VALORANT Vandal skins are the ultimate flex in Riot’s tactical shooter. The Vandal remains one of the most popular rifles in the game for good reason, and with 55 different skins available right now (not counting the default), you’ve got plenty of ways to make your mark on the battlefield.
Prices range from 875 VP all the way up to a premium 2,675 VP, so picking the right Vandal skin is definitely worth some research. Riot clearly knows players can’t get enough of top-tier cosmetics for this beloved rifle. Almost every new collection drops with a stunning Vandal design, which makes choosing between them pretty tough when you’re spending your hard-earned VP.
You’re looking for the best VALORANT Vandal skins that pack a serious visual punch along with killer animations and sound effects. This guide breaks down nine essential Vandal skins that consistently dominate any tier list. From the legendary Prime and Elderflame to the sleek Ion and menacing Reaver, we’ll cover what makes each of these weapons worth adding to your loadout.
Prime Vandal
The Prime Vandal stands as the definitive benchmark against which all other VALORANT Vandal skins are measured. Released at launch in June 2020, this iconic skin quickly established itself as the gold standard for weapon cosmetics in VALORANT.
Skin Overview
The Prime Vandal features a sleek gold and silver design that balances futuristic elements with regal undertones. Purple and gold accents give it that royal feel, while some players spot Aztec-inspired influences in all that gold plating. What makes this skin special is how it nails both visual appeal and functional design. Unlike bulkier alternatives, the Prime Vandal keeps that lightweight feel that many players specifically want in their weapon skins.
Visual and Audio Effects of Prime Vandal
The sound design is where the Prime Vandal really shines. When fired, it produces that distinctive, crisp “pew” that’s completely different from the standard Vandal sound. This audio signature hits the sweet spot, satisfying without drowning out other important game sounds. Many players report that the cleaner, more defined sound actually helps them track their firing rhythm and maintain recoil control during intense firefights.
The Level 2 upgrade adds new muzzle flash effects and enhanced gunfire visuals. The wolf emblem’s eyes light up dramatically when you fire, which is a nice touch that adds character to each shot.
Animation and Finisher of Prime Vandal
The animation package is what elevates this skin to legendary status. Level 3 unlocks a completely redesigned reload animation where energy crystals get inserted directly into break-action chambers. The Level 4 finisher is particularly spectacular victims get executed from above by a wolf head that bites down and explodes. This dramatic finishing move has become one of the most recognizable animations in the game.
Upgrade Levels:
- Level 2 (VFX): 10 Radianite Points
- Level 3 (Animation): 10 Radianite Points
- Level 4 (Finisher): 10 Radianite Points
- Color Variants (Orange, Blue, Yellow): 15 Radianite Points each
Prime Vandal Pricing and Availability
The Prime Vandal costs 1,775 VP when purchased individually. You can also grab it as part of the complete Prime collection bundle for 7,100 VP when it’s available. To fully unlock all features and color variants, you’ll need a total of 75 Radianite Points.
The most reliable way to get this skin is through VALORANT’s daily store rotation, where four random skins appear each day. Occasionally, you might find it at a discount during special Night Market events.
Why Prime Vandal is a Must-Have
The Prime Vandal has maintained its top-tier status for several good reasons. First, its timeless design has aged incredibly well despite the constant stream of new cosmetics. Second, the audio satisfaction from each shot genuinely enhances the gameplay experience.
As one player puts it: “It is the cleanest vandal skin and most consistent skin out there”. For spray control enthusiasts, another player notes: “As a player who played too much CSGO, I can never fully remove the habit of spraying, prime vandal best spray vandal 100%”.
The combination of personalization options through color variants and its status as a community icon makes the Prime Vandal essential for any serious player’s collection. Despite newer and flashier options appearing regularly, this original premium skin continues to define excellence in VALORANT weapon cosmetics.
Elderflame Vandal
The Elderflame Vandal is basically a living, breathing dragon that happens to double as a rifle. First conceptualized in August 2019, this legendary skin completely changed what weapon cosmetics could be in tactical shooters. You’re not just holding a gun, you’re wielding a fire-breathing beast that has serious attitude.
Skin Overview
This isn’t your typical weapon skin. The Elderflame Vandal represents Riot’s boldest experiment in turning ordinary guns into fantasy creatures. During development, the team made sure each dragon in the collection had its own personality, and the Vandal definitely got the “angry and aggressive” treatment. The intricate scaling glows with inner fire, and honestly, it looks pretty intimidating when you’re staring down the barrel.
Visual and Audio Effects of Elderflame Vandal
Level 2 upgrades bring the dragon to life with flaming barrel effects and distinctive muzzle flash. The sound design deserves special mention here Riot’s Sound Designer, Isaac Kikawa, mixed audio from walruses, Bengal tigers, and even got an alligator recording from a team member’s mother. That’s dedication to authenticity right there.
Fire and embers flow through the dragon’s scales with each shot. Every time you pull the trigger, the dragon’s mouth erupts with fiery effects that make it clear this weapon has a mind of its own.
Animation and Finisher of Elderflame Vandal
Level 3 unlocks the Elderflame’s signature animations. The development team initially tried “panic clawing” for magazine handling before settling on the enraged beast animations we see today. During reloads, the dragon literally snatches the magazine away from you it’s one of those animations that never gets old.
The Level 4 finisher is pure spectacle. Enemies get roasted by a dragon breathing fire from above, complete with unique kill banners and audio effects for each elimination. It’s the kind of finisher that makes everyone in the match stop and watch.
Elderflame Vandal Pricing and Availability
This premium experience costs 2,475 VP individually, making it one of the priciest skins in VALORANT. Released on July 10, 2020, it now appears through daily store rotation. Fair warning, though some players wait up to four weeks for it to show up.
The complete Elderflame bundle included the Vandal, Operator, Frenzy, Judge, and Dragon’s Claw melee for 9,900 VP. That’s a decent discount if you want the full dragon army experience.
Why Elderflame Vandal is a Must-Have
The Elderflame represents a peak in weapon cosmetic design that few skins have matched since. Its level of detail and animation quality set a new standard for what premium skins could be.
Some players find the animations distracting in competitive matches, but most adjust over time as they naturally focus on their crosshair during gameplay. The Elderflame proves Riot’s willingness to push creative boundaries, and it remains one of the most impressive weapon skins years after release.
Reaver Vandal
Originally teased during VALORANT’s beta days, the Reaver Vandal has become one of the most iconic skins in the game’s history. This dark, necromantic masterpiece continues to captivate players who want their enemies to know they mean business.
Skin Overview
The Reaver Vandal rocks a menacing purple and gold design with plenty of fanged edges that make it instantly recognizable. This skin had quite the journey it first appeared during beta testing, got completely removed, then made a spectacular comeback in October 2020 with three additional color variants. The whole concept positions you as a corrupted mage, wielding dark magic, basically transporting you into a completely different game world.
Visual and Audio Effects of Reaver Vandal
Level 2 upgrades bring distinctive visual effects, including revamped muzzle flash animations and completely new gunfire sounds. The sound design is where this skin really shines players consistently rave about its “RIDICULOUSLY good” audio signature. Riot’s VFX artist went bold here, using pure black colors (which barely appear anywhere else in VALORANT) combined with darker accents to nail that ominous vibe. The muzzle flash and runic symbols maintain this haunting, ghostly quality that perfectly matches the necromantic theme.
Animation and Finisher of Reaver Vandal
Level 3 unlocks some truly memorable animations. The reload sequence shows magazines being inserted through telekinesis, giving you this eerie “possessed” feeling. These deliberate, methodical animations really sell the fantasy that you’re channeling forbidden magical power. The Level 4 finisher is absolutely spectacular victims get dramatically dragged down by multiple arms into a deep abyss. Riot’s VFX Artist intern Nicolas crafted this unique kill effect with one goal: “to look as epic as possible”.
Reaver Vandal Pricing and Availability
The Reaver Vandal costs 1,775 VP individually. Full upgrade requirements:
- Level 2 (VFX): 10 Radianite Points
- Level 3 (Animation): 10 Radianite Points
- Level 4 (Finisher): 10 Radianite Points
- Variants (Red, Black, White): 15 Radianite Points each
You’ll need to wait for it in the daily store rotation some players calculated your chances at roughly 0.45% on any given day.
Why Reaver Vandal is a Must-Have
The Reaver Vandal strikes the perfect balance between stunning visuals and functional design. That distinctive audio provides a visceral impact that genuinely enhances the gameplay experience for many players. Plus, being a beta-era skin gives it serious street cred in the community.
The telekinetic reload animation and abyss finisher create an identity unlike anything else in the game. The Reaver Vandal excels at pulling you into its dark fantasy world, making every shot feel like you’re wielding forbidden power, something few other Vandal skins can match.
RGX 11z Pro Vandal
The RGX 11z Pro Vandal brings gaming hardware aesthetics straight into VALORANT. Launched on October 6, 2021, this futuristic weapon skin broke new ground in the cosmetic lineup with its innovative approach to weapon design.
Skin Overview
Think custom gaming PCs with transparent cases and RGB lighting, that’s exactly what the RGX 11z Pro Vandal delivers. The sleek bare metal frame showcases vibrant green accents while transparent panels reveal intricate moving components inside the weapon. It’s a genuine tech enthusiast appeal that actually works. The design was such a hit that Riot eventually dropped a 2.0 variant of the collection. Pro players love this skin too PRX’s Jett star, Ilya “something” Petrov, is known for running it.
Visual and Audio Effects of RGX 11z Pro Vandal
Level 2 brings the RGX to life with illuminated internal components and rotating mechanical parts you can actually see through the transparent sections. The weapon also gets enhanced muzzle flash effects and distinctively crisp audio designed for that precise, tactical feel. Each variant changes up the internal lighting scheme the base green model cycles between green, blue, white, and yellow, while the red variant rotates through red, orange, purple, and white.
Animation and Finisher of RGX 11z Pro Vandal
Level 3 is where things get really impressive. The internal components spin faster during firing, and the colored lights sync perfectly with your actions. Bullet tracers match your gun’s current color, leaving impact marks that correspond to your selected variant. The Level 4 finisher traps victims between three electric pillars before they explode, leaving behind a holographic silhouette.
RGX 11z Pro Vandal Pricing and Availability
The individual skin costs 2,175 VP. Full upgrades require additional investment:
- Level 2 (VFX): 10 Radianite Points
- Level 3 (Animation): 10 Radianite Points
- Level 4 (Finisher): 10 Radianite Points
- Color variants (Red, Blue, Yellow): 15 Radianite Points each
You’ll need to wait for it to appear in the daily store rotation, so patience might be required.
Why RGX 11z Pro Vandal is a Must-Have
The RGX 11z Pro stands apart with its Level 5 kill counter feature, the first of its kind in VALORANT, that tracks your eliminations throughout each match. Getting the final kill in a round briefly changes this counter to display “EZ” before the next buy phase. The transparent design plus customizable LED colors create a personalized experience that few other Vandal skins can match.
Glitchpop Vandal
The neon-soaked Glitchpop Vandal explodes with cyberpunk flair that’s impossible to ignore. Released on February 4, 2021, as part of the expanded Glitchpop Collection’s second set, this digital masterpiece grabbed players’ attention immediately with its eye-melting colors and glitch effects that scream “future.”
Skin Overview
The Glitchpop Vandal rocks a wild mix of gold, blue, purple, and black in its default form. Think cyberpunk meets gaming rig, holographic details, and electronic components everywhere. This skin dropped as part of the second Glitchpop wave, which basically completed the collection by covering all the weapons players actually use. The complete Glitchpop Set 2 bundle included the Vandal plus the ax, Classic, Phantom, and Operator.
Visual and Audio Effects of Glitchpop Vandal
Level 2 is where things get interesting. The VFX upgrade brings new muzzle flash animations and completely revamped gunfire sounds. Here’s the crazy part your bullets actually match whatever color variant you pick, leaving colored impact marks all over the map.
Color options include:
- Standard: Gold, blue, purple, and black chaos
- Blue: Clean blue-focused theme
- Red: Red-dominant scheme
- Gold: Pure gold/yellow (players love calling this the “Iron Man” look)
Animation and Finisher of Glitchpop Vandal
Level 3 animations are where the Glitchpop really shows off. The gun barrel literally unfolds from a collapsed state every time you fire, plus you get custom equipment and reload sequences. Holographic glitches flicker across the weapon while the barrel rocks back and forth with each shot.
The Level 4 finisher? Absolutely unreal. Your victim gets suspended mid-air for a split second before exploding into digital chaos. A massive holographic projector materializes above, creating what looks like a spray paint explosion wrapped in electric colors. Players consistently rank this among the best finishers in the game.
Glitchpop Vandal Pricing and Availability
You’re looking at 2,175 VP for the skin itself. Full upgrade breakdown:
- Level 2 (VFX): 10 Radianite Points
- Level 3 (Animation): 10 Radianite Points
- Level 4 (Finisher): 10 Radianite Points
- Color Variants: 15 Radianite Points each
The complete Glitchpop Set 2 bundle originally cost 8,700 VP, which saved you some VP compared to buying everything separately.
Why Glitchpop Vandal is a Must-Have
The Glitchpop Vandal earns its spot through pure visual impact and customization freedom. That finisher animation gets called “one of the best” in the entire game by tons of players. Those color-matched bullet trails create a shooting experience you won’t find anywhere else.
Four different color schemes mean you can match your vibe or coordinate with your main agent. As one player put it: “I’m a Glitchpop Vandal enjoyer personally”. The complete cyber-fantasy package turns your standard Vandal into a digital weapon straight out of a sci-fi movie.
Gaia’s Vengeance Vandal
Nature lovers, this one’s for you. The Gaia’s Vengeance Vandal brings a breath of fresh air to VALORANT’s tech-heavy weapon lineup with its organic design. Released in March 2022 as part of the Gaia’s Vengeance Collection, this skin quickly became a fan favorite for players wanting something different from the usual futuristic offerings.
Skin Overview
The Gaia’s Vengeance Vandal looks like it was carved from an ancient magical tree. Its wooden body features intricate bark-like details with glowing emerald energy coursing through carved channels. The base variant pulses with vibrant green energy, while the blue, red, and black variants each bring their own mystical flair. This nature-inspired approach really stands out when most skins focus on cyberpunk or high-tech themes.
Visual and Audio Effects of Gaia’s Vengeance Vandal
Level 2 upgrades bring the weapon’s magical essence to life. The carved wooden frame glows with a subtle green aura that intensifies when you fire. Each shot produces a distinctly organic sound, imagine cracking wood mixed with magical energy. The green energy pulses along the weapon between shots, making it feel genuinely alive. It’s one of those audio signatures that just feels different from everything else in the game.
Animation and Finisher of Gaia’s Vengeance Vandal
Level 3 animations really nail the organic theme. The reload shows wooden components shifting and realigning naturally instead of mechanically clicking into place. When you inspect the weapon, you can see additional magical energy flowing through its channels. The Level 4 finisher is spectacular enemies get trapped inside a massive tree that bursts from the ground, with glowing energy matching your variant spreading through the trunk and branches.
Gaia’s Vengeance Vandal Pricing and Availability
This skin costs 1,775 VP individually. To unlock everything:
- Level 2 (VFX): 10 Radianite Points
- Level 3 (Animation): 10 Radianite Points
- Level 4 (Finisher): 10 Radianite Points
- Color variants: 15 Radianite Points each
You’ll need to wait for it to appear in your daily store rotation, so patience is key.
Why Gaia’s Vengeance Vandal is a Must-Have
The Gaia’s Vengeance Vandal offers something genuinely unique in the VALORANT skin landscape. Its nature-inspired design provides a refreshing break from all the tech-themed options. Many players report that the clean audio signature actually helps with recoil control and tap firing. Plus, that tree finisher creates some genuinely memorable round-ending moments that showcase your style.
Champions 2021 Vandal
The Champions 2021 Vandal is basically VALORANT history in weapon form. Released as part of the Champions bundle in November 2021, this commemorative skin has become one of the most coveted collector’s items that shows you were there for VALORANT’s first world championship tournament.
Skin Overview
This commemorative skin rocks an elegant black, gold, and red color scheme that screams high-level competition. The sleek metallic design and championship details make it instantly recognizable on the battlefield. What really makes this skin special is its historical value it marked a pivotal moment in VALORANT’s esports journey.
Visual and Audio Effects of Champions 2021 Vandal
The Champions 2021 Vandal packs some unique visual features you won’t find anywhere else. The “Champions” text on the weapon’s side lights up after each elimination. Even cooler, hitting the inspect button plays the instrumental version of “Die For You” by Grabbitz, the official VALORANT Champions anthem, according to ESports Insider. This audio integration creates a tournament atmosphere every time you inspect your weapon.
Animation and Finisher of Champions 2021 Vandal
Here’s where things get really wild. The Champions Aura is a special golden outline that surrounds your weapon when you’re the top fragger in the match. The finisher effect transforms the entire map into a scene from the anthem’s music video, complete with a giant Brimstone appearing overhead. Walk into the giant orb with the VALORANT Champions logo for an extended finisher sequence.
Champions 2021 Vandal Pricing and Availability
Originally priced at 2,675 VP, the Champions 2021 Vandal was only available from November 24 to December 12, 2021. Here’s the kicker Riot explicitly stated this skin would never return to the store or Night Market. Half of the bundle revenue went directly to the qualifying tournament teams.
Why Champions 2021 Vandal is a Must-Have
The Champions 2021 Vandal’s appeal comes down to pure exclusivity and tournament prestige. This limited-edition commemorative skin has become one of the most sought-after entries on any tier list. Right now, the only way to get this skin is through secondary markets or buying accounts that already have it. The combination of rarity, unique effects, and historical significance makes it the ultimate status symbol in VALORANT.
Prelude to Chaos Vandal
The Prelude to Chaos Vandal brings otherworldly menace to VALORANT’s weapon roster with its dark, interdimensional design. Released on June 22nd, 2022, this skin caught players’ attention immediately with its ominous glowing power source and haunting effects.
Skin Overview
What makes this Vandal stand out is its exposed spherical energy core that pulses with dark power. Players fell in love with this skin right away, calling it “actual aimbot” and praising how smooth it feels to shoot with. The skin comes as part of the full Prelude to Chaos Collection, alongside the Shorty, Stinger, Operator, and Blade of Chaos melee. Even among premium Vandal skins, its distinctive interdimensional aesthetic creates a genuinely unique presence on the battlefield.
Visual and Audio Effects of Prelude to Chaos Vandal
Level 2 upgrades unlock impressive muzzle flash effects and distinctive firing sounds. Here’s something cool the muzzle flash colors actually change from blue to purple as you turn in the base variant. Different color variants completely transform the energy signature, with green, white, and blue options each offering its own visual appeal. Many players notice the tracers remind them of the Sentinels of Light collection.
Animation and Finisher of Prelude to Chaos Vandal
The Level 3 animation is where things get interesting the spherical power core disintegrates during reload, and your agent manually inserts a fresh one. Level 4 brings a spectacular finisher where chains burst from an interdimensional portal, dragging victims down into the void. Each kill triggers matching banner effects and audio that correspond to your chosen variant.
Prelude to Chaos Vandal Pricing and Availability
This skin costs 2,175 VP individually, or you could grab the complete bundle that originally ran 8,700 VP. Full customization requires:
- Level 2 (VFX): 10 Radianite Points
- Level 3 (Animation): 10 Radianite Points
- Level 4 (Finisher): 10 Radianite Points
- Color variants: 15 Radianite Points each
Why Prelude to Chaos Vandal is a Must-Have
Players consistently rate this as one of the “top 3 vandal skins for sure”. The interdimensional theme offers something genuinely different from most other Vandal options. Fair warning, though the third variant can be somewhat loud, but hasn’t stopped competitive players from embracing its perceived accuracy benefits.
Ion Vandal
Clean, precise, and undeniably futuristic, the Ion Vandal earned its spot among top-tier skins with a minimalist approach that actually works. Released as part of the Ion 2.0 bundle on October 18, 2022, this skin quickly became a favorite for players who want their weapon to feel as crisp as their aim.
Skin Overview
The Ion Vandal keeps the classic rifle shape but wraps it in a sleek white and blue exterior with glowing blue accents throughout. This isn’t just another flashy skin the clean design genuinely makes many players feel more accurate. The Ion 2.0 collection finally brought this sought-after aesthetic to the Vandal platform, and the community response was immediate.
Visual and Audio Effects of Ion Vandal
Level 2 transforms your shooting experience with distinctive sound effects that feel satisfying without being distracting. Each shot fires light blue laser-like tracers that look incredibly smooth in motion. The audio strikes this perfect middle ground, muted enough to stay clean but with enough punch to feel each shot. Players consistently report that this helps them maintain better spray control.
Animation and Finisher of Ion Vandal
Level 3 adds animations that complement the clean aesthetic, including a pulsing energy core visible through the weapon’s frame. The Level 4 finisher traps enemies in an energy orb that shrinks before exploding. Simple, effective, and matches your chosen color variant perfectly.
Ion Vandal Pricing and Availability
You’ll pay 1,775 VP for the individual skin, or grab the complete Ion 2.0 bundle for 7,100 VP. Night Market can drop this down to as low as 905 VP if you get lucky with the discount. Worth keeping an eye out for.
Why Ion Vandal is a Must-Have
The Ion Vandal works because of its clean visual design and solid audio feedback. Three color variants, Green, Yellow, and Blue, let you customize the look to match your preference. Many competitive players swear by the psychological boost of the clean aesthetic, claiming it genuinely helps their aim feel more precise.
Quick Comparison Overview
Here’s a breakdown of all nine skins so you can easily compare the key details:
| Skin Name | Base Price (VP) | Release Date | Key Design Theme | Notable Features | Color Variants | Total Radianite Points Required |
| Prime Vandal | 1,775 | June 2020 | Gold/silver futuristic royal | Wolf finisher, crisp “pew” sound | Orange, Blue, Yellow | 75 (45 for levels, 30 for variants) |
| Elderflame Vandal | 2,475 | July 10, 2020 | Living dragon | Dragon animations, fire effects | Not mentioned | 30 (for levels) |
| Reaver Vandal | 1,775 | October 2020 | Dark necromantic | Abyss finisher, telekinetic reload | Red, Black, White | 75 (45 for levels, 30 for variants) |
| RGX 11z Pro Vandal | 2,175 | October 6, 2021 | Gaming PC inspired | Kill counter, RGB lighting | Red, Blue, Yellow | 75 (45 for levels, 30 for variants) |
| Glitchpop Vandal | 2,175 | February 4, 2021 | Cyberpunk | Colored bullet trails, holographic effects | Blue, Red, Gold | 75 (45 for levels, 30 for variants) |
| Gaia’s Vengeance Vandal | 1,775 | March 2022 | Nature/wooden | Tree finisher, organic animations | Blue, Red, Black | 75 (45 for levels, 30 for variants) |
| Champions 2021 Vandal | 2,675 | November 2021 | Championship themed | Top fragger aura, anthem music | None | Not mentioned |
| Prelude to Chaos Vandal | 2,175 | June 22, 2022 | Interdimensional | Chain finisher, spherical power source | Green, White, Blue | 75 (45 for levels, 30 for variants) |
| Ion Vandal | 1,775 | October 18, 2022 | Clean futuristic | Energy orb finisher, laser effects | Green, Yellow, Blue | 75 (45 for levels, 30 for variants) |
Most of these skins will cost you the same amount of Radianite to fully upgrade, but the base prices vary quite a bit. Champions 2021 sits at the top price-wise, though good luck actually getting your hands on one these days.
Conclusion
Picking the right VALORANT Vandal skin comes down to what matters most to your gameplay and style. Each of these nine skins brings something different to the table, whether that’s the crisp audio of Prime, the living dragon animations of Elderflame, or the dark magic vibes of Reaver.
Prime Vandal stays popular because it just works. Clean design, great sound, and it never gets old. Elderflame is pure spectacle your weapon becomes a fire-breathing beast. Reaver delivers that dark fantasy feel that makes you feel like you’re wielding forbidden power.
Tech enthusiasts will gravitate toward Glitchpop and RGX 11z Pro with their cyberpunk aesthetics and RGB lighting. Gaia’s Vengeance offers something completely different with its organic, nature-inspired design. Champions 2021 is the ultimate collector’s piece, exclusive and impossible to get now.
Prelude to Chaos brings interdimensional energy with that distinctive spherical power source. Ion keeps things clean and futuristic, perfect if you want something that feels precise and uncluttered, according to the Valorant Wiki.
Consider what actually impacts your game. Does the sound help your spray control? Do you want finisher animations that show off after clutch rounds? Your budget matters, too prices range from 1,775 VP to 2,675 VP, plus you’ll need Radianite Points for upgrades.
These nine skins consistently rank as the most sought-after VALORANT Vandal options for good reason. Whether you go classic with Prime, embrace the dragon with Elderflame, or flex with the exclusive Champions 2021, your choice lets you express your personality while potentially giving you that psychological edge in competitive matches.
