Unlocking the Fun: A Complete Guide to the LEGO Hidden Side App

April 9, 2025 Emery Person

LEGO has always been a leader in innovation, transforming how kids and adults interact with their favorite bricks. But when LEGO Hidden Side hit the market, it brought something entirely new to the table—augmented reality (AR) combined with physical LEGO sets. At the heart of this groundbreaking experience is the LEGO Hidden Side app, which turns ordinary play into an interactive ghost-hunting adventure.

Whether you’re a LEGO fan, a parent looking for engaging toys, or simply curious about AR gaming, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the LEGO Hidden Side app—what it is, how it works, and why it’s worth exploring.

What Is LEGO Hidden Side?

LEGO Hidden Side is a discontinued but still beloved LEGO theme that launched in 2019 and ran through 2020. It featured a spooky storyline centered around the fictional town of Newbury, where ghostly events occur.

The unique twist? Each LEGO set was designed to work with the LEGO Hidden Side app, allowing users to scan physical sets and bring them to life using augmented reality. Players could hunt ghosts, solve mysteries, and complete missions—all by pointing their device at the set.

A Short Timeline

2019: LEGO Hidden Side debuts with multiple playsets.
2020: Final wave of sets released.
2021: App support and updates began to phase out, though it remains downloadable.

Key Features of the LEGO Hidden Side App

The app was the core of the Hidden Side experience. Here are the standout features that made it a hit:

🧟‍♂️ Augmented Reality Gameplay

Using AR technology, the app superimposed digital ghosts and effects over your real LEGO sets. Once the set was scanned, players could:

See hidden ghosts flying around
Trigger secret events
Unlock hidden areas and upgrades

👻 Ghost-Hunting Missions

The main gameplay loop was all about battling spirits. You played as Jack or Parker, teen ghost-hunters, investigating paranormal activity and capturing mischievous entities.

🔁 Constant Content Updates (During Active Support)

While LEGO supported the app, it received frequent updates—new ghosts, areas, and events—to keep gameplay fresh.

📱 Standalone Play

Don’t have a LEGO set? No problem. The app also included standalone digital levels so anyone could enjoy the spooky experience.

How to Use the LEGO Hidden Side App

Here’s a quick guide to getting started:

1. Download the App

You can still find the LEGO Hidden Side app on both the Apple App Store and Google Play, although support may vary depending on your device.

2. Build Your Set

Assemble any compatible LEGO Hidden Side set. Some of the most popular ones include:

Paranormal Intercept Bus 3000
Newbury Haunted High School
Mystery Castle

3. Launch the App & Scan

Open the app and select the “Play” option. Point your device’s camera at your set. The app will recognize the structure and trigger AR gameplay.

4. Begin Ghost Hunting

Complete mini-games, collect artifacts, and trap ghosts while exploring different AR layers of your set.

Best LEGO Hidden Side Sets for App Integration

If you’re lucky enough to find these sets online or in collectors’ markets, here are the ones that offered the richest AR experience:

🔷 Newbury Haunted High School (70425)

One of the largest sets in the line
Multiple scan points and rich storytelling
Packed with hidden ghost elements

🔶 Paranormal Intercept Bus 3000 (70423)

A ghost-hunting school bus turned into a mobile base
Great for standalone play or combining with other sets

🟣 Mystery Castle (70437)

Released in the final wave of sets
Immersive AR interactions and boss battles

Pros and Cons of the LEGO Hidden Side App

Like any digital-physical hybrid, the LEGO Hidden Side app had its strengths and shortcomings.

✅ Pros

Innovative blend of AR and LEGO play
Encouraged problem-solving and imagination
Regular content updates (while supported)
Worked both with and without physical sets

❌ Cons

Requires a compatible smartphone or tablet
Discontinued sets and limited app support
Sometimes glitchy or laggy, especially on older devices

Is the LEGO Hidden Side App Still Available?

Yes—but with caveats. Although LEGO has officially retired the Hidden Side theme, the app is still downloadable as of 2025. However, official support has ended, so:

It may not receive further updates
Some devices may not run it optimally
In-app features may eventually stop functioning

Despite this, it remains a fun and nostalgic AR experience, especially if you still have the physical sets.

Why Fans Still Love LEGO Hidden Side

Even though LEGO Hidden Side had a short lifespan, it made a big impact. Fans remember it as:

One of LEGO’s most creative crossovers into tech
A brilliant example of interactive storytelling
A fun gateway into AR for younger audiences

Online communities and collectors still share custom builds, gameplay videos, and hacks for enhancing the app experience.

Final Thoughts: Should You Try the LEGO Hidden Side App?

If you have access to a compatible device and can find a Hidden Side set, it’s absolutely worth a try. It’s not just a game—it’s an immersive adventure that bridges digital and physical play. Even in 2025, the LEGO Hidden Side app remains a standout example of what happens when innovation meets imagination.