A foundational article covering everything a newcomer needs to know, from choosing a line to where to buy
A long time ago, in a galaxy not so far away… you decided to start collecting Star Wars action figures. Welcome! Whether you’re reclaiming a piece of your childhood or diving into the vastness of the Star Wars universe for the first time, collecting is an incredibly rewarding hobby. But with decades of characters, multiple scales, and various product lines, taking that first step can feel as daunting as navigating an asteroid field.
Fear not, Padawan. This foundational guide will serve as your Jedi Master, showing you the ways of the Force… of collecting. We’ll cover everything a newcomer needs to know in 2025, from choosing your first figure line to hunting down the best deals.
Choosing Your Path: Which Star Wars Figure Line is for You?
The first and most important decision is choosing a primary scale or line to focus on. This helps keep your collection cohesive and your budget in check. Here are the most popular lines on shelves today, produced by Hasbro.
The Black Series (TBS) – The Modern Standard
- Scale: 6-inch (approximately 1:12 scale)
- Best For: Collectors who want high levels of detail, premium articulation for dynamic posing, and a vast selection of characters from the entire Star Wars saga, including films, series, and video games.
- Pros: Excellent sculpts and paint, huge character roster, widely available.
- Cons: Higher price point per figure, takes up more display space.
The Vintage Collection (TVC) – The Nostalgic Classic
- Scale: 3.75-inch (the original, classic Star Wars figure scale)
- Best For: Fans of the original Kenner toys from the 70s and 80s, collectors who value nostalgia, and those who want to build large-scale dioramas and vehicle displays.
- Pros: Iconic Kenner-inspired cardback packaging, compatible with a massive back-catalog of figures and vehicles, more affordable per figure.
- Cons: Figures can sometimes be harder to find in physical stores.
The Retro Collection – A Blast from the Past
- Scale: 3.75-inch
- Best For: Pure nostalgia seekers. These figures are intentionally designed to replicate the simpler, 5-point articulation style of the original 1978 Kenner figures.
- Pros: The ultimate nostalgic throwback, very affordable.
- Cons: Lacks the modern detail and articulation of other lines.
Where to Hunt: The Best Places to Buy Star Wars Figures
Now that you know what you’re looking for, where do you find it? Your hunt will take you to various places, both online and in the physical world.
- Big-Box Retailers: Stores like SM Toy Kingdom, Toys “R” Us, and department stores are your front line for the newest releases. Checking them regularly can land you the latest wave of figures as soon as they hit shelves.
- Online Specialty Stores: Websites like Hasbro Pulse (Hasbro’s official site), BigBadToyStore, and local Filipino retailers like Filbar’s or Hobbes & Landes are fantastic for pre-ordering upcoming figures. This is the best way to guarantee you won’t miss out on a popular character.
- The Secondary Market: This is where you’ll find older, retired, or rare figures.
- eBay: The largest marketplace, but be cautious. Always check a seller’s feedback and be wary of prices that seem too good to be true (they might be knock-offs).
- Facebook Groups: Search for groups like “Star Wars Black Series Philippines” or “The Vintage Collection Collectors.” These communities are great for buying, selling, and trading with fellow fans.
- Conventions and Toy Shows: Events like the annual Philippine TOYCON are a collector’s paradise. You can find everything from the latest releases to rare vintage figures, often while haggling for a good price.
Collector Lingo 101: Essential Terms to Know
Navigating online collector communities can be confusing. Here’s a quick glossary of terms you’ll encounter:
- MOC / MIB: Mint on Card / Mint in Box. The figure is unopened and the packaging is in excellent condition.
- Loose: The figure is out of its packaging. It may or may not include its accessories.
- Army Building: The practice of buying multiple identical figures, like Stormtroopers or Clone Troopers, to create a squad or army.
- Peg Warmer: A common figure that doesn’t sell well and lingers on the store shelves (the “pegs”) for a long time.
- Exclusive: A figure only available at a specific retailer (e.g., a Target Exclusive) or event (e.g., a San Diego Comic-Con Exclusive).
- Custom: A figure that has been modified or repainted by a collector.
Your First Buys: Smart Starting Strategies
It’s easy to get overwhelmed and want to buy everything at once. Here’s how to start smart:
- Start with Your Favorite Character: The easiest way to begin is to simply buy a figure of your all-time favorite character, whether it’s Luke Skywalker, Ahsoka Tano, or a Battle Droid. This first purchase will be meaningful and anchor your new collection.
- Focus on a Theme: Instead of buying randomly, focus your efforts. You could collect only villains, only characters from The Mandalorian, or only Jedi. This creates a more curated and impressive display.
- Set a Budget: This hobby can get expensive quickly. Decide on a monthly or weekly budget and stick to it. The thrill is in the hunt, not financial stress.
Welcome to the community! Collecting Star Wars action figures is a hobby that connects generations of fans. It’s about holding a piece of the story in your hands, creating stunning displays, and sharing your passion with others. There is no right or wrong way to collect—only your way.
May the Force be with you!