Obviously there are a lot of Dungeon Masters who use plastic miniatures to enhance the gaming experience. Using LEGO® minifigures for Dungeons and Dragons is still a novel idea to many DMs, but it is lightweight, durable, movable, versatile, and retains value over time.

We here at Adventure Bricks are obviously a little biased, but we did our best to be impartial and tried to show all of the pros and cons of using both types.

Round 1: Cost

The results on cost are mixed, and depend heavily on the particular figures, regardless of material. Plastic miniature prices tend to be somewhat more consistent, and LEGO varies widely based on availability of parts and pieces. One additional factor that needs to be considered here is the flexibility of LEGO pieces. With cast pieces, each one is very specific and can only be used for a particular foe. There are many LEGO miniatures that can be used for multiple purposes, which reduces cost somewhat. LEGO also retains more value over time as a collectible and is easily resold, even in large quantities. And how long does it take to paint them all? Time is valuable, and LEGO is already printed in color.

Round 1 Winner: LEGO

Round 2: Catalog Size/Availability

Cast figures still have one advantage here - oddball items and things that LEGO® does not make. Slimes, oozes, tiny creatures and huge creatures, owlbears, otyughs, and bulettes, etc. At Adventure Bricks we are currently working on creating designs for all of these, and many DMs build their own, but overall and for the convenience of it, we are still giving a slight advantage to traditional miniatures in this one aspect .

UPDATE: 2/17/24: The Monster Manual is less than 30 monsters away from being completely represented in LEGO!

While there is in fact a huge selection of miniatures available, they still come up short when it comes to homebrew. Metal skeleton? Sure! Metal skeleton with an axe? a sword? a crossbow? wearing a hood? missing an arm? extra arms? The ability to customize monsters is a huge bonus for those who opt to go with LEGO, especially for all things homebrewed!

Round 2 Winner: LEGO

Round 3: Customization

The clear advantage of using LEGO for D&D is for players to create their own customized PCs. While there are companies out there that allow players to create custom miniatures, they will always be limited compared to what LEGO can offer. Not only can players create their own figure, but that figure can then be easily altered over time. As the character changes weapons, armor, clothing, hairstyles, etc. the minifigure can be changed to match. And if the character manages to get themselves killed off, at least the pieces are easily reused to make new PCs so you aren't stuck with a customized figure that is no longer usable.

Round 3 Winner: LEGO

Round 4: Motion and Posing

LOL. NO CONTEST.

Round 4 Winner: LEGO

Round 5: Durability

Plastic is plastic. LEGO pieces can be damaged as well, and are subject to scratches and dents like any other plastic material, but their low weight and sturdier printing makes them far more equipped to deal with the rigors of life on a campaign. LEGOs were specifically designed to withstand years of childhood torture.

Round 5 Winner: LEGO (paint is harder to scratch)

Final verdict:

The new plastic miniatures are lighter, cheaper, and more durable than their older metal counterparts. However, they still completely lack mobility as well on-the-fly customization options like weapons and armor. Large monsters are more fun with LEGO bricks, and for PC figures LEGO is a clear choice. The whole point of RPGs is to have fun, and LEGO bricks are great for that.

We certainly won't hate on anyone using plastic minis, but we honestly believe that LEGO is the winner here. As for anyone still using metal...