Fortnite’s ever-expanding universe is renowned not only for its fast-paced gameplay but also for its dazzling array of cosmetic skins. While many are widely accessible, a select few have achieved legendary status due to their extreme rarity, exclusivity, and the stories behind them. As of 2025, these rare skins are coveted trophies, symbolizing a player’s longevity, dedication, or luck. Let’s explore what makes a Fortnite skin rare, highlight the most elusive outfits, and discuss whether there’s any hope of adding them to your locker today.
What Makes a Skin Rare in Fortnite?
Several factors contribute to a skin’s rarity:
- Limited-Time Availability: Skins released for a short period, often tied to early seasons, holidays, or special events.
- Battle Pass Exclusivity: Skins only available by reaching certain tiers in past Battle Passes; once the season ends, they’re gone for good.
- Promotional Tie-ins: Cosmetics tied to purchasing specific products (like phones or consoles) or attending events.
- Vaulted Skins: Items that haven’t returned to the Item Shop for years.
- Low Ownership: Some skins were overlooked or too expensive, resulting in very few players acquiring them.
These factors combine to make certain skins the ultimate status symbols in the Fortnite community.
The Rarest Fortnite Skins
1. Renegade Raider
- Release: Season 1 (2017)
- How to Get: Reach Level 20 in Season 1 and purchase for 1,200 V-Bucks from the Season Shop.
- Current Status: Unavailable
Renegade Raider is often cited as the holy grail of Fortnite skins. Its high level requirement and the game’s small player base at the time mean very few players own it. Epic Games has never re-released it, making it a true badge of OG status. More on Renegade Raider
2. Aerial Assault Trooper
- Release: Season 1 (2017)
- How to Get: Reach Level 15 in Season 1 and purchase for 1,200 V-Bucks from the Season Shop.
- Current Status: Unavailable
Even rarer than Renegade Raider, Aerial Assault Trooper was less popular at the time, so even fewer players bought it. Like Renegade Raider, it has never returned.
3. Black Knight
- Release: Season 2 Battle Pass (Tier 70)
- How to Get: Reach Tier 70 in the Season 2 Battle Pass.
- Current Status: Unavailable
Black Knight is a symbol of Fortnite’s earliest competitive days. Only those who played and completed the Season 2 Battle Pass own this skin. Epic Games has stated that old Battle Pass items won’t be re-released.
“Owning a Black Knight skin is like owning a piece of Fortnite history. It immediately tells other players you’ve been around since the early days.” — A long-time Fortnite enthusiast
4. The Reaper (“John Wick”)
- Release: Season 3 Battle Pass (Tier 100)
- How to Get: Reach Tier 100 in the Season 3 Battle Pass.
- Current Status: Unavailable
Known as the “original John Wick,” The Reaper was the ultimate reward for dedicated players in Season 3. Since Battle Pass skins never return, this one is locked to those who played in early 2018.
5. Galaxy
- Release: Samsung Galaxy Promotion (2018)
- How to Get: Purchase a Samsung Galaxy Note 9 or Tab S4 and install Fortnite.
- Current Status: Unavailable
The Galaxy skin was part of a Samsung promotion and is one of the most visually striking and rarest skins. The promotion ended in 2019, and the skin has never been available since.
6. Honor Guard
- Release: Honor View 20 Promotion (2019)
- How to Get: Purchase an Honor View 20 smartphone.
- Current Status: Unavailable
Similar to the Galaxy skin, Honor Guard was tied to a specific device purchase, making it extremely rare.
7. Double Helix
- Release: Nintendo Switch Bundle (2018)
- How to Get: Purchase the special edition Nintendo Switch Fortnite bundle.
- Current Status: Unavailable
This skin was only available through a limited-edition hardware bundle, making it a collector’s item.
8. Travis Scott
- Release: April 2020 (Astronomical Event)
- How to Get: Purchase during the Astronomical event.
- Current Status: Rarely returns
While not as old as others, the Travis Scott skin is highly sought after due to its association with the Astronomical event, and it has only returned to the shop a handful of times.
9. World Warrior
- Release: Fortnite World Cup (2019)
- How to Get: Purchase during the World Cup event.
- Current Status: Never to return
Available only during the 2019 Fortnite World Cup, this skin was in the Item Shop for just three days and was explicitly stated by Epic to never return.
Table: Rarest Skins and Their Availability
| Skin Name | How to Get | Current Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Renegade Raider | Season 1 Shop | Unavailable |
| Aerial Assault Trooper | Season 1 Shop | Unavailable |
| Black Knight | Season 2 Battle Pass (Tier 70) | Unavailable |
| The Reaper | Season 3 Battle Pass (Tier 100) | Unavailable |
| Galaxy | Samsung Promotion | Unavailable |
| Honor Guard | Honor View 20 Promotion | Unavailable |
| Double Helix | Nintendo Switch Bundle | Unavailable |
| Travis Scott | Astronomical Event | Rarely returns |
| World Warrior | World Cup Event | Never to return |
Can You Still Get These Skins?
For most of the skins listed above, the answer is no. Epic Games has a strict policy of not re-releasing Battle Pass skins or promotional exclusives. Here are some tips for collectors:
- Monitor the Item Shop: Some rare skins (like Travis Scott) occasionally return, though it’s unpredictable. Use tools like FNBR.co to track Item Shop history.
- Watch for New Promotions: Epic sometimes partners with brands for new exclusive skins.
- Participate in Events: Limited-time events often introduce exclusive cosmetics. Don’t miss out on seasonal challenges or collaborations.
- Avoid Scams: Never trust third-party sellers or “account trading” sites. These are against Epic’s Terms of Service and can result in a permanent ban.
Why Do Players Care About Rare Skins?
Rare skins aren’t just about aesthetics; they’re a status symbol in the Fortnite community. Owning a skin like Renegade Raider or Black Knight shows you’ve been around since the game’s early days or participated in exclusive events. As one Reddit user put it:
“It’s not just about looking cool—it’s about the story behind the skin. When I see someone with Black Knight, I know they grinded Season 2 like I did. It’s nostalgia.” – u/FortniteOGFan
The Future of Rare Cosmetics
Epic’s approach to exclusivity has evolved. While early cosmetics remain locked away, the company now typically offers:
- More return opportunities for Item Shop skins
- Battle Pass items that can sometimes be unlocked after their season ends (through special quests)
- Crew Pack items that occasionally return for subscribers
Still, the rarest skins—especially those from early seasons or unique promotions—are likely to remain exclusive, preserving their legendary status.
Final Thoughts
Owning one of Fortnite’s rarest skins is a mark of dedication, luck, or being in the right place at the right time. While most of these cosmetics are now unobtainable, Epic Games continues to release new and exciting skins, so there’s always something to look forward to. If you’re a collector, focus on enjoying the game and participating in new events—you never know which skin will become the next legend!
For more on keeping your skin healthy in real life, check out effective ways to prevent sunburn and protect your skin or the best vitamins for healthy and glowing skin.
Happy gaming, and may your locker one day hold a piece of Fortnite history!