LEGO Monkey King Ultra Mech (80045) Officially Revealed

7th November 2022

Release Date: 1 January 2023

Piece Count: 1,705

RRP: £119.99 / $159.99 / €139.99

Minifigures: 6

LEGO has officially revealed the first 2023 Monkie Kid set, the Monkey King Ultra Mech. This set acts as the successor to the Monkey King Warrior Mech (80012), which retired this year. As the “Ultra” title suggests, this set is (very slightly) bigger than the Warrior Mech, with 1,705 pieces compared to 1,629, and a height of 39cm compared to 33cm. On first appearances, it also looks to be better, as it has a much more menacing look to it.

One of the main criticisms of the Warrior Mech was its lack of articulation in the legs, which limited its mobility and playability. If LEGO have listened to this feedback, this looks like it could be one of the best sets yet from the theme. LEGO.com describes the Ultra Mech as having new features and functions to enhance play, although adjustable knee joints aren’t one of the ones mentioned.

Another negative of the Warrior Mech was the ugly rear view, which was cleverly hidden by long robes and plastic skirt panels. No such decoration has been bestowed on this set, as the back end looks much more polished.

The Ultra Mech comes with six minifigures, including three brand new villains: the Yellow Tusk Elephant, The Golden-Winged Eagle, and Azure Lion, all of which look fantastic. You also get Monkey King, Monkie Kid, and Mr Tang.

The Ultra Mech represents a sophisticated and grown up addition to, what in my opinion, is one of LEGO’s best themes, so I can’t wait to buy it when it goes on sale on 1 January.

View Monkey King Ultra Mech at the Official LEGO® Shop

Posted by Graham on 7th November 2022

Graham is a passionate LEGO collector, who has a penchant for the Castle, Pirates, and Western themes. You can usually find him monitoring the latest developments and giving his opinion on what's hot and not in the LEGO world.