Is Skull Trooper an OG Skin? Yes, But With Some Caveats

ByJames Dorn Last Update on

As one of the earliest skins available in Fortnite Battle Royale, released in October 2017, Skull Trooper is widely considered an iconic OG (original) skin by much of the player base. However, its continued availability over the years and changing perceptions of rarity lead some to debate this designation.

As a long-time Fortnite fanatic and content creator with my finger on the pulse of gaming trends, I‘m here to provide a definitive perspective! In this deep dive, we‘ll explore why Skull Trooper exhibits many hallmarks of OG status, while acknowledging the nuances that complicate this label for some players.

Defining an OG Fortnite Skin

Broadly speaking, OG skins in Fortnite refer to early cosmetics that evoke a strong sense of nostalgia and prestige thanks to their release timing, availability, cost, or exclusivity features. But what exactly constitutes an OG skin? As a devoted player since Chapter 1, I‘ve identified key characteristics that signal a skin‘s OG status:

Release Date

  • OG skins first debuted early in Fortnite‘s lifespan, especially Season 1-3
  • Skull Trooper premiered on Oct. 11, 2017 – not long after Sept. 2017 Battle Royale launch

Limited Availability

  • Initially only available for limited windows upon debut
  • Return appearances to the Item Shop are infrequent
  • Skull Trooper was only in shop for 2 days in Oct. 2017

Low Ownership Rates

  • Harder to obtain due to limited windows, high cost, or platform exclusivity requirements
  • As of March 2022, only 11.1% of players owned Skull Trooper

Prestige and Nostalgia

  • Evokes nostalgia and commands respect due to notoriously rare status
  • Reminds OG players of "the old days"

With its Season 1 origins and brief first shop appearance, Skull Trooper checks all the boxes above for OG credentials on paper. Next, we‘ll analyze why some still question this designation.

Challenges to Skull Trooper‘s OG Status

Despite meeting the core criteria, two factors lead some Fortnite experts and veterans to exclude Skull Trooper from OG skin lists:

Multiple Re-Releases

  • Has returned to the Item Shop various times since its debut, unlike truly vaulted OG skins
    • Oct. 2017 – Initial release
    • Oct. 2018 – Return after Fortnitemares
    • Nov. 2021 – Re-release for new variant
    • Nov. 2022 – Most recent return
  • More opportunities to purchase erodes exclusivity

New Style Dilution

  • Epic introduced more widely accessible Purple and Blue styles in 2018 & 2021
    • Only OG owners in 2017 got special Purple style
  • These dilute rarity and make it harder to distinguish between original and re-release owners

So in many ways Skull Trooper exhibits textbook OG skin qualities, but has nevertheless become more common than vintage rarities like Aerial Assault Trooper or Renegade Raider, who haven‘t been seen since their initial appearances.

The Case for OG Status

Despite valid critiques, in my opinion as a dedicated Fortnite expert, content creator, and collector, Skull Trooper still warrants OG status for a few key reasons:

Ultra Rare Subset

  • The special Purple Glow style is still only for original 2017 owners
    • As of Nov. 2021, up to 86% of Skull Trooper owners lacked this style
  • Visually distinguishes true OGs in matches

Early Item Shop Skin

  • One of first skins you could directly purchase, not dependent on Battle Pass
  • Priced at a steep 1,200 V-Bucks originally
  • Compared to defaults, still incredibly rare

Season 1 Nostalgia

  • Transporting visual throwback to early seasons
  • Reminds veterans of Halloween 2017 gameplay
  • High nostalgia value as an iconic early skin

So in closing, while factors like re-releases and additional styles have complicated Skull Trooper‘s status for some, it remains an OG skin in my book and for many Chapter 1 veterans thanks to its distinct early era design.

Do you agree? Or are newer skins like Peely more iconic in your view? I‘d love to hear other takes in the comments! And for more skin analyses, guides, and Fortnite Chapter 4 predictions be sure to subscribe to my channel.

James K. Dorn, a passionate gamer deeply immersed in the world of video gaming. My journey in gaming is not just about playing; it's about exploring every facet of the games I love. I am particularly fascinated by the intricate worlds of role-playing games like "The Witcher" series and "Elder Scrolls: Skyrim," where every decision shapes the story.

As a strategy game enthusiast, I spend hours devising tactics in games like "Civilization VI" and "StarCraft II," always eager to share my strategies with fellow gamers. I'm also an ardent follower of the ever-evolving landscape of indie games, finding gems like "Hollow Knight" and "Celeste" that offer unique, compelling experiences.

My content isn't just reviews; it's about deep dives into game mechanics, storytelling, and the art of game design. I love dissecting the narratives of games like "The Last of Us" and discussing the innovative gameplay of titles like "Death Stranding."

Being at the forefront of gaming news, I eagerly anticipate and share insights on upcoming releases like the next big open-world adventure or the latest in the "Final Fantasy" series. My goal is to build a community where we not only play games but also appreciate the artistry and effort behind them. Join me in this gaming journey, where every session is an adventure, and every game is a story waiting to be told.

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