It is always fun to test my skills when putting together Nanoblock sets. There are times when I want to put together an easy set, but there are also times when I want a bit of a challenge when putting together a set.
Did you know Nanoblock offers various series? The different series includes Advanced Hobby, Sights To See and The Mini Collection.
If you want a bit of a challenge when building a model, I recommend the Advanced Hobby Series. To help you choose your next set, I have put together a guide on various sets in this collection.
As you read through my guide, you can find:
- My top picks for the best Nanoblock Advanced Hobby Series sets
- A review of each set on my list, complete with basic details
- A buyer’s guide to help you select the best sets
- Videos and quotes from other collectors
My research includes different websites, blogs and videos. I have also taken my own experience with this series into consideration when putting together my guide.
I hope my reviews and buyer’s guide make it easier to choose the next set for your collection.
My Top Pick
When choosing the best Nanoblock Advanced Hobby Series sets, I always start with my top pick to help you get your next shopping trip off the ground. I also like to share other sets that are great for your collection.
Bonsai Matsu Deluxe Edition →
What’s inside?
- Includes 1130 pieces
- The smallest bricks are 4 x 5 mm
- Comes with step-by-step instructions
- Stands approximately 7.6 inches tall
- Includes a display baseplate
Killer feature
- Accurate details of the Bonsai Matsu using both solid and translucent bricks
Buying Options
The accurate details and taller model have put the Bonsai Matsu Deluxe Edition World Famous set right at the top of my list. I love how both solid and translucent bricks are used to create this peaceful design. In addition, the finished product stands over 7 inches tall, which is pretty big when you compare it to other Nanoblock sets. I am also glad the set includes a display baseplate to secure the model into place.
Also Great
Of course, it never hurts to add other sets to your shopping list. You may need an alternative to my top pick, or maybe you want to purchase more than one set.
I feel the following sets are also great additions to your collection.
Dragon (Renewal) →
What’s inside?
- Comes with 700 pieces
- The smallest bricks are 4 x 5 mm
- Includes step-by-step instructions
- Stands approximately 7.86 inches tall to create a bigger design
- Comes with pieces to help display the finished model
Killer feature
- This detailed Chinese dragon is almost 8 inches tall
Buying Options
It is hard to look away once you assemble this eye-catching Chinese dragon set. The bold colors and accurate details are enough to make this model stand out from other sets in your collection. I cannot believe this dragon is almost 8 inches tall, and I think the height alone makes the work worth the reward.
Nanoblock World →
What’s inside?
- Includes 880 pieces
- The smallest bricks are 4 x 5 mm
- Includes step-by-step instructions
- Stands approximately 5.5 inches tall
- Includes pieces to help display the finished model
Killer feature
- The round shape offers a unique addition to any collection
Buying Options
I have never seen a set like the World [Space] Building Kit. You are certainly putting your skills to the test to build this round model. The buildings, landmarks and two small people add incredible details to the finished product. You can easily show off your model with the display pieces.
If you want to expand your collection, be sure to check out the various anime sets. You can find my guide to the best anime sets by clicking here.
Buyer’s Guide
It is easy to feel overwhelmed by the number of building kits on the market today. One thing I have learned is a buyer’s guide can make it easier to choose a set for yourself or another collector.
Whenever I put together a buyer’s guide on building kits, I break it down into different sections to ensure you take everything into consideration before making a purchase.
For example, you may find one section for the number of pieces and another section for the difficulty level.
My goal for creating a buyer’s guide is to help you choose the best Advanced Hobby Series set for your collection.
Step One: Difficulty Level
The first thing you want to consider is the difficulty level of a set. If you are just getting started in building kits, it is best to work your way up to an advanced set. However, you may not want an entry-level set if you are an advanced builder.
All standard sets are based on a difficulty scale of one to five. One is ideal for beginners because it is the easiest level, and five is ideal for experienced builders because it is the most advanced level.
Levels two and three are ideal for builders who want a set that is not too easy or difficult. A level four set can help builders gain more experience as they gradually move to a level five set.
The difficulty level can be found on the packaging. Most of the sets in the Advanced Hobby Series are based at levels three, four and five.
Step Two: How Many Pieces?
Next, you want to consider the number of pieces in a set. It may be a dealbreaker if you have limited space or do not want a set with too many pieces. You may also be shopping for a collector who is looking to start with a smaller set.
The number of pieces can be found on the packaging, and there may be as few as 90 pieces or as many as 700 pieces in a set. In some sets, you may find as many as 3,000 pieces.
The Pirate Ship DX from nanoblock’s Advanced Hobby Series stands approximately 9.25″ tall and has 3200 pieces! June 2021 Release; MSRP $100.00
Q: Why couldn’t the little kid watch the pirate movie?
A: Because it was rated Arrrrgh!#nanoblock #pirates #crafts #hobby pic.twitter.com/1J1T0C8frf
— NanoblockUS (@NanoblockUS) February 17, 2021
The total count of the Advanced Hobby Series sets range from 680 pieces to 3,200 pieces.
The number of pieces in a set also includes the extra pieces and display baseplate. In some cases, a set may include translucent display pieces instead of a display baseplate.
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1. Bonsai Matsu Deluxe Edition →Best for adding details with both solid and translucent pieces. |
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2. Dragon (Renewal) →Best for building a model that is over 7 inches tall. |
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3. Nanablock World →Best for building a model with a unique design. |
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4. Paris World Famous Cities →Best for building a world-famous city full of landmarks. |
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5. Tyrannosaurus Rex Deluxe Edition →Best for building a dinosaur model with over 800 pieces. |
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6. 12 Zodiac Set →Best for putting together an entire collection in a specific theme. |
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7. Pirate Ship DX →Best for putting together a model ship with over 3,000 pieces. |
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8. Great White Shark DX →Best for putting together a model ship with over 3,000 pieces. |
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9. Tower Bridge Deluxe Edition →Best for putting together a model of this world-famous bridge in London. |
It is always helpful to learn about each set in a series before making a purchase. After all, you want to ensure the set you have in mind is best for your collection. This is why I am putting together a review of several Advanced Hobby Series sets.
1. Bonsai Matsu Deluxe Edition
The Bonsai Matsu Deluxe Edition World Famous set allows you to build a 3D model of this well-known Japanese tree. It is easy to capture the accurate details of this tree with solid and translucent bricks. Once assembled, this model of the Bonsai Matsu stands approximately 7.6 inches tall. The set comes with step-by-step instructions and a display baseplate.
Number of Pieces: 1,200
Ages: 15 and older
Difficulty: Level 5
Time To Build: 7 hours
Why I Choose It: The use of solid and translucent bricks always grabs my attention, which is why this set remains at the top of my list. I love the accurate details of this tree, from the green leaves to the blue planter. There is something about this design that adds a calming vibe to my space. It is also one of the few level five sets in my collection.
NanoblockCentral gives you an idea of how to build the Bonsai Matsu in this time-lapse video. It is a great option for anyone who does not want to follow a lengthy tutorial. You also have the opportunity to see the finished model at the end of the video.
If you prefer a digital copy of the instructions, you can easily find the Bonsai Matsu Deluxe Edition World Famous set instructions online.
Buying Options
2. Dragon (Renewal)
The Dragon (Renewal) set gives you the opportunity to build a 3D design of a Chinese dragon with all the necessary details. It also features bold shades to add a splash of color to your collection. Once assembled, this dragon stands at 7.86 inches to create one of the tallest models on this list. The set comes with step-by-step instructions, extra pieces and display pieces. This way, you can easily build and display your colorful dragon.
Number of Pieces: 700
Ages: 15 and older
Difficulty: Level 4
Time To Build: At least 2 hours
Why I Choose It: The tall design of this model was enough for me to add it to my list, but I also love the details and colors of this Chinese dragon. I feel this model stands out from other sets in the Advanced Hobby Series. It is best to display it in a safe spot, but you can also place it on a high shelf or invest in a collection case.
Learn how to put the dragon together in this video from 淑女のちゃんち. In addition to the construction of the dragon, you also get a glimpse of the packaging and finished product.
Buying Options
3. Nanoblock World
Create a unique design with the Nanoblock World [Space] 10th Anniversary set. This set is full of details such as landmarks, a space shuttle and two small people, and you can attach these details to the green and blue base. Once you assemble this sphere-shaped model, it measures 5.50 inches tall. The set includes step-by-step instructions and extra pieces, and you can display the finished model on the special baseplate.
Number of Pieces: 880
Ages: 15 and older
Difficulty: Level 3
Time To Build: 2 to 4 hours
Why I Choose It: I decided to add this set to my list because of its fun design, from the sphere-shaped base to the attached landmarks. The “10th” brick design and display baseplate add a special touch to this 10th-anniversary set. I am planning to add this set to my collection because I cannot get over the unique design.
In this video, Omochajapan shares a time-lapse build of The World set. This gives you an idea of how to put together this sphere-shaped model. The video also includes a glimpse of the packaging, instructions and finished design.
Buying Options
4. Paris World Famous Cities
Build one of the most popular cities in the world with the Paris World Famous Cities set. It features details such as landmarks, buildings and trees to showcase the beauty of this city. Once assembled, the city stands approximately 3.1 inches tall. The set also comes with step-by-step instructions, extra pieces and a large display baseplate. The large baseplate makes it easier to display the finished city on a flat surface, such as your coffee table.
Number of Pieces: 1,620.
Ages: 15 and older.
Difficulty: Level 5.
Time To Build: 6 to 7 hours.
Why I Choose It: I chose this set because I love how well it captures the beauty of Paris. Of course, the Eiffel Tower was the first thing to grab my attention when I first saw this model. The small trees also stand out to me, but I have always loved the little details in a building set. I also love the large display baseplate because it makes it easier to show off the finished product.
TV IMALEGOTV shows off the Paris World Famous Cities set in this video. While other videos usually show time-lapse builds or lengthy tutorials, this video allows you to get an up-close look at the finished set.
Buying Options
5. Tyrannosaurus Rex Deluxe Edition
The Dinosaur Deluxe Edition Tyrannosaurus Rex set gives you the opportunity to build a compact design of this prehistoric creature. From the dark eyes and big teeth to the short arms and long tail, the details of this dinosaur are very accurate. Once assembled, this model stands approximately 4.33 inches tall. The set comes with step-by-step instructions and extra pieces to create an enjoyable building experience. It does not include a display baseplate, but the dinosaur can be balanced on a flat surface.
You can add more than a dinosaur to your collection, and I explore the best animal sets in this article.
Number of Pieces: 850
Ages: 15 and older
Difficulty: Level 4
Time To Build: 3 to 4 hours
Why I Choose It: I love the accurate details of this dinosaur collection. Everyone knows a Tyrannosaurus Rex by its big teeth, short arms and long tail, and this building kit does not fail to deliver on those details. The best part is, it still has a compact design to make displaying it with other models a breeze.
In this video, Wonderbricks shares a speed build of this Tyrannosaurus Rex building kit. They also share a short review of the set and a glimpse of the packaging, instructions and finished product.
Buying Options
6. 12 Zodiac Set
The 12 Zodiac Signs in Chinese Astrology set is a must-have because you have the opportunity to build and collect all 12 Zodiac signs. You can build Chinese Zodiac signs such as the Dragon, Snake and Horse. It comes with step-by-step instructions to help you build each animal in this set. The assembled size varies per model, but you can display all 12 models on a shelf or table.
Kawada originally released one animal per year to keep the excitement in the air.
To quote Bits Ñ Pieces back in 2012,
“Looks like Kawada will have a Chinese Zodiac Character series and release a new animal every end of the year.”
Now, you have the opportunity to purchase all 12 signs in one set.
Number of Pieces: 1,980 total
Ages: 15 and older
Difficulty: Level 4
Time To Build: Varies Per Model
Why I Choose It: This set allows you to build all 12 Chinese Zodiac signs, which means you can purchase and build an entire collection from this set alone. I am putting this set on my shopping list because I would love to build and display all 12 signs. You can even add a personal touch by finding out your Chinese Zodiac sign.
The 12 Zodiac set is a great opportunity to learn a bit about these Chinese astrology signs. To help you get started, TED-Ed’s shares a video of Megan Campisi and Pen-Pen Chen discussing The Great Race myth.
Buying Options
7. Pirate Ship DX
While the Pirate Ship DX may be a compact design, it is the biggest building kit on this list. It stands approximately 9.25 inches tall and has over 3,000 pieces. The details are true to an actual pirate ship, from the deck and cabins to the sails and cannons. This is the perfect model for advanced builders who want a challenge with their set. The set comes with step-by-step instructions, extra pieces and two display pieces.
Number of Pieces: 3,200
Ages: 15 and older
Difficulty: Level 5
Time To Build: At least 7 hours
Why I Choose It: How can I resist the awesome details of the Pirate Ship DX? Everything from the sails to the cannon is on point for a pirate ship. The ship takes several hours to put together, and you do not have time to feel bored when you have a ship to build. It takes a lot of work and patience, but it is worth it to add this pirate ship to your collection.
Tim’s Klemmbausteinladen shares a live-build video to help fans who want to follow along or watch the build before they put together their model. The video is over three hours because it highlights all the steps and details of this pirate ship set.
Buying Options
8. Great White Shark
The Animal DX Great White Shark set allows you to build a compact design of this massive sea creature. With details such as its big teeth and fins, there is no denying this model is a great white shark. Once you assemble this shark, it stands approximately 3.93 inches tall to create a palm-sized 3D design. The set includes step-by-step instructions, extra pieces and display pieces to create an unforgettable building experience.
Number of Pieces: 680
Ages: 15 and older
Difficulty: Level 4
Time To Build: 3 to 4 hours
Why I Choose It: What is an animal collection without the great white shark? While this model is a compact design of the shark, it still makes a big impact on most Nanoblock collections. I think my favorite part of this model is its set of big teeth because it showcases the power of the great white shark.
In part one of this video series, TB/わくわクリエイター shows you how to put together the Great White Shark set. They take you through the steps while displaying the instructions on the side to give you a sneak peek of the building experience.
Buying Options
9. Tower Bridge Deluxe Edition
The Tower Bridge Deluxe Edition World Famous set allows you to build a 3D design of this well-known bridge in London. It is full of realistic details that showcase this beautiful landmark, from the blue elements to the surrounding water. The assembled model stands approximately 5.6 inches tall to create a compact design with plenty of room for details. It comes with step-by-step instructions, extra pieces and a large display baseplate to fit the whole design.
Number of Pieces: 1,700
Ages: 15 and older
Difficulty: Level 5
Time To Build: 6 to 7 hours
Why I Choose It: The Tower Bridge Deluxe Edition is such a colorful addition to any collection, and I love the blue elements of this miniature landmark. While it is a level five set, my children and I had a blast putting this model together.
I am not the only one who feels this level five set is a great idea for family time.
To quote the Tower Bridge website,
“Consisting of 1,700 pieces, this model is both fun and challenging for children and adults.”
In this video, John Viescas shows you how to put together the Tower Bridge set. In fact, he shows you how to put it together in a stop-motion video of under three minutes.
Buying Options
Other Must-Haves
There are certain accessories that help you to create an enjoyable building experience. I recommend adding the following must-have accessories to your collection.
LED Display Base
If you are looking to create an exciting display for your finished models, look no further than the LED Display Base.
All you need to do is place your model on the baseplate. Next, set the display base to alternate red, blue and green lights.
The LED Display Base can be powered with a USB port or batteries, and it measures 4 inches by 4 inches to fit models of different sizes.
Christopher Tan shared a review of the LED Display Base on his blog.
To quote this blogger,
“This base plate was originally designed to be used with the Tokyo Skytree Nanoblock set, but you can find other creative uses for it.”
He actually removed the bottom of the Jack-O-Lantern set and placed it on the LED Display Base. Imagine how you could use an LED base plate for your models.
Nanoblock Collection Case (NB038)
When you need a safe way to display your finished models, consider the Collection Case.
The case features a display baseplate to secure your finished model in place. It is also made of clear acrylic to protect your model without hiding it from sight.
All you need to do is carefully place the model on the display baseplate, close the case and place it on a shelf or table.
You can even create a bigger display by connecting several cases together.
Nanoblock Tweezers
Picking up the micro-sized bricks can be difficult at times, but you can create an easier experience with the Simplified Tweezers.
The key is to use the tweezers as you would any other pair of tweezers. However, this pair of tweezers is designed to grip the small bricks.
The tweezers measure 4.7 inches tall to create a lightweight, easy-to-hold tool.
If you are looking to add more characters to your collection, be sure to check out Sonic The Hedgehog. You can find my guide to the Sonic The Hedgehog set by clicking here.
Choose The Best Advanced Hobby Series Set For Your Collection
It may feel overwhelming to find so many Nanoblock sets on the market, but I have put together a buyer’s guide and set reviews to help you decide on your next purchase. My goal is to help you find the best Nanoblock Advanced Hobby Series sets for your collection.