LEGO® History: Hidden Side
17 June 2025
The LEGO® Hidden Side series, launched in 2019 and discontinued in 2020, was one of LEGO's most innovative themes ever. It combined classic building experiences with augmented reality (AR), where players could discover a hidden ghost world via an app. Despite the digital component, the physical sets, parts and minifigures offered a unique playing and collecting experience for young and old alike.
In this article, we take a comprehensive look at what made LEGO Hidden Side so special - from exclusive building blocks to detailed minifigures.
Unique and themed LEGO parts
One of the biggest attractions of the Hidden Side sets was the introduction of new and spooky elements that fitted perfectly within the supernatural theme.
1. Glowing and transparent parts
Many sets contained parts in trans-neon green, trans-blue and trans-purple, meant to represent ghosts or supernatural energies. Some elements glowed in the dark.
2. New shapes and accessories
LEGO introduced several new hairpieces and headgear, such as Jack Davids' famous cap-with-cap combination. Ghost characters got unique parts such as tentacles, floating tails and ghostly claws.
3. Modular ghost mechanisms
Many buildings could transform from 'normal' to 'possessed' using folding and sliding elements. These hidden features added an interactive building layer, perfect for kids and AFOLs who love playful techniques.
Notable LEGO Hidden Side sets
Some 30 Hidden Side sets were released in total. Here are a few that stand out for their design, play value and parts:
1. The Mystery Castle (70437)
One of the largest sets, with lots of dark grey and black bricks. Contains hinged towers, secret doors and ghost elements - ideal for castle builders.
2. Newbury Haunted High School (70425).
An impressive modular building with a haunted interior. Includes various accessories, Printed tiles and clever building techniques such as SNOT (studs not on top).
3. Attack on the Shrimp Bar (70422).
A unique seafood diner with hidden ghost features. Includes parts and stickers such as themed menu boards, cooking accessories and colourful facades.
Hidden Side Minifigures: Collector favourites
The minifigures in this series are a mix of ghost hunters, ordinary townspeople and terrifying ghosts. The combination of new prints, accessories and unique faces makes them highly sought-after.
The heroes (ghost hunters)
Jack Davids: Main character of the theme, often recognisable by his smartphone and hooded cap. Parker L. Jackson: A techie with striking hair and earbuds and tablet or smartphone. J.B.: The crazy inventor with purple hair and high-tech accessories. Their torso prints and gadgets reflect the 'tech versus ghost' theme perfectly.
The ghosts
Many ghost figures are possessed citizens with double-printed faces and interchangeable accessories. Possessed figures have green or purple ghost gear and often luminous eyes.
Ghost bosses, such as Nehmaar Reem, feature transparent or double-shaped parts, extra arms and tentacles. The most important ghosts are: Nehmaar Reem - Final boss of the series, with transparent body parts, Shadow-Walker (Shadow-Walker) - With black tentacles and glowing eyes.
City inhabitants
Each set also includes 'normal' Newbury residents such as: Bus drivers, police officers and restaurant workers. Many of them have reversible heads with a normal and possessed side, ideal for storytelling and role-playing.
Play and collect
Although the AR app is now inactive, the Hidden Side sets remain popular with collectors and builders. Why? They offer great parts for Halloween or spooky MOCs. And the minifigures are unique in print and style.
The sets combine urban building structures with fantasy and horror elements, making them useful in different themes such as LEGO City or LEGO Castle.
LEGO Hidden Side may have been a short-lived theme, but it has left a lasting impression. The combination of digital innovation and creative physical building created a gaming experience that is still unique within the LEGO universe.
For those who love spooky stories, technological gadgets and unique minifigures, Hidden Side is a goldmine of inspiration. The sets remain a valuable addition to any collection even after the disappearance of the app.
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