And since we already took a look at Rakan’s cosmetics, it only makes sense to dress our girl up as well. So considering each skin’s overall appeal and price point, this is my ranking for the best-of-the-best that Xayah offers.
7. Sweetheart Xayah
Released: February 12th, 2018 Price: 1350 RP You would really think that the Sweetheart theme would be the perfect choice for League’s main couple, but that is not the case. Honestly, this skin barely even feels all that romance related. Sure, you get a few heart particles here and there. And if you really squint, you can see some hearts worked into Xayah’s outfit, but that doesn’t seem like enough. And once you take the lovey dovey energy out of the equation, this skin just seems a bit random. The animations and particles are all fine. But there isn’t anything about it that’s really going to make you to choose it over the others. Okay, the backing animation is kind of nice, as you feel like a Disney princess summoning little birds and what not. But that’s about it!
6. SSG Xayah
Released: July 20th, 2018 Price: 1350 RP Just like the previous pick, this skin feels like it has a bit of an identity issue. It’s basically just Xayah, but she’s blue. Sure, her backing animation (joint and individual) showcase the Worlds’ thematic. But aside from that, her design seems a bit all over the place. The color scheme seems rather nice though, with the added bonus of giving you a slight buff if you’re playing Aram due to all of the blues and whites – but here’s nothing else to set this skin apart. Even the splash art is just uncharacteristically tame and bland. SSG Xayah has nice colors and can be a good choice if you’re a real e-sports fan. But I think there are better options overall.
5. Arcana Xayah
Released: April 14th, 2022 Price: 1350 RP Although the Arcana skin line usually brings some top-notch products – they kind of flopped with this one. This is because the skin just feels lazy. For one, the character model doesn’t stand out in the slightest. The color scheme is brighter, and your feathers are now pointy – that’s about it. And I know that Xayah in general doesn’t lend herself to really flashy skins, but they certainly could’ve done more than this! As far as the animations go, that sentiment mostly carries over. The actual feather design does look pretty cool, but every other ability just looks like a red recoloring of the original. There wasn’t any stand-out moment that really made the skin feel unique. And then there’s the recall debacle. While your solo backing animation is rather decent, there’s no unique animation for when you’re with your hubby. Let’s be honest, the joint recall is half of the reason people play these two champs – so it was a pretty low blow. Overall, I don’t hate this skin. And gameplay-wise it does everything that a skin should do. However, there wasn’t a single feature that blew me away and made me want to buy this skin.
4. Cosmic Dusk Xayah
Released: April 18th, 2017 Price: 1350 RP There are a few key things I want to say about Cosmic Dusk Xayah. First off, it has one of the best splash arts in the game. And I just love the depiction of Xayah and Rakan being these all-powerful deity lovers in dead space. Secondly, this is one of the better Xayah skins if you’re playing solo, as it just carries a certain sense of power and presence that really solidifies that you don’t need no man. Thirdly, the design for her wing and feathers is just stunning. Even her backing animation is pretty dope! All of that being said, her W, E and R are missing a bit of that oomph. And thematically I do think there are other skins that fit her just a bit better. Still a good choice though!
3. Brave Phoenix Xayah
Released: September 2nd, 2021 Price: 1350 RP This is both one of Xayah’s newest skins, and her only solo skin. So it has a lot to prove. And it does do it to a certain degree. Brave Phoenix Xayah surprisingly focuses on the bird aspect moreso than on the fire theme. So you get some nice bird sound effects, and some birds flying around you while using W. Also there’s a phoenix for when you recall, so you technically always have a friend to go back to base with. The feather design is on the tamer side here. But your E root has this very nice whirlwind of fire, and the character model looks rather noble and powerful. It’s a shame that your death animation isn’t just Xayah turning to ash and then rising from the ashes in base, as it seems like such an obvious idea. But if you feel like playing solo and don’t want to share your recalls and dances with anyone (while also looking pretty fierce) then this is the skin for you.
2. Star Guardian Xayah
Released: September 12th, 2019 Price: 1820 RP Being the only legendary skin in Xayah’s arsenal, you already know it stands above all the rest when it comes to the amount of new features. You basically get like two chromas just by using your W and R respectively. And your emotes have more animations than Malphite’s entire kit. Your dance has actual music, your joke and taunt emote are actually quite entertaining, plus you get a little bird friend called Saki. And he’s so precious that your motivation to win will be higher than ever before. Both backing animations are as excellent as you might imagine. Plus your new voice over fits Xayah’s theme rather well, and your feathers are more stylized than ever! So why isn’t this skin at number one? Well, because the theme still isn’t as natural as our top pick – and the price is a bit too high here, considering Xayah doesn’t have that many animation muscles to flex with her abilities. Also, I just don’t quite like that her feathers are no longer feathers.
1. Elderwood Xayah
Released: December 10th, 2020 Price: 1350 RP I’ve said it before and I will say it again: Elderwood is thematically the perfect choice for Vastaya characters. It keeps to their original champion fantasy, while also making them feel a lot more fantastic and whimsical. Your feathers being butterfly wings worked out way better than I originally thought. And there’s something so satisfying about your new W animation that I can hardly put it into words. And that backing animation is just so calming and/or romantic if you have your S.O. there. Sure, it might come off as bland compared to Star Guardian. But Xayah was never a flashy character to begin with. And I think going this route just makes a lot more sense. Plus if you read my ranking for Rakan’s skins, you’ll find further proof of why Elderwood Xayah stands out above the rest. 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.
