On February 29, 2024, Riot Games announced a list of upcoming mythic and prestige skins for the year. This article outlines the champions set to receive these coveted skins, giving players an opportunity to prepare for the release of these rare cosmetics.
What Are Prestige Skins in LoL?
Prestige Skins are one of the most sought-after cosmetic items in League of Legends, standing out due to their rarity, distinct visual design, and exclusivity. They were introduced in 2018, and over the years, they have become a symbol of status and dedication for players who acquire them.
Here’s an in-depth breakdown of what makes these skins special:
1. Visual Design
Prestige skins are known for their luxurious, premium aesthetic, which is distinct from other skin types in the game. They often feature:
- Gold and White Color Scheme: Most prestige skins share a visual theme of gold accents combined with white, giving them a regal and polished appearance.
- Enhanced Visual Effects: Prestige skins usually come with updated animations, particle effects, and sound effects that are more intricate and high-quality than the champion’s base skin or other non-prestige skins.
- Unique Recall Animations: These skins often have exclusive recall animations that add a sense of grandeur to the player’s character when teleporting back to base.
Overall, the visual design makes prestige skins feel premium and different from other skins.
2. Rarity and Exclusivity
Prestige skins are considered some of the rarest skins in the game due to how they are obtained. They are typically released for popular champions during specific events and are available for a limited time, making them a symbol of prestige (hence the name). Key factors that contribute to their rarity:
- Event-Exclusive: Most prestige skins are tied to in-game events, such as Worlds, Lunar New Year, or Star Guardian events. During these events, players need to earn event tokens by completing missions or purchasing event passes.
- Mythic Essence: Some prestige skins can also be unlocked using Mythic Essence, a rare currency in the game that is challenging to obtain. This currency adds to the skins’ exclusivity.
- Limited Availability: Once a prestige skin is no longer available in an event or the Mythic Shop, it is not easily obtainable again, making older prestige skins highly valued by collectors.
3. How to Obtain Prestige Skins
There are two main ways to acquire prestige skins:
- Event Passes: During special events, players can buy event passes, which allow them to complete missions and earn event tokens. These tokens can then be exchanged for the prestige skin available during the event. For instance, the Worlds Pass or Lunar Pass might offer a prestige skin as the ultimate reward after accumulating enough tokens (usually around 2,000-2,500 tokens).
- Mythic Essence: Players can also unlock prestige skins using Mythic Essence, a rare currency that can be earned through various means such as opening loot boxes (Hextech chests), leveling up, or completing special missions. Mythic Essence can be used in the Mythic Shop to buy prestige skins, though the shop rotates and not all skins are always available.
4. Reskin of Popular Champions
Prestige skins are usually released for champions with a large player base or champions who are frequently played in esports tournaments. Riot Games chooses champions that have a significant impact on the game, both in terms of popularity and competitive play. For example:
- Kai’Sa, Yasuo, Akali, and Ezreal are some champions that have received prestige skins because they are iconic in the game.
- Limited to “Popular” Champions: Not every champion gets a prestige skin. Riot prioritizes champions that are popular, either in ranked solo queue or professional play, ensuring that these skins have maximum appeal to the community.
5. Event Pass Cost and Prestige Points
Earning a prestige skin through an event pass usually involves buying the pass with Riot Points (RP). This pass costs around 1650 RP, but additional purchases are often necessary to acquire enough event tokens to unlock the skin. Occasionally, Riot releases Prestige Points alongside event passes, which allow players to unlock skins without relying on tokens.
- Token Farming: To get enough tokens for a prestige skin, players need to grind in-game missions or buy tokens with RP, which makes the process both time-consuming and costly.
6. Upgrades and Variations
Prestige skins are often enhanced versions of existing skins, meaning they are a higher-tier variant of an already released skin. For example:
- Prestige K/DA Akali is an upgraded version of the K/DA Akali skin with new animations, colors, and effects, but the base design of the champion remains the same.
- New Animations and Particle Effects: Prestige skins also frequently come with new spell animations or updated attack visuals, giving them a more distinct look in the game.
7. Special Status and Collection Value
Owning prestige skins carries a level of prestige and social status within the League of Legends community. Players who have multiple or older prestige skins can showcase their dedication to events and mastery over their champions.
- Rare Editions: Some prestige skins are so rare that they become highly sought-after by collectors, and seeing one in a match is often an indication of a veteran player or someone who invested heavily in the game.
Prestige skins in League of Legends are a symbol of luxury, rarity, and commitment. They come with unique and high-quality visual updates, making them more than just cosmetic additions. For players who enjoy showing off rare items, prestige skins offer a tangible way to demonstrate dedication to the game and their favorite champions. As they continue to be released through events and the Mythic Shop, prestige skins remain some of the most desirable cosmetics in the League of Legends universe.
Typically, prestige skins feature gold and white color schemes, making them visually distinct from regular skins.
What Are Mythic Skins in LoL?
Mythic Skins in League of Legends are among the rarest and most prestigious cosmetics available in the game. These skins are special because they cannot be purchased directly with standard in-game currency like Riot Points (RP) but are instead unlocked using Mythic Essence or through other exclusive methods. Below is a detailed breakdown of what makes Mythic Skins so coveted by the community.
1. Rarity and Prestige
Mythic Skins are some of the hardest-to-obtain skins in the game, and they serve as a badge of honor for dedicated players. Here’s why they stand out:
- Exclusive to Mythic Essence: Unlike other skins that can be bought with RP, Mythic Skins require Mythic Essence, a rare currency that can only be earned through specific in-game events, Hextech crafting, or from loot boxes.
- Event-Exclusive and Time-Limited: Mythic Skins are often tied to limited-time events or releases. For example, the Hextech line of skins, which was once a prominent type of Mythic Skin, was only available for a limited time before Riot rebranded this category.
- Not Always Available: The availability of Mythic Skins rotates in the Mythic Shop, meaning that certain skins may only be accessible for short periods before being removed from the shop. This adds to their allure as collectors’ items.
2. Visual Design and Themes
Mythic Skins are designed to be visually stunning and distinct from standard or even legendary skins. Here are some of the common traits and design choices that make them stand out:
- Unique Color Palettes: Mythic Skins often utilize special color schemes. Many of the earlier Mythic Skins had purple and gold themes, symbolizing their high status in the skin hierarchy. Over time, other color variations have been introduced, but they still maintain a rare and luxurious feel.
- Exclusive Particle Effects and Animations: Mythic Skins typically include unique spell animations, visual effects, and sometimes even sound effects that set them apart from other skins. These effects often feature ethereal or magical themes, with glowing particle effects that enhance the fantasy feel of the skin.
- Special Splash Art: Each Mythic Skin comes with its own unique splash art, which is an illustration that showcases the champion in their new skin. These splash arts are often highly detailed, reflecting the epic nature of the skin’s design.
3. How to Obtain Mythic Skins
The process of obtaining Mythic Skins is quite different from regular skins, making them harder to collect and contributing to their exclusivity. Here’s how players can get them:
Mythic Essence
- Mythic Essence (ME) is the primary currency used to unlock Mythic Skins. It is a rare in-game currency that can be earned by:
- Opening Hextech Chests or Masterwork Chests.
- Completing Event Passes, which sometimes reward Mythic Essence.
- As a bonus from leveling up or through other limited-time events.
Players need varying amounts of Mythic Essence to purchase a Mythic Skin from the Mythic Shop. Most Mythic Skins cost around 100 to 200 Mythic Essence depending on their age and rarity.
Mythic Shop
- The Mythic Shop is where players can use their Mythic Essence to purchase Mythic Skins. The available skins in the Mythic Shop rotate periodically, meaning some Mythic Skins may only be available for a limited time before they are replaced by new ones.
Event-Exclusive Mythic Skins
- Occasionally, Riot Games will release event-specific Mythic Skins that can only be earned by completing certain event challenges or purchasing event passes. These skins are tied to events like the World Championship, Star Guardian, or Sentinels of Light. Players can collect event tokens and exchange them for the skin.
4. Different Types of Mythic Skins
Hextech Skins
- Hextech Skins were among the earliest Mythic Skins introduced in the game. These skins are tied to the Hextech Crafting system and have a technological, futuristic design that features blue and purple hues with glowing, crystal-like elements. Examples include Hextech Annie and Hextech Alistar.
Crystalis Indomitus
- The Crystalis Indomitus skin line is a new Mythic collection that was introduced to replace the Hextech skin series. These skins are heavily themed around crystals, magic, and ethereal designs, featuring champions such as Kha’Zix, Nautilus, and Xerath. They incorporate shimmering particles, crystal effects, and intricate visual designs.
Ashen Knight
- The Ashen Knight skins are another line of Mythic Skins introduced in recent updates. These skins feature dark, knightly aesthetics combined with ancient, mystical elements. Ashen Knight Pyke is one of the most popular skins in this line. The skins are themed around fallen knights or warriors from a forgotten era, with eerie visual effects.
5. Mythic Skins and Chroma Variations
A special feature that has been added to some Mythic Skins is Chromas—alternative color schemes that offer new variations on the same skin. These chromas allow players to further customize the look of their Mythic Skins, giving them more options to stand out in-game.
- Chromas for Mythic Skins are typically available in the Mythic Shop for a limited time and require Mythic Essence to unlock. An example of this is the Crystalis Indomitus Nautilus Chroma (Fractured) or the Ashen Knight Pyke Chroma (Emberwoken).
6. Mythic Skin Value and Rotation
Mythic Skins vary in value depending on their age and demand within the community. Older skins tend to become more valuable and sought-after, especially if they have been removed from the Mythic Shop rotation for a long time.
- Skin Rotation: The Mythic Shop rotation refreshes periodically, typically every few patches, with new skins being added or older skins returning. Players must keep track of the shop rotations to ensure they don’t miss out on the skins they want.
- Legacy Status: Some Mythic Skins, especially older Hextech skins, have achieved legacy status, meaning they are no longer available in the shop but can occasionally return during special events or sales.
7. Differences Between Mythic Skins and Prestige Skins
While both Mythic and Prestige Skins are rare, they have distinct differences:
- Mythic Skins: These skins are unlocked with Mythic Essence and are often tied to the Mythic Shop. They tend to have darker, more mystical or technological themes (e.g., Hextech or Ashen Knight lines).
- Prestige Skins: Prestige Skins, on the other hand, are often obtained through event tokens and feature lighter, gold-and-white color schemes. They are upgraded versions of existing skins, while Mythic Skins are entirely unique skin lines.
Mythic Skins in League of Legends represent the pinnacle of exclusivity, offering players a way to showcase their commitment to the game through their rare and visually stunning designs. From the Hextech series to the newer Crystalis Indomitus and Ashen Knight lines, these skins are a mark of prestige, combining intricate design, enhanced visual effects, and rarity that keeps them among the most prized cosmetics in the game. Whether unlocked through Mythic Essence or event participation, Mythic Skins remain a key symbol of dedication in the League of Legends universe.
New Mythic Skin Line: Crystalis Indomitus
A new mythic skin line, Crystalis Indomitus, will be introduced in 2024, starting with Kha’Zix in March, followed by Xerath in June and Nautilus in August.
Upcoming Prestige Skins for 2024
At least four champions will receive new prestige skins in 2024. Players can earn tokens through event passes to unlock these skins, typically requiring around 2200 tokens. Here are the champions receiving prestige skins this year:
- Evelynn
- Kayle
- Yuumi
- Leona
There are no specific dates for these skins’ release yet, and splash art is still pending.
New Mythic Shop Rotations
Riot Games regularly rotates skins in the Mythic Shop, where players can spend Mythic Essence to acquire rare skins. Below is a list of upcoming skins available with the specified patches:
Patch 14.14
- Prestige Eclipse Knight Senna – 150 ME
- Prestige DRX Aatrox – 150 ME
- Prestige Firecracker Vayne – 200 ME
- Prestige Debonair Brand – 150 ME
Patch 14.16
- Prestige Inkshadow Yasuo – 125 ME
- Prestige K/DA ALL OUT Kai’Sa – 150 ME
- Prestige Lunar Beast Fiora – 150 ME
- Prestige True Damage Qiyana – 200 ME
- Prestige Worlds Winner Jayce – 125 ME
Patch 14.18
- Prestige Star Guardian Soraka – 150 ME
- Prestige High Noon Talon – 150 ME
- Prestige Obsidian Dragon Sett – 150 ME
- Prestige K/DA Akali – 200 ME
- Ashen Knight Pyke – 125 ME
- Hextech Annie – 125 ME
- Crystalis Indomitus Nautilus – 100 ME
- Crystalis Indomitus Nautilus Chroma (Fractured) – 40 ME
Patch 14.20
- Prestige Broken Covenant Miss Fortune – 150 ME
- Prestige Soul Fighter Shaco – 125 ME
- Prestige Valiant Sword Riven – 200 ME
- Prestige Anima Squad Jinx – 150 ME
Previous Mythic Shop Rotations
The Mythic Shop previously featured a variety of skins available for purchase. Below are some notable skins from earlier rotations:
Patch 14.6
- Prestige PsyOps Ezreal – 150 ME
- Prestige Winterblessed Warwick – 125 ME
- Prestige Dragonmancer Volibear – 150 ME
- Prestige Space Groove Nami – 150 ME
Patch 14.8
- Prestige Porcelain Lissandra – 125 ME
- Prestige Bewitching Miss Fortune – 200 ME
- Prestige PROJECT: Sylas – 150 ME
- Prestige Coven Zyra – 150 ME
Patch 14.10
- Prestige Arcade Caitlyn – 200 ME
- Prestige Nightbringer Kayn – 150 ME
- Prestige Fuzz Fizz – 200 ME
- Prestige Ascended Pantheon – 150 ME
Patch 14.12
- Prestige Faerie Court Katarina – 125 ME
- Prestige True Damage Senna – 150 ME
- Prestige Phoenixmancer Xayah – 150 ME
- Prestige Coven Leblanc – 150 ME
Conclusion
That concludes the overview of upcoming mythic and prestige skins for 2024. Whether you’re excited about the latest mythic line or waiting for the next prestige skin to drop, there’s a lot to look forward to in the Mythic Shop.