The Rarest Item in Fortnite: The Story Behind the Aerial Assault Trooper
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
The rarest item in Fortnite, debatably, is the Aerial Assault Trooper skin. This Season 1 skin was available in the Item Shop, but only purchasable by players who had reached level 15 on their accounts. This requirement, coupled with the game’s relatively small player base at the time, made it extremely difficult for many to acquire. It’s the skin’s limited availability and the high level requirement that cemented its legendary status among veteran players and collectors.
Why the Aerial Assault Trooper Reigns Supreme
The Aerial Assault Trooper’s rarity isn’t just about initial difficulty to obtain; it’s about the confluence of several factors:
-
Season 1 Exclusivity: Fortnite’s early days were a vastly different landscape. The game was still finding its footing, and the player base was significantly smaller compared to the millions who would eventually flock to the island. Anything from Season 1 carries an inherent badge of honor and scarcity.
-
Level 15 Requirement: Reaching level 15 back then wasn’t a walk in the park. Experience gain was slower, the Battle Pass didn’t exist yet (so no extra XP boosts), and players were still figuring out the game’s mechanics. This high bar significantly restricted the number of players eligible to purchase the skin.
-
Item Shop Rotation: Unlike the Battle Pass skins, which were guaranteed for dedicated players, the Aerial Assault Trooper was only available in the Item Shop for a limited time. If you missed it, you missed it. There was no guarantee it would ever return (and it hasn’t!).
-
No Pay-to-Win Route: While V-Bucks could be purchased, there was no way to circumvent the level requirement. You had to put in the time and effort to earn your stripes (or, in this case, your olive drab uniform).
While other items might be rare due to glitches, unintended removals, or short-lived availability, the Aerial Assault Trooper’s rarity is tied to a conscious design decision by Epic Games and the game’s nascent stage. It’s a tangible symbol of dedication from the OG days of Fortnite.
Counterarguments and Considerations
It’s important to acknowledge that some argue for other items being rarer. For example, the Black Knight from the Season 2 Battle Pass has a similar degree of prestige and requires a considerable time investment for that season. Similarly, certain glitched or accidentally released items do exist. However, these situations often lead to swift patching and removal, leading to a different type of rarity tied to a specific moment in the game’s history rather than a deliberate in-game challenge.
The Aerial Assault Trooper’s controlled scarcity, requiring both time commitment and awareness during the game’s early life, gives it a unique position in the hierarchy of Fortnite rarity. While personal opinions might differ, the overall consensus within the community still favors the Aerial Assault Trooper as the top contender for the title of “rarest item.”
Related Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What other Fortnite skins are considered rare?
Other highly sought-after and rare Fortnite skins include:
- Renegade Raider: Another Season 1 skin with a similar level requirement to the Aerial Assault Trooper.
- Black Knight: Reaching Tier 70 in the Season 2 Battle Pass.
- Galaxy Skin: Exclusive to owners of specific Samsung devices.
- Double Helix: Exclusive to owners of the Nintendo Switch Fortnite bundle.
- Ikonik: Exclusive to owners of the Samsung Galaxy S10.
- Ghoul Trooper (Original): Released during the Halloween 2017 event; the re-release significantly reduced its rarity.
- Skull Trooper (Original): Released during the Halloween 2017 event; the re-release significantly reduced its rarity.
Will the Aerial Assault Trooper ever return to the Item Shop?
Epic Games has a history of occasionally bringing back older skins, but the Aerial Assault Trooper has never been re-released. Many players believe that its status as a symbol of Fortnite’s early days makes it unlikely to ever return, preserving its rarity.
Is the Renegade Raider rarer than the Aerial Assault Trooper?
This is a hotly debated topic. Both skins were from Season 1 and required reaching a certain level to purchase. Many argue that the Aerial Assault Trooper is slightly rarer due to its simpler design, making it less appealing at the time and leading fewer players to buy it. Others claim the Renegade Raider is rarer due to its higher price in the shop.
How much is an Aerial Assault Trooper account worth?
Selling or buying Fortnite accounts is against Epic Games’ terms of service. However, accounts with the Aerial Assault Trooper skin can fetch incredibly high prices on the black market, often thousands of dollars. This practice is discouraged and carries the risk of account banning.
What is “OG” in the context of Fortnite?
“OG” stands for “Original Gangster” and refers to players who have been playing Fortnite since its early seasons, particularly Season 1 and 2. OG players often have rare skins and items that are no longer available.
How does the Battle Pass affect skin rarity?
The Battle Pass introduced a system where players could earn exclusive skins by leveling up during a specific season. These skins are only available during that season, making them rare once the season ends. However, Battle Pass skins are generally less rare than Item Shop skins like the Aerial Assault Trooper because dedicated players can obtain them without relying on limited availability or luck.
What is skin rarity based on in Fortnite?
Skin rarity is typically based on a combination of factors, including:
- Availability: How long the skin was available in the Item Shop or Battle Pass.
- Unlock Requirements: Whether the skin required a specific level, purchase, or challenge to unlock.
- Exclusivity: Whether the skin was tied to a specific event, promotion, or device.
- Demand: How popular the skin is among players.
Are there any items rarer than the Aerial Assault Trooper due to glitches?
There have been instances of glitched or unintentionally released items, like the Pink Ghoul Trooper that was briefly available due to a bug. While these are incredibly rare, their accidental nature makes them different from the intentional scarcity of the Aerial Assault Trooper. The community perception also differs, as glitches aren’t seen as representative of a “earned” rarity.
Why are old Fortnite accounts so valuable?
Old Fortnite accounts are valuable primarily due to the presence of rare and exclusive skins and items that are no longer available in the game. Collectors and fans are willing to pay high prices for these accounts to obtain these coveted cosmetics.
What other factors contribute to an item’s rarity?
Aside from availability and unlock requirements, factors like aesthetic appeal, community perception, and the overall history of the item can contribute to its rarity and desirability. A skin that is both rare and visually appealing will often be more sought after than a skin that is only rare.
Is the Special Forces skin rare?
While the Special Forces skin from early seasons is considered relatively rare, it doesn’t reach the same level of scarcity as the Aerial Assault Trooper or Renegade Raider. It was available in the Item Shop for a longer period and didn’t require as high of a level to purchase, making it more accessible to players at the time.
Has Epic Games ever commented on skin rarity?
Epic Games rarely comments directly on the specific rarity of individual skins. They primarily focus on maintaining the integrity of the Item Shop and ensuring a fair experience for all players. Their silence adds to the mystique and legend surrounding rare items.
How can I identify a true “OG” Fortnite player?
Identifying a true OG player can be difficult as many players try to appear as OGs. However, owning rare skins like the Aerial Assault Trooper or Renegade Raider is a strong indicator. Other telltale signs include older loading screens, banners, and emotes from Season 1 and 2. The best way is to view their account details.
Are re-released skins still considered rare?
Skins that have been re-released, like the Ghoul Trooper and Skull Trooper, are generally considered less rare than their original counterparts. While the re-released versions might have slight variations, the fact that they were available again significantly decreased their scarcity and value.
What is the future of skin rarity in Fortnite?
As Fortnite continues to evolve, the concept of skin rarity will likely remain a significant aspect of the game’s culture. Epic Games may introduce new ways to create rare and exclusive items, but the legacy of the Season 1 and 2 skins will likely never be surpassed. These skins represent a unique period in Fortnite’s history and will always hold a special place in the hearts of OG players.