Ranking The 10 best Lego games

Ever heard of Minecraft? Of course you have. How about Lego Creator, a late 90’s open sandbox game developed by Superscape? The celebrated autonomy and creativity inherent in Mojang’s cultural phenomenon was evident in this gem a little over a decade earlier. Lego Creator has no missions, challenges or progression limits. Instead, it leverages the most infectious interaction of the Lego brands: building with blocks. A free-form constriction model meant players could build the cities of their dreams and then view their wild creations from a minifigure’s perspective. Later versions of the game implemented themes – from fantasy-inspired blocks in Lego Creator: Knights’ Kingdom to the wizarding world of Harry Potter (not to be confused with another entry on this list). Lego Creator may be an award-winning gem, but its outdated interface and systems prevent it from earning a higher spot on this list.

Lego Builder’s Journey flew under the radar when it launched for mobile devices in 2019. However, his stronger indie influences were clear. Minimalist, evocative art reminiscent of Fez’s 2.5D style coupled with atmospheric music makes Builder’s Journey the most cathartic entry on this list. The miniature levels are outdoor settings – mountain trails, beaches, forests – where players use a limited number of Lego bricks to create navigable paths for their minifigure. There isn’t much mechanics here, but there is an elegance to the variety of challenging puzzles; Some require players to match color, build with restricted line of sight, or complete timed objectives. Builder’s Journey is a bite-sized experiment that promises casual, low-stakes sessions for puzzle enthusiasts. | Our rating

This blocky reimagining of the Harry Potter films cleverly uses mechanics from previous TT Games titles. Activating spells is as responsive and accessible as using the various Force powers in the higher tier entries. And while the upcoming Hogwarts Legacy offers a comprehensive look at never-before-seen sectors of the magical world, the Lego Harry Potter Collection has done it first. Almost all of Hogwarts is navigable and filled with puzzles and mysteries that expand on hidden areas neglected in the films. As in the books, the combat takes a back seat, which could alienate gamers who enjoyed the steady flow of action in the Lego Star Wars games. Still, this Harry Potter adaptation oozes enough charm and whimsy to earn eighth place. | Our Ratings: Years 1-4 & Years 5-7

Lego games are known for numerous features: exploration, puzzle-platforming, item-collecting, and combat, all wrapped up in a comedic romp for family and friends. It makes sense that these traits would translate perfectly to Tolkien’s Mordor. Lego Lord of the Rings is a bit of an outlier on this list. Not because it changes the loop in a revolutionary way – it doesn’t, and that’s okay! – but because the high-fantasy adventure implements music/voices from Peter Jackson’s trilogy, tones down the humor and even implements an open-world free-roam world! What could be more Lord of the rings fans want? | Our rating

What’s happening at TT Games sold even from big licenses and trying to tell an original story with unconventional mechanics? You get City Undercover, a cop drama set in the open world playground Lego City. Players star as undercover officer Chase McCain, who tracks down and defeats criminals using parkour, skill-specific disguises, and controllable vehicles. If you’re imagining a carefree GTA, you’re not far off the mark. Lego City Undercover reminds us that TT Games’ license-centric design is no crutch. Hopefully we’ll see a proper sequel to Chase McCain’s epic journey for justice soon. | Our rating

Lego Dimensions is a crossover ride with over thirty franchises including Adventure Time, Beetlejuice and The Wizard of Oz. Today, crossovers are the bread and butter of many popular games. However, Lego Dimensions’ real-life toy counterparts reinforce moment-to-moment interactivity – think Disney Infinity’s purchasable characters, but with buildable playsets. Dimensions’ eclectic collection of levels, characters and stories lead to crazy combinations, like Batman fighting alongside Gandalf, or The Lego Movie‘s plot flows seamlessly into one another The simpsons. Lego Dimensions is a riot that mixes analog and digital play to great effect. | Our rating

Lego Batman 2 is an evolution of its predecessor, as all sequels should be. TT Games’ first voice-acted/open-world project made its heroes and Gotham more relatable and compelling, while also paving the way for the cohesive narratives and scattered mysteries in many of the other titles on this list. Superman and the Justice League join Batman and Robin as playable characters, adding even more replay value to the post-campaign. Sure, the side activities can get repetitive, but Lego Batman 2 deserves its fourth spot for influencing TT Games’ approach to world design. | Our rating

The Star Wars series is TT Games’ best work for many Lego purists, and who could blame them? The Complete Saga is an exciting, vivid journey to a galaxy far, far away, brimming with nerdy hilarity. Episodes I-III are a lot of fun, but IV-VI are straight out of the acclaimed Lego Star Wars II and continue to rank among the brightest experiences in TT Games’ gameography. Force powers, epic lightsaber duels reimagined for the controller/keyboard, and simple yet fun environmental puzzles make The Complete Saga an easy top 3 pick.

Like the blockbuster films that inspired it, Lego Marvel Super Heroes features memorable set pieces, earth-shattering battles and unparalleled style to boot. Featuring over 150 characters – including the late, great Stan Lee! – each with their own personalized move sets, players can sprint, swing or fly through famous locations like Stark Tower, Asgard and even New York City. Additionally, a series of side missions narrated by Deadpool help balance the downtime between the layered levels and bombastic boss fights – there’s just so much to do. At its core, Lego Marvel Super Heroes showcases the TT Games loop at its most polished and refined, which speaks volumes about the impressiveness of the list’s top entry. | Our rating

It doesn’t get any bigger or better than The Skywalker Saga. Where the novelty of The Complete Saga came from combining the first two Lego Star Wars games without reinventing the wheel, The Skywalker Saga brings players as close as possible to the magic of George Lucas’ immersive universe. From Luke Skywalker’s secret archipelago on Ahch-To to forested Kashyyk, The Skywalker Saga features vast hubs and galactic journeys – unrivaled freedom is at the heart of the game. Discover paths with fun secrets, complete side quests for currency/collectibles, and fend off the Sith with newly implemented lightsaber combos. Better yet, do it all with a friend in couch co-op! The Skywalker saga is the best Lego game ever made for its ambitious scope and the untold entertainment pumped into every frame and goofy pixel. | Our rating