LEGO 31164 Creator 3-in-1 Space Robot Review: A Cheap Retiring Light-Up Set

We have a funny story today. We were wandering the Walmart LEGO section and spotted the LEGO 31164 Creator 3-in-1 Space Robot in a beaten-up box that was taped shut. We knew what was probably going to be inside, but we bought it anyway. Sure enough, when we got home, the set had already been built and returned to Walmart, and it was missing a piece or two.

But anyway, we assembled the partially built robot to check it out. Not to spoil the review, but this is actually a cool little set, and it isn't very expensive. It is also retiring soon, so if it is on your list, the clock is ticking.

What you get in the box

The 31164 Space Robot is a 3-in-1 Creator set, which means the same 281 pieces build three different models: a chunky space robot on moving tracks, a posable space dog with a bone and a flying disc, or a space rocket. The headline build is the robot. It rolls on tracks, has a body and head that spin around, posable arms and fingers, a jetpack on its back, and even a little balloon. The best part for the price is the light brick in its chest, which lights up when you press it.

• Set number: 31164
• Theme: LEGO Creator (3-in-1)
• Pieces: 281
• Age: 8+
• Released: January 1, 2025
• Retiring: July 2026
• Original price: $24.99 USD
• Box dimensions: 26.2 x 19.1 x 4.6 cm
• Built robot height: over 13 cm (5 in.) tall
• Lights: one built-in light brick (batteries included)

The build

For a set aimed at 8-year-olds, the robot build is more satisfying than we expected. Nothing here is complicated, but the spinning torso, the posable arms and fingers, and the tracked base give it more play value than a static figure. It is the kind of set you can hand to a kid and not worry about, then rebuild into the space dog or the rocket when they get bored with the robot.

The light brick is the fun surprise. It sits in the chest and glows when you press down on it, and it carries over into all three builds. One light is not going to turn this into a display centerpiece, but at this price it is a nice touch that most small Creator sets skip.

Lighting options

The set ships with a single built-in light brick, and that is all the lighting LEGO gives you. If you want the robot to really glow, there are aftermarket LED kits made specifically for the 31164. These are clip-in light strings that add color and brightness across the model. To be clear, these kits are lights only and do not include the LEGO set itself.

Is the LEGO 31164 Space Robot worth it?

For around $25, yes. You get three builds out of one box, a light brick that most cheap sets do not include, and a robot with enough articulation to actually play with. It is not a deep or complex build, and one light is not going to blow anyone away, but the value is hard to argue with. The main catch is that it is retiring, so prices are likely to creep up as stock dries out.

If you like small, affordable space sets, take a look at our LEGO 31159 Surprising Spider review, another Creator 3-in-1, or our LEGO 1789 Star Hawk II review if you are more into vintage LEGO Space.

The set itself is getting hard to find as it retires, so eBay is your best bet for tracking one down. You can find the 31164 Space Robot and more on eBay here.