Pillager (Patrol Leader variant)
min081 · Minecraft
Village and Pillage Wave · 2020
Figure ID
min081
Theme
Minecraft
Year Released
2020
Rarity
Common to Uncommon. While Pillagers are found in several sets, the specific combination with the Ominous Banner as a Patrol Leader is more specific to encounter-based gameplay sets.
Head
Standard Minecraft Villager-style square head in Light Bluish Gray. Features high-set teal eyes, thick black bushy eyebrows that meet in the middle (unibrow), and a protruding 1x2 tile-equivalent nose mold.
Torso
Dark Brown and Dark Red pattern representing the Pillager tunic. Features a central vertical 'belt' or strap design in Dark Bluish Gray and Black. The arms are Red with Light Bluish Gray hands.
Legs
Solid Black standard legs without printing.
Accessories
Includes a Brown Crossbow (329928) and an Ominous Banner. The banner consists of a tan 3L bar, a black neck bracket, and a 2x3 Light Bluish Gray tile with the Illager face print.
Color Scheme
A dark, aggressive palette consisting of Dark Red, Dark Brown, Black, and Light Bluish Gray, reflective of the hostile Illager faction.
Printing Details
High-quality pad printing on the head and torso. The 'Ominous Banner' tile features a pixelated face print consistent with the Minecraft aesthetic. Printing is sharp but limited to the front of the torso and head faces.
Variants
Standard Pillagers (without the banner) are identical in body. Variations of the character type include the Vindicator (min042) and Evoker (min041) which have different torso prints.
Condition Notes
The nose on the Minecraft head is a common point for paint rubbing. The clip on the back for the banner (neck bracket) can often cause stress marks on the torso neck stub if removed frequently.
Estimated Value
Used Complete: $4.00 - $6.00 USD. New: $7.00 - $9.00 USD. The value is relatively stable as they are army-builders.
Price (New)
Commonly found in sets ranging from $19.99 (The Pillager Outpost) to $79.99 (The Illager Raid).
Compatible Sets
21159 The Pillager Outpost (2020), 21160 The Illager Raid (2020).
Character Background
Pillagers are hostile mobs from the Minecraft video game. They are part of the 'Illager' group that raids villages. The Patrol Leader specifically carries a banner; killing them grants the player the 'Bad Omen' effect.
Design Notes
Features the specialized Minecraft 'Villager' head mold which includes a molded nose, a departure from standard flat-faced minifigures. This version perfectly captures the 16-bit texture of the game.
Similar Minifigures
Vindicator (min042), Witch (min039), and standard Villagers (min017).
Collectibility
High for 'army builders' who want to create large-scale raid scenes. Moderate for general collectors as they are relatively easy to acquire.
History
Introduced in the 2020 wave to coincide with the major 'Village & Pillage' Minecraft game update. It marked the expansion of the Illager faction in LEGO form.
Interesting Facts
The banner tile is a highly desired part because it is a direct recreation of the in-game 'Ominous Banner' item. The crossbow piece was specifically popularized by this wave of Minecraft sets.
Display Suggestions
Best displayed leading a group of 3-4 standard Pillagers or a Ravager beast. Use a clear baseplate or Minecraft grass/dirt blocks to simulate a raid scenario.
Modification Potential
Excellent for 'purist' custom Illagers. The head can be swapped onto various 'castle' or 'fantasy' torsos to create Orc-like or goblin-like creatures.
Overall Assessment
A faithful and well-executed recreation of a modern Minecraft icon. It is a 'must-have' for fans of the game due to the inclusion of the Ominous Banner accessory.