You remember that feeling when the first Rogue One trailer dropped? We saw those massive, orange-hatched walkers lumbering through the tropical surf of Scarif and everyone just assumed they were AT-ATs. They weren't. Honestly, it took a minute for the community to realize we were looking at the AT-ACT, or All Terrain Armored Cargo Transport.
Lego didn't wait long to capitalize.
In late 2016, they released set 75152, the LEGO Star Wars AT-ACT, and it remains one of the most polarizing "big" walkers in the entire Star Wars catalog. It’s taller than a standard AT-AT but sleeker, meant for hauling kyber crystals rather than just vaporizing Rebels. If you’re a collector, you know this thing sits in a weird space. It’s not quite a UCS (Ultimate Collector Series) behemoth, but it’s far more complex than the mid-scale playsets we usually see for the younger demographic.
It’s also surprisingly hard to find for a decent price these days.
The Design Flaws and Triumphs of the Rogue One Walker
Let’s talk about the orange. That bright cargo bay is the defining feature of the LEGO Star Wars AT-ACT. In the film, that section is actually a removable container. Lego tried to mimic this, but it’s a bit of a mixed bag. You can pull the middle section out, but the structural integrity of the walker's spine takes a hit when you do. It’s sort of like taking a Jenga block out of a tower that’s already a little wobbly.
The legs are thin.
They’re tall, spindly, and move on a ratcheted joint system that feels sturdy enough until you try to pose it in a walking stride. Because the AT-ACT is taller than the classic Imperial walker, the center of gravity is higher. If you have cats or a shaky shelf, you’ve probably experienced the "Scarif Faceplant" more than once.
✨ Don't miss: Bob Hearts Abishola Season 4 Explained: The Move That Changed Everything
Most people don't realize that the head design on this set is actually one of the most accurate "beaded" neck designs Lego ever produced for a play-scale walker. It uses a series of Technic connectors that allow for a surprising range of motion. You can actually make it look like it’s scanning the horizon for U-Wings.
Why the Minifigure Selection Matters
You get the AT-ACT Driver, which is a neat variant of the standard pilot, but the real stars were the Shoretroopers. Back in 2016, getting a Shoretrooper was a big deal. They were exclusive to the Rogue One wave. Today, they are still highly sought after because of the unique sand-blue and tan printing.
And then there’s Director Krennic’s shuttle pilots and Chirrut Îmwe. Including Chirrut in this set felt like a bit of a "forced" inclusion to drive sales, but hey, nobody is complaining about having a high-quality Donnie Yen figure on their desk.
The Secondary Market is Getting Weird
If you look at BrickLink or eBay right now, the LEGO Star Wars AT-ACT (Set 75152) has appreciated in a way that defies logic for a "cargo" vehicle. It originally retailed for about $90 USD. Now? You’re lucky to find a sealed box for under $250.
Why?
It’s the "Rogue One Effect." Fans have slowly come to realize that Rogue One is arguably the best Disney-era Star Wars film. Consequently, the sets associated with it have become "cult classics" in the Lego world. The U-Wing and the TIE Striker followed a similar trajectory. People skipped them at launch because they weren't "Original Trilogy," and now everyone is scrambling to complete their Scarif MOCs (My Own Creations).
🔗 Read more: Black Bear by Andrew Belle: Why This Song Still Hits So Hard
If you’re looking to buy one now, honestly, check for used listings that are missing the minifigures. You can usually snag the walker itself for much cheaper, and you can source the troopers separately. Just watch out for yellowing on the light bluish-gray plates. These sets are getting old enough that UV damage is starting to show on pieces that sat near windows.
Comparing the AT-ACT to the 2020 AT-AT
It’s worth noting how much Lego’s building techniques changed between the Rogue One era and the 2020 75288 AT-AT. The newer walkers use much more "SNOT" (Studs Not On Top) construction. The AT-ACT is very much a "studs-up" build. It feels more "classic Lego," if that makes sense.
Is it better?
No, probably not from a technical standpoint. The newer AT-AT is more stable. But the AT-ACT has a presence. It’s lanky. It looks like a beast of burden that could still crush a X-wing if it stepped wrong.
The motorized version (75153) was a whole other beast. It moved via an app, which was... okay. It was basically a gimmick. The motors added weight and made the interior space almost non-existent. Most "purist" collectors prefer the non-motorized version because you can actually fit troops inside the bay.
Building Your Own Scarif Diorama
If you have the LEGO Star Wars AT-ACT, you can't just leave it on a plain white shelf. It looks wrong. It needs sand. It needs palm trees.
💡 You might also like: Billie Eilish Therefore I Am Explained: The Philosophy Behind the Mall Raid
A lot of builders use tan plates mixed with "trans-light blue" tiles to create the shoreline. Because the AT-ACT is so tall, you need to build up some verticality in your scenery—think landing pads or jungle canopies—to make the scale look right.
Keep in mind that the "cargo" part of the name isn't just for show. In the lore, these were used to move heavy construction materials for the Death Star. If you want to be hyper-accurate, don't just load it with Stormtroopers. Put some orange crates or kyber canisters in that middle bay.
Actionable Steps for Collectors
If you're looking to add this specific walker to your Imperial army, don't just jump at the first "Buy It Now" price you see.
- Check the internal Technic pins. The AT-ACT relies heavily on friction pins to keep its legs from splaying out. If you buy a used one, ask the seller if the legs are "limp." If they are, you'll need to spend a few bucks on new Technic pins to get it standing tall again.
- Verify the Shoretrooper printing. There are a few different versions of Shoretroopers (squad leaders vs. regulars). The one in this set is specific. Make sure you aren't getting a cheaper version swapped in.
- Consider the "Orange Hatch" Mod. Many fans swap the bright orange plates for dark gray to turn it into a standard heavy-duty AT-AT variant. It’s a cheap way to get a massive walker for your Hoth display if you don't care about movie accuracy.
- Look for local "bulk" buys. Often, people sell their Rogue One collections as a lot. You might find an AT-ACT bundled with a Krennic’s Shuttle for a fraction of the individual prices.
The LEGO Star Wars AT-ACT is a reminder of a specific time in Star Wars history—where the designs were gritty, industrial, and slightly experimental. It isn't the perfect Lego set, but it’s definitely one of the most interesting. Whether you love the orange "cargo" look or hate it, there’s no denying it stands out in a sea of gray Imperial ships.
Get it while you still can, because as Rogue One continues to age into "masterpiece" status, these prices are only going one way.
Next Steps for Your Collection
- Inventory your current Imperial forces: Determine if you have enough Shoretroopers to justify a Scarif-themed display.
- Research part-out costs: Use BrickLink to see if buying the individual bricks for the AT-ACT (minus the expensive minifigures) is cheaper than buying a used set.
- Plan your shelf height: Measure your display area; the AT-ACT stands significantly taller than a standard TIE Fighter or even most play-scale AT-ATs.