In one word – yes. Renegade Raider is without question the rarest and most elusive outfit in Fortnite. It has never returned to the Item Shop since first appearing in Season 1, making it a true symbol of OG status. Read on for an in-depth look at why this skin is so coveted, and the insane lengths players will go to attempt to acquire it.
A Brief History: How Renegade Raider Emerged
To fully understand Renegade Raider‘s prestige, let‘s look back at its origins:
- Released November 14, 2017 during Fortnite Season 1
- Available for 1,200 V-Bucks after hitting Level 20 in the Season 1 Battle Pass
- Only 22.5 million registered players as of December 2017
- Estimated 2-5% of players reached Level 20 during Season 1
Given the much smaller player base and intense grind required in early Fortnite, only a fraction of gamers acquired the Renegade Raider when it first dropped.
Fast forward to today, with over 350 million registered Fortnite accounts, and far less than 1% possess this skin. Even at its peak, it was still exceptionally rare.
The Numbers Behind Renegade Raider‘s Rarity
Let‘s break down just how few Renegade Raider skins are out there:
- Nov 2017 – Estimated 500k copies unlocked at 1,200 V-Bucks each
- Jan 2022 – 350 million Fortnite accounts, but only 500k original copies
- That‘s approx. 0.14% of all accounts with Renegade Raider
Rarity has only grown over time as the player base rapidly expanded. No matter how you slice it, legit copies of this OG skin areastonishingly scarce.
Why the Renegade Raider Skin is So Coveted
As an iconic Season 1 outfit, Renegade Raider is coveted for several key reasons:
- Immediately recognizable as an extremely rare, OG skin
- Signals you‘ve been playing since nearly the beginning
- Indicates dedication by grinding hard back in more difficult Season 1
- Enjoys prestige as one of ultimate flex and status symbol skins
- Stands out from the crowd – you‘ll rarely see another one in matches
- Owning such an exclusive item provides sense of satisfaction
Essentially, the Renegade Raider skin represents a badge of honor that sets you apart as being among Fortnite‘s earliest and most committed players.
Estimated Value of Accounts with Renegade Raider
Given the extreme rarity and demand, accounts containing the Renegade Raider skin sell for astronomical prices:
- Accounts typically sell for $400 – $3,000+
- Prices depend on other skins/items also unlocked
- Estimated $1,000+ for Renegade Raider alone
- Highest sale reported over $10,000 in March 2021!
Unlike skins in the Item Shop, no amount of V-Bucks can purchase Renegade Raider now. You must deal with sellers commanding premium pricing.
Psychology and Economics of Rare Fortnite Skins
Let‘s explore what drives the desirability of elusive skins like Renegade Raider:
- Sense of exclusivity – very few others can use it
- Signifies veteran status – playing since early days
- Prestige item other players highly admire/envy
- Communicates skills, dedication, and passion
- Standing out visually in the game
- Principle of scarcity – rare items perceived as more valuable
Owning Renegade Raider is the ultimate flex due to its unattainability. Epic has masterfully created desire through intentional scarcity.
Will Epic Games Ever Re-Release Renegade Raider?
Epic has not given any indication of plans to put Renegade Raider back in the Item Shop.
- Would undermine its legacy as an OG Season 1 skin
- Would anger players who earned it originally
- Would eliminate its exclusivity and prestige
While anything is possible, all signs point to this remaining the rarest of the rare forever.
Other Rare OG Skins If You Missed Renegade Raider
While no skins match its exclusivity, here are some other OG flex options:
- Aerial Assault Trooper: Season 1 rewards skin
- Skull Trooper/Ghoul Trooper: Season 1 holiday skins
- Black Knight: Tier 100 reward skin from Season 2 Battle Pass
These are attainable goals to demonstrate your OG dedication to Fortnite early on.
Safe Trading and Selling of Fortnite Accounts
If seeking Renegade Raider, we recommend:
- Buying only from reputable sellers with vouches
- Using secure payment methods and middlemen
- Verifying account details carefully before purchase
- Avoiding cheap deals that seem too good to be true
- Keeping your purchase confidential and secure
Renegade Raider accounts are ripe targets for scams, so take precautions. Never share login details publicly.
Final Thoughts – The Definition of Rare Prestige
Renegade Raider stands in a league of its own as Fortnite‘s rarest and most prestigious skin. The unique formula of early season release, high battle pass level requirement, and no re-release makes it near impossible for new players to obtain.
While frustrating for those who missed out, this exclusive nature is precisely what makes Renegade Raider such a prized icon among dedicated Fortnite fans. For the tiny fraction of gamers skilled and lucky enough to have acquired it originally, this skin will forever symbolize being among the earliest legends in Fortnite history.
