It’s moments like those where it’s important to have something shiny and interesting to look at. And that’s where cosmetics come in. But there are plenty of skins to pick from – so which one stands out the most? Join me in this ranking of every Nautilus skin out there, ranking his entire skin library based both price and overall appeal.
7. Subterranean Nautilus
Released: February 14th, 2012 Price: 975 RP I definitely like the idea behind this design – but I think it desperately needs a visual update if it wants to compete with the big boys. Honestly, the idea to take our underwater fellow and have him be under the Earth was a pretty brilliant one on Riot’s part. And all the different bolts and lights that make up his body really sell the mood. But it just looks too clunky. The giga drill, although a bit of a stretch, certainly looks quite nice. But the main body desperately needs to be smoothed over. Subterranean Nautilus does offer some new particles and animations, but it’s nothing to write home about. And the splash art makes you think that Nautilus is a raging ape moreso than an underground explorer. Plus you can’t even drink with the dude, since no place will serve miners. I’ll see myself out.
6. Conqueror Nautilus
Released: July 9th, 2020 Price: 975 RP I’m somewhat torn on where to put this skin, as it does some things pretty well, and other things not as much. When it comes to his character model, I really like the design for his anchor here. It looks quite ancient and powerful – but on another note, I cannot dig his armor. Something about how his “face” was designed just makes me think he’s a villain from an 80s RPG game. In terms of animations, I really like his E and ult though. They’re very clean – but I hate his passive hit. Why would it spawn red crystals? That just seems a bit random to me. And his hook, W animation, and backing animation are just neutral in my eyes. I know there are people who love this skin – but I would personally pick something else.
5. Worldbreaker Nautilus
Released: November 10th, 2016 Price: 750 RP So I’m somewhat of a fanboy for the Worldbreaker skin line. It always makes champions seem like ancient powers that have been asleep for a thousand years & are now out on a mission. Worldbreaker Nautilus gets even more brownie points though, as I just imagine him being woken up next to his altar, ripping it out of the ground, and proceeding to slam people with it. Like seriously, the anchor idea for this skin is brilliant in my opinion. That being said, the actual champion doesn’t look quite as impressive. His little energy mullet annoys me on a level that I cannot understand. And his body could have used a bit more detail. Plus, the skin doesn’t offer any new particles or effects, meaning you’re stuck with the base skin package. I think it’s okay for what it is. But definitely not the best skin to get when you take everything into account.
4. Warden Nautilus
Released: February 17th, 2015 Price: 750 RP Although Warden Nautilus also doesn’t offer any new animations and particles, I think it still gets the job done rather efficiently. It basically just gives you really fancy armor, and one of the coolest anchor/axe weapons in the game. The character model also looks really sturdy here. And the weapon feels like it weighs a thousand tons, which is exactly what a Nautilus skin should strive for. My only slight gripe with the skin is that the visor is completely closed, meaning you don’t get the iconic red glowing eyes. Nevertheless, if you just want a simple character model change & if you like the base animations and particles, this is your best bet.
3. Abyssal Nautilus
Released: February 14th, 2012 Price: 975 RP Abyssal Nautilus is kind of the sleeper OP when it comes to Nautilus skins. I feel like I never see anyone wearing it, even though it’s amazing. This is the only skin that really focuses on Nautilus’ original lore, and hones in on his underwater grave, giving him diving equipment and a pretty badass anchor. Plus all of your abilities have been revamped to really push this theme, with water particles as far as the eye can see. And if you’re still not sold on the concept, just think about the fact that Nautilus is basically a Big Daddy from Bioshock. I honestly can’t come up with a better sales pitch than that. And since the skin is only 975 RP, you wouldn’t even be breaking the bank to snag it.
2. Shan Hai Scrolls Nautilus
Released: January 28th, 2021 Price: 1350 RP As the newest skin to join the Nautilus cosmetics family, Shan Hai Scrolls has all of the polish and drip you would expect in this day and age. The character model unironically makes you feel like some ancient god, with your anchor now being filled with magma, and your backing animation showcasing your power to darken the world in a single swing. The ability animations are all as clean as can be, with your W hits having clean boundaries, your E possessing a certain feeling of impact, and your ult looking like the life-ending curse that it is. The sound effects are top notch too. And the chromas offer every color combination you could possibly want. If I was extremely nit-picky, I could point out that your Q is easier to see coming with this skin, with the anchor being red – but that barely matters. This skin is absolutely terrific.
1. AstroNautilus
Released: September 4th, 2012 Price: 1350 RP AstroNautilus is just too iconic not to rank at the top here. Even the name pun alone makes it pretty legendary in my book. But the animations and particles sell it even more. The flying rocks on your W, as well as the fact that your visor closes, just makes it feel sort of magical. And the R target is bright red, meaning it’s easier for your team to see who to focus down. I’ll admit that the character model itself is very simple. But it’s very clean – and there are little details, like your eyes closing when you laugh, which makes the skin come alive. And that’s not even mentioning his goofy bounce walk. Or the fact that his joke emote fits in perfectly with the skin’s theme. This skin has been around for almost a decade. And I still think all these years later that it’s holding out as the best Nautilus skin. 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.
