Ready to dive into the cosmic mystery of one of Fortnite's most iconic skins? Whether you're a seasoned player or a newcomer curious about the game's history, the Dark Vanguard skin has a story to tell. Let's embark on a journey to uncover its rarity, availability, and overall place in the Fortnite universe.
Step 1: Understanding the Concept of "Rarity" in Fortnite
Before we get into the specifics of the Dark Vanguard, let's talk about what makes a skin rare in the first place. Are you a collector? A player who loves flexing unique cosmetics in the lobby? Or maybe you just appreciate the design of certain skins? Your personal definition of "rare" can influence how you view this skin.
Is it about the time since it was last seen? Skins that haven't been in the Item Shop for a long time are often considered rare. The longer the "last seen" date, the more "OG" the skin is.
Is it about the price? Legendary skins, which cost 2,000 V-Bucks, are more of a commitment than cheaper ones.
Is it about exclusivity? Some skins are part of Battle Passes, Starter Packs, or special bundles, meaning they can't be obtained later. These are a different level of rare.
Keep these factors in mind as we explore the Dark Vanguard.
How Rare Is Dark Vanguard In Fortnite |
Step 2: Decoding the Dark Vanguard's Rarity
So, where does the Dark Vanguard fit into this system? The Dark Vanguard is a Legendary Outfit that is part of the Space Explorers Set, which also includes the Dark Voyager and a number of space-themed back blings, gliders, and pickaxes.
Sub-heading: The Item Shop Factor
Unlike Battle Pass skins, which are gone forever once the season ends, the Dark Vanguard is an Item Shop skin. This is a crucial distinction. It means that, in theory, Epic Games can bring it back to the Item Shop at any time.
Tip: Slow down when you hit important details.
Initial Release: The Dark Vanguard first appeared in the Item Shop in Chapter 1, Season 3, back in April 2018. This gives it some serious vintage cred, making it a true OG cosmetic.
A History of Returns: If you check reliable Fortnite cosmetic tracking websites, you'll see a sales history for the Dark Vanguard. It has returned to the Item Shop numerous times over the years. This fact alone tells you that it's not an "unobtainable" or "vaulted" skin.
A Matter of Frequency: While it does return, it doesn't appear as often as some of the more common, fan-favorite skins. Its appearances are sporadic, sometimes with large gaps between them. This infrequency is what gives it its perceived rarity. A skin that hasn't been seen for 100+ days is often considered rare by the community, and the Dark Vanguard has gone on some long hiatuses.
Step 3: A Step-by-Step Guide to Getting the Dark Vanguard
So, you've decided you want this stellar skin for your locker. Here's what you need to do.
Be Patient. This is the most important step. As a recurring Item Shop skin, the Dark Vanguard's return is entirely up to Epic Games. There is no guaranteed schedule for its appearance.
Monitor the Item Shop Daily. The Fortnite Item Shop refreshes every day at a specific time (usually 0:00 UTC). You need to be diligent and check it every day. You can do this in-game or use one of the many reliable online Fortnite cosmetic tracking websites or apps.
Save Your V-Bucks. The Dark Vanguard is a Legendary skin and costs 2,000 V-Bucks. Make sure you have enough saved up. You can earn V-Bucks through the Battle Pass, save the world (if you're a founder), or purchase them directly from the store. Do not fall for scams promising free V-Bucks or skin generators.
Purchase When It's Available. When the Dark Vanguard finally appears in the Item Shop, don't hesitate. The rotation changes daily, and you don't know when it will return next. Buy it as soon as you see it.
Step 4: The Verdict - Is Dark Vanguard Rare?
Let's break it down into a simple rating system.
True Rarity (based on availability): Medium. Since it is an Item Shop skin that returns, it's not truly "rare" in the same way as a Season 2 Battle Pass skin like Black Knight. However, its infrequency gives it a certain level of rarity.
Perceived Rarity (by the community): High. Because it's not a daily or weekly Item Shop staple, players who see it in-game often consider it a rare sight. Owning it shows you've been playing for a while and were around for some of its earlier appearances.
Collector's Value: Significant. For players who appreciate OG cosmetics from the early days of Fortnite, the Dark Vanguard is a valuable piece of their collection.
In conclusion, while the Dark Vanguard is not one of the rarest skins in Fortnite history (that title belongs to skins from early Battle Passes), it is uncommon and holds a lot of cosmetic value due to its vintage and inconsistent return schedule. It's a fantastic skin with a great design, and if you have it in your locker, you definitely have something to show off!
10 Related FAQ Questions
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How to know when Dark Vanguard is coming back?
You can't know for certain, as Epic Games doesn't announce Item Shop rotations in advance. The best way is to check the in-game Item Shop or a dedicated Fortnite cosmetic tracking website daily.
How to get the Dark Vanguard skin for free?
Unfortunately, you cannot get the Dark Vanguard skin for free. It is a Legendary rarity skin that costs V-Bucks and must be purchased from the Item Shop when available. Be wary of any websites or services that claim to offer it for free, as they are likely scams.
How to check the Dark Vanguard's last seen date?
You can use fan-made websites like fnbr.co or Fortnite Tracker to see the full sales history of the Dark Vanguard skin, including its last seen date in the Item Shop.
How to earn V-Bucks to buy Dark Vanguard?
Tip: Reread slowly for better memory.
You can earn V-Bucks by completing challenges and leveling up in the Battle Pass, by completing daily quests in Save the World (if you're a Founder), or by purchasing them with real money from the in-game store.
How to tell the difference between Dark Vanguard and Dark Voyager?
Dark Vanguard is the female counterpart to the Dark Voyager skin. Dark Voyager was a Battle Pass skin from Season 3, making it much rarer than the Dark Vanguard, which is a recurring Item Shop skin. They share a similar space suit design, but their availability is different.
How to know if a skin is a Battle Pass exclusive?
Battle Pass skins are clearly labeled within the Battle Pass menu. If a skin is part of the Battle Pass, it can only be unlocked by reaching a certain level during that specific season.
How to get the entire Space Explorers set?
To get the entire Space Explorers set, you need to purchase each cosmetic item separately from the Item Shop as they appear. The set includes the Dark Vanguard, Dark Voyager (Battle Pass), Orbital Shuttle glider, Deep Space Lander glider, and more.
QuickTip: Look for repeated words — they signal importance.
How to refund a skin in Fortnite?
You can refund eligible cosmetics within 30 days of purchase using a "Return Ticket" in the Account and Privacy settings. However, you only have a limited number of these tickets.
How to find out the price of Dark Vanguard?
The Dark Vanguard is a Legendary outfit and costs 2,000 V-Bucks every time it appears in the Item Shop.
How to use fan-made Fortnite cosmetic trackers safely?
Always use a reputable and well-known cosmetic tracker like fnbr.co or Fortnite Tracker. Be sure they don't ask for any personal information or account login details. They simply use public data from the game's API to track cosmetics.