There are the basic ones like Morgana bind or Teemo blind. And then there’s the absolute nightmare that is Zoe’s E. And honestly, if you’re already going to make me break my computer, at least have a cool skin on so I get to see a few nice particles before everything goes gray. Well in this ranking we’re playing devil’s little helper as we look at all of Zoe’s skins to determine which soul crushing cosmetic will give your opponents the most satisfaction in their final moments.
5. Pool Party Zoe
Released: August 2nd, 2018 Price: 1350 RP The thing with Zoe is that she’s relatively new to the game, so even her worst skins are rather brilliant. So, let’s first go over the plus sides of this skin first. The sound effects are honestly the high point for me personally – as every ability sounds so clear and relaxing that I almost forget about the 2k HP I lost in the process. The E even has a nice visual and sound effect of seagulls flying around peacefully, which is quite the nice touch. Your ult is now a kiddie pool, your backing animation is dynamic and fun, and your character model actually has a rather intricate and memorable design. Perhaps an unpopular opinion, but I really like how they styled her hair in this skin. So why is it in last place? Well, even though the theme is fun, it is by far the most whack out of the bunch. While her other skins expanded on her power quite a bit, Pool Party Zoe just seems a bit random. Plus, all of her other skins have something exclusive to them – and that’s not something I can say about Pool Party Zoe, so it was outmatched from the start.
4. Cyber Pop Zoe
Released: November 21st, 2017 Price: 1350 RP When I initially saw the splash art for this skin, I was convinced that I was going to hate it. Maybe it’s just me, but I really thought Cyber Pop Zoe would turn her into a cyborg or something. But boy was I mistaken. Cyber Pop Zoe is not only the most lovable little nerd, but it also makes a direct reference to Futaba Sakura, so all of you Persona 5 fans can rejoice. And in terms of design, this skin has quite a few features that honestly blew me away. First off, the skin has new and unique voice lines, which really adds some immersion points into the mix. Secondly, the fact that her E now gives you an error screen is the most realistic design choice I have ever seen. I can only imagine how many people actually broke their monitors after being hit by that ability. Thirdly, there’s extra little details that stand out – like the fact that your homeguard animation has you go on roller skates, or how your ult has this nice wormhole effect. It really gives the skin a distinct feel & makes it a perfect choice if you don’t like Zoe’s original vibe. So what’s wrong with this skin? Well, nothing really. But seeing as how it does stray away from the original aesthetic quite a bit, I think it’s more objective to give higher spots to other skins that enhance the champion’s experience vs. changing it completely.
3. EDG Zoe
Released: May 12th, 2022 Price: 1350 RP In the short term, this skin is absolutely amazing. The character model perfectly sells the “goddess of the universe but also 11” aesthetic and the color scheme ties everything together nicely. And even though you only have one chroma, it’s so distinct from the base skin that I’d honestly take it over a bunch of nonsensical recolors. When it comes to the abilities, there are a few cool new features. Your Q now showcases a crossbow upon redirecting it. And the sound effect that comes along with it carries a lot of weight. Which is exactly what you want with an ability this powerful. Your E is also quite fun. When it just lands on the floor, it showcases an abyss with the League trophy floating just out of reach. And once you pick it up, there’s a sound effect of the crowd cheering and then everything goes gray. The cheering is also quite useful as it’s extremely distinct and can let you know whether you hit someone off-screen. However, the whole trophy gimmick also hurts this skin a bit. I say this because it will eventually lose its charm and just seem off. Unlike the following two skins which are neutral enough to always remain relevant. Overall, an absolutely amazing skin that just might not have the same longevity as the following two. Well, nothing really. But seeing as how it does stray away from the original aesthetic quite a bit, I think it’s more objective to give higher spots to other skins that enhance the champion’s experience vs. changing it completely.
2. Arcanist Zoe
Released: July 9th, 2020 Price: 1350 RP We’ve all heard jokes about how Zoe is basically a Disney character. But this skin took it too seriously. Arcanist Zoe goes all-out and truly delivers on the whole “young mage” aesthetic that Zoe has about her. So what should you expect from this skin? Well first off, I think it has the best Q animation out of the bunch. This is because the second part of your Q actually has a magical book appear and redirect upon casting it. I love this idea, and I feel like it’s the most logical yet whimsical way to go about this ability. Your E is a giant potion that puts you under some kind of spell – also quite the nice touch, as it diversifies the particles a bit. And even though your ult being a book has some serious Yuumi vibes, I can still appreciate it. The same book also trolls you in your backing animation, and it is honestly adorable. And that’s largely why I like this skin quite a bit – it’s simply charming. Plus, there’s a Prestige edition up for grabs if you want to be one of those rich girl mages and flex on all the peasants. I personally prefer the original Arcanist, but I will say that the Prestige edition isn’t half bad either. Overall, the only nitpick I have with this skin is that it can’t go toe to toe with our top pick when it comes to new features.
1. Star Guardian Zoe
Released: September 12th, 2019 Price: 1350 RP If there’s one thing that you can count on, it’s that Star Guardian skins will have an absurd number of new features. And honestly, if Zoe got the usual “hero” treatment, this skin would have been trash tier more than likely. But considering Riot actually made her out to be the villain that she is, I’m more than happy. For one, the dark hands appearing in both her E and her homeguard animation give this skin strong Re:Zero vibes – and I am honestly here for it. Ever her character model looks like it was ripped straight out of an anime. The little companion you have by your side also makes this skin feel unique all around, as the little devil is present in your Q, your E, and even in your dance animation, which is quite new. Also, your backing animation is just ominous as all hell, which is exactly what this skin needed. And even your laugh emote gets a little tweak so the aesthetic feels more fleshed out. You also get a voice filter and new voice lines, because why not? So not only does Star Guardian Zoe hit the nail on the head in terms of theme, it also incorporates so many cool ideas & features that I have to crown it as the best in Zoe’s arsenal. 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.
