Ever been mid-match and spotted a player rocking a Fortnite skin so rare it made you pause and think, “Wait, what was THAT?” Yeah, we’ve all had that moment. With Fortnite’s wardrobe exceeding 1,000 skins, it’s no surprise some of them have become the stuff of legend. While not everyone cares about rarity, sporting one of these hard-to-find skins is an easy way to flex your veteran status or collector’s edge.
Whether you’re hunting for your holy grail skin or just curious about the rarest of the rare, buckle up – we’re diving into 25 of the rarest Fortnite skins, why they’re so elusive, and how (if at all) you can get your hands on them.
1. Aerial Assault Trooper
How to get it: You can’t. It was only available in Chapter 1, Season 1 after reaching level 15 and buying it for 1,200 V-Bucks.
This skin wasn’t flashy – just a rugged, militaristic look with tactical goggles – but it’s the holy grail of rarity. Most early players went with Renegade Raider instead, making this one absurdly rare.
2. Renegade Raider
How to get it: Also unavailable. It required reaching level 20 and purchasing during Chapter 1, Season 1.
Rocking a bandana and eye mask, this OG skin screams “day-one player.” It’s one of the earliest and most iconic looks in Fortnite history.
3. Honor Guard
How to get it: Buy a time machine. It came with the 2018 Honor View 20 smartphone.
With its slick blue armor, this skin was a reward for purchasing a phone that never really took off – making the skin all the rarer.
4. Double Helix
How to get it: Gone with the wind (or the discontinued Nintendo Switch Fortnite bundle).
This black-and-red stunner came with a limited edition Switch bundle in 2018 and hasn’t returned since.
5. Galaxy
How to get it: Buy a Samsung Galaxy Note 9 in 2018. Oh, wait…
The Galaxy skin was part of Samsung’s high-end promo. Few could justify the phone’s price tag just for the skin, so it’s become a purple-hued symbol of luxury.
6. Black Knight
How to get it: Reach level 70 in the Chapter 1, Season 2 Battle Pass.
Wearing this knight in black armor is the closest thing Fortnite has to armor of honor. It’s been locked away in Fortnite’s early history.
7. Royale Bomber
How to get it: Exclusive to a discontinued PS4/controller bundle.
A rare military-blue skin only available via limited physical bundles. That scarcity turned it into a collector’s dream.
8. Reflex
How to get it: Originally from a GeForce promo, then mistakenly released in the shop before being pulled.
Thanks to its accidental appearance and Epic’s swift correction, this skin became an unexpected rarity.
9. World Warrior
How to get it: It was purchasable during Fortnite’s 2019 World Cup – for one weekend.
Blink and you missed it. A celebratory skin turned short-term exclusive.
10. Shaman
How to get it: Last seen in the Item Shop over 5 years ago.
Inspired by shamanic culture, this skin is cloaked in mystery – both in design and its long-term disappearance.
11. Travis Scott
How to get it: Available during his 2020 in-game concert; hasn’t returned since.
Despite high demand, this Icon Series skin has been AWOL. If you weren’t around for the Astronomical event, you missed your shot – for now.
12. Rue
How to get it: Last seen in May 2020. Unlikely to return due to controversy.
Her design unintentionally resembled military uniforms from a sensitive historical context. Epic hasn’t brought her back since.
13. Psycho Bandit
How to get it: Came with Borderlands 3 on Epic Games or through the shop during a brief run.
A blast from the Borderlands universe, this chaotic skin hasn’t been spotted since 2020.
14. Kratos
How to get it: Dropped during Chapter 2, Season 5. Last seen in March 2021.
Even with the God of War sequel out, Kratos hasn’t returned to the Item Shop. A shocking absence for such a major gaming icon.
15. Sofia
How to get it: Part of the John Wick set. Last seen in March 2021.
Modeled after Halle Berry’s character, Sofia hasn’t had the same return rate as John Wick, making her much rarer.
16. Major Lazer
How to get it: Last appeared in June 2021.
Futuristic, funky, and forgotten. One of the first Icon Series drops, this laser-wielding legend has stayed in the vault.
17. Snake Eyes
How to get it: Released to hype up the G.I. Joe movie. Last seen in August 2021.
The silent ninja hasn’t made a sound since. Licensing issues may be keeping him MIA.
18. Dante
How to get it: Part of the Día de los Muertos-themed Muertos set. Last seen in 2020.
While other Muertos items sometimes return, Dante’s bright and bold look has been missing for years.
19. Surf Strider
How to get it: Exclusive Intel hardware promotion.
A sleek wetsuit look, but with hardware requirements most couldn’t meet. That alone vaulted it into rarity.
20. Fourth Down NFL Set
How to get it: Last shop appearance? February 2020.
A full NFL-themed set that’s likely lost to licensing red tape. Rare enough to fumble over.
21. Astro Jack
How to get it: Released with Travis Scott in 2020. Not seen since.
Equally rare as Travis, Astro Jack brought a galaxy-brained style that hasn’t returned.
22. Eon
How to get it: Exclusive to an Xbox One S bundle in 2018.
If you didn’t grab that bundle back then, good luck. This green-and-white skin is locked to a now ancient console pack.
23. Ragnarok
How to get it: Chapter 1, Season 5 Battle Pass progressive skin.
You had to grind XP hard to unlock its final form. That fully upgraded version is a badge of honor.
24. Red Strike
How to get it: Starter Pack exclusive in 2019 ($4.99).
Despite its popularity, it disappeared quickly and hasn’t been seen since. It’s been over 1,800 days – who’s counting?
25. Cobalt
How to get it: Another $4.99 Starter Pack, last seen in March 2019.
With its sci-fi aesthetic and brief availability, Cobalt became a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it skin.
Quick Rarity Recap
Here’s a snapshot for easy skimming:
| Skin | First Released | Last Seen | Original Price | How to Get |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aerial Assault Trooper | Ch1 S1 | Dec 13, 2017 | 1,200 V-Bucks | Season Shop – Level 15 |
| Renegade Raider | Ch1 S1 | Dec 13, 2017 | 1,200 V-Bucks | Season Shop – Level 20 |
| Honor Guard | Dec 2018 | 2018 | Device Promo | Honor View 20 Phone |
| Double Helix | Oct 2018 | 2018 | Bundle Only | Nintendo Switch x Fortnite Bundle |
| Galaxy | Aug 2018 | 2018 | Device Promo | Samsung Galaxy Note 9/Tab S4 |
| … | … | … | … | … |
(Table trimmed for brevity – let me know if you’d like the full chart formatted separately.)
Final Thoughts
Some Fortnite skins become rare due to events, hardware bundles, or licensing weirdness. A few are probably gone forever – but Epic has been known to surprise us. So, never say never.
Which skin are you crossing your fingers to see again? Drop your most-wanted picks in the comments – and may the Item Shop odds be ever in your favor. 🎯
