LEGO dropped the Guarded Fortress (71362) in 2020 as part of the Super Mario Expansion Set collection — a fun, focused build at 468 pieces with a retail price of $49.99. It comes packed with 3 minifigs — always a nice bonus for collectors.
At $0.107 per piece, the value here is reasonable — right in line with what you'd expect from Super Mario.
The Super Mario license gives the Guarded Fortress a built-in audience — something that often shows up in aftermarket pricing once production stops.
Key Features
468 pieces — Quick, focused build that's fun without the time commitment
3 minifigures — Collectible characters from Super Mario
$0.107 per piece — Better value than the Super Mario average
Expansion Set subtheme — A popular subcategory within Super Mario
2020 release — Part of LEGO's modern era with strong design standards
Theme Background
LEGO's Super Mario theme is a theme with its own loyal following, and the Guarded Fortress is a 2020 release that lands in a great entry point into the Super Mario theme at $49.99. Price-per-piece comes in at $0.107, which is reasonable for what Super Mario typically runs.
Within Super Mario, the Expansion Set sets have carved out their own niche. If you're tracking Super Mario for investment or just collecting, the Expansion Set releases are usually among the more interesting ones to watch.
Why This Set Is Special
Strong appreciation at +61%. Market value of $80.44 represents a 61% premium over its $49.99 retail price.
Strong part-out value at 1.6x — Parts are worth $81.57 vs $49.99 retail (1.6x ratio). Theme average is 2.5x.
Frequently Asked Questions
[{"q": "How many pieces are in the LEGO Guarded Fortress (71362)?", "a": "The LEGO Guarded Fortress (71362) contains 468 pieces, making it a smaller set."}, {"q": "What minifigures come with the LEGO Guarded Fortress (71362)?", "a": "The LEGO Guarded Fortress (71362) includes 3 minifigures. Minifigures are a key value driver for LEGO sets \u2014 exclusive or rare minifigures can appreciate significantly in value on their own, sometimes commanding high prices on the secondary market."}, {"q": "How much does the LEGO Guarded Fortress (71362) cost?", "a": "The retail price (MSRP) for the LEGO Guarded Fortress (71362) is $49.99 in the United States. Regional pricing is \u00a344.99 in the UK, CA$69.99 in Canada, \u20ac49.99 in Europe. This works out to $0.11 per piece. This is a competitive price-per-piece for the Super Mario theme, offering a good balance of piece count and build quality for the price."}, {"q": "Is the LEGO Guarded Fortress (71362) a good investment?", "a": "The LEGO Guarded Fortress (71362) shows moderate investment potential based on several factors. Super Mario sets have historically been among the best-performing themes for post-retirement appreciation. As with any LEGO investment, buying at or below retail price maximizes potential returns. Use the BrickBucks price tracker to find the best entry point."}, {"q": "What age is the LEGO Guarded Fortress (71362) suitable for?", "a": "The LEGO Guarded Fortress (71362) is recommended for ages 8+. The build is designed to be approachable for younger builders while still providing an enjoyable experience."}, {"q": "How big is the LEGO Guarded Fortress (71362)?", "a": "The LEGO Guarded Fortress (71362) measures approximately 38.2cm \u00d7 26.2cm \u00d7 7.1cm (W\u00d7H\u00d7D). It makes for a great display piece that won't take up too much shelf space."}, {"q": "Is the LEGO Guarded Fortress (71362) still available?", "a": "The LEGO Guarded Fortress (71362) retired on December 31, 2021 and is no longer available at retail. You can find this set on secondary markets including Amazon, eBay, and BrickLink. Retired Super Mario sets often trade at a premium above their original retail price, with demand typically increasing over time as sealed inventory decreases."}, {"q": "Where can I buy the LEGO Guarded Fortress (71362)?", "a": "The LEGO Guarded Fortress (71362) is retired and only available on secondary markets. Check Amazon, eBay, and BrickLink for current listings. Use the BrickBucks price tracker to compare prices across retailers and find the best deal."}]
