We’re talking dragons, phoenixes, nine-tailed foxes (aka the OG Ahri), and ultra powerful deities like Yan Wang. Luckily for us, Riot recently decided to tap into this wealth of inspiration – the Shan Hai Scrolls skins are an entire line based on Chinese mythological entities. And if you’re looking for one to pick then check out our ranking of these skins below. We’ve rated them all based on looks, animations, sound effects, and overall mythicalness.
4. Shan Hai Scrolls Jhin
Released: January 28th, 2021 Price: 1350 RP Jhin’s personality is downright demonic. So it’s no surprise that this skin, which transforms him into a literal demon, suits him so perfectly. While the character model isn’t the most unique out there, the new fiery mask design is absolutely badass. It genuinely makes him look like he came crawling out of the depths of hell. What really sets this skin apart though is the animations. They make you feel absolutely godly (well, demonic) with blazing bright, flashy hues and heaps of eyecatching details. The recall also honors Jhin’s, ahem, “artistic” background. And if you turn up the volume while wreaking havoc on your enemies? You’ll be blessed with some classy yet seriously ominous sound effects.
3. Shan Hai Scrolls Nautilus
Released: January 28th, 2021 Price: 1350 RP Full disclosure: I absolutely hate Nautilus as a champion. I hate his playstyle, design, voicelines, lore, everything. He just feels and looks so dull. But even I have to admit that this skin makes me like him just that lil bit more. Okay, a whole lot more. The skin gives him a mythical warrior makeover, with badass armor and a hook that looks so powerful it puts Thor’s hammer to shame. The animations are equally impressive. Each ability is bursting with fiery goodness, and the ult even summons up a fiery demonic creature that devours any enemies in your path. Plus, the recall is creative and adds more depth to Nautilus’ character. My only complaint? The bold red color palette, while attractive, does make his hook a bit too obvious.
2. Shan Hai Scrolls Cho’Gath
Released: January 28th, 2021 Price: 1350 RP Cho’Gath hasn’t exactly… been blessed with the best skins. In truth, most of his skins are pretty much just recolors. But Shan Hai Scrolls Cho’Gath is an exception. It transforms Cho into the most badass dragon to ever grace the Rift (sorry Aurelion Sol). He genuinely looks like he could devour turrets, enemies, drakes, and even the Baron in one bite, and there’s plenty of nifty references to Chinese mythology throughout the design. The animations also feel smooth, and every attack further immerses you in the dragon aesthetic. Oh, and the splash art is mythical perfection.
1. Shan Hai Scrolls Neeko
Released: January 28th, 2021 Price: 1350 RP Neeko has all the qualities you would expect a mythological creature to have: a whimsical look, a mysterious backstory, magical powers, the lot. Shan Hai Scrolls Neeko takes these mythological qualities to a whole other level, and the result is absolutely mesmerizing. She truly looks like an otherworldly goddess, with a crown imbued with the power of the sun, glowing arms, and a noble yet battle-ready outfit. Her animations are equally stunning and magical. Her attacks are bursting with the sun’s wrath and wisps of green smoke, and her E even summon up white birds to aid her in battle. Plus the ultimate is literally ground shattering. And to top it all off? The recall makes you feel like the world is at your fingertips. All in all, this skin perfectly brings out Neeko’s fantastical side while honoring Chinese mythology. And for that reason, it deserves the top spot. Note: this content was created under Riot Games’ “Legal Jibber Jabber” policy using assets owned by Riot Games. Riot Games does not endorse or sponsor this project.
