Review: 71814 Tournament Temple City from LEGO® NINJAGO®

71814 Temple Tournament City is the largest set in the 2024 LEGO® NINJAGO® lineup, and as a substantial set of 3489 pieces, it has plenty of interesting parts to talk about. Many of them are now available from LEGO® Pick a Brick (PaB), where you can buy them in bulk.

Products in this article were gifted by The LEGO Group; the author's opinions are their own.
This article contains affiliate links to LEGO.com; we may get a small commission if you purchase.

71814 Temple Tournament City

• Release date: 1 June 2024
• Pieces: 3489

Price:

• US$ 249.99 on LEGO.com US
• CA$ 329.99 on LEGO.com Canada
• GB£ 219.99 on LEGO.com UK
• AU$ 399.99 on LEGO.com Australia
• NZ$ 449.99 on LEGO.com New Zealand
• DE€ 249,99 on LEGO.com Deutschland
• NL€ 249,99 on LEGO.com Nederland
• FR€ 249,99 on LEGO.com France
• PLN 1099.99 on LEGO.com Polska
• NOK 2849,90 on LEGO.com Norge
• DKK 1494.95 on LEGO.com Danmark

Other countries click here

New pieces

Moulds

The set contains four new moulds: three associated with minifigures and an exciting little dragon in flight.

• 1x Hair, Mid Length with Bun in Bright Red/ Red (6478060 | 5311) - also in 3 other sets this wave
• 1x Animal, Baby Dragon in Warm Gold/ Pearl Gold (6490020 | 5502) - new critter in June 2024, also comes in Pearl Gold in 71818 Tournament Battle Arena and in Trans-Orange in 71822 Source Dragon of Motion
• 4x Minifig Neckwear Armor Shoulder Pad Single with Double Scabbard in Pearl Gold (6487238 | 5501) - new in June 2024 but also seen in 71822 Source Dragon of Motion and 71820 Ninja Team Combo Vehicle
• 1x Minifig Neckwear Armor Shoulder with 3 Spikes, Stud in Silver Metallic/ Flat Silver (6489311 | 5309) - also in 71818 Tournament Battle Arena

The geometry of the dragon is a little unusual. Its wingspan is 4 modules wide (which is a little hard to make out in this overhead shot), and five modules from head to the tip of the tail. Although the dragon has a pleasing shape, it's a bit of a shame that the unsightly injection mould point sits right in the middle of its back.

The position of the antistud means that the dragon actually spans across six modules from head to tail. The height is just under 6 plates. I'm sure this will be a welcome addition for decorative purposes, so the geometry is perhaps less important, but I thought I would show you how it sits within its 4x5x2 volume. I assume the trans-orange variant would be quite impressive too, although I haven't seen one personally.

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Recolours

As well as the new moulds, we are also treated to an excellent selection of recolours. They are all unique to this set unless otherwise stated:

• 4x Door Frame 4x4x6 Corner in Dark Bluish Gray (6488533 | 28327)
• 1x Creature Body Part, Dragon Head Upper Jaw, Hollow Eyes, Spikes in Pearl Gold (6492633 | 3770) - a new mould in January 2024, this recolour is unique to this set
• 4x Hinge Plate 1x2 Locking with 2 Fingers On End, without Groove, 7 Teeth in Brick Yellow/Tan (6485745 | 54657) - also in 76962 Baby Bumpy: Ankylosaurus
• 3x Plate Special 1x1 with Hole Through Stud, 3 Bars and 3 Bar Holes in Reddish Brown (6492629 | 1941)
• 4x Plant, Leaves 4x3 in Bright Orange/ Orange (6494406 | 2423)
• 1x Minifig Neckwear Breathing Apparatus, Aviator Oxygen Mask in Dark Orange (6494734 | 39796)
• 8x Wedge Plate 10x10 Cut Corner [No Centre Studs] in Medium Nougat (6492631 | 92584)
• 4x Wedge Sloped 18° 4x4 Corner in Dark Bluish Gray (6470156 | 43708)
• 6x Wedge Plate 4 Stud 45° Angle Plate in Sand Green (6494408 | 15706)
• 1x Plate Round 4x4 with 2x2 Round Opening in Sand Green (6492630 | 11833)
• 1x Minifig Neckwear Bandana (Ninjago) in Bright Green (6491058 | 15619) - also in 71820 Ninja Team Combo Vehicle
• 2x Tile 1x2 with Stud Notch Left in Earth Blue/Dark Blue (6510132 | 5091) and Right in Dark Blue (6510146 | 5092) - both also new in 60424 Jungle Explorer ATV 
• 1x Minifig Neckwear Armour Ninja with Pearl Titanium Katana Holder pattern in Reddish Brown (6494414 | 4923pat0002)
• 16x Tile Special 1x3 Inverted with Center Hole in Dark Blue (6484004 | 35459) - new in June 2024, also in 76274 Batman with the Batmobile vs Harley Quinn and Mr. Freeze 
• 1x Bracket 5x2x2 1/3 with Inside Stud Holder in Dark Orange (6492632 | 76766)
• 4x Bracket 1x2 - 1x2 Inverted in Flame Yellowish Orange/ Bright Light Orange (6494409 | 99780) - also in 71485 Mateo and Z-Blob the Knight Battle Mech
• 8x Slope Curved 2x2x 2/3 Inverted in Bright Light Orange (6492634 | 32803) - additionally seen  in 77052 K.K.'s Concert at the Plaza
• 1x Hair Short Wavy with Center Part in White (6492891 | 26139)
• 1x Technic Brick Special 2x2 with 10.2mm Balls with Holes and Axle Hole in Dark Orange (6494193 | 17114)
• 1x Brick Round 2x2 D. Tube with 45° Elbow and Axle Holes (Crossholes) at Each End [LONG] in Reddish Brown (6473688 | 5489) - a new recolour for this slightly longer mould variant of the "Maxaroni", also appears in 910031 General Store (part of the Bricklink Designer Programme)
• 8x Brick Curved, 3x1 with 1/3 Inverted Cutout in Dark Blue (6486667 | 70681) - also new in June '24 in Tournament Battle Arena, and recently in 21350 Jaws and 71478 The Never Witch's Midnight Raven, the latter two from August 2024

Our parts statistics data showed these curved wedges should be new moulds. The image above shows right and left counterparts (mounted on the underside of a plate for stability when taking the photograph) but, looking closely, it seems one side is from the new mould and the other, with ribs, from the old mould. We're not seeing functional difference between the two variants.

• 4x Wedge Curved 6x2 Right, Smooth Inner Walls in Light Bluish Gray (6501143 | 5711) - mine is indeed the new 5711 mould (left hand side above)
• 4x Wedge Curved 6x2 Left, Smooth Inner Walls in Light Bluish Gray (6528007 | 5830) - mine is actually the old 41748 mould (right hand side above)

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Rare elements

There is also a great selection of rare parts included. These elements have been seen in one other set:

• 1x Minifig Head Plain [Vented Stud - 2 Holes] in Light Bluish Gray (6454730 | 3274) - also in 10326 Natural History Museum (second appearance for this version of the head mould)
• 2x Tile 4x4 Curved, Macaroni in Dark Orange (6475599 | 27507) - also in 10329 Tiny Plants 
• 2x Windscreen 3x6x1 Curved with Rectangular Stud Holder in Bottom in Dark Blue (6488549 | 35299) - not seen since its first appearance in 2019 in 70839 The Rexcelsior!
• 13x Cone 1x1 [Top Groove] in Medium Lavender (6482110 | 59900) - also in 21348 Dungeons & Dragons: Red Dragon's Tale
• 1x Brick Curved 1x4x3 in Transparent Light Blue/ Trans-Light Blue (6445928 | 65734) - first appeared in 60366 Ski and Climbing Center
• 7x Plant, Leaves 6x5 in Orange (6488443 | 2417) - also included in Tournament Battle Arena 
• 12x Garage Roller Door Section without Handle in Dark Blue (6443841 | 4218) - first seen in 80048 The Mighty Azure Lion 
• 2x Technic Brick 1x2 [1 Pin Hole] in Aqua/ Light Aqua (6474261 | 3700) - comes in 10334 Retro Radio
• 3x Technic Slope Long 1 x 6 with 3 Pin Holes in Dark Blue (6384702 | 2744) - first seen in 10302 Optimus Prime 
• 2x Plate 4x10 in Dark Brown (6452319 | 3030) - also in 75371 Chewbacca

These elements have been seen in just two other sets:

• 2x Tile 1x6 with Groove in Dark Orange (6359696 | 6636) - seen in 76271 Batman: The Animated Series Gotham City and 77049 Isabelle's House Visit
• 8x Plate 1x1x 2/3 with Open Stud in Light Aqua (6481909 | 86996) - also in Retro Radio and 10333 The Lord of the Rings: Barad-dûr
• 2x Brick Round 4x4 Dome Top with Round 2 x 2 Recessed, 4 Studs in Tan (6503234 | 79850) - in 71424 Donkey Kong's Tree House and 71411 The Mighty Bowser
• 1x Minifig Neckwear Shoulder Guards with Crystals and 2 Studs on Back in Titanium Metallic/ Pearl Titanium (6397284 | 86124) - found in Source Dragon of Motion [this part should have been in the previous image]
• 1x Hair Ponytail and Fringe in Dark Red (6468881 | 86220) - also in 71813 Wolf Mask Shadow Dojo and 71812 Kai's Ninja Climber Mech
• 2x Plate Round Corner 4x4 in Sand Green (6494411 | 30565) - also in 40423 Halloween Hayride and 70840 Welcome to Apocalypseburg!
• 1x Plate Special 4x4 with 3 x 3 Quarter Round Cutout in Sand Green (6401016 | 35044) - found in 43225 The Little Mermaid Royal Clamshell and 76218 Sanctum Sanctorum
• 6x Plate Special 1x1 Rounded with Handle in Dark Red (6483130 | 26047) - first seen in 31158 Sea Animals, now also in 76289 Thor vs. Surtur Construction Figure
• 13x Plate Special 2x2x⅔ with Two Studs On Side and Two Raised - Updated Version in Dark Brown (6475980 | 4304) - seen in 76440 Triwizard Tournament: The Arrival and 40676 The Phantom Menace
• 1x Plate Round Corner 5x5 with 4x4 Round Cutout in Medium Nougat (6430582 | 80015) - also in 42631 Adventure Camp Tree House and 76429 Talking Sorting Hat
• 9x Animal / Creature Body Part, Claw with Clip in Red (6438566 | 3171) - in 76298 Iron Spider-Man Construction Figure and 31158 Sea Animals 
• 1x Barrel Half Large with Axle Hole in Dark Orange (6462459 | 64951) - additionally in 76440 Triwizard Tournament: The Arrival and 10329 Tiny Plants
• 1x Plate Special 2x8 with Door Rail in Sand Yellow/Dark Tan (6430941 | 30586) - found in 76416 Quidditch Trunk and 76413 Hogwarts: Room of Requirement 
• 4x Brick Special 1x2 with Groove in Dark Tan (6434305 | 4216) - comes in 31153 Modern House  and 71799 NINJAGO City Markets 
• 3x Brick Curved, 3x1 with 1/3 Inverted Cutout in Dark Brown (6452320 | 70681) - also in Tournament Battle Arena and 75371 Chewbacca 
• 2x Technic Beam 1x15 Thick in Dark Red (6481363 | 32278) - included in Source Dragon of Motion [should have been in the previous group photo]
• 1x Minifig Neckwear Bandana (Ninjago) in Orange (6490993 | 15619) - also in 30675 Tournament Training Ground and 71733 Epic Battle Set - Cole vs. Ghost Warrior 

The following have been seen in three other sets: 

• 1x Plate 4x8 in Dark Brown (6447571 | 3035) 
• 2x Plate 3x3 Corner in Dark Blue (6474895 | 77844)
• 6x Plate 3x3 Corner in Dark Red (6490321 | 77844) 
• 2x Technic Axle and Pin Connector Perpendicular in Dark Blue (6434414 | 40146)
• 4x Plate Special 1x2 with Handle on End [Closed Ends] in Dark Orange (6477977 | 60478)
• 1x Tile Round 1x1 Quarter in Sand Green (6316573 | 25269)
• 6x Equipment Candlestick in Bright Yellowish Green/Lime (6448748 | 37762)
• 2x Dish 4x4 with 4 Studs in Dark Blue (6380116 | 65138)
• 3x Plate Round Corner 2x2 with 1x1 Cutout in Dark Tan (6456637 | 79491)
• 7x Tile 45° Cut 2x2 (Triangle) in Medium Nougat (6445925 | 35787)
• 1x Minifig Neckwear Armour Shoulder Pads Spiky in Dark Tan (6497102 | 5045) 

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Printed pieces

We have five printed pieces, four of which are unique to this set:

• 1x Tile Round 2x2 with Gold Asian Symbol, Decorations on Dark Blue Background print in Pearl Gold (6492171 | 14769pr9983)
• 1x Minifig Head Special Tiger with Red Markings, Orange Eyes print in Black (6484878 | 4065pr0002)
• 1x Creature Body Part, Dragon Head Riyu with Yellow Eyes, Orange Markings print in Dark Orange (6484889 | 4921pr0002)
• 1x Minifig Trophy Statuette with Ninja in Robes, Flames print (Kai) in Dark Red (6492172 | 90398pr9994)
• 1x Torso, Statue, Robe/Toga, Button print, Light Bluish Gray Arms and Hands in Light Bluish Gray (6435437 | 76382) - in 2 other sets: 10326 Natural History Museum and 10316 Lord of the Rings: Rivendell

Sticker sheet

For a set of this size, the sticker sheet is quite modest, containing just 11 stickers on a white background. I chose to apply them on this occasion, but you could get away without using them and not dimish the set's looks by much.

Minifigures

We get a total of 13 character minifigures, plus the statue from the cave (which I have not included in the photos).

The new or rare elements of note for each of our ninja friends are as follows:

Lloyd

Torso and legs are unique to this set:

• Hair Swept Back, Tan with Bandana Pattern in Bright Green (6468744 | 69562) - in 4 other LEGO Ninjago sets from 2024
• Torso, Ninja Robes, Gold/Dark Green Trim, Scales, Yellowish Green Banner, Gold Dragon Head print, Yellow Arms, Black Hands in Bright Green (6491728)
• Hips and Bright Green Legs with Robes, Dark Green Trim, Scales, Gold Symbol print in Bright Green (6484886)

Cole

These parts are also in 30675 Tournament Training Ground polybag:

• Torso, Ninja Robes, Dark Bluish Grey Trim, Scales, Dark Orange Banner with Asian Symbols, Gold Dragon Head print, Yellow Arms, Black Hands in Black (6491005) 
• Hips and Black Legs with Orange Belt, Robe with Dark Bluish Grey Scales print in Black (6484894)

Zane

Elements also seen in 71816 Zane's Ice Motorcycle:

• Torso, Ninja Robes, Silver Trim, Scales, Medium Azure Banner, Gold Dragon Head print, Flat Silver Arms, Black Hands in White (6487242)
• Hips and White Legs with Medium Azure Belt, Robes, Silver Trim, Scales, Gold Symbol print in White (6484844)

Nya

Both unique to this set:

• Torso, Ninja Robes, Dark Blue/Gold Trim, Scales, Bright Light Blue Banner, Gold Dragon Head print, Yellow Arms, Black Hands in Dark Azure (6490952)
• Hips and Dark Azure Legs with Medium Blue Belt, Robes, Dark Blue/Gold Trim, Scales, Gold Symbol print in Dark Azure (6484884)

Arin

Both parts are also seen in Source Dragon of Motion:

• 1x Torso, Orange Ninja Robes, Black Pockets, Dragon print, Yellow Arms, Black Hands in Orange (6489508)
• 1x Hips and Bright Light Orange Legs with Orange Robes, Knee Pads print in Bright Light Orange (6484877)

The next five characters' parts of note are as follows:

Wyldfyre

Her hair was dealt with in new moulds section. Torso and legs are unique to this set:

• Minifig Head Wildfyre, Red Eyebrows, Scar, Angry Teeth print in Bright Yellow/Yellow (6434461) - also in 71793 Heatwave Transforming Lava Dragon
• Torso, Ninja Robe, Silver Trim, Gold Armor Plating, Orange Sash print, Yellow Arms, Black Hands in Dark Red (6482044)
• Hips and Dark Red Legs with Orange Sash, Robe End with Silver Trim, Dark Red Knee Wraps print in Dark Red (6473850)

Lord Ras

The head has been included in the Prints section above.

• Torso, Red Armor, Dark Tan Rope, Medium Azure/ Dark Azure Color print, Black Arms, Red Hands in Black (6490000) - unique here, with a rather satisfying element ID!
• Hips and Pearl Titanium Legs with Dark Azure/ Medium Azure Knee Pads, Claws, Dark Tan Rope, Silver Armor print in Titanium Metallic/ Pearl Titanium (6484882)

Jordana

• Minifig Head Jordana, Gold Circuitry, Black Raised Eyebrow, Confused Smirk / Angry Mean Smirk print in Yellow (6464357) - in two other LEGO Ninjago sets
• Torso, Armor, Red Lines, Dragon Head print, Pearl Titanium Arms, Dark Red Hands in Pearl Titanium (6489981)
• Hips and Pearl Titanium Legs with Dark Purple Belt, Silver Buckle, Metal Pink/Silver Armor print in Pearl Titanium (6484875)

Mr Pale

Both elements are unique to this set:

• Minifig Head Mr. Pale, Dark Orange Glases, Gold Glass in Transparent/Trans-Clear (6484890)
• Torso, Jacket, Yellow Trim, Chain Necklace, Dark Orange Belt, Dark Green Shirt, Bright Green Dollar Signs print, Dark Red Arms, White Hands in Dark Red (6493027)

Temple Guard

Both of the following are unique to this set:

• Minifig Head Temple Guard, Droid, Dark Orange/Lime Eyes, Lines in Pearl Gold (6484887)
• Torso, Droid Panels, Dark Orange Lines, Lime Lights print, Pearl Gold Arms, Dark Orange Hands in Pearl Gold (6493021)

The final trio comprise the following characters:

Bleckt

The white hair is included in the Recolours section above. These two elements are unique in this set:

• Minifig Head Bleckt, Dark Bluish Grey Eyebrows, White Moustache, Goatee, Monocle in Yellow (6484896)
• Torso, Robe, Black/White Time, Tan Shirt, Yellow Pocket Watch print, Dark Tan Arms, Yellow Hands in Dark Tan (6492982)

Blacksmith

• Torso Robe, Dark Tan Undershirt, Dark Orange Sash Belt Print, Sand Green Arms, Yellow Hands in Sand Green (6445857) - also previously seen in 71799 NINJAGO City Markets 

Roby

• Torso, Robes, Dark Purple Trim, Belt, Tan Shirt print, Red Arms, Yellow Hands in Red (6493046) - unique here 

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The model

The parts come in 32 numbered bags - mine were all paper, which is the first time I've had a set packed that way. This opaque packaging did make the task of finding all the pieces I needed to photograph before building the model rather a chore – First World problems, I guess! 

There are two hefty instruction manuals. The first 15 bags are covered in book 1, which builds up the right side of the substantial rockwork which supports the structure, as well as the blacksmith's forge, the dragon and balloon with basket. Bags 16-23 construct the left hand rockwork, pier, bridge and small outbuilding. The remaining bags cover the main pagoda and trees for the lanscape. There were a few interesting techniques which kept things from becoming too repetitive. 

Once finished, the model is very sturdy and can be safely picked up by supporting it under the central rock archway - easiest from the rear, as there are some stalactites at the front which come off quite easily (one of the play features). The rear view reveals the temple interiors, and insdie the two caves below the rockwork. Aside from the stalactites, there are a few other play features which I won't spoil. 

The model's large and slightly awkward off-grid footprint may make it tricky to integrate into regular layouts, but it looks equally good as a standalone model.

Conclusion

Althouth this is a relatively expensive model, its high piece count gives a pretty good price to part value of 6.3p/7.2c (USD or EUR). The design and flow of the build is very attractive to those who love the LEGO Ninjago aesthetic, and it provides an interesting build experience, so I think that the price is pretty fair overall. 

The paths leading to the temple, the caves and the open-backed pagoda will give the target 14+ audience plenty of opportunities for interactive play scenarios, but it's also a great looking display model which I think AFOLs will enjoy adding to their collection. It also provides a wealth of recoloured and rare elements which will be of interest to MOC builders. I haven't robbed it for parts just yet, as I am enjoying looking at it as is for the moment.

Price:

• US$ 249.99 on LEGO.com US
• CA$ 329.99 on LEGO.com Canada
• GB£ 219.99 on LEGO.com UK
• AU$ 399.99 on LEGO.com Australia
• NZ$ 449.99 on LEGO.com New Zealand
• DE€ 249,99 on LEGO.com Deutschland
• NL€ 249,99 on LEGO.com Nederland
• FR€ 249,99 on LEGO.com France
• PLN 1099.99 on LEGO.com Polska
• NOK 2849,90 on LEGO.com Norge
• DKK 1494.95 on LEGO.com Danmark

Other countries click here

READ MORE: Review: 76289 Thor vs. Surtur Construction Figure from LEGO® Marvel

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