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The first LEGO version of one of the Rebel Alliance starfighters was created more than two decades ago. Since then, the toymaker has released countless X-wing variants, so in this LEGO X-Wing review, we’ll focus on the most recent version of this starfighter.
Luke Skywalker’s X-Wing Fighter 75301 was released at the same time as the Imperial TIE fighter 75300 model. Together these two sets offer a fun construction experience and allow builders to stage epic battles between the Rebels and Imperial forces.
Most importantly, these models are easy to build, making them an excellent gift for a young LEGO and Star Wars enthusiast.
Bottom Line Up Front
The Luke Skywalker’s X-Wing Fighter 75301 isn’t a set for you if you’re searching for a complex build that takes hours to complete. However, this model is an excellent option for newcomers to the LEGO world who are still developing their set-building skills.
See also: The Best General Grievous sets
The Ins and Outs of the Luke Skywalker’s X-Wing Fighter 75301 Set
Basic info:
- Release date: January 1, 2021
- Piece count: 474
- Age group: 9+
- Price range: $$
The key characteristics of LEGO X-Wing sets haven’t changed significantly since the late 1990s. These sets usually have low piece counts and feature Minifigures of classic Star Wars characters like Luke Skywalker, Yoda, or R2-D2.
X-Wing 7140, the first LEGO set to feature this toy, had the same number of Minifigures as the most recent X-Wing variant.
Here are some of the most notable X-Wing models LEGO released since the turn of the century:
- X-Wing Fighter 4502 (2004)
- X-Wing Starfighter 6212 (2006)
- X-Wing Starfighter 9493 (2012)
- Poe Dameron’s X-Wing Fighter (2020)
The 2021 version of the X-Wing fighter has a slightly lower piece count than most of these retired models, but their features are similar. The estimated exit date of the Luke Skywalker’s X-Wing Fighter 75301 set is mid-2022, which means that this Star Wars model won’t stay in production for much longer.
See also: The best LEGO Clone Wars sets
Packaging and Building Instructions
Basic info:
- Number of bags: 4
This set’s low piece count is indicated by the size of its box since most models from this theme have bulkier boxes. However, its front cover has all the elements of standard LEGO Star Wars sets.
The image of the assembled X-Wing fighter dominates the front section of the box, and it’s accompanied by basic information about the set. The box’s underside shows the X-Wing toy from another angle and includes images of its key features.
Inside the box, you’ll find four bags of pieces with smaller bags for tiny parts. The building instruction booklet has 112 pages, and it doesn’t include trivia about the X-Wing T-65 fighter.
Top tip: Check for missing pieces before you start building this set to ensure that you can go through the assembly process smoothly.
The booklet’s last few pages feature a list of sets and Minifigures fans can combine with this model to improve its playability.
An Overview of the Set’s Pieces and Minifigures
The set’s part list extends over two pages, and it includes over a hundred part types in white, gray, blue, and black colors. In addition, the X-Wing fighter toy doesn’t have a high amount of identical pieces, which guarantees an entertaining construction process.
This Star Wars model contains several new molds, including the following parts:
- 1×1 brick with a Technic axle hole
- 2×2 bracket with a Technic pinhole
- Redesigned engine pieces
The Luke Skywalker’s X-Wing Fighter 75301 set comes with Princess Leia, Luke Skywalker, General Dodonna, and R2-D2 Minifigures.
- Luke Skywalker Minifigure has a pilot suit with printed life support pack decoration on the front and back of the torso.
- The Princess Leia Minifigure is almost identical to the version of this Minifigure that appeared in the Tantive IV 75244 set.
- General Jay Dodonna’s Minifigure is exclusive to this set. It has a Rebel Alliance uniform, gray hair, and a printed beard decorative element.
- R2-D2’s Minifigure captures the character’s appearance, even though head decorations lack detail.
Luke Skywalker’s lightsaber and two blaster pistols for Princess Leia and General Dodonna are the only accessories included in the set.
See also: The best LEGO lightsaber sets
Construction Process
The building instructions suggest assembling R2-D2 and Luke Skywalker Minifigures before you start building the fighter’s fuselage. I liked this suggestion because it gave me a moment to prepare for the rest of the build.
The fuselage is constructed from the back towards its nose. This element becomes narrower as you move from the tail forward. Previous versions of the X-Wing fighter utilized Technic axles with half pins to support the starfighter’s upper elements. The 2021 model employs System bricks for this purpose.
Top tip: Use the QR code of the booklet’s front cover to view 3D models of each step in the LEGO Building Instructions app.
The first bag contains pieces you’ll need to build the starship’s front section, including the opening cockpit. Arguably, the most challenging part of the construction process is building the S-foil mechanism included in the second bag that should be located between the cockpit and the ship’s back end.
This element ensures a secure connection of the four wing elements using 3L friction Technic pins. The S-foil mechanism allows you to open and close wings by pushing a button.
Wings, starship’s engines, and cannons are constructed near the end of the construction process, so once you build the s-foil mechanism, you’ll have to complete the R2-D2’s seat and the starship’s back end.
Assembling this set takes around two hours, although inexperienced LEGO builders usually need more time because it’s very easy to misinterpret the instructions.
See also: LEGO Imperial Shuttle review.
A Look at the Completed Model
It’s unfair to compare the Luke Skywalker’s X-Wing Fighter 75301 set to Star Wars build-to-display models like Imperial Destroyer 75257 or Republic Gunship 75309 because it cannot match their level of detail.
This playset is still one of the theme’s most impressive models in its piece count range. The X-Wing fighter toy is 12.5 inches long and 11-inches wide, so it’s neither too small nor too bulky for kids to carry when they want to play with it outside their homes.
Top tip: Test the starship’s functions by opening and closing the wings and cockpit or firing the spring-loaded shooters to ensure they’re working correctly.
The strength of element connections is one of the toy’s properties that caught my eye instantly. All of its components are tightly connected, and they don’t come off easily while the toy is in use. The landing gear and the S-foil mechanism make switching between flight and landing modes easy.
The nose isn’t as complex as it used to be on previous models, but it still faithfully captures the shape of the starship’s front section.
Set’s Playability
This playset provides room to develop a broad spectrum of play scenarios. Placing Luke Skywalker Minifigure into the cockpit and the R2-D2 Minifigure into its seat enables young LEGO builders to go on daring missions.
Princess Leia and General Dodonna are armed with blaster pistols they can use to fire at the enemy. Still, the lack of other accessories or stormtrooper Minifigures limits the set’s playability. That is why pairing this model with the Imperial TIE fighter 75300 unlocks new play options.
The following Star Wars models are also compatible with the Luke Skywalker’s X-Wing Fighter 75301 set:
These inexpensive sets contain toys and accessories that can help you recreate scenes from Star Wars movies. It’s also worth adding that the latest X-Wing Fighter model can be underwhelming for teenagers and kids with advanced set-building skills.
See also: The best LEGO Stormtrooper sets
Price and Value
Luke Skywalker’s X-Wing Fighter 75301 isn’t one of the most affordable sets in the Star Wars theme. Its current price on the LEGO website is just under $50, which makes it more expensive than slightly smaller models like the Dark Trooper Attack 75324 or Armored Assault Tank 75283.
However, the set’s current value varies from $30 to $80 depending on the retailer, so you should avoid overpaying for it. The model’s value is expected to increase to $70 in the first few months after LEGO discontinues it.
X-Wing models retired a few years ago already cost more than $100. Hence, the value of the 2021 X-Wing Fighter will probably reach the same range in a couple of years. In addition, the General Dodonna Minifigure will likely become valuable unless LEGO starts including it more frequently in Star Wars sets.
See also: The best LEGO Star Wars Minifigures
Pros and Cons of the LEGO Luke Skywalker’s X-Wing Fighter 75301 Set
Pros
- Fun and fairly easy assembly process
- The General Dodonna Minifigure is exclusive to this set
- The S-foil mechanism makes opening and closing the wings easy
- The X-Wing fighter toy is easily portable
- The cockpit has a printed control panel
Cons
- A limited selection of accessories
- The landing gear is removable but not retractable
- The X-Wing toy doesn’t have proton torpedo tubes included on earlier models
The Best Alternatives to the Luke Skywalker’s X-Wing Fighter 75301 Set
Getting one of the retired LEGO X-Wing models is probably the best substitute for the Luke Skywalker’s X-Wing Fighter 75301 set, but they are expensive and often hard to find.
Opting for a Star Wars set in a similar price and piece count range is a more affordable option, especially if you’re searching for a model suitable for a novice LEGO builder. I’ve selected several active Star Wars sets that can be an excellent replacement for the most recent X-Wing Fighter model.
Resistance X-Wing 75297
- Piece count: 60
- Age group: 4+
- Price range: $
Luke Skywalker piloted a T-65 X-Wing, while the toy featured in the Resistance X-Wing 75297 is based on the T-70 X-Wing piloted by Poe Dameron in The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi movies. The starfighter toy is composed of Starter Bricks that make the assembly process easier.
The Resistance X-Wing model has foldable wings and an opening cockpit that is spacious enough to fit the Poe Dameron Minifigure. However, this miniature X-Wing model doesn’t have stud shooters or other features that could improve its playability.
The Mandalorian’s N-1 Starfighter 75325
- Piece count: 544
- Age group: 9+
- Price range: $$$
The Mandalorian’s N-1 Starfighter 75325 set is comparable to the latest LEGO X-Wing set in terms of its complexity and features. The N-1 Starfighter model has a two-Minifigure cockpit and rotating wings that enable you to switch from flight to landing mode effortlessly.
It also has two stud shooters and a pair of spring-loaded shooters kids can use to defeat the enemy. The set comes with Gar Saxon, Bo-Katan Kryze, and Mandalorian Minifigures equipped with jetpacks and blaster pistols.
Imperial TIE Fighter 75300
- Piece count: 432
- Age group: 8+
- Price range: $$
Combining the Luke Skywalker’s X-Wing Fighter 75301 and the Imperial TIE Fighter 75300 sets will enable you to recreate battles from the original Star Wars trilogy. The TIE Fighter model has non-adjustable wings that keep the toy stable while on the ground.
The opening cockpit is located between hexagonal wings, and it’s big enough to accommodate the TIE Pilot Minifigure. NI-L8 Protocol Droid figure and a stormtrooper Minifigure serve as an excellent counterbalance to Princess Leia and General Dodonna Minifigures from the LEGO X-Wing set.
Notable Mentions
- The Rise of Skywalker Millennium Falcon 75357
- Boba Fett’s Starship 75312
- Luke Skywalker’s Landspeeder 75341
Frequently Asked Questions about the LEGO X-Wing Set
Question: Does the X-Wing Toy Appear in Star Wars Advent Calendar Sets?
Answer: This toy was included in the 2011 Star Wars Advent calendar, but so far, that is its only appearance in these seasonal sets.
Question: How Many LEGO X-Wing Sets are there?
Answer: LEGO has released 14 standard X-Wing sets and seven mini and micro models since 1999.
Question: Does the Luke Skywalker’s X-Wing 75301 Set have a Sticker Sheet?
Answer: Yes, it does, but applying them can be difficult.
Question: Is the Latest X-Wing Set Still Available in LEGO-certified Stores?
Answer: This model isn’t retired yet, and you can still find it at a local LEGO store.
Final Thoughts
Despite having fewer pieces than earlier X-Wing versions, the Luke Skywalker’s X-Wing Fighter 75301 set brings much-needed design improvements. As a result, moving the starfighter’s wings has never been easier.
This toy isn’t without drawbacks. The front end seems basic compared to previous versions, and removing the landing gear every time the starfighter is in the flight mode can get frustrating.
Despite these downsides, I still think that Luke Skywalker’s X-Wing Fighter 75301 is a fun playset for young LEGO fans. Please go through our guide to the best LEGO Yoda sets if you want to learn more about sets inspired by this classic Star Wars character.