The great thing about a transforming champion in League is that you basically get two skins for the price of one.
And with that financial life hack in mind, let’s talk about Nidalee.
She has quite the impressive catalogue of skins, and it’s my mission to rank them all and determine which skin stands above the rest.
13. Pharaoh Nidalee
Released: January 10th, 2011
Price: 520 RP
As one of the older skins in Nidalee’s catalogue, this doesn’t really offer anything in terms of particles or new animations – but rather it’s just a champion model change.
And while the character model doesn’t look bad, it is somewhat underwhelming.
The human form looks exactly like you would imagine it to look. And the cougar form just looks slightly derpy.
It’s also the only skin that really gave up on making you look like a threatening predator, and just made you a slightly bigger cat.
This is still rather cheap, and I’m sure that some players really like it for the theme, but I think there are better skins out there.
12. Snow Bunny Nidalee
Released: December 17th, 2009
Price: 520 RP
Snow Bunny Nidalee is even older than the previous one. And as such, it holds a special place in some players’ hearts.
However, we need to take off that Band-Aid quickly and just accept the fact that this skin is basically a recolor.
The human model here looks basically identical, but white, and even the cougar form doesn’t really do that much to set itself apart.
It does have some upsides, like a really nice splash art and the ability to blend into the background if you’re playing Aram.
But there’s a limit to how far those features can take this skin in our ranking.
11. French Maid Nidalee
Released: June 24th, 2010
Price: 520 RP
Let’s just be honest with ourselves: French Maid Nidalee is the equivalent of being horny on main.
Yes, the splash art is really suggestive – especially for you WikiFeet enthusiasts. And the character model is rather hot as well.
But the skin itself isn’t all that special.
The cougar form is simply a recolor of the base model. And since there are no new animation or particles included in the deal, you’re literally only paying for the maid costume.
Sure, if you find it hilarious to carry games while dressed like this (or if you only play League for eye-candy) then get this skin.
But if you actually want a cool skin, keep looking.
10. Leopard Nidalee
Released: February 24th, 2010
Price: 520 RP
Out of all the old-school Nidalee skins that have no new animations, but also have a surprisingly large fanbase, Leopard Nidalee is by far my favorite.
Firstly, it’s a very honest skin. It states outright that it’s a leopard – and that it’s. Unlike a certain snow bunny liar…
Secondly, the human form’s outfit actually looks rather distinct. And the cougar form doesn’t feel like just a recolor.
The splash art is also very well-made here, and the theme fits Nidalee’s core champion fantasy. So this is pretty decent for what you get.
9. Warring Kingdoms Nidalee
Released: February 10th, 2015
Price: 975 RP
Now we’re getting into the skins that have a bit more to offer.
When it comes to the human character model here, Warring Kingdoms Nidalee isn’t incredibly memorable. But I will say that it’s rather detailed and fitting for the theme.
Plus, your spear looks pretty fancy.
The cougar form on the other hand is an absolute beauty that makes the skin worth it all by itself.
You get some small particle changes, but nothing major. And then also a new W trap design and new backing animations for both form.
Yet again, the cougar steals the show in this category – it is adorable.
I would also like to point out that your spear is a bit easier to notice in this skin, since it glows red as opposed to the usual brown/orange particles.
So this is overall rather decent, but the human form is definitely bringing its ranking down quite a bit.
8. DWG Nidalee
Released: April 29th, 2021
Price: 1350 RP
Nidalee players seem to be pretty torn on this one. They either think it’s the best skin or one of the worst, so I’ll try to take a middle ground.
The color palette is extremely dull here, as Nidalee got three blue skins in a row. The water particles just seem random and out of place, and the sound effect for your passive is somewhat irritating as well.
But on the positive side, the cougar form looks majestic, the backing animations are really hype & well-made, and the skin is rather smooth and easy to play with.
And DWG Nidalee does have a chroma available, but it’s a bit on the expensive side.
Also the splash art is decent here, but not jaw-dropping.
So it’s a pretty mid-tier skin, if you ask me.
7. Ocean Song Nidalee
Released: June 9th, 2022
Price: 1350 RP
Ocean Song Nidalee is the type of skin that no one would mind getting, but no one would freak out over it either. It’s just decent all around.
The character model is alright, with a fair amount of detail put into your getup. From the earing to the fishnets, it all fits in together nicely.
And your cougar form is just excellent. It makes you look rather mystical but also distinctly aquatic. Plus, with your backing animation having music, the overall experience is just really chill.
However, in terms of particles and sound effects, they played it rather safely. Everything is just a splish splash water effect. They could’ve at least made your W traps be starfish or something.
As I’ve said, this skin is just decent.
You could maybe make a case for the really nice chroma selection bumping this skin up a placement or two – but I don’t think it’s enough.
6. Challenger Nidalee
Released: January 14th, 2016
Price: 975 RP
Challenger Nidalee offers some great value.
You basically get new particles on everything, as well as a new design for your W trap and your passive.
The character models are just amazing, with the transition seeming rather seamless and smooth. Plus I love the attention to detail, as the gems in your white hair in human form are transferred to your head in cougar form, and your fur is also white.
I don’t know why, but that design choice makes me happy.
However, I think this is one of the worst skins for climbing the ladder, as your spear toss is bright red and it’s basically the easiest to see coming.
I have to appease the meta game within me, so this one can’t go much higher than mid-tier.
5. Super Galaxy Nidalee
Released: October 16th, 2017
Price: 1350 RP
Although this is one of the weaker entries in the Super Galaxy skin line, it’s still pretty good overall.
The human form is a bit on the bland side with this design, but man do I love that new spear. There’s just something about seeing that drill spin as it approaches your enemy that makes you both love the experience, and crave Gurren Lagann.
You also get a nice-looking trap design and some pretty crisp sound effects along with it.
Plus your cougar form is a literal robot, so you definitely can’t say it isn’t unique.
Both new backing animations are very dynamic and fun too, and the splash art really sets the stage for a rather badass experience.
4. Headhunter Nidalee
Released: March 20th, 2013
Price: 975 RP
Headhunter Nidalee is sort of a classic, and it’s just badass enough to always be appealing.
Even though it’s a bit older and has those cursed red particles on your spear toss, the skin still holds up pretty well. Mostly because of its interesting theme and good character models.
Your human form looks like a true huntress looking her next kill, and your cougar form is a monster ripped straight out of Aliens vs Predator.
You also get a new trap design and some rather tame but cool backing animations for both forms.
Truly a testament to how much the “cool factor” can carry a great skin over the years.
3. Bewitching Nidalee
Released: October 19th, 2011
Price: 975 RP
If being cool doesn’t work, you can always go for the unique/funny/hot route and achieve even better results.
Even though this is a seasonal skin, Nidalee mains seem to cherish it quite a bit. And this skin is pretty frequent all year round.
The character model for the human form is pretty distinct here, with your witch’s hat and broom spear, and even the cougar form gets into the action with a hat for itself.
You also get some nice bat particles to really sell the spooky vibes. Plus your Q is incredibly difficult to see coming, and this splash art is just fun.
I barely know why it works so well, but it just does.
2. Cosmic Huntress Nidalee
Released: November 24th, 2020
Price: 1350 RP
I just love the aesthetic for Cosmic Huntress Nidalee.
It makes you feel like a literal god.
And it’s one of very few Nidalee skins that actually represents the universe-shattering damage on your spear – and the fact that your cougar form looks like an old-school deity only makes me want it more.
Of course, you have the usual bells and whistles here like new animations for your abilities, sound effects and particles… but even the character models alone are worth the price in my opinion.
And don’t even get me started on those backing animations. Because I can and will write a dissertation on the subject.
Absolutely an amazing skin, and it only loses the top spot because it’s so flashy that you might grow tired of it after a while.
1. Dawnbringer Nidalee
Released: December 12th, 2019
Price: 1350 RP
I chose Dawnbringer here because it scratches the same itch as Cosmic Huntress, in that you feel incredibly powerful and important, without being “in your face” as much.
This skin could have honestly just been Nidalee’s default skin if she came out today – and I think that’s how you should judge a skin.
You get incredibly clean animations, particles, and sound effects, plus some subtle but well-made backing animations. And this skin also comes with a very cool splash art, and an overall design philosophy that’s never going out of style.
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.
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