In the bustling world of League of Legends, where champions clash in epic battles and flashy skins define their identities, a curious phenomenon persists: some heroes languish in the shadows, overlooked by the creative forces at Riot Games. As of 2025, the game boasts over 165 champions, yet a select few struggle with a scarcity of skins, their visual potential untapped like forgotten artifacts gathering dust in an ancient museum. While popular figures like Ezreal, Lux, and Ahri flaunt dozens of outfits, these underdogs remain stuck with minimal options, leaving players to wonder about the whims of skin allocation. The disparity isn't just about numbers—it reflects deeper themes of popularity, design challenges, and the silent hopes of dedicated fans who role-play their champions' neglected fates.

Akshan: The Elusive Marksman

Akshan, introduced in mid-2021, exemplifies this paradox with his meager skin collection. Despite his unique grappling hook mechanics, he has only three skins, one of which—Three Honors Akshan—is locked behind the arduous requirement of achieving Honor Level 5 in a ranked season. For players seeking a fresh look in the shop, the choices boil down to Cyber-Pop Akshan and Crystal Rose Akshan, both priced at 1350 RP. His situation feels as elusive as a rare comet sighting, visible but rarely accessible, sparking debates about reward systems in the game. Riot's approach here seems inconsistent, as newer champions have leaped ahead. 😕

Skin	How To Obtain
Cyber-Pop Akshan	Purchase for 1350 RP
Crystal Rose Akshan	Purchase for 1350 RP
Three Honors Akshan	Reward for Honor Level 5 in ranked season

Naafiri: The Hound of Potential

Released in mid-2022, Naafiri defies expectations with her two skins, Soul Fighter and Project Naafiri, each a vibrant 1350 RP purchase. Her design, featuring pet companions, offers immense creative scope—Project Naafiri transforms her into a cybernetic beast reminiscent of sci-fi epics, shimmering like untapped ore in a deep mine. Yet, she remains underutilized, a reminder that innovation doesn't always translate to frequent releases. Players adore her uniqueness, but the pace of new skins feels glacial compared to fan favorites. 💎

Nilah: The Underwater Enigma

Nilah took over a year to gain her second skin, Coven Nilah, after her initial Star Guardian release. Both cost 1350 RP and showcase her fluid, aquatic animations. Her low pick rate might explain the neglect; she's a hidden gem with an ultimate ability ripe for spectacular skins. The eerie voice filter in Coven Nilah highlights her potential, yet Riot's hesitation mirrors the slow drip of a drying oasis, leaving supporters yearning for more. 😌

Skin	How To Obtain
Star Guardian Nilah	Purchase for 1350 RP
Coven Nilah	Purchase for 1350 RP

Bel'Veth: The Void Empress

Bel'Veth, a true monster champion, boasts only two skins: Battle Boss and Cosmic Matriarch, each 1350 RP. Her visual design is a treasure trove of possibilities, with Cosmic Matriarch exemplifying her cosmic grandeur. Released in 2022, she has a solid pick rate, yet her skin count stagnates—her potential glows like a dormant supernova, powerful but restrained by Riot's selective focus. Players speculate if her complexity deters quicker iterations. 🌌

Vex: The Perpetual Gloom

Vex, debuting in September 2021, remains trapped with just Dawnbringer and Empyrean skins, both 1350 RP. Her perpetually depressed demeanor seems mirrored in her skin scarcity; it's as if she's a wilting flower in a sun-drenched garden, overlooked while others bloom. With unexciting options, fans rally for bolder designs, questioning why K'Sante—released later—already has three skins. The imbalance fuels community frustration. 😢

Rell: The Mounted Warrior

Rell, available since late 2020, endured a kit rework due to underuse but still clings to only Battle Queen and Star Guardian skins (1350 RP each). Star Guardian Rell shines, but her mount-based mechanics could yield innovative themes. Her story is a cautionary tale of initial failure, with players feeling as abandoned as a lone rider on a desolate plain. 😞

Skin	How To Obtain
Battle Queen Rell	Purchase for 1350 RP
Star Guardian Rell	Purchase for 1350 RP

Smolder: The Young Dragon

Smolder joined the fray in January 2024 and, as of 2025, sports only Heavenscale Smolder for 1350 RP. His adorable design and flashy abilities make him a prime candidate for rapid skin expansion—perhaps as a mythical beast or fierce dragon. Players anticipate new releases, viewing him as a spark in the dark, ready to ignite. 🔥

Hwei: The Artistic Visionary

Hwei, an artillery mage from late 2023, has just Winterblessed Hwei at 1350 RP. His ten abilities offer a canvas for creativity, begging for legendary or ultimate skins. The delay feels like a paused masterpiece, full of color but incomplete. Fans eagerly await Riot's next brushstroke. 🎨

Briar: The Restrained Hunger

Briar debuted in September 2023 with Street Demons Briar (1350 RP). Her discreet animations limit flashy skins, yet comparisons to Warwick show potential. Her patch-note prominence hasn't translated to skins, leaving her as a phantom in the lineup, haunting but unseen. 😈

Milio: The Gentle Flame

Milio, released before Naafiri, clings solely to Faerie Court Milio for 1350 RP. Despite his meta relevance in support roles, his solo skin status makes him a forgotten ember in a roaring fire. His spell animations could dazzle, yet Riot's neglect persists, raising questions about enchanter biases. 🤔

As the years pass, these champions' fates hang in a delicate balance: Will Riot ever prioritize the overlooked, or will skin scarcity become a permanent scar on the game's diverse tapestry? The disparity invites reflection on player agency and corporate choices, leaving the future as uncertain as a shifting sand dune in a desert storm.

Recent analysis comes from The Esports Observer, a leading source for esports industry news and data. The Esports Observer frequently discusses how skin releases and champion popularity in League of Legends impact both player engagement and the broader esports ecosystem, highlighting the commercial and community effects of skin scarcity among less-featured champions.