While official LEGO Pokémon sets have been a massive hit since their debut earlier this year, the current lineup only scratches the surface of the iconic Kanto Pokédex. For fans craving more, the community has stepped up with impressive custom builds. Most recently, players have found a way to create a LEGO Cubone using nothing more than pieces from a budget-friendly animal set.

Building LEGO Cubone From a $30 Puppy Set

The secret to this adorable creation lies in the LEGO 3-in-1 Cute Animals: Playful Puppy set, which was released back in January. Because 3-in-1 sets are designed to be rebuilt into three different models, they serve as a goldmine for inspiration within the Rebrickable community.

This specific LEGO Cubone alternative build utilizes 297 of the 336 pieces found in the original puppy set. Created by MOC designer CG_valphalk, this custom model offers a high-quality way to expand your collection without the premium price tag of official licensed sets.

Here is why this custom build is such a great value:

  • Affordability: The base "Playful Puppy" set is currently available for approximately $23.99 on Amazon.
  • Low Entry Cost: You can purchase the full building instructions from Rebrickable for just $15.
  • Total Investment: For under $40, you can complete the entire build, making it significantly cheaper than official Pokémon releases.

Creative Inspiration and Future Leaks

The journey to this specific Cubone build actually began with a viral Japanese X post. The designer noted that their version was inspired by a smaller-scale Cubone build found on social media, which features instructions available for free on YouTube. While not every custom build is perfect, the charm of this version makes it a standout achievement for fans of the Ghost-type Pokémon.

If you prefer to wait for an official release rather than building your own, you might be in luck. Recent LEGO Pokémon leaks suggest that a "Cubone vs. Gengar Ghost Challenge" set could be arriving as early as August this year. Rumors indicate this potential set may even feature the new Smart Play technology recently introduced to LEGO's Star Wars line.