The Top Ten Rarest Fortnite Skins of All Time

If you're a gamer, Fortnite by Epic Games needs no introduction. With over 350 million registered players around the globe, the game has become a cultural phenomenon, surpassing traditional gaming to become a thriving digital universe.

Central to the game’s success and its appeal to players is the concept of “skins.” Customizable character appearances have gradually morphed Fortnite from merely a Battle Royale game into an immersive world where aesthetics and individuality matter.

In Fortnite, skins are more than just cosmetic upgrades. They’re an extension of a player’s persona, a reflection of their style, and an item of in-game status. Skins are custom appearances or outfits for your virtual avatar, enabling you to flaunt your style and achievements in this highly competitive online game.

While battling other players or flaunting their slick dance moves after a win, wearing rare skins command admiration and fit of envy. Given this fervor, exploring the rarest Fortnite skins is like opening a treasure chest exploding with dazzling jewels.

Since the first Fortnite season and through a continuous influx of unique skins over the years, Fortnite's developers have created a blend of rarity, appeal, and historical significance in their cosmetic world. The rarest of Fortnite skins are those whispered in hushed tones in the gamer community, revered for their scarcity, and coveted for their unique designs.

In the intriguing universe of Fortnite, rarity isn't solely confined to weapons or battle-earned equipment. It also refers to the zealously sought-after skins. 

But what exactly determines the rarity of Fortnite skins, and why are they so precious? Don your gaming helmet as we unravel this enigma.

One of the critical parameters determining a skin’s rarity is its availability in the Item Shop. Certain skins in Fortnite, such as the Special Forces skin, have disappeared from the shop for over a thousand days, making them some of the most treasured items in the game. Much like a classic car, these skins grow scarcer and more coveted over time.

Ever experienced remorse for overlooking a seemingly overpriced item only for it to skyrocket in value? Welcome to the Fortnite skins market. Some rare skin bundles like the 'Rex' and the 'Vertex' initially had head-scratching price tags. However, as the months rolled by, they transformed into rare, highly valued assets in the Fortnite community.

Some Fortnite skins came into existence as Rare. Meet the very exclusive Double Helix and Galaxy skins, available only to players who checked certain boxes. For instance, the Double Helix rewarded players owning the Honor Guard, while Galaxy was exclusive to Samsung Galaxy device owners. These criteria breed exclusivity, which contributes significantly to a skin’s rarity and overall value.

In Fortnite, in-game rarity levels and corresponding price tags play crucial roles in determining skin rarity. Higher-level skins like those bearing Legendary status are usually pricier, translating to increased rarity. Occasionally, some skins sport higher prices than their rarity level implies, adding another dimension to their long-term rarity.

Some rare Fortnite items distributed as free rewards during specific Fortnite events are no longer available. Prime examples include the Hot Marat emote, the Rust Bucket back bling, and the Snowflake glider. Event-exclusive skins piqued interest and quickly gained the golden tag of rarity due to their limited supply and irreplaceable nature.

Let’s break down the rarest Fortnite skins, such as the Black Knight and Renegade Raider, highlighting their limited availability, significance in the game's history, and their status as treasured symbols of accomplishment and prestige for players.

• Release Date: December 14, 2017
• Price: Earned by reaching Tier 70 in Season 2 Battle Pass
• Rarity: Legendary

The Black Knight skin in Fortnite is a prestigious memento of the game’s early days. Released during Season 2 in 2017, the skin shows players’ dedication to reaching Tier 70 in the Battle Pass. Draped in dark, intimidating armor with the iconic Black Shield back bling, it stands as one of Fortnite's rarest skins.

Its brief availability and substantial progression requirement have elevated it to an iconic status symbol within the Fortnite community. It’s a rare Fortnite relic, a true artifact of micro-transaction history that’ll be studied by econ undergrads for ages.

• Release Date: October 10, 2017
• Price: 1,200 V-Bucks via Season 1 Level 20
• Rarity: Rare

Achieving near-mythical status in Fortnite's community, the Season 1 exclusive Renegade Raider skin symbolizes veteran status and in-game expertise. Commanding respect and high prices in the online marketplace, its rarity boosts its value and dictates trading dynamics.

As a sought-after trade item, it’s considered both an investment and a badge of honor. This skin is among rare items that have stimulated the game's market since being introduced. 

The Renegade Raider skin is a piece of Fortnite history that shows the dedication of players who wear it. It also exemplifies the rising importance of virtual goods in video games.

• Release Date: April 25, 2019
• Price: 1,500 V-Bucks
• Rarity: Epic

The Black Widow skin in Fortnite signifies a pivotal collaboration between Epic Games and Marvel. This Epic rarity skin, available for 1,500 V-Bucks, has only surfaced six times in the Item Shop, which has increased its desirability among players.

It carefully mirrors Marvel's Black Widow, offering Red and Blonde hairstyles, and includes Widow's Pack back bling and Widow's Bite Pickaxe. Aside from its visual appeal, players who wear this rare skin prove their Fortnite veteran status. 

As the first Marvel skin, it shows how Fortnite evolved to forge partnerships with brands and franchises that build hype and demand for in-game merchandise.

• Release Date: November 6, 2017
• Price: 1,200 V-Bucks via Season 1 Level 15
• Rarity: Rare

Introduced in Fortnite's debut season, the Aerial Assault Trooper skin boasts a military-themed design reserved for those who reached level 15 in the Season Shop. Its dark green camouflage suit, black paratrooper helmet with orange decals, and brown scarf set players apart on the battleground.

The outfit is based on the Legendary Commando Spitfire model. Arguably the rarest skin in Fortnite, the Aerial Assault Trooper's exclusivity makes it a highly-desired prestige symbol within the Fortnite community. It helped establish the secondary market where players pay top dollar for iconic in-game items.

• Release Date: July 5, 2019
• Price: 1,200 V-Bucks
• Rarity: Rare

Introduced in Season 9, Fortnite's Demogorgon skin from the Stranger Things Set quickly gained popularity. Priced at 1,200 V-Bucks, this rare outfit has been absent from the Item Shop since first released, making it desirable among dedicated fans.

The skin's uniqueness and its reference to the monster from the hit Netflix series attracted countless fans, thereby widening Fortnite's player base. This successful crossover created a buzz in the community, with the skin becoming a prized collectible.

Its rarity and connection to Stranger Things have made the Demogorgon skin a landmark item in Fortnite. It also broadened the Fortnite fanbase by generating anticipation for future cameos of fan-favorite film, TV, and video game characters. Who Epic Games will introduce next is anyone’s guess.

• Release Date: February 22, 2018
• Price: Earned by reaching Tier 100 in Season 3 Battle Pass
• Rarity: Legendary

The Reaper, a legendary skin from Fortnite's Season 3, has a historical significance in the gaming community that is as dark and mysterious as the skin itself. Seemingly plucked right out of a John Wick movie, this skin became the talk of the town for its striking resemblance to Keanu Reeves's iconic character.

With its sleek, all-black ensemble, this skin was an instant hit among players. It was a symbol of prestige—an emblem of grit, determination, and gaming finesse. After all, you had to reach Tier 100 in the Battle Pass to don this look, which is no easy feat. As a result, The Reaper is significantly rarer than the official John Wick skin.

The Reaper quickly became a status symbol within Fortnite. For players, it's proof of who had conquered Season 3—and who shouldn't to be messed with. A player spotted wearing The Reaper skin could instantly send chills down the spines of opponents, inducing an eerie respect for the avatar cloaked in the outfit of a notorious movie hitman.

On the flip side, it also sparked a wave of envy among those who couldn’t bag the skin due to its scarcity and exclusivity, causing a mild rift in the community. But love it or hate it, there's no denying that The Reaper left an unforgettable impression on the Fortnite scene.

• Release Date: July 27, 2018
• Price: Must own a Samsung Galaxy Note 9 or Galaxy Tab S4
• Rarity: Epic

The Galaxy Fortnite skin is a cosmic wonder that's got the Fortnite community starry-eyed. Released in July 2018 during Chapter 1 Season 5 Patch 4.5-CU, the Galaxy skin was a celestial gift to players who had bought a Samsung Galaxy Note 9 or Galaxy Tab S4.

Its uniqueness lies in its stellar design—a cosmic texture, glowing eyes, silver hair, and an overall starry galaxy look, coupled with orbiting glowing orbs. This Epic skin is like having the constellations at your fingertips.

However, the Galaxy skin's exclusivity resulted in it becoming one of the rarest skins in the Fortnite universe. It cannot be purchased or obtained from a friend's code, and Epic Games even cracked down on shifty players trying to log in through demo devices at Samsung stores.

• Release Date: October 5, 2018
• Price: Must own Nintendo Switch Double Helix Bundle
• Rarity: Epic

The Double Helix Fortnite skin isn't just about arming yourself in style and adding a splash of color to your video game shenanigans. There's a richer narrative behind it. 

Introduced in Fortnite Chapter 1 Season 6, this little marvel is a rare find. Only available through the Nintendo Switch Double Helix Bundle, owning one is like finding a unicorn in a field of horses. Who wouldn't want to strut around in the Fortnite map boasting such prestige?

The Double Helix is the epitome of futuristic elegance. Decked in black with neon red accents, it radiates an air of high-tech sophistication. And let's not forget about the adorning accessories—the suave Telemetry back bling, the efficient Rotor Glider, and the sharp Pinpoint Harvesting tool.

Unsurprisingly, having this skin is a sign of honor in the Fortnite community. Scarcity adds to its allure, elevating it to mystical status in the game. So, whether you're battling or showing it off to your pals, this skin puts you on the Fortnite map.

• Release Date: February 25, 2019
• Price: Must own Honor View 20
• Rarity: Epic

The Honor Guard Fortnite skin is an Epic Outfit that's stirred up excitement in the Fortnite world. Introduced in 2019, it was a partnership between Fortnite and the smartphone brand Honor, specifically tied to the Honor View 20. Its exclusivity—i.e., only those purchasing the $650 smartphone could access the iconic skin—contributed to its considerable novelty and rarity.

A neat twist on the Overtaker skin, its limited availability made the in-game aesthetic a sought-after badge of honor. The move sparked plenty of debate, demonstrating how cosmetic items could elevate player engagement, and even instigate discussions about fairness and brand loyalty within the Fortnite community.

• Release Date: July 20, 2018
• Price: Must own Sony PlayStation 4 Fortnite Bundle
• Rarity: Epic

Introduced in Fortnite Season 4, the Royale Bomber skin quickly became the talk of the town. It boasts an Epic rarity, and boy, did it live up to that tag. Obtained by redeeming a code included with promotional PlayStation 4 consoles and DualShock 4 controllers, it was not your run-of-the-mill skin—it was a holy grail.

With the Royale Bomber skin, players basked in the glow of envy fuelled by its scarcity. The rarity stirred the in-game economy and made its owners Fortnite royalty. This exclusive skin, mysterious and elusive, left an indelible mark on the Fortnite community.

Without a doubt, Fortnite’s popularity makes it a digital goldmine. While the game is free, players can purchase stylish virtual outfits and accessories for their characters, turning vanity into Epic Games’ cash cow. Fortnite’s accessibility, powerful marketing, and bustling in-game economy mark a death sentence for mom’s credit card.

The game raked in $5.8 billion in 2021, despite an Apple dispute that ousted it from the iOS App Store. With over 400 million players worldwide, and 83 million grooving in the virtual battlefield monthly, Fortnite is practically a mint printing its own currency.

However, remember this economic boomtown is Epic Games' windfall, not yours—unless you’re a top-tier eSports player or a smart content creator riding Fortnite's wave. So pick up that controller, but don’t forget to pick up a solid financial plan first.