Season 1 is where LEGO® NINJAGO really clicks into place. The pilots introduce the team, but Rise of the Snakes is the first full season with a clear arc, a bigger villain threat and the classic NINJAGO rhythm fans still recognise today.
What Rise of the Snakes is about
Rise of the Snakes follows Lloyd, who accidentally releases the Serpentine tribes and sets the main conflict in motion. That one mistake turns into a full season of chases, alliances and prophecy, with the ninja trying to stop the snakes from unleashing even bigger chaos.
The season also pushes the “Green Ninja” prophecy into the centre of the story. That matters because it gives the whole show a longer backbone: the team is no longer just fighting one-off villains, but moving toward a bigger destiny that keeps paying off in later seasons.
How the season is structured
The season is commonly understood as a three-part arc:
- Early episodes: Lloyd and the Serpentine situation, introducing the threat and the key factions.
- Middle episodes: the search for the Fangblades, which shifts the story from simple escapes to a real quest.
- Finale: the confrontation with the Great Devourer, the season’s biggest payoff and a major turning point for the whole series.
That structure is one reason the season works so well. It starts with mischief, grows into a proper adventure and ends with a huge stakes-heavy finale that gives the characters real momentum for the next era.
Main characters and big ideas
Season 1 is where the core NINJAGO identity becomes clear:
- Lloyd begins as a nuisance but becomes central to the entire myth arc.
- Pythor and the Serpentine give the show its first truly memorable villain faction.
- Sensei Wu acts as the steady mentor figure while the ninja learn to work as a team.
- Destiny’s Bounty becomes the group’s iconic mobile base.
- ZX suits give the ninja a strong early visual identity that collectors still love.
The season is also where NINJAGO starts balancing humour, action and lore in a way that became its signature. It’s not just “kids fighting snakes”; it’s the beginning of a world with rules, history and a future.
Season 1 sets and minifigures
If you like the toy side of NINJAGO, Rise of the Snakes is packed with standout sets from the 2012 wave. Some of the best-known ones are:
- 9446 Destiny’s Bounty
- 9449 Ultra Sonic Raider
- 9450 Epic Dragon Battle
- 9448 Samurai Mech
- Smaller spinner and vehicle sets tied to the ninja and Serpentine factions.
Collectors still chase these because they introduced early versions of the ninja suits, key Serpentine designs and some of the most recognisable vehicles from the early series. For parts hunters there is also a lot to like: dragon pieces, blades, armour, snake elements and classic early NINJAGO colours.
Where to watch Season 1 now
Season 1 is one of the older NINJAGO stretches that moves around a bit on streaming services. Fans commonly report finding it on Netflix or through digital platforms where the show is bundled by season.
If you are searching for it, try the exact phrase “Ninjago: Masters of Spinjitzu – Rise of the Snakes” as well as simple searches like Season 1 or episode titles. Availability can change by region, so it is worth checking more than one legal platform.
Why this season still matters
Rise of the Snakes is more than just the first official season. It defines the show’s structure, establishes the core cast’s chemistry and introduces the destiny-driven storytelling that NINJAGO would keep using for years.
For collectors, it is also the season that gives you the earliest “real” NINJAGO identity after the pilots. If you like classic ninja suits, early Serpentine villains or the first version of Destiny’s Bounty, this is the era to know.
Where CrocoBricks fits in
A season like this is perfect for parts and minifigure hunting. Instead of trying to find every retired box sealed, you can rebuild the vibe with loose LEGO® pieces:
- Early ninja minifigures and ZX-style suits.
- Serpentine warriors and leaders for army building.
- Weapons, blades, dragon parts and temple pieces for custom displays or MOCs.
FAQ
Is Rise of the Snakes the first NINJAGO season?
It is the first full season after the pilot episodes. The pilots come first, then Season 1: Rise of the Snakes.
Who is the main villain in Season 1?
The season centres on the Serpentine tribes as a group, with Pythor as one of the most important recurring villains.
What are the best Season 1 LEGO sets?
Destiny’s Bounty, Ultra Sonic Raider, Epic Dragon Battle and Samurai Mech are among the most iconic sets from the Season 1 wave.
Do I need to watch the pilots first?
It helps a lot. The pilots explain how the team forms and why the Golden Weapons matter before Season 1 starts.
Can I still buy Season 1 minifigures and parts?
Yes, usually through the secondary market or specialist stores that sell loose LEGO® minifigures and parts.
