League of Legends is not only the largest online game (community wise) in the world, but also one of the best looking. Being free to play is a great perk, but one of the greatest features is being able to represent the champions you love in varying depictions, or “skins”. These can serve to satisfy the user aesthetically, as well as show the opponent the user’s prideful skill with the champion.
Since everyone is biased towards the champions they love, the focus for this list is on not only the HD quality of the visuals, but on how the champion is depicted in relation to the lore and game play (not in any particular order, and only judging by the splash arts). Yes, many of these are the most recent releases, as the quality of skins has definitely increased over the past three years.
Dragonslayer Pantheon
Not much needs to be said for this incredibly brutal depiction of the Artisan of War. Pantheon’s ultimate “Grand Skyfall” is quite a devastating move, and with this skin reveals a set of dragon wings unfurling before he leaps into the air, only to descend on his cowering enemies. The damage dealt and terror struck into the enemies heart is very well captured by this image, and this skin is what the community would call an “insta-buy.”
Night Hunter Rengar
Posed to strike after coming out of invisibility, Rengar is one of the great hunters in the league, stalking and killing his targets with unrelenting savagery. From sinister blue effects resembling his stealth to saliva dripping from his blood thirsty fangs, this skin will most certainly leave the enemy quivering in fear. Whether you are leaping out of the bush to meet farm or foe, both will cower in fear before their bloody demise at the beast that is Night Hunter Rengar.
Debonair Vi
Released along with Debonair Ezreal, this skin is meant to portray the suave and dignified aspects of the champions in the Debonair set. The contrast of smooth textures and Vi’s violent nature give the skin a perfect balance between the worlds of destruction and beauty. Bodyguard your allies, and punch your foes to death with style as Debonair Vi.
Nightblade Irelia
Stepping forward with a frightening confidence, Nightblade Irelia prepares her hiten style of combat with her purple-glowing blades to dispatch any who challenge her. This art was originally released as a skin unique to the Chinese LoL servers, but soon replaced the NA Nightblade skin to the cheers of Irelia fans nationwide. Now she is powerful AND visually stunning (riot pls nerf).
Soulstealer Vladimir
One of the most underplayed champions in the current meta, Vladimir recently had a skin released that is simply terrifying, but great, to behold. The skull shoulder pieces and the fluid, convoluted mess of manipulated blood around him sends chills down the spine. If you have ever seen a late-game Vladimir, you will know it looks just as horrifying as this.
Skins don’t just give us something cool to look at while funding further content production from Riot Games. They give a sense of satisfaction, like being triumphant over your enemies with a badge of familiarity and pride with your champions. Next time you see one of these skins on the ladder, be aware, that player means business.
About the author
