Fortnite's Rarest Skins [2024 Edition]

Fortnite has established itself as a powerhouse in gaming, not only because of its groundbreaking battle royale format but also for its creative and expansive cosmetic options. Skins in Fortnite are more than just outfits; they’re statements of style, memories of past events, and markers of a player’s dedication.

In 2024, certain skins have become almost mythical in their rarity, making them some of the most coveted cosmetics in the game. Whether tied to limited-time events, collaborations, or exclusive promotions, these skins represent unique slices of Fortnite history. Let’s dive into the 18 rarest Fortnite skins of 2024, what makes them special, and why they’ve become so elusive.

18. Blue Team Leader

• Last Seen: June 12, 2018

• Introduced In: Chapter 1, Season 2

• Original Price: Free for PlayStation Plus users

The Blue Team Leader stands as one of Fortnite’s earliest collaborations, available exclusively to PlayStation Plus subscribers as part of the Celebration Pack 1. While the outfit is simple—featuring a classic Fortnite character wearing a blue beanie and tank top—it’s a badge of honor for longtime players who were around in the game’s formative days.

This skin’s rarity isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s tied to nostalgia. As one of the first PlayStation-exclusive cosmetics, it marked the start of a long-standing partnership between Sony and Epic Games. Today, spotting a Blue Team Leader on the battlefield is like encountering a piece of Fortnite’s early history in motion.

17. Tart Tycoon

• Last Seen: August 23, 2020

• Introduced In: Chapter 2, Season 3

• Original Price: Earned by scoring 10 points in the #FreeFortnite Cup

Few skins in Fortnite come with as much real-world drama as Tart Tycoon. This satirical skin emerged from Fortnite’s public battle with Apple over App Store fees. Designed to parody Apple’s CEO, Tim Cook, the skin features a villainous character with an apple-shaped head and a TV-static design inspired by Apple’s iconic 1984 ad.

Players could earn Tart Tycoon by participating in the one-time-only #FreeFortnite Cup. While the tournament itself was a way for players to stand in solidarity with Epic’s fight, it also created an exclusive club of players who own this controversial and memorable cosmetic.

16. Havoc

• Last Seen: May 8, 2018

• Introduced In: Chapter 1, Season 3

• Original Price: Claimed via Twitch Prime Pack 1

Havoc is one of Fortnite’s OG exclusive skins, available only through the first-ever Twitch Prime Pack. With its military-inspired design and tactical gear, Havoc became a standout during Fortnite’s early days, offering a style that was simple yet iconic.

What makes Havoc so significant is its place in Fortnite history. It was one of the first collaborations between Epic Games and Twitch, cementing a trend of gaming crossovers that would define Fortnite’s future. Today, Havoc is a status symbol for players who were around when Fortnite first exploded onto the scene.

15. Royale Bomber

• Last Seen: May 1, 2018

• Introduced In: Chapter 1, Season 6

• Original Price: Bundled with a PlayStation 4 console

Royale Bomber epitomizes exclusivity. To obtain this skin, players had to purchase a special PlayStation 4 bundle, making it one of the most expensive Fortnite skins ever. The bundle also came with 500 V-Bucks, but the real prize was this sleek, blue-themed outfit that screamed luxury.

While some codes for Royale Bomber can still be found online, they often sell for over $100, emphasizing just how rare and desirable this skin has become. Owning it today is less about style and more about showcasing your dedication—or deep pockets.

14. Reflex

• Last Seen: March 4, 2019

• Introduced In: Chapter 1, Season 6

• Original Price: $7.99 (GeForce Fortnite Bundle)

Reflex has a unique story of rarity. Originally included as part of the GeForce Fortnite Bundle, Reflex was meant to be exclusive to those who purchased specific NVIDIA products. However, a mix-up led to the skin being briefly available in the Item Shop, causing an uproar among players who had spent extra for the bundle.

Following the controversy, Reflex was pulled from the shop and never returned, making it one of Fortnite’s rarest and most intriguing skins. It’s a reminder of how mistakes can sometimes create legends.

13. World Warrior

• Last Seen: July 28, 2019

• Introduced In: Chapter 1, Season 9

• Original Price: 800 V-Bucks

World Warrior was released to celebrate Fortnite’s 2019 World Cup, one of the most significant events in the game’s competitive history. Available for just one weekend, the skin became an instant classic among fans of Fortnite esports.

Its simple yet striking design pays homage to the competitive spirit, with bold colors and a clean aesthetic. Despite its popularity, the World Warrior has remained absent from the Item Shop, making it a true collector’s item.

12. The Paradigm

• Last Seen: October 13, 2019

• Introduced In: Chapter 1, Season 10

• Original Price: 1,200 V-Bucks

As a member of the enigmatic The Seven, The Paradigm brought an air of mystery to Fortnite’s lore. Released during Chapter 1’s final live event, The End, this skin became synonymous with the game’s bold storytelling.

A brief return in 2024 due to an apparent mistake only added to its mystique. Those who managed to grab it during that window are now part of a small, lucky group who own one of Fortnite’s most elusive cosmetics.

11. Shaman

• Last Seen: December 2, 2019

• Introduced In: Chapter 1, Season 8

• Original Price: 1,500 V-Bucks

The Shaman skin stands out for its intricate design, inspired by the mystical traditions of indigenous cultures. Featuring vibrant patterns, feathers, and a ceremonial mask, this skin is a work of art.

Despite its stunning visuals, Shaman hasn’t appeared in the Item Shop for nearly five years. Its prolonged absence has left fans speculating about whether it was intentionally retired or simply forgotten by Epic Games.

10. Trench Raider

• Last Seen: January 18, 2020

• Introduced In: Chapter 2, Season 1

• Original Price: 1,200 V-Bucks

The Trench Raider skin might not have the flashiest design, but it carries a gritty, militaristic aesthetic that makes it a favorite among players who appreciate a no-nonsense look. Part of the Fathoms Deep set, this outfit pairs well with other aquatic-themed cosmetics, yet its simplicity also makes it versatile.

Strangely, other items in the same set have made their way back to the Item Shop, but Trench Raider remains lost to time. Its absence has elevated its status as a collector's item, especially for fans of Chapter 2’s earlier days.

9. Fourth Down Skins

• Last Seen: February 3, 2020

• Introduced In: Chapter 1, Season 6

• Original Price: 1,500 V-Bucks each

Fortnite’s collaboration with the NFL produced the Fourth Down set, a collection of customizable skins that allowed players to represent their favorite football teams. From the Patriots to the Giants, these skins were perfect for superfans wanting to bring their love of sports onto the battlefield.

Despite their initial popularity, the Fourth Down skins have been absent for several years. Some speculate that licensing issues with certain NFL teams might be the reason behind their disappearance. Whatever the case, these outfits remain a unique fusion of sports and gaming, with a layer of rarity that hardcore collectors covet.

8. Travis Scott & Astro Jack

• Last Seen: April 22, 2020

• Introduced In: Chapter 2, Season 2

• Original Price: 1,500–2,000 V-Bucks

Travis Scott’s Astronomical concert event in Fortnite was a cultural phenomenon, drawing millions of players into a visually stunning in-game experience. Alongside the event came two skins: the Travis Scott skin and Astro Jack, both of which instantly became fan favorites.

The combination of the artist’s massive popularity and the vibrant design of these skins has kept them in high demand. However, neither has returned to the Item Shop since their initial release. Some attribute this to controversies surrounding Travis Scott, but whatever the reason, these skins have become legendary in Fortnite’s history.

7. Rue

• Last Seen: May 27, 2020

• Introduced In: Chapter 2, Season 2

• Original Price: 1,200 V-Bucks

On the surface, Rue appears to be an elegant and edgy character with a military-inspired red jacket and a sharp aesthetic. But her legacy in Fortnite is mired in controversy. Fans quickly pointed out that her outfit bore a striking resemblance to Nazi officer uniforms, sparking backlash online.

Epic Games promptly removed Rue from the Item Shop, and she hasn’t returned since. This controversy has made Rue a symbol of unintended design consequences, with her rarity now stemming from her permanent absence and the debate surrounding her existence in the game.

6. Psycho Bandit

• Last Seen: May 31, 2020

• Introduced In: Chapter 1, Season 10

• Original Price: 2,000 V-Bucks or bundled with Borderlands 3

The Psycho Bandit is a fan-favorite skin from the Gaming Legends series, brought to Fortnite through a collaboration with the Borderlands franchise. Featuring the iconic masked Psycho character and Claptrap as a back bling, this skin captured the chaotic spirit of Borderlands perfectly.

Despite its popularity, the skin has been unavailable for years, leaving fans clamoring for its return. The collaboration’s limited time frame and its unique link to Borderlands 3 make the Psycho Bandit one of the most elusive and nostalgic skins in Fortnite.

5. Dante

• Last Seen: November 1, 2020

• Introduced In: Chapter 1, Season 6

• Original Price: 1,500 V-Bucks

Dante, part of the Muertos Set, is a visually stunning skin inspired by Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). With his vibrant, glowing skeleton design, Dante pays homage to Mexican culture and stands out as one of Fortnite’s most artistically unique skins.

Despite being part of a popular seasonal set, Dante hasn’t appeared in the Item Shop for several years. His absence during recent Día de los Muertos events has puzzled fans, adding an air of mystery to this already iconic skin.

4. Kratos

• Last Seen: March 19, 2021

• Introduced In: Chapter 2, Season 5

• Original Price: 1,500 V-Bucks

Kratos, the legendary Spartan warrior from God of War, made his Fortnite debut during the Bounty Hunter season. With his detailed armor and Leviathan Axe pickaxe, Kratos became an instant favorite among fans of both Fortnite and PlayStation.

What makes Kratos even more special is his Armored Kratos variant, which was exclusive to PlayStation 5 players. Despite the popularity of God of War: Ragnarok, Kratos hasn’t returned to the Item Shop, making this skin a highly sought-after collector’s item.

3. Sofia

• Last Seen: March 25, 2021

• Introduced In: Chapter 1, Season 9

• Original Price: 1,500 V-Bucks

Released alongside John Wick as part of a promotional event for John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum, Sofia is one of Fortnite’s most elusive collaboration skins. While John Wick has made several returns to the Item Shop, Sofia has remained absent since her initial release.

This disparity has left fans of the John Wick series frustrated and eager for her return. Sofia’s rarity is a prime example of how limited-time collaborations can create lasting demand.

2. Major Lazer

• Last Seen: June 13, 2021

• Introduced In: Chapter 1, Season X

• Original Price: 1,600 V-Bucks

Major Lazer was one of the first musical artists to join Fortnite’s Icon Series. With his futuristic design inspired by the Peace Is the Mission album, Major Lazer brought a unique vibe to the game’s cosmetics lineup.

Despite being part of a groundbreaking collaboration, Major Lazer hasn’t returned to the Item Shop in years, making him a rare gem for fans of Fortnite’s musical crossovers.

1. Snake Eyes

• Last Seen: August 11, 2021

• Introduced In: Chapter 2, Season 5

• Original Price: 1,800 V-Bucks

The G.I. Joe ninja, Snake Eyes, joined Fortnite during the Hunter season, bringing his stealth and combat prowess to the island. With his sleek design and katana, Snake Eyes quickly became a standout skin.

However, the underwhelming performance of the G.I. Joe movie tied to his release may explain why Snake Eyes hasn’t returned to the Item Shop. His rarity now makes him one of the most prized collectibles among Fortnite players.

These skins represent not just rare cosmetics but pieces of Fortnite’s rich history, each with its own story and significance. Owning any of these is a testament to a player’s dedication and connection to the game’s evolving world.