Coming in at 304 pieces, the TIE Defender (8087) is a compact build that doesn't waste a piece from the Star Wars lineup. It debuted in 2010 at $49.99. You get 2 minifigures in the box, which adds to the collectible appeal.
At $0.164 per piece, it runs a bit higher — but that often reflects larger or more specialized elements.
Licensed Star Wars sets like this tend to attract both LEGO fans and franchise enthusiasts, which keeps demand high even after retirement.
Key Features
304 pieces — Compact and purpose-built — great for a quick session
2 minifigures — Adds play value and aftermarket appeal
$0.164 per piece — Standard value for the Star Wars range
Legends collection — Sought-after corner of the Star Wars lineup
Released 2010 — Star Wars sets from this period are known for their build quality
Theme Background
The TIE Defender falls under the LEGO Star Wars theme, sitting in the Legends subtheme — one of LEGO's most established and popular product lines. Launched in 2010 at $49.99, it sits in the accessible end of Star Wars. At $0.164 per piece, you're paying a premium — though that's typical for Star Wars sets in this range.
The Legends subcategory within Star Wars has its own collector base, and sets in this range tend to hold interest well after retirement. Worth keeping on the radar if you're building a Star Wars collection.
Why This Set Is Special
This is a standard release in the Star Wars lineup without standout collector characteristics based on current data.
Frequently Asked Questions
[{"q": "How many pieces are in the LEGO TIE Defender (8087)?", "a": "The LEGO TIE Defender (8087) contains 304 pieces, making it a smaller set."}, {"q": "What minifigures come with the LEGO TIE Defender (8087)?", "a": "The LEGO TIE Defender (8087) includes 2 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 TIE Defender (8087) cost?", "a": "The retail price (MSRP) for the LEGO TIE Defender (8087) is $49.99 in the United States. Regional pricing is \u00a339.99 in the UK, CA$69.99 in Canada. This works out to $0.16 per piece. The higher price-per-piece reflects the use of specialized or larger elements, licensed branding, or premium packaging."}, {"q": "Is the LEGO TIE Defender (8087) a good investment?", "a": "The LEGO TIE Defender (8087) shows moderate investment potential based on several factors. Star Wars 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 TIE Defender (8087) suitable for?", "a": "The LEGO TIE Defender (8087) is recommended for ages 8\u201314. The build is designed to be approachable for younger builders while still providing an enjoyable experience."}, {"q": "How big is the LEGO TIE Defender (8087)?", "a": "The LEGO TIE Defender (8087) measures approximately 35.41cm \u00d7 37.8cm \u00d7 7.06cm (W\u00d7H\u00d7D) and weighs 0.69kg. It makes for a great display piece that won't take up too much shelf space."}, {"q": "Is the LEGO TIE Defender (8087) still available?", "a": "The LEGO TIE Defender (8087) retired on July 31, 2011 and is no longer available at retail. You can find this set on secondary markets including Amazon, eBay, and BrickLink. Retired Star Wars 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 TIE Defender (8087)?", "a": "The LEGO TIE Defender (8087) 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."}]
