How Rare is Rue in Fortnite?
Rue is undeniably one of the rarest skins in Fortnite, primarily due to its prolonged absence from the Item Shop. Last seen over 1000 days ago, this incredibly rare occurrence makes her a highly sought-after cosmetic among collectors and dedicated players. While it may not have garnered massive attention upon its initial release, Rue’s popularity grew as professional players began incorporating the skin into their matches. This combination of long unavailability and belated recognition has skyrocketed Rue’s perceived rarity, placing her in a tier alongside some of the most exclusive skins in the game. The factors contributing to Rue’s scarcity are not just due to time, but also a controversial past that ultimately led to its removal.
Rue’s Troubled History
Rue’s initial release was in Chapter 2: Season 2 and was part of the Lil’ Red Set. She was available for purchase for 1200 V-Bucks, equivalent to about $9.6 in real dollars. While the price point was standard for a “Rare” skin, the value has increased exponentially due to its disappearance. The skin’s design itself wasn’t inherently controversial, but concerns arose regarding certain aesthetic similarities to Nazi-like mannerisms, which sparked considerable outrage on social media. This issue prompted Epic Games to swiftly remove the outfit from the Item Shop, making it unavailable to new players. The decision to not re-release Rue has been consistent, and her contentious history is a large factor in her current exclusivity.
Why Rue is so Rare
Several elements have merged to make Rue one of the rarest Fortnite skins.
Extended Absence from Item Shop
The primary contributor to her rarity is simply the significant passage of time since she was last available. Over 1000 days is an astonishingly long period for a popular cosmetic to be absent from the Fortnite Item Shop.
Controversy Leading to Removal
The negative social media attention concerning the skin’s alleged resemblance to Nazi imagery forced Epic Games to ban the outfit from future rotation, effectively sealing its fate as an elusive item.
Rising Popularity After Disappearance
Paradoxically, Rue gained significant popularity after its removal. As the skin became increasingly rare, more players started to desire it. Professional Fortnite players and streamers using Rue in their games also added to the hype, further cementing its rarity.
Limited Availability
The combination of a limited initial availability window and subsequent ban from the Item Shop makes it practically impossible for newer players to acquire the skin through normal means.
Rue Skin’s Value
Because official selling or trading of Fortnite accounts, skins, or other in-game content is against Epic Games’ terms of service, there is no established market value for the Rue skin. However, unofficial marketplaces do sometimes appear, attempting to facilitate the sale of these valuable accounts. Trading accounts violates the game’s terms of service and is highly discouraged, as it could result in a ban. The scarcity of the Rue skin does make it a highly coveted item among collectors, which could in theory translate to a very high value in hypothetical transactions, but these types of transactions are illegal within the terms of Fortnite.
How Rare is Rue Compared to Other Skins?
While Rue is extremely rare, it’s still important to examine its position in the context of other rare skins in Fortnite.
Compared to Aerial Assault Trooper
The Aerial Assault Trooper, released in Season 1, is widely considered the rarest skin in Fortnite. This title holds due to the low player count in early seasons and the skin’s accessibility only via purchasing the battle pass and leveling to certain points. Therefore, while Rue is exceedingly rare, it’s not the absolute rarest in Fortnite history.
Compared to Other Event/Battle Pass Skins
Many other skins, such as Renegade Raider and Black Knight, are also incredibly rare due to their limited availability through early Battle Passes or event-based releases. However, Rue stands apart due to its unique circumstances of being removed from rotation entirely.
Compared to Limited-Time Collaboration Skins
Skins like the Travis Scott skin, which were removed due to controversy, are also considered rare. However, the specific reasons for the Rue skin’s ban and the long-term absence of its return give it a unique kind of rarity in the community.
Conclusion
Rue is a rare Fortnite skin due to a complex interplay of time, controversy, and rising player interest. Although it isn’t the absolute rarest in history, its long absence and unique background solidify its place as a highly sought-after cosmetic. Despite the lack of an official resale market, its rarity gives Rue an almost legendary status within the Fortnite community. For now, it remains a testament to how unique circumstances can turn an ordinary item into a highly prized rarity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Rue skin in Fortnite?
The Rue skin is a Rare outfit in Fortnite, part of the Lil’ Red set. It was released in Chapter 2: Season 2 and has not been seen in the Item Shop for over 1000 days.
How much did the Rue skin cost originally?
The Rue skin originally cost 1200 V-Bucks, equivalent to around $9.6 in real-world money.
Why was the Rue skin removed from the Item Shop?
The Rue skin was removed after social media outcry citing the skin’s alleged resemblance to Nazi-like mannerisms.
Can you still get the Rue skin in Fortnite?
No, the Rue skin has not been available for purchase for over 1000 days and is not currently available in the Item Shop. It is unlikely to return.
Is the Rue skin more valuable than other Fortnite skins?
While it’s against the game’s terms of service to sell skins, the rarity of the Rue skin makes it highly coveted and potentially of high theoretical value, among collectors.
Is it legal to buy or sell Fortnite accounts with the Rue skin?
No, selling or buying Fortnite accounts, including those with the Rue skin, is a violation of Epic Games’ terms of service and can result in a ban.
What is the rarest skin in Fortnite?
The Aerial Assault Trooper skin from Season 1 is widely considered the rarest skin in Fortnite due to the very limited number of players with the battle pass at the time.
Is the Rue skin rarer than the Renegade Raider?
The Renegade Raider is also an extremely rare skin due to its limited-time availability, but Rue’s forced removal from the Item Shop and subsequent absence gives it a unique kind of rarity.
Is the Galaxy skin rare?
Yes, the Galaxy skin is considered rare because it was only available through a promotion with Samsung devices.
How long has Rue been out of the Item Shop?
Rue has been out of the Item Shop for over 1000 days, making it exceptionally rare.
Is the Travis Scott skin rare?
Yes, the Travis Scott skin is also considered rare after its removal from the game due to controversy.
Is the Black Knight skin rare?
The Black Knight skin is rare as it was only available to those who reached Level 70 of the Season 2 Battle Pass.
What is the Lil’ Red Set?
The Lil’ Red Set is a cosmetic set in Fortnite that includes the Rue skin.
Did any Fortnite pros use the Rue skin?
Yes, several professional players began using the Rue skin, which increased its popularity and made it more sought after.
Is Rue banned in Fortnite?
The Rue skin is not “banned” in the sense that it can’t be used by those who already have it. It was, however, pulled from the Item Shop and therefore made unavailable to new players due to the controversy regarding its design.