So it’s time to pick up the protractor and start playing some Vel’Koz. And if we’re already going to make assassins pay, we might as well look good while doing it. So I’ve looked over all of Vel’Koz’s skins and we’re ranking them all right here – considering each skin’s features, overall appeal, and price point.
5. Battlecast Vel’Koz
Released: February 27th, 2014 Price: 1350 RP This was the OG Vel’Koz skin, so it feels bad putting it in last place. But my tentacles are tied. It’s not a bad skin by any stretch of the imagination. There are just some minor details I’m not a huge fan of. Namely the character model. Although a futuristic design would thematically fit Vel’Koz like a glove, I feel like this skin took too much of his original identity away. I don’t really feel like an alien eyeball hellbent on learning stuff through genocide anymore, but rather some random robot NPC in a basic sci-fi game. The model feels slightly clunky, and the eye is not nearly as pronounced as in other skins. In fact, this is also the only Vel’Koz skin that completely changes your death animation, and it has you break down instead of your usual thing of “eyeball flying away”. I might be focusing on the eyeball thing too much… When it comes to pros, the Q is honestly really nice, as this is the only skin to fully change it. And little details like the jetpacks flaring up when using your ult really bring this skin to life. Overall, this a really decent skin – but still my least favorite of the bunch.
4. Blackfrost Vel’Koz
Released: April 15th, 2021 Price: 1350 RP We had the oldest, now it’s time to talk about the newest addition to the Vel’Koz skin line. Let’s go over the positives first. The character model has this really nice ancient being vibe that fits our tentacle boy perfectly. Your backing animation is so eerily cryptic that I almost feel like learning about League lore. Your E has quite the new effect where actual icicles will shoot out from the ground as you knock up your opponent. And for all of you chroma lovers out there, it’s worth pointing out that this skin has both the biggest selection and some of the coolest designs. I’m basic, so I love Obsidian. And if all of that didn’t cover a wide enough demographic, I’ll also point out that this is THE skin for Aram players, as your blue particles will seamlessly blend with the background. So, what are the cons? Well there aren’t any, if I’m being honest. Most of Vel’Koz’s skins are neck and neck when it comes to quality – I simply put this here because I don’t like the frost theme on him all that much.
3. Definitely Not Vel’Koz
Released: March 31st, 2016 Price: 750 RP There isn’t much to say about this skin, other than that it’s hilarious. The Definitely Not skin line has honestly always been one of my favorites. And Vel’Koz fits in way better than I would have expected. For one, the fact that he’s wearing a single lens pair of glasses is some peak comedy in itself. But when combined with the moustache plus fedora combo, it truly is a treat. I also love the little coffee mug you sort of carry by your side, even while disintegrating everything in your path. Also, on a personal level, whenever a League player actually makes a “Definitely Not” joke in chat, a Kayle gets her wings. So we must honor that tradition. Jokes aside, Definitely Not Vel’Koz doesn’t offer any new animations or particles – but it’s just so goofy and lovable that I had to at least put it as a middle of the road pick.
2. Arclight Vel’Koz
Released: January 28th, 2015 Price: 1350 RP I can’t really explain why, but this is the tryhard skin. Even people who aren’t Vel’Koz mains will automatically play their hearts out if they put this bad boy on. So if you see one in the wild, be careful. Then again, it’s probably because this skin is by far the most pay-to-win, as your W looks way thinner than it actually is, and you can even sneak in a Q along with it if you really want to confuse the opponent. It’s an Arclight skin, after all. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned in life, it’s that Arclight particles are extremely easy to miss in the chaos of a teamfight. The character model is decent, but nothing to write home about. And the backing animation actually mirrors your death animations quite a bit, adding some immersion points into the mix. Overall, this skin is a tad on the older side – but it has quite the devoted following. And if you really want that added extra edge, it could be exactly what you’re looking for.
1. Infernal Vel’Koz
Released: July 16th, 2020 Price: 1350 RP Before I say anything else, I just have to point out how absolutely amazing this splash art is. Like seriously, I want to hang it on my wall or something. And even though the champion model could never actually live up to that hype, I think it did a splendid job overall. Infernal Vel’Koz does the exact opposite from Battlecast, and really reminds you of the sentient eyeball that you are – even getting rid of your tentacles and replacing them with chains. The skin also carries strong Eye of Sauron vibes, and some absolutely crisp (pun intended) fire particles that really give your abilities that little extra oomph. It’s also worth mentioning that this skin has a bit of that metagaming bonus, as the particles for your Q and W are very similar, and you can easily sneak in some poke on the enemy laner. So overall, I found this skin’s design to be the coolest while still feeling like Vel’Koz – which is why I’m crowning it as my top pick. 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.
