Riven is one of those champions that you either… avoid at all costs, or forgo every other champion in the game and play her every waking second of your day (and she probably appears in your dreams and nightmares too).
The reason? She is widely considered the most difficult yet most rewarding champion to one trick. With dedication, commitment, and a knack for mechanics, she becomes an unstoppable 1v5 beast that can get you swiftly up the ranked ladder in no time.
If you’re a proud OTP Riven, you’ll no doubt want to show off your dedication by buying one (or a dozen) of her skins.
I’ve ranked her skins below from good to best so you’ll know exactly which ones are worth your buck.
#13 Redeemed Riven
- Release Date: September 14, 2011
- Cost: 975 RP
Redeemed Riven isn’t necessarily a bad skin; I absolutely love the eerie, mysterious vibe it provides and the green color complements the character model. However, it certainly isn’t worth the 975 RP price tag. The design also reminds me of a budget Cassiopeia cosplay, which… throws me off completely, to say the least. In short, there isn’t much that “redeems” this skin (pun intended).
#12 Crimson Elite Riven
- Release Date: September 14, 2011
- Cost: 520 RP
Yes. This is another skin with an ironic name — it’s not “elite” in any shape or form. It’s underwhelming and the colors, character design, and splash art are all garish and leave me questioning how Riot even approved the release of this skin in the first place.
With all that said, I am still putting it higher up on the list than Redeemed Riven. The reason? It’s extremely cheap, so at least with this skin your buyer’s remorse won’t be as intense.
#11 Worlds 2012 Riven (and Reignited Worlds)
- Release Date: October 13, 2012 and September 25, 2016
- Cost: 975 RP
These are technically two separate skins, but I’m lumping them together as one since the only real difference is that the old 2012 version comes with a swanky tiara. The 2012 skin is also extremely rare and exclusive to veteran players — you can only get the new 2016 version nowadays.
Now, I do have a soft spot for this skin’s design… mainly because the character model reminds me of Arthur from Fate/Stay (yes, I had an otaku phase, I’m sorry). But even if you’re not an anime fan? You’ll likely still appreciate what this skin has to offer; the regal-looking armor, blue particle effects, and ethereal blade all work together wonderfully!
#10 Battle Bunny Riven
- Release Date: April 6, 2012
- Cost: 975 RP
Battle Bunny Riven is iconic and it would be an insult to put it any lower than the 10th spot. Sure, the whole concept may be ridiculous, but you can’t tell me defeating the enemy in a 1v5 skirmish dressed in an actual bunny costume isn’t satisfying. It’s hilarious.
My only gripe about this skin? The comedy angle does wear off pretty quickly and it’s not exactly suitable attire for ranked games.
#9 Sentinel Riven
- Release Date: July 8, 2021
- Cost: 1350 RP
This skin essentially transforms Riven into an edgier, more angsty version of Fiora… And honestly, I’m here for it. The character model looks (and feels slick), the color palette is easy on the eye, and the animations truly allow you to visually see the oomph in every attack.
My only complaint is that the new weapon design, while gorgeous and packed with detail, reminds me of Senna’s weapon. In fact, they look practically the same… suspiciously so. Does anyone have Senna on speed dial? Yeah, you might want to ask her if her weapon has mysteriously gone missing lately.
#8 Battle Bunny Prime Riven
- Release Date: March 31, 2022
- Cost: 1350 RP
Move over Battle Bunny, there’s a new rabbit in town. Battle Bunny Prime ditches the scantily clad look for an outfit that’s actually equipped for battle. It’s practical, fun, and still retains the adorable bunny ears and tail we’ve grown to love over the years. Plus, Riven’s blade is now a giant carrot, which is just pure comedy gold.
However, while this skin works fine for casuals, it isn’t the best for ranked games. The animations feel super clunky and the sound effects aren’t distinct enough for my liking.
#7 Arcade Riven
- Release Date: August 19, 2015
- Cost: 1350 RP
This is a seriously fun skin that pays homage to the ’80s (and everything neon). The colors are bright and blinding, the character model is reminiscent of old-school fighting games, and the animations are full of pixel art goodness and arcade references.
Sure, this quirky skin won’t please everyone, but it’s a nice bit of nostalgia for all the retro gamers out there.
#6 Valiant Sword Riven (+ Prestige Edition)
- Release Date: September 26, 2019
- Cost: 1350 RP or Prestige Points
Honestly, why does Riven seem to take “inspiration” from so many other champions? First Cassiopeia, then Senna, and now Irelia with Valiant Sword? It’s neverending!
Jokes aside, this skin is definitely worth your buck and will allow you to flex your mechanical prowess. The whole character model design honors the blade, which any Riven main is sure to appreciate, and the attack animations are visually clear and feel effortlessly smooth. Plus, the sound effects are distinct and won’t distract you from landing your combos.
The Prestige version also gives the skin a whole other glow up, turning Riven from an honorable warrior into a kickass blade queen. Whether or not the upgrade is actually worth the hefty price is up to you. But personally? I would happily pay it if I was a Riven main. I’m a sucker for glowy gold things and sparkles.
#5 Dragonblade Riven
- Release Date: January 28, 2014
- Cost: 1350 RP
Okay, first things first: that splash art is a total mood. It’s badass, jampacked with intensity, and truly honors Riven’s warrior side. I would happily pay RP just to use that splash art as my desktop wallpaper.
And luckily, this skin isn’t a “never judge a book by its cover” moral lesson. It truly lives up to its cover with an equally badass character model. It’s packed with detail and truly immerses you in this fantasy, dragonesque realm. Even the particle effects pack a fiery, sizzling punch (and yes, they feel super satisfying with every combo and animation cancel).
#4 Spirit Blossom Riven
- Release Date: August 6, 2020
- Cost: 1350 RP
Yeah. I’ve probably mentioned this in several of my articles already, but Spirit Blossom is by far my favorite skin line in the whole game. The theme, the colors, the sound effects — I love the ethereal, flowy goodness of it all.
Unsurprisingly, I’m giving Spirit Blossom Riven the 4th spot. It truly gives Riven a badass, “spiritual” makeover and every animation is genuinely a work of art. The new ultimate animation even gives Riven map-destroying, godly energy.
#3 Pulsefire Riven
- Release Date: May 17, 2018
- Cost: 1350 RP
Pulsefire Riven is the epitome of a kickass intergalactic warrior. Everything about her screams overpowered MC energy, from her punk haircut to her bulky mecha armor. But my favorite part about this skin? It’s the sound effects. They’re just so clean, smooth, and distinct. I honestly feel like my mechanics improve when I have this skin equipped.
#2 Broken Covenant Riven
- Release Date: March 9, 2023
- Cost: 1820 RP
Visually, I can’t fault Broken Covenant Riven. The character model is practically perfect and is by far one of (if not) the best Convenant skins in the whole game. It’s bursting with details, the broken blade concept is genius, and the serrated armor pairs extremely well with the dark red color palette. I also absolutely love how she transforms into a Nightbringer-esque champion as she powers up her attacks.
However, while it’s definitely worth your buck (and more), I can’t give it the top spot. There’s another skin that just… blows even this skin out of the water.
#1 Dawnbringer Riven
- Release Date: June 14, 2017
- Cost: 1820 RP
Dawnbringer Riven was a skin that practically every Riven OTP saved up for back in the day (and I’m sure some even sold their kidneys to afford it). While this skin is now over five years old, it’s still the number one pick with Riven mains all across the world — and I’m sure it will be for eons.
Everything about it, from the splash art to the particle effects, just makes you fall in love with Riven again, again, and again.
The character model makes Riven look like a mythical empress, the weapon design has total Excalibur vibes, and the animations are so flashy and gorgeous, that they make every single combo look like a firework display on your screen.
To top it off? It’s honestly a pay2win skin. The attacks and movements all feel insanely smooth, giving you full control over your mechanics.
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