Why Fortnite's OG Skins Are the Ultimate Flex (2024)

Originally announced in 2011, Fortnite arrived in July 2017 as a paid early-access title with a focus on the Save the World game mode. However, the game's true explosion in popularity came with the free-to-play online battle royale mode, which debuted in September 2017. With its building mechanics and fast-paced action, this innovative mode propelled Fortnite to become a global phenomenon by the following year.

While the shooter boasts a wide variety of cosmetic options, the original skins from Fortnite Chapter 1 often hold the most value for players. Although it's important to note that the worth of a skin depends on the individual, Fortnite's OG skins hold undeniable status within the community. Seen as badges of honor, early cosmetics like Renegade Raider and Black Knight stand out as a classy throwback in addition to being a sign of a player's veteran status.

Fortnite's OG Skins Are About More Than Their Aesthetic Appeal

OG Fortnite Skins Are Usually In High Demand But Rare To Come By

Intriguingly, there's been a lot of conversation over the years as to what qualifies as an OG skin. While some argue any skin from Fortnite Chapter 1 (Seasons 1-X) qualifies as old-school, the community generally holds the most respect for skins released in Season 3 or earlier. This distinction makes sense considering that Fortnite's mainstream following arrived in 2018. As such, players who donned early cosmetics had to have been playing before that massive wave of popularity.

Skins that were available in the game before Chapter 1 Season 4 include, but aren't limited to:

• Renegade Raider - Chapter 1 Season 1 Battle Pass and Item Shop
• The Reaper - Chapter 1 Season 3 Battle Pass
• Havoc - Chapter 1 Season 3 Twitch Prime Pack 1
• Purple Glow Skull Trooper - Chapter 1 Season 1 Item Shop with Purple Glow available in update v6.02
• Aerial Assault Trooper - Chapter 1 Season 1 (Level 15 of the Season Shop)
• Dark Voyager - Chapter 1 Season 3 Battle Pass
• Sparkle Specialist - Chapter 1 Season 2 Battle Pass and Top 100 in the 2018 Boogie Down Contest
• Black Knight - Chapter 1 Season 2 Battle Pass
• Raptor - Chapter 1 Season 1 Item Shop

Fortnite's OG Skins Are A Callback To The Game's Origins

While a skin's time in the Fortnite Item Shop can affect its rarity, it doesn't determine whether it's considered OG. Notably, Fortnite's early days also saw the introduction of the first-ever Legendary skins. The Black Knight, for example, held the title of the first Legendary outfit in the Battle Pass, while Raptor and Crackshot were among the first to appear in this tier of the Item Shop.

More importantly, within Fortnite, outfits from the inaugural seasons hold a distinct value. Though rarity may vary among them, each serves as a testament to a player's early dedication to the game. The most exclusive examples, naturally, become coveted status symbols. Regardless of individual rarity, however, owning such cosmetics signifies a player's participation during the formative stages of Fortnite's rise to prominence.

Fortnite

Create, play, and battle with friends for free in Fortnite. Be the last player standing in Battle Royale and Zero Build, experience a concert or live event, or discover over a million creator made games, including racing, parkour, zombie survival, and more. Each Fortnite island has an individual age rating so you can find the one that's right for you and your friends.

Explore large, destructible environments where no two games are ever the same. Team up with friends by sprinting, climbing and smashing your way to earn your Victory Royale, whether you choose to build up in Fortnite Battle Royale or go no-builds in Fortnite Zero Build.

Discover even more ways to play across thousands of creator-made game genres: adventure, roleplay, survival and more. Or, band together with up to three friends to fend off hordes of monsters in Save the World.

Survival

Battle Royale

Platform(s)

PC , iOS , Mobile , Xbox One , Android , PS5 , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S , Switch

Released

July 25, 2017

Developer(s)

Epic Games

Publisher(s)

Epic Games

Multiplayer

Online Multiplayer

Engine

Unreal Engine 5

ESRB

T for Teen - Violence

Metascore

78

Platforms That Support Crossplay

Mobile, PC, PS4,PS5, Switch, Xbox One &Xbox Series X|S

Split Screen Orientation

Horizontal Only

Number of Players

1-2

PS Plus Availability

N/A

Local Co-Op Support

1-2 Players

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