As a long-time fan of creative building and game-inspired design, I recently took on the challenge of designing custom LEGO sets inspired by Warborne Solarbite locations in Warborne: Above Ashes (WAA). This deeply immersive MMO presents not only intense gameplay but also stunning landscapes. Replicating them in brick form turned out to be as rewarding as it was difficult. Here are five design challenges I faced while trying to recreate the most iconic Cheap WAA Solarbite zones in LEGO form.

1. Translating Digital Terrain into Physical Geometry
One of the core difficulties in recreating the Warborne Solarbite zones is converting their digital topography into something feasible with LEGO bricks. Many of these locations, such as the jagged cliffs of the Ember Ruins or the crystalline structures of the Skyfire Plateau, are designed with complex 3D modeling software. To simplify this into physical form, I had to rely on wedge plates, trans-blue elements, and vertical stacking techniques. It took several failed attempts to get something even close to what the game presents.

2. Scale vs. Detail
Capturing the massive scale of the game’s environments—like the Radiant Spires or the Ashen Cradle—without compromising on detail is no easy task. I had to make decisions about which elements to emphasize. Should I include the iconic floating platforms, or the layered battleground structures below? Finding the right balance meant using micro-scale builds for broader landscapes and minifigure-scale for key structures. In my version of the Cheap WAA Solarbite set, I scaled the terrain down but preserved key architectural elements for recognizability.

3. Color Palette Constraints
LEGO has a rich but ultimately limited selection of colors. Many Warborne Solarbite locations feature hues that don’t have direct LEGO equivalents. For example, the vibrant purple-glow rock formations and solar-fused armor plating required mixing pink, lavender, and transparent orange bricks. It wasn’t perfect, but with careful lighting, I was able to create a similar visual effect. This step tested my patience and my creativity.

4. Playability vs. Display Quality
I wanted my sets to be functional—not just models that sit on a shelf. This meant incorporating movable parts, secret compartments, and interactive features like rotating turrets or collapsible terrain. However, integrating these features without making the build fragile required structural reinforcements and smart joint placements. I learned the hard way when one of my prototypes crumbled after barely touching it. In later builds, I added technic supports to reinforce interactive zones, especially in my Warborne Solarbite Skyfire Base build.

5. Sourcing Specific Bricks on a Budget
A personal challenge was staying within a realistic budget. Some specialty bricks required to replicate the energy cores or solarbeacon towers were rare. I ended up sourcing parts from third-party sellers and using U4GM marketplaces to get inspiration from custom builds. In this process, I came across some great listings for Cheap WAA Solarbite kits—custom fan builds that gave me creative ideas and saved time. These helped me complete my project without spending a fortune.

Ultimately, creating LEGO sets inspired by Warborne: Above Ashes has been a labor of love. It challenged both my building skills and my understanding of in-game environments. For fans who enjoy both gaming and LEGO, it’s a unique way to bring virtual adventures into the physical world.

Advanced Walkthrough: How to Get and Use Solarbite in Warborne: Above Ashes