parts, 75 pieces
Minifigures: 1

The piece count includes the 6 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.

Sticker Sheet for...

Part #: 170900 1× [No Color/Any Color]

Sticker Sheet for...

Part #: 170909 1× [No Color/Any Color]

Sticker Sheets fo...

Part #: 170910 1× [No Color/Any Color]

Antenna 8H Whip

Part #: 2569 1× Trans-Neon Green

Brick 2 x 3

Part #: 3002 1× White

Plate Special 2 x...

Part #: 30033 1× White

Panel 3 x 5 Solar...

Part #: 30034 2× White

Equipment Space S...

Part #: 30035 1× White

Wedge Plate 8 x 6...

Part #: 30036 2× White

Brick 1 x 2

Part #: 3004 1× White

Brick 1 x 6

Part #: 3009 1× Black

Plate 2 x 4

Part #: 3020 1× White

Plate 1 x 2

Part #: 3023 2× White

Plate 2 x 8

Part #: 3034 1× Black

Tile 2 x 2 with G...

Part #: 3068b 3× Black

Tail 4 x 2 x 2

Part #: 3479 2× White

Tail 4 x 2 x 2

Part #: 3479 2× Black

Plate 1 x 6

Part #: 3666 2× Black

Turntable 2 x 2 P...

Part #: 3679 1× Light Gray

Turntable 2 x 2 P...

Part #: 3680 1× Black

Technic Axle 6

Part #: 3706 1× Black

Technic Plate 2 x...

Part #: 3709 1× Black

Plate 1 x 4

Part #: 3710 1× White

Brick Sloped Inve...

Part #: 3747a 1× Black

Plate 2 x 6

Part #: 3795 1× White

Plate 2 x 6

Part #: 3795 2× Black

Support Round 2 x...

Part #: 3940b 2× Black

Support Round 2 x...

Part #: 3940b 2× White

Brick Round 2 x 2...

Part #: 3941 1× Black

Dish 4 x 4 Invert...

Part #: 3960 1× Trans-Red

Dish 4 x 4 Invert...

Part #: 3960 1× Trans-Neon Green

Dish 4 x 4 Invert...

Part #: 3960 2× Black

Dish 4 x 4 Invert...

Part #: 3960 1× Trans-Dark Blue

Plate Round 2 x 2...

Part #: 4032a 3× White

Plate Round 2 x 2...

Part #: 4032a 2× Black

Plate Special 1 x...

Part #: 4081b 2× Black

Hinge Plate 1 x 2...

Part #: 4275b 4× Black

Hinge Plate 1 x 2...

Part #: 4276b 2× White

Hinge Tile 1 x 2 ...

Part #: 4531 2× White

Cone 1 x 1 [No To...

Part #: 4589 1× Trans-Neon Green

Plate Special 1 x...

Part #: 4590 2× Black

Brick Special 1 x...

Part #: 4595 2× Black

Dish 2 x 2 Invert...

Part #: 4740 2× Trans-Neon Green

Wedge Plate 3 x 4...

Part #: 4859 1× White

Plate Special 1 x...

Part #: 6019 1× White

Wedge Plate 8 x 8...

Part #: 6104 1× Black

Plate Round 1 x 1...

Part #: 6141 2× Trans-Neon Green

Brick Special 2 x...

Part #: 6232 1× White

Cylinder Half 2 x...

Part #: 6259 2× Trans-Dark Blue

This set includes a few trans-neon green dishes, which are always a nice addition to any collection. The black hinge plates are also useful for creating articulated models.

Community Insights

Real opinions from Reddit and YouTube

What Reddit Says

No Reddit discussions found for this set.

What YouTubers Say

Based on 8 videos

3.0 /5

Mixed

0% positive

BlockTalk AI

YouTube reviews of the LEGO Exploriens Planetary Decoder (6856) are limited, with the sentiment being largely neutral. Videos primarily focus on showcasing the set and its features without strong positive or negative opinions expressed.

LEGO Set Review: Space Exploriens Planetary Decoder (6856) from 1996

brickboys518 • 2.4K views Review

Community Sentiment

Based on 8 YouTube reviews

Not enough Reddit data

YouTube

3.0 /5

Mixed

0% positive

Positive

Mixed

Critical

BlockTalk AI Analysis

What the Community Says

1 YouTube reviews

BlockTalk AI Summary

brickboys518 provides a straightforward review of the Planetary Decoder (6856), while BrickTsar reviews the Hovertron (6815), another set from the Exploriens line, highlighting its piece count and minifigure. These reviews generally serve to document and present the sets rather than offering in-depth analysis.