LEGO 72162 Eevee and Lapras's Treasure Hunt Review

LEGO 72162 Eevee and Lapras's Treasure Hunt turns a Pokémon pairing into a complete story scene rather than simply placing two brick-built characters on stands. The 623-piece set combines a large Lapras, a smaller Eevee on a raft, a shipwreck, a hidden treasure mechanism and three SMART Tags. It is a build designed to move between character display and hands-on role play.

JANG's LEGO Reviews gives the set an independent look, which is especially useful here because the box serves two audiences at once. Pokémon fans will focus on the character likenesses, while builders need to know whether the environmental build and optional technology add enough substance around them. The set's best answer is its compact adventure structure: map, wreck, obstacle and treasure all connect into one readable scene.

Video by JANG's LEGO Reviews. All video rights belong to the original creator.

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Two expressive Pokémon lead the build

Lapras is the visual anchor. The finished figure measures more than 6 in. (16 cm) high, 6.5 in. (17 cm) wide and 5 in. (13 cm) deep, giving its shell, long neck and rounded head enough room to read clearly. Four movable flippers add simple posing options and make the water-going Pokémon feel active within the scene.

Eevee works at a smaller scale, with an adjustable tail and ears that carry much of the character's expression. Placing Eevee on a raft is more than a convenient stand: it creates a believable reason for the two Pokémon to travel together and gives the smaller figure its own space. For display, the size contrast keeps Lapras dominant without making Eevee look like an afterthought.

The shipwreck gives the set a real play sequence

The environmental portion follows a clear treasure-hunt loop. Builders can use the map to lead Eevee and Lapras toward the wreck, lower the mast to lift a rock and expose a chest filled with coins and gems. That mechanical chain is straightforward enough for the set's 8+ audience, yet it adds a satisfying reveal instead of leaving the scenery purely decorative.

This structure is also useful MOC inspiration. A small scene becomes more memorable when each feature contributes to a sequence: a clue points to a location, a moving element removes an obstacle, and the reward appears underneath. Custom builders can borrow that pattern for ruins, caves, pirate islands or fantasy dioramas without needing electronic functions.

SMART Play is optional, with one important caveat

Eevee, Lapras and the treasure chest each include a SMART Tag. When a compatible SMART Brick is introduced, the characters can trigger light and sound responses. The official play examples include music while a Pokémon carries the treasure, coin sounds during the search and a celebration after the treasure is moved to safety.

The critical detail is that set 72162 does not include a SMART Brick. It is a SMART Play Compatible set, not an All-in-One set. A SMART Brick must come from another package, such as Training House with Pikachu 72164 or Charizard vs. Jolteon Ultimate Battle 72167, and it is not sold as a stand-alone product. That distinction matters when judging the $59.99 US price: the physical models and three tags are complete, but the responsive layer requires a second purchase.

Fortunately, the core design does not collapse without electronics. Posable figures, a raft, a shipwreck mechanism and hidden treasure create a self-contained screen-free activity. The technology expands the feedback around the story; it does not replace the story.

Build value and display potential

At 623 pieces, the set has enough volume to shape Lapras properly while still providing scenery and a separate Eevee figure. The model is neither a pure character sculpture nor a conventional minifigure playset. Its strongest display arrangement is likely a low, horizontal composition with Lapras beside the wreck and Eevee approaching on the raft.

Builders who enjoy organic shaping can study how curves, slopes and color blocking define two very different creatures. Lapras needs a smooth, calm mass with a prominent shell and neck, while Eevee relies on compact proportions and sharply readable ears and tail. The environment then uses rougher, broken forms to separate the shipwreck from the characters.

Who is this set for?

The clearest audience is a Pokémon fan aged 8 or older who wants recognizable characters with an actual adventure to stage. It also suits families already invested in LEGO SMART Play, because the included tags immediately expand an existing SMART Brick setup. Collectors who only want display models still receive two posable Pokémon and a narrative base, although the value equation is less generous if the shipwreck or interactive system holds little interest.

For new buyers attracted mainly by SMART Play, the missing SMART Brick should be factored in before purchase. For traditional LEGO play, however, the set stands on its own more comfortably than the compatible label might suggest.

Final Thoughts

LEGO 72162 Eevee and Lapras's Treasure Hunt works because every part supports the same small adventure. Lapras provides the display presence, Eevee supplies personality, and the raft, map, falling mast, rock and treasure chest give the characters something meaningful to do.

The optional SMART Play layer adds responsive effects, but the strongest design choice is that the physical play remains understandable without it. As a Pokémon building set, this is a specific, well-composed scene with two expressive models and a mechanism that rewards exploration.

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Disclosure: This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed as an independent editorial spotlight. The featured video and thumbnail belong to their original creator.