Rarest Fortnite skins have a unique allure that sets them apart from the multitude of options available in the game.
Fortnite is home to an expansive collection of skins that players can accumulate in their lockers, flaunting their achievements on the Battle Royale island.
However, to distinguish yourself from the masses, consider this compilation of the 10 most elusive skins that could make you stand out.
Everyone has a preferred skin in Fortnite, whether it’s an original creation like the banana-human amalgamation Peely, a renowned crossover like The Witcher, or even pop sensation Ariana Grande.
Although the aesthetic appeal and personal connection to a skin are crucial, knowing its rarity and the limited number of players who possess it can add to its allure.
From the inception of the game to the latest Chapter 4 Season 3, let’s dive into the world of the rarest Fortnite skins.
Unveiling the Rarest Fortnite Skins
As of August 2023, the Aerial Assault Trooper skin holds the title for being the rarest Fortnite skins.
This skin, which made its sole appearance during Fortnite’s inaugural season, is likely to be owned only by the most devoted and long-standing players of the game.
The Rarest Fortnite Skins in Item Shop
The original Black Widow outfit takes the crown as the rarest Item Shop skin, having last been available for purchase in May 2019. This marks almost 1,500 days since it graced the Item Shop.
The classic Special Forces skin previously held this distinction, but it made a comeback to the Item Shop in April 2023.
2023’s Top 10 Rarest Fortnite Skins
From the Royale Bomber to the Double Helix, here are the 10 rarest Fortnite skins that you will seldom encounter in your Fortnite matches.
10. The Reaper
Long-time players will undoubtedly recall The Reaper, awarded for reaching Level 100 in the Chapter 1 Season 3 Battle Pass. This skin became a humorous topic within the Fortnite community, as it was evidently inspired by Keanu Reeves’ character, John Wick.
In 2019, Epic Games introduced an official John Wick skin to Fortnite, resulting in two nearly identical skins in the game. However, while the John Wick skin has reappeared in the Item Shop multiple times and is relatively common, The Reaper remains a rarity.
9. Royale Bomber
The Royale Bomber is another skin that is a rare sight in Fortnite. It was initially obtainable as part of a PlayStation 4 x Fortnite bundle in 2018 and later included in a DualShock 4 controller bundle.
While it is still possible to acquire this skin if you search diligently, its high cost and relative unattractiveness compared to other 2023 Fortnite skins make it a less desirable option.
8. Demogorgon
Stranger Things, Netflix’s popular series, was one of the first major crossovers to feature in Fortnite. However, many fans are unaware of its existence, as it has been four years since the Demogorgon and Chief Hopper skins were last available in the Item Shop.
Despite fans’ pleas for the return of Stranger Things skins to Fortnite, the prolonged absence suggests that it is unlikely to happen.
7. Honor Guard
Unfortunately, the Honor Guard skin is only accessible to those who purchased the Honor View 20 smartphone, making it one of the most costly skins in Fortnite’s history.
Although it is still obtainable, the exorbitant price, combined with brand loyalty to companies like Apple and Samsung, renders the Honor Guard one of rarest Fortnite skins. Additionally, it is seldom seen in battle royale matches.
6. Double Helix
The Double Helix skin could only be acquired by purchasing a limited-edition Nintendo Switch x Fortnite bundle, which also included a DLC code for matching cosmetics and 1,000 V-Bucks.
Due to the high cost of the console and the bundle’s unavailability at most retailers, acquiring this skin requires luck in finding a third-party seller and a willingness to pay a premium.
5. Black Knight
The Black Knight skin was exclusively available to players who completed the first-ever Battle Pass in Chapter 1 Season 2 by reaching Level 70. Consequently, only a handful of players possess this skin.
Although the Level 70 requirement is lower than that of current Battle Passes, the player base was significantly smaller in 2017. With four years having passed, encountering this skin in a battle royale match is exceedingly rarest Fortnite skins.
4. Black Widow
Introduced in 2018 during Fortnite’s collaboration with Marvel Avengers: Endgame, the original Black Widow rarest Fortnite skins has been absent from the item store since May 2019.
The only subsequent appearance of Black Widow was in her Snow Suit skin, inspired by one of Scarlett Johansson’s costumes from the Black Widow film. The reason for the original variant’s continued absence remains a mystery.
3. Galaxy
Following the launch of Fortnite for mobile, Samsung Galaxy device users were the first to receive invitations to test the game. This collaboration led to several exclusive cosmetics tied to new Samsung products, but none were more coveted than the Galaxy skin.
This sought-after skin was available only to those who purchased a Samsung Galaxy Note 9 or a Samsung Galaxy Tab S4. However, it was replaced by the Glow skin in 2019, and there is no way to acquire it now.
2. Renegade Raider
While the design of the Renegade Raider may not be as striking as more recent skins, it holds a special place in the hearts of long-time Fortnite players. It was available in the Item Shop during Chapter 1 Season 1, requiring players to reach Level 20 and spend 1,200 V-Bucks.
Sporting this skin in a match signals to others that you have been a part of the battle royale scene since its inception. Normally, this would be enough to secure the top spot on this list, but there is one skin even more elusive.
1. Aerial Assault Trooper
Similar to the Renegade Raider, the Aerial Assault Trooper skin was available in the Item Shop during Chapter 1 Season 1, requiring 1,200 V-Bucks and a Level 15 achievement.
Although the level requirement for the Aerial Assault Trooper was lower, most players opted for the Renegade Raider skin, making it a more recognizable character.
The Aerial Assault Trooper is less well-known and owned by fewer people, solidifying its status as the rarest Fortnite skins.
Rarest Fortnite Skins: Why Does Skin Rarity Matter?
Competitive Advantage or Just Bragging Rights?
Skin rarity doesn’t give any direct competitive advantage in the game, as Fortnite is very clear about providing a level playing field for all its players. All skins are purely cosmetic and do not impact gameplay.
However, having a rare skin does offer indirect advantages, such as psychological intimidation. Seeing a player with a rare skin can sometimes make opponents nervous or overly cautious, potentially leading to mistakes.
Moreover, owning a rarest Fortnite skins is a status symbol, showcasing your dedication, and, in some cases, your investment in the game. It’s a way to stand out in a crowd, and for many players, that’s worth more than anything.
How to Get Rarest Fortnite Skins
The Challenge of Acquiring Rarest Fortnite Skins
Rare skins are, by definition, hard to come by. Some were only available for a short period, others were tied to specific challenges or purchases, and others have simply been retired and are no longer available.
Limited-Time Events
Participating in limited-time events is one way to acquire rare skins. Epic Games often collaborates with other franchises, offering exclusive skins during the event period. For example, the Black Widow skin was released as part of the Fortnite x Avengers: Endgame event.
Rarest Fortnite Skins: Exclusive Bundles
Some rare skins, like the Galaxy skin and the Royale Bomber, were only available through purchasing specific products or bundles. This exclusivity makes these skins incredibly rare, as they were only available for a limited time and required a significant investment.
Battle Pass Achievements
Achieving high levels in the Battle Pass during a specific season can also grant rare skins. The Black Knight skin, for example, was only available to players who reached level 70 in the first-ever Battle Pass.
Rarest Fortnite Skins: Past Seasons and Retired Skins
Unfortunately, some skins, like the Aerial Assault Trooper and the Renegade Raider, are no longer available as they were tied to past seasons of the game. Unless Epic Games decides to re-release them, which seems unlikely, these skins will remain among the rarest in the game.
Conclusion: Rarest Fortnite Skins
The rarity of a Fortnite skin adds to its allure and desirability. While it does not offer any competitive advantage, owning a rarest Fortnite skins is a badge of honor, showcasing your dedication to the game.
Whether it’s participating in limited-time events, purchasing exclusive bundles, or achieving high levels in the Battle Pass, acquiring rare skins is a challenge.
Unfortunately, some skins from past seasons have been retired and are no longer available, making them the most sought-after and envied in the game.
It’s always exciting to see what new skins Epic Games will release next, and whether any of them will become as coveted as the ones listed above. Only time will tell. For now, if you own any of the skins mentioned, wear them with pride, as you are part of an exclusive club in the Fortnite community.