Is Renegade Raider the Rarest Fortnite Skin? A Deep Dive into Rarity
The short answer? No, the Renegade Raider is not the rarest skin in Fortnite. While it’s often touted as a symbol of OG status and definitely commands respect within the community, it’s important to understand the nuances of Fortnite skin rarity. The title of “rarest” actually belongs to another skin: Aerial Assault Trooper. However, the Renegade Raider’s history and limited availability contribute to its considerable value and prestige among players.
The Mythos of Renegade Raider
The Renegade Raider debuted in Fortnite Chapter 1 Season 1, and could be purchased from the Season Shop after a player reached Level 20. This skin became a badge of honor because only players who were actively engaged in the game so early on could acquire it. The fact that it was not available after Season 1 cemented its place as a sought-after cosmetic. It even received a Checkered style update in Patch 8.10, further solidifying its iconic look. While it hasn’t been seen in the Item Shop for over 1197 days, this does not translate to it being the outright rarest, although its exclusivity makes it exceptionally valuable. The fact that it was available for purchase, and not solely a reward for an event or promotion, drops its value as the rarest of the skins.
Why Aerial Assault Trooper Takes the Crown
The Aerial Assault Trooper also hails from Chapter 1 Season 1, but its acquisition was different than the Renegade Raider. This skin was only obtainable after reaching level 15 in the Battle Pass. Unlike the Renegade Raider, it wasn’t purchased using V-Bucks. This makes it rarer, as it required both dedication to gameplay to achieve level 15 and that commitment early in the game’s lifespan. This skin, therefore, holds the title of being the rarest, a status confirmed by many sources within the Fortnite community.
The Shifting Sands of Fortnite Skin Rarity
It is essential to note that defining “rarest” is complex. Several factors contribute to a skin’s perceived rarity, including:
- Availability: Skins that were available for a limited time, such as those tied to specific seasons, promotions, or events, tend to be rarer.
- Acquisition Method: Skins requiring specific accomplishments, like achieving a certain level or participating in a difficult challenge, usually gain greater rarity than those purchased from the Item Shop.
- Controversy: Sometimes, skins are removed due to controversy, like the Travis Scott skin, leading to increased scarcity and desirability.
Rarity is further influenced by community perception. A skin that the player base considers “OG” or nostalgic, like Black Knight or Dark Voyager, tends to carry more weight than newer, harder-to-get cosmetics.
Rarity vs. Desirability
While a skin like Aerial Assault Trooper might be the absolute rarest, a skin like the Renegade Raider has become more desirable and marketable. Many consider it a more iconic symbol of early Fortnite, leading it to hold a legendary status even if other skins may be technically rarer. Further enhancing its desirability is the fact that the Renegade Raider has seen a resurgence in popularity, with players seeking out “OG” skins. The fact that it could potentially return makes it a more talked-about commodity than the Aerial Assault Trooper, which is unlikely to ever resurface in the Item Shop.
Exploring Other Rare Fortnite Skins
Beyond these two, many other rare and sought-after skins exist, adding layers of depth to the Fortnite cosmetic landscape:
The Black Knight
First added in Season 2 of Chapter 1, the Black Knight is a legendary skin from the Fort Knights set. Its association with earlier seasons and the now retired battle pass system has made it a highly sought-after cosmetic.
The Red Knight
Another popular classic, the Red Knight, has been out of the Item Shop since February, further increasing its rarity.
The Galaxy Skin
Originally a promotion exclusive to Samsung devices, the Galaxy skin became notoriously rare, selling for large sums in the black market, sometimes as high as $7000. Epic Games cracked down on this, further contributing to its rarity.
The Reaper (John Wick)
The Reaper, and the official John Wick skin itself, are also considered rare due to limited availability.
Other Rare Exclusives
Skins like Black Widow, Royale Bomber, Honor Guard, Double Helix, and Demogorgon are also considered rare due to their method of acquisition (limited availability or specific event).
The Influence of Time
Skins that were available in the earlier seasons of Fortnite inherently have a unique place in the game’s history. This is why the Dark Voyager and other skins from early seasons still hold such high regard. It means these players have been committed since the beginning.
The Renegade Family
It is also important to note other Renegade variants, like Blaze Renegade Raider and Renegade Shadow. While these skins are linked to the original, they are different and not as rare as the original Renegade Raider. The Renegade emote is a relatively common item and is not rare.
Why the Controversy?
The debate about rarity and the value of skins highlights the player-driven economy of Fortnite. Some players are willing to pay large sums for rare cosmetics, while others simply enjoy the collection aspect. The sale of accounts containing these skins is against the Terms of Service for Fortnite, and can lead to the account being banned. While this practice exists, it is not considered legal.
The Future of Rarity
With each new season, new skins are introduced, and the status of rarity shifts. While the Renegade Raider may not be the absolute rarest, it will always hold a spot as one of the most coveted cosmetics in Fortnite, a testament to its history and iconic status. Similarly, the Aerial Assault Trooper is a constant reference point for those seeking the rarest of the rare in Fortnite.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Will the Renegade Raider ever come back to Fortnite?
While there’s no official confirmation, there’s always the possibility that the Renegade Raider could return in a future update. Unlike some completely exclusive skins, it was available for purchase, making a return theoretically possible. This speculation drives the skin’s popularity and value.
2. What is the Checkered Style of the Renegade Raider?
The Checkered style is a cosmetic variant of the original Renegade Raider skin, added in Patch 8.10. It gives the skin a distinct black-and-white checkered pattern, further enhancing its unique look.
3. How long has it been since the Renegade Raider was last in the Item Shop?
The Renegade Raider was last available in the Item Shop over 1197 days ago, based on data within this article.
4. How rare is the Travis Scott skin?
The Travis Scott skin is considered rare due to its removal from the game following controversy. This limited availability contributes to its high desirability among collectors.
5. How rare is the Black Knight skin?
The Black Knight is a legendary skin from Chapter 1 Season 2. Its status as a battle pass exclusive and association with early Fortnite seasons makes it very rare.
6. How rare is the Red Knight skin?
The Red Knight is another extremely rare skin, out of the Item Shop for a considerable amount of time. This unavailability contributes to its value and desirability.
7. How rare is the Dark Voyager skin?
The Dark Voyager is a rare skin that is recognized as a true OG skin due to its appearance in the first chapter, making it a testament to a player’s experience with the game.
8. How much is the Galaxy Skin worth?
The Galaxy skin was once sold on the black market for prices as high as $7000 due to its limited availability. It remains one of the most exclusive skins in Fortnite.
9. How rare is the John Wick skin?
Both the Reaper (John Wick) and the official John Wick skin are considered rare due to their limited time releases.
10. How rare are other exclusive skins like Black Widow and Double Helix?
These skins are rare because they were tied to exclusive events or purchases, making them sought-after collectibles.
11. Is the Blaze Renegade Raider skin rare?
While related to the original Renegade Raider, the Blaze Renegade Raider is different. It is not considered as rare as the original Renegade Raider skin.
12. Is the Renegade emote rare?
The Renegade emote is not considered rare, and was purchasable from the store for V-Bucks.
13. Is the Renegade Shadow skin rare?
The Renegade Shadow skin, while an Epic rarity, is not as rare as the original Renegade Raider.
14. Is selling Fortnite accounts illegal?
According to Fortnite’s ToS, selling accounts is against the terms of service and can lead to account bans. While not “illegal” in a criminal sense, it is not permitted by Epic Games.
15. What is the Dark Skully skin and how rare is it?
The Dark Skully skin was released as part of a bundle. Its high price point, nearly $300, makes it incredibly rare.