If you’re a fan of Jurassic World or simply love collecting unique dinosaur toys, the Destruct-a-saurs line by Mattel is a standout piece of toy history from 2018. Based on the Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom movie, this Toys “R” Us exclusive toy series added a new dimension to dinosaur-themed playsets, incorporating “destruction” elements thanks to the use of hidden magnets. For collectors like us, this toyline provides not just the thrill of collecting dinosaurs, but also an engaging play experience that mirrors the chaotic scenes from the film.
In this post, we’ll highlight the five Destruct-a-Saurs sets that made it to shelves, as well as those that never saw the light of day.
Limited Released Destruct-a-Saurs Toys
Destruct-a-Saurs Dilophosaurus and Compsognathus
This set features two iconic dinosaurs—the Dilophosaurus and a smaller Compsognathus. The Dilophosaurus comes equipped with the signature frill, while the Compsognathus adds a nice touch to the set. The main interactive element here is the breakaway fencing. Kids can trigger the Dilophosaurus to knock down the fence, recreating that “creature break-out” scene we all love. The detailing on the Dilophosaurus is fantastic, with bright coloring and a movable jaw.
Destruct-a-saurs Pteranodon and Microceratus
This set includes a swooping Pteranodon with a Microceratus companion. The Pteranodon features flapping wings and a destructible fence section that it can “smash” through. The highlight is the aerial attack potential, making this set a favorite for recreating ambush scenes from above.
Destruct-a-Saurs Velociraptor and Microceratus
In this set, the agile Velociraptor comes with another Microceratus companion. The Velociraptor is posed in a stalking position and features articulation for dynamic play. Like the other sets, this one also includes destructible fencing, allowing the Velociraptor to burst through and attack. The inclusion of the tiny Microceratus adds a little more variety to the collection and gives kids more options for imaginative play.
Destruct-a-Saurs Pteranodon Copter Attack Set
The Pteranodon Copter Attack set kicks up the destruction with a helicopter under assault. The set includes a large Pteranodon with an impressive wingspan, and the copter itself has parts that can be knocked off or damaged as the Pteranodon swoops in. The destructible helicopter adds an extra level of interactivity, allowing for intense air battles as kids (or collectors) pit the human tech against the untamed fury of dinosaurs.
Destruct-a-Saurs Tyrannosaurus Rex Ambush Playset
As the centerpiece of the Destruct-a-Saurs line, the Tyrannosaurus Rex Ambush Playset showcases the king of the dinosaurs, the T. rex, in all its destructive glory. This set comes with a detailed T. rex figure and a destructible cage and fence setup. The action feature allows the T. rex to burst through the cage, mimicking the momentous breakout scenes from the movies. The playset really highlights the raw power of the T. rex, making it one of the most exciting pieces in the collection.
Cancelled Destruct-a-Saurs Toys
While these five sets made it to production, there were additional Destruct-a-saurs sets that were planned but, unfortunately, never saw the light of day. These unreleased sets have become the stuff of legend for collectors and fans of the toyline. Here are a few that were rumored but remain unreleased:
Destruct-a-saurs Dimetrodon and Microceratus
This set would have featured a Dimetrodon and caged Microceratus. The design of the Dimetrodon was later reused in other Mattel Jurassic World lines.
Destruct-a-Saurs Stygimoloch and Dimorphodon
Re-releases of the Stygimoloch and Dimorphodon dinosaur toys.
Destruct-a-Saurs Laboratory and Owen
This interesting set featured a lab with incubator that could be damaged by the Stygimoloch. It was inspired by the Lockwood escape scene from Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom.
Destruct-a-Saurs Gyrosphere with Carnotaurus, Triceratops and Claire
A gyrosphere that breaks when the Carnotaurus and Triceratops attack it was planned for this line. A Claire Owen figure was to be included.
Destruct-a-Saurs mini movie moments
Destruct-a-Saurs versions of Mattel’s mini Jurassic World dinosaurs were planned to be released with a (Matchbox) vehicle, likely with build in magnets. Little is know about these sets.
The Legacy of the Destruct-a-saurs Toyline
Although short-lived driven by the closure of Toys “R” Us , the Destruct-a-saurs line remains a beloved sub-set of Jurassic World toys for collectors and fans alike. The combination of highly detailed dinosaur figures and destructible environments allowed for immersive play that stood out in a crowded toy market. Each set provided dynamic action features, while the dinosaurs themselves were beautifully sculpted with articulated limbs and movie-accurate designs.
For collectors, the unreleased sets add a layer of mystery and longing to the collection, making the hunt for these toys even more exciting. It’s clear that the Destruct-a-saurs line, though limited, left a significant impact on the Jurassic World toy legacy. If you’re a collector or simply a fan of dinosaur toys, the Destruct-a-saurs line is worth seeking out for the sheer creativity and destructive fun they offer.
Do you have any favorite toys from the Destruct-a-saurs line or other Jurassic World collections? Let us know in the comments!
