LEGO can get pricey, especially if you're hoping to pick up some of the bigger sets. If you're trying to build something a little more budget-friendly, it's worth checking out 3D puzzles. These creations are usually made of cardboard pieces rather than plastic bricks, but you can still accomplish a fun build for your collectible collection. You don't have to settle for less interesting builds, either, as there are plenty of models that are similar in design to some of LEGO's bigger sets, including Marvel and Star Wars kits.
We've gathered up a few 3D puzzle options here that serve as great alternatives to their pricier LEGO counterparts. These range from a Hulkbuster model to an incredible build of Barad-dûr from The Lord of the Rings, if that awesome LEGO set caught your eye. If you're in the mood to build something exciting, check out our 3D puzzle alternatives to expensive LEGO sets below.
The Best 3D Puzzle Alternatives to Expensive LEGO Sets
Hulkbuster 3D Puzzle
For Marvel fans, this Iron Man Hulkbuster model is an excellent addition to your shelf. While the LEGO set will cost you over $500 to buy, you can scoop up a 3D puzzle model from 4D Build for around $50 instead.
The 4D Build model comes with 348 pieces, five LED lights to place in it for special effects, and a stand to set it up on. It doesn't even require any glue or tools to put it together, making it an easy project to work on.
Imperial AT-AT 3D Puzzle
LEGO offers two variations on an AT-AT build from Star Wars: one costs over $400 while the other collectible set for adults can set you back over $1,000. And while these are both incredibly cool and detailed sets, there's thankfully a more affordable option to jump on.
Once again, 4D Build offers a great alternative to the AT-AT LEGO sets that comes in at $60. It's made up of 238 pieces, and in the box you'll also find glue to put it all together and a stand to set it up on, so you can proudly display it amongst your Star Wars collectibles once you've finished.
Hogwarts Castle 3D Puzzle
The LEGO Hogwarts set is a truly magical build for Harry Potter fans, even if its price tag doesn't feel quite so enchanting. If you don't want to drop over $400 on the set, 4D Build offers its own Hogwarts Castle build so you can add the School of Witchcraft and Wizardry to your collection for a more affordable price.
This 4D Build Hogwarts set features plenty of details you'll recognize from the movies, thanks to its 209 intricate pieces that fit together. This one doesn't require glue or any additional tools, either, making it an easier assembly.
Barad-dûr 3D Puzzle
The LEGO Barad-dûr set from Lord of The Rings is an incredibly cool build. It's one that I've definitely had my eye on. However, it's a big investment. Thankfully, 4D Build is here to save the day once again with a 3D puzzle kit that can put Barad-dûr in your collection without making a massive dent in your wallet.
The 4D Build Barad-dûr set features plenty of details from the films that you can take in while putting its 204 pieces together. It also comes with a stand to set it up on once you're finished. If you're a Lord of the Rings fan, it's a worthy addition to a collection.
Eiffel Tower 3D Puzzle
Outside of iconic sets from movies, if you're just looking for an architectural build to work on, LEGO has plenty of stunning sets to choose from. The Eiffel Tower set, in particular, is an eye-catching addition to a collectible shelf, though it does come with a premium price tag of over $600. If you're looking for an alternative, one of our favorite puzzle brands, Ravensburger, offers a more affordable Eiffel Tower build that's worth a look.
Ravensburger's 'Night Edition' Eiffel Tower 3D puzzle is, as its name suggests, a build of the popular landmark as it would be seen glowing at night. This kit comes with 216 pieces, nine accessory parts, and a light module with LEDs to help capture its shine during the evening hours.
Titanic 3D Puzzle
The Titanic set is another incredible build from LEGO that makes for a striking display piece, but at a very steep price tag. Thankfully, CubicFun has a 3D puzzle option that even comes with LED lights for added effect.
CubicFun's 3D puzzle of the Titanic comes with 266 pieces along with 85 LED bulbs that can be placed under the deck so you can recreate the ship's night time look. It's a dazzling display piece for a history-themed or ship collection, and doesn't even require any glue or tools to put it together, which is a nice bonus.
If you'd prefer to shop for LEGO sets, there are plenty of options to check out right now. Have a look through our breakdown of new LEGO sets that have released in July to see what's just dropped, or you can look through our roundup of the 10 best LEGO sets in 2025 to see some of our overall favorites. And if you're hoping to pick up more puzzles to work on, our breakdown of the best jigsaw puzzles for adults highlights some picks we think are worth your time and money.
Hannah Hoolihan is a freelancer who writes with the guides and commerce teams here at IGN.
