But when we can’t have updates, we have skins. And for this ranking we’re taking a look at one of the older champions, Jarvan IV. He’s got quite a few skins out there – and we’re diving into all of them to see which ones are truly worth getting.
12. Fnatic Jarvan IV
Released: September 24th, 2014 Price: 750 RP Even though this skin is relatively new (at least compared to a few others on here), it feels like it was made for the PlayStation 2 or something. I just really dislike the character model here. It’s too minimal and uninteresting. Sure, you get a goatee and a gamer vibe going on. But your shoulder pads also look like bare-bones polygons, and not actual features for a League skin. And since this doesn’t offer any new particles or animations, the character model is all I have to judge. Ergo, last place.
11. Victorious Jarvan IV
Released: September 14th, 2011 Price: Ranked Reward There’s only one true selling point for Victorious Jarvan IV, and that’s its legacy. Like seriously, this is basically a veteran’s badge that showcases you’ve been with this game over a decade. But when it comes to the actual skin, I’m not a huge fan. There’s just something about the color palette used for this skin that hurts my eyes. And the overall design is just sort of bland. I mean, it was to be expected, considering how long ago it came out. But I still wouldn’t want to wear a skin that’s uglier than the base just because of flexing rights.
10. Darkforge Jarvan IV
Released: July 26th, 2011 Price: 975 RP Finally, a skin that I don’t think is uglier than the base model. In fact, the design is rather neat. A bit bland, but still neat. It almost has a Dragonslayer vibe going on, with horns sticking out of your head, spikes on your shoulders, and like little wings on your helmet and arms. Plus I’m always a sucker for a good edgelord dark-themed skin. All of that being said, honestly this is simply overpriced. Although I like the character model, it’s nowhere nearly impressive enough to warrant a 975 RP price tag. And since it doesn’t offer anything in terms of new animations or particles, it really comes off as a bad deal.
9. Dragonslayer Jarvan IV
Released: March 1st, 2011 Price: 750 RP Just like the previous pick, this skin is ancient. It only gives you a character model change, and is very much in the Dragonslayer theme park. However, you can immediately see the difference when a skin goes at the Dragonslayer theme in earnest. Dragonslayer Jarvan IV basically looks like you’re playing dress-up with Shyvana, with red dragon scales covering most of your body and two dragon horns coming out from your back. Sure, it isn’t all that impressive visually. And it pales in comparison to modern skins. But I do like that it links Jarvan to Shyvana, as they share some lore. Overall this is not super impressive. But it has that little hint of emersion and a low price tag.
8. SSG Jarvan IV
Released: July 20th, 2018 Price: 1350 RP There’s quite a bit to cover with this skin. I really love it. The character model is very clean, and it keeps to that warrior aesthetic we associate with Jarvan while also making him look a lot more powerful. Especially those blessed shoulder pads. It also comes with some new particles and animations, with the stand-out points being the W and the backing animation. That said, his E isn’t a flag, but rather a sword. And his ult doesn’t disturb the terrain, which is somewhat odd. But those aspects wouldn’t have been enough to cost the skin a high ranking… so why is it this low? Simply because I think there’s a different skin that covers the exact same aesthetic way better & at the same price point. So let’s keep going.
7. Hextech Jarvan IV
Released: April 4th, 2019 Price: 10 Gemstones As far as Hextech skins are concerned, this is a pretty solid one. The character model is just robotic enough to give Jarvan a brand new look, but also human enough for it to still look and feel like Jarvan. The new particles and ability animations are all rather minimal but effective. And the backing animation is just brilliant. That being said, it’s a bit sad that Jarvan’s lance loses its iconic and detailed construction, and it’s just reduced to a triangle on a stick. Don’t get me wrong, it is a pretty cool triangle. But it still feels like a bit of Jarvan was lost. Plus, gemstones are ridiculously hard to collect. And I am not banking out ten of them unless the skin is certified art – so this one isn’t going to be my top recommendation from that.
6. Pool Party Jarvan IV
Released: July 2nd, 2020 Price: 1350 RP First off, let’s all acknowledge the fact that Jarvan has no business being so hot in the splash art. Secondly, let’s point out that this skin isn’t for everyone. If you like goofy skins, then this is your best (and only) choice for Jarvan. But if you like serious skins, this one will feel extremely off. Your lance is an umbrella for crying out loud! Yes, there are a lot of extremely wholesome and funny details here – like your backing animation or the fact that your ult is a sand castle. But E+Qs have never looked weirder. The skin does have a lot of polish and a really detailed (and hot) character model. But ultimately I wouldn’t recommend it to most players.
5. Commando Jarvan IV
Released: March 1st, 2011 Price: 520 RP Now this is the skin you put on when you want to pull out your lance and flop it on the table. Even though it only gives you a character model redesign, Commando Jarvan carries so much Chad energy that you’ll feel legendary immediately. You literally have guns strapped to your shoulders and legs. And you still choose to just whack people to death because that’s the way you roll. Also, the skin is very green, and it makes running Grasp really satisfying for some reason. Sometimes simplicity is key. And this skin is a strong example of that. In fact, if you really don’t have a lot of RP, just get this one.
4. Lunar Beast Jarvan IV
Released: February 4th, 2021 Price: 1350 RP Lunar Beast Jarvan is just good all-around. The character model is pretty modern and well-detailed, with his e-boy hair being the biggest stand out, and the lance is everything you would ever want as a Jarvan main – it keeps the original unique design, but also incorporates a new dragon theme and a lot of finer details. In terms of animations and particles, everything is prim and proper here, with each ability feeling very fluid & being just flashy enough to get those dopamine receptors going. I especially like the ult wall. It makes the whole thing feel like the indestructible barrier that it is. Also, your backing animation is adorable. Not my favorite skin, but a really good pick!
3. Worlds 2021 Jarvan IV
Released: September 23rd, 2021 Price: 1350 RP All of the following skins are S+ tier in my book. So just know that their order was based on extremely thin margins. This skin is basically what Jarvan would look like if he came out today. Especially if we’re talking about the Catseye chroma. Everything about this skin has a certain oomph that’s so difficult to find in other cosmetics. Your character model makes you feel like a king, your passive proc literally has a crowd applaud for you, plus your Q has your dragon lance open its jaws to extend the range. And your ult wall design is impeccable, along with your backing animation having you sit on a throne (very cool). This skin is basically just raw power. And it makes Jarvan feel way more dangerous and relevant than he’s ever felt before. It’s also just SSG on steroids.
2. Dark Star Jarvan IV
Released: March 1st, 2018 Price: 1350 RP OK, this is the only Jarvan skin that leaves the “human warrior” aesthetic, and instead and ventures out into fantasy. So it has a very specific and loyal audience. The character model here is just insane, with your body seemingly being comprised out of two different types of crystals with an energy source in the middle, all while your lance just casually harvests the power of a mini black hole. The lance does lose some of its original shape though, unfortunately. Yet all of your particles and sound effects have this looming cosmic feeling, with your ult even summoning jagged space teeth or something. I also love that whenever you back you almost get abducted by some mysterious space arms. Overall, Dark Star Jarvan is quite unique. And it excels in almost every aspect, with my only real complaint being that Riot dumbed down the lance.
1. Warring Kingdoms Jarvan IV
Released: February 8th, 2013 Price: 1350 RP Truth be told, I actually like Jarvan’s base skin quite a lot – even though it feels outdated. And Warring Kingdoms, even though it’s also old, feels like the visual update Jarvan always needed. It has that exact same warrior/general vibe that the base skin proudly flaunts, while also having a few new particles to make it feel more impactful. The character model here is certainly more detailed and more badass. Plus your Q has some flame particles for added oomph, and your ult not only creates a crater, but also burns those rocks with its cheer impact. Really, this skin is very simple. In fact it doesn’t even offer a new backing animation. But it takes everything you loved about the original champion fantasy, and elevates that feeling. And that’s why I think it deserves some recognition. 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.
