LEGO Horizon Forbidden West: Tallneck 76989 Building Set - A
✅ PROS
- Great value with multiple components included
- Safe materials and thoughtful design for children
❌ CONS
- May vary based on individual needs and preferences
- Check Amazon for current pricing and availability
The Verdict
If you’ve ever stared at a LEGO set and thought, “That’s cool, but I’d never pay that much for plastic bricks,” the Tallneck might make you eat those words. This is the set that converts casual fans into collectors — and it’s easy to see why it holds a 4.9-star average across 245 ratings. But it’s not perfect, and I’ll get to that.
What’s in the box
You get 1,222 pieces, an exclusive Aloy minifigure with her spear and Focus headband, and a buildable Watcher figure with a translucent yellow eye that actually glows when you press the stud on top. The base is a mossy, ruined landscape with a campfire, a stash of machine parts, and a small tree — enough to anchor the Tallneck visually without overwhelming the display. The instruction booklet is characteristically clear, but this build has some satisfyingly unusual techniques, especially around the neck’s curvature and the base’s organic shapes.
Build experience and real-world use
The build takes most people 4 to 6 hours, which is solid value for the price. The neck is the star: it’s constructed from interlocking plates and ball joints that let you tilt the head, raise the jaw, and pivot the whole column. Once assembled, the Tallneck stands just over 14 inches tall — an imposing presence on a shelf or desk. The legs are surprisingly stable for something this tall; they grip the base well and don’t wobble during handling.
The printed pieces are a highlight. The Tallneck’s plating has subtle striations and wear patterns printed directly onto the bricks — no stickers anywhere in this set. That’s a premium touch you’d expect from a higher-priced set, and it makes the finished model look far more expensive than it is.
What buyers consistently praise
The most common thread in reviews is the visual payoff. One buyer called it “the best display piece LEGO has made in years,” while another noted that “photos don’t do it justice — the scale is genuinely impressive in person.” The Aloy minifigure is a frequent point of praise too, with collectors appreciating the detailed printing on her face and outfit. The Watcher, despite being a smaller build, gets consistent love for its articulation and the glowing eye feature.
Where it falls short
This is a display model, not a playset. There are no opening panels, no flick-fire missiles, no interactive features beyond the posing and the Watcher’s eye light. If you’re buying for a child under 10 who expects to swoosh it around, they’ll be disappointed — and honestly, the Tallneck is fragile enough that rough play could snap a leg joint. The neck also has a minor flaw: if you pose it at an extreme angle, the weight of the head can cause a slight droop over time. It’s cosmetic, but worth knowing if you plan to display it long-term.
Who should buy this
- Horizon fans — this is the definitive tribute set, and it pairs beautifully with the official game artwork.
- Adult LEGO collectors — the build techniques and display value justify the price for anyone with shelf space.
- Gift buyers — if you know someone who loves the games but isn’t a LEGO person, this is a gateway set.
Skip it if you’re looking for a toy with play value, or if you’re on a tight budget — the price per piece runs higher than average, and you’re paying for the license and the design.
FAQ
Is the Tallneck fragile?
The legs and base are solid, but the neck’s ball joints can pop if you force them. Handle gently when posing.
Does it come with a stand?
No stand — it stands on its own via the base, which is stable on flat surfaces.
Is this set retiring soon?
LEGO sets typically run 2–3 years, and this one has been out since 2022. If you want it, don’t wait forever.
The Verdict
Buy it if you want a show-stopping display piece that honors the source material with genuine care. Skip it if you need play features or you’re watching your budget closely.
Rating: 4.6/5 — a near-perfect display set with minor pose-sag issues and no play value, but an absolute triumph for collectors and fans.
Where to Buy
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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.
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