LEGO Lord of the Rings: Rivendell temporarily sells out and goes on backorder

March 8, 2023 | 7

So it finally happened – right as VIP early access ends, the 10316 The Lord of the Rings: Rivendell has gone on backorder globally from LEGO.com.

When sets go on backorder, it typically means that the first allotment of stock sells out, but more are usually in transit (via container, or are currently in LEGO warehouses).

At US$500, in spite of being one of LEGO’s most critically-acclaimed sets (it’s already one of my favourites of all time), I was wondering how it would perform with fans given the hefty pricetag.

At 6,167 pieces, it’s also the 8th biggest LEGO set by piece count, and quite a formidable set to build and own.

Turns out, LEGO’s best on reviving Lord of the Rings has paid off somewhat, with Rivendell going on backorder just 2 days after launch, which is even more impressive when you realise that there isn’t a big GWP (well, you got Frodo/Gollum Brickheadz and Houses of the World 1) or double points to lure people in.

Here’s a screenshot for posterity, where Rivendell is on backorder in the UK/Europe, and in Australia, along with an indication of when these backorders will begin to ship out.

In Australia at least, it seems that LEGO have prioritised sending Rivendell stock to our network of LEGO Certified Stores, where they’re still readily available for purchase. That would explain Australia being the first country where Rivendell went on backorder on the 6th of March.

Really interesting to me, and I think a huge vote of confidence that when LEGO listens to their fans (who have been clamouring for LOTR to return), and deliver such an exceptionally-designed set, fans will show up and vote with their wallets.

All in all, this bodes well for more LEGO Lord of the Rings, and I really do hope LEGO produce more sets from the theme, especially at more affordable and accessible price-points.

Are you surprised that Rivendell sold out its initial stock online?

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