Even if your top laner is ahead in CS and has an item lead, you can never really know when she’s going to tentacle slam both of you into the shadow realm. And since eyes will be on you anyways, why not look good while doing it? She does only have a few skins – but why settle for anything but the best?
4. Void Bringer Illaoi
Released: November 24th, 2015 Price: 1350 RP Man, the Illaoi community really doesn’t seem to like this skin. And while I do think it is the worst of the three, I still think it has some high points. For one, she looks way more Void-ian than Kai’sa ever has, with armor that actually looks like it gives you some protection and crystals that tie it all together. The fact that her weapon also looks like a Vel’koz carcass also helps. However, her animations did fall a bit flat. Because her tentacles just look like recolors of the originals with no special effects of particles, and her slam seems like a slightly altered Vel’koz W. I initially thought that was a fun idea – but then I quickly realized how confusing that is in a teamfight. Void Bringer Illaoi is also a bit on the lazy side in terms of design. Her backing animation looks like she’s having a stroke. And since this is the only Illaoi skin that doesn’t have a chroma, I can see why people boil it down to “Illaoi but purple”. Overall, I do like the idea here. But it seems like 90% of the design budget went into the character model, while the animations and particles were an afterthought.
3. Resistance Illaoi
Released: March 15th, 2018 Price: 1350 RP As the strong independent female character of League, I’m really glad Illaoi has this skin. Her new armor plus cybernetic arm make her look like she’s a true force to be reckoned with, while her top showcases her abs and proves that anyone can make me feel self-conscious. Your weapon here looks like a decapitated Decepticon, which is brutal as all hell. And your tentacles are blood red and absolutely menacing. It’s a shame those tentacles aren’t a bit more mechanical, but I don’t mind it too much – as they do look a bit like wires here, which thematically checks out in my brain. In terms of particles and animations, everything is on fire and exploding, which perfectly encapsulates the feeling of top lane with a feeding team – so bonus points there. I especially like how your weapon gives off this constant grumbling sound too. It makes the skin feel a bit more authentic. In terms of chromas, the only real choice is Pearl, because it makes you a Storm Trooper. But I would accept the Rose chrome as well if in a pinch. Overall, Resistance Illaoi is a really decent skin that could have been even better if Riot made the tentacles slightly more intricate.
2. Cosmic Invoker Illaoi
Released: November 24th, 2020 Price: 1350 RP Cosmic Invoker Illaoi just gives you everything you would want as an Illaoi player. Her armor looks sturdy and detailed, her weapon looks ancient and powerful (as well as extremely creepy), and her tentacles are distinct and cool. As an Illaoi player, you already are the center of your own universe, as the 1v9 dream will never truly die – and this skin just grants you that fantasy. The little constellation particles are extremely satisfying here too. Plus the tentacle slams pack a wallop in terms of both visual and sound effects. And your E finally makes sense, because you’re a literal cosmic being. I also like to introduce my own head-cannon where you beat your opponent’s Zodiac sign back in retrograde, but that’s just me. Also the splash art is extremely well-made, and I’m pretty sure your backing animation has you creating a universe. The voice filter fits in nicely too – and the chroma selection is varied and fun. Like I said, this gives you everything you could need – and that’s why it’s my second favorite pick.
1. Snow Moon Illaoi
Released: June 23rd, 2022 Price: 1350 RP Initially, I was rather torn on the Snow Moon skin-line – as it just seemed like a mashup of things we’ve seen before. However, it fits Illaoi so perfectly that I can’t even be mad. The character model managed to give Illaoi a fresh new look while still keeping all those elements that made Illaoi cool in the first place. And the snow particles tied in surprisingly well with Illaoi’s design. Just look at the E! The ghost you pull out looks like a proper phantom and the slow they receive makes a lot more sense visually. The tentacles also look ominous as all hell (especially when ten of them are slamming down on you at the same time). So another plus there. And even the new backing animation manages to be flashy while also making perfect sense with both the skin and the original design. If I were to nitpick, I’d take aim at the chromas (as they don’t do too much for the skin) but that’s about it. Overall, this skin is simply perfect for Illaoi. I know that being the best out of this small skin collection might not sound that impressive – but Snow Moon Illaoi definitely deserves some praise. 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.
