LEGO Dimensions runs on Windows through Steam or the disc version, but the game is no longer sold new

LEGO Dimensions is a toys-to-life game that requires physical minifigures and portal devices to unlock content in the PC version. The game itself stopped selling in 2016, and the servers that authenticated purchases shut down in 2017. You can still play the single-player campaign and local multiplayer on Windows, but you will need to own a used copy of the game and the physical portal hardware.

The game runs on Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 10. You will need a USB port for the portal device, which connects directly to your PC. The portal is the physical receiver that reads the minifigures you place on it — without it, the game will not launch.

Key Takeaways

  • LEGO Dimensions requires both the game software and a physical portal device connected via USB to play on PC.
  • You must buy the game and portal used, since the game is no longer sold new and the official servers are offline.
  • The single-player campaign and local multiplayer work without an internet connection once the game is installed.
  • You need at least one minifigure to start playing, and additional figures unlock different characters and abilities in the game.

Where to find a used copy and portal

LEGO Dimensions is available on the secondhand market through eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Mercari, and local game shops. Search for "LEGO Dimensions PC" to find listings. The game is often sold as a starter pack, which includes the game disc or Steam key, the USB portal, and one or two minifigures. Prices vary widely depending on condition and which minifigures are included.

The portal device is the most important piece — the game will not run without it. When you buy a used copy, confirm that the portal powers on and that the USB cable is included. Some listings sell the game and portal separately, which can be cheaper than a full starter pack, but you will need to buy both.

If you find a Steam key for sale, check that it has not already been redeemed. Steam keys are tied to the account that first activates them, so a used key will not work. Disc versions are safer because you own the physical media and can install it on any Windows PC.

Installing the game on your PC

If you have a disc version, insert the disc into your PC's drive and follow the on-screen installer. The game will ask you to create or log into a Warner Bros. Games account, but this is for save data only — the game does not check online for authentication anymore. If you have a Steam key, open Steam, select "set up a Product on Steam," enter the key, and click "Next" to add the game to your library.

The installation takes about 15 to 20 gigabytes of hard drive space. Once installed, plug the portal into an open USB port on your PC. Windows will recognize it as a USB device; you do not need to install separate drivers. Launch the game and it will detect the portal automatically.

How to start playing with minifigures

Place a minifigure on the portal and the game will recognize it. The character appears in the game world and you can control it when ready. Different minifigures have different abilities — for example, Superman can fly and break gold objects, while Batman can use detective vision. The game's campaign is designed around swapping minifigures to solve puzzles and access new areas.

You start with one or two minifigures in a starter pack. You can buy additional minifigures used on the same secondhand sites where you found the game. Each figure costs between $5 and $20 depending on rarity and condition. The game has over 100 minifigures available, but you do not need all of them to finish the campaign — the story is playable with just the starter figures.

Playing without an internet connection

The single-player campaign and local multiplayer mode work entirely offline. Once the game is installed, you do not need to connect to the internet to play. The servers that authenticated purchases are offline, but this does not affect gameplay on your PC.

You can play with a second player using a controller or keyboard and mouse. The game supports split-screen local multiplayer, so both players see the same screen. Online multiplayer is not available because the servers are no longer running.

Troubleshooting the portal connection

If the game does not recognize the portal, unplug it and plug it into a different USB port. Some USB hubs do not provide enough power; plug it directly into your PC instead. Restart the game after reconnecting the portal. If the portal still does not work, the device may be faulty — test it on another Windows PC if you can.

If the game crashes on startup, try running it in compatibility mode. Right-click the game's .exe file, select "Properties," go to the "Compatibility" tab, and check "Run this program in compatibility mode for:" Windows 7 Service Pack 1. Click "explore" and try launching the game again. This fixes crashes on Windows 10 and Windows 11.

What you can and cannot do without the servers

You can play the full single-player campaign, unlock all story characters, and use local multiplayer. You cannot access the online leaderboards, read new content, or use the game's online multiplayer mode. The game was designed to sell minifigures and DLC packs, but those purchases are no longer available.

Some minifigures that were only available as DLC are now only found used. If you want to play as a specific character, search for that minifigure on the secondhand market. The game does not lock characters behind a paywall anymore — if you own the physical minifigure, you own the character.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I play LEGO Dimensions on Windows 11?

Yes, but you may need to run it in compatibility mode for Windows 7. Right-click the game's .exe file, select Properties, go to Compatibility, and choose Windows 7 Service Pack 1. This fixes most crashes on newer Windows versions.

Do I need the original minifigures or can I use custom ones?

The game only recognizes official LEGO Dimensions minifigures. Custom figures or minifigures from other LEGO games will not work on the portal. You must use the official figures that came with the game or that you buy separately.

How much does it cost to buy a used copy with the portal?

Prices vary, but a used starter pack typically costs between $30 and $80 depending on condition and which minifigures are included. The portal alone usually costs $15 to $30 used. Check multiple listings before buying to find the best price.

Can I play the campaign with just the starter minifigures?

Yes. The campaign is designed to be playable with the one or two minifigures that come in the starter pack. Additional minifigures unlock optional areas and side quests, but they are not required to finish the story.

What happens if the portal breaks?

You will need to buy a replacement portal used. The game will not run without it. Check eBay and Mercari for used portals; they are often sold separately from the game and minifigures.