And someone at Riot must really like this dude too, because he gets the most amazing skins. There aren’t many skins in his catalogue, but man do they never miss. So to celebrate the goofiest champion to ever grace the Rift, we’re going to look at all of his amazing skins and see how they stack up against each other.
5. Bard Bard
Released: November 17th, 2016 Price: 750 RP Okay, before you say anything, do know that being in last place does not mean I think this skin is bad. In fact, it’s honestly kind of brilliant. As you might imagine, this Bard skin turns Bard into a bard… and it is everything you could have asked for. The pompous suit + big feather hat combo does wonders for the aesthetic. And that little mask flowing in front of an empty void that is your face makes you just mysterious enough to maintain Bard’s initial charm. Your weapon now being an instrument just makes sense (I have no idea what it’s called and I never will). And your shrines being little notes is adorable. Overall, this skin doesn’t bring that much in terms of new particles or animations – which is why I sadly have to place it last. But I still think it’s well worth a look if you’re personally into the design.
4. Café Cuties Bard
Released: December 2nd, 2021 Price: 1350 RP This is Bard’s newest skin. And oh boy did it go full Disney. I mean, your head is a teapot. And your Meeps are just little cups. So Café Cuties Bard is one dressed up Gnar away from getting into a lawsuit. Jokes aside, the character model here is extremely detailed, and it fits Bard’s goofy yet magical appearance really well, with the new animations only furthering the hype. This skin has one of the most calming W animations I have ever seen, with coffee being slowly poured into a cup. And your Q having more flower particles than a millennial Instagram bio. The backing animation is as adorable as you would expect as well, with Bard just pouring coffee into his own head. There are tons of chromas to choose from too, and the splash art is equal parts wholesome and subtly terrifying. The only thing I don’t really like about this skin is the fact that you turn into a coffee cup when traveling with your E. Keeping the aesthetic alive is all well and good – but it needs to have a lick of sense at least if you ask me.
3. Elderwood Bard
Released: March 12th, 2015 Price: 975 RP Straight off the bat, there are two categories in which this skin is just flat-out the best. Firstly, if you want the best bang for your buck, I would say this skin offers it. And secondly, if you want a Bard skin that’s somewhat on the serious side, this is all you have. That’s because Elderwood Bard actually takes Bard into more of a druid aesthetic, and sacrifices some of the goofiness for a new-found dimension of coolness. The character model is just stunning, with Bard now looking like some ancient tree that just happened to spring into life in order to protect its home. It honestly makes Maokai look like a complete loser in comparison. Plus, that W animation is definitely worth more than just 975 RP – you watch a plant grow every time. This skin even has a unique backing animation, truly cementing itself as the best budget pick on this entire list. Overall, I absolutely love this skin and everything it stands for. But realistically, more people want the goof than the mystical force protecting the universe.
2. Astronaut Bard
Released: May 28th, 2020 Price: 1350 RP Let’s face it: Bard was basically born to be part of this skin line. Who can possibly utilize little alien dudes better than our big alien dude himself? The character model here is a bit generic, but I do love how the cables on the back of his head maintain his recognizable silhouette. And the animations are just everything you want them to be. Unlike Café Cuties, I think it makes perfect sense for Bard to turn into a little UFO when traveling with his E. So lots of brownie points there. And your W being another little UFO is just cute. Plus, I can’t stress enough just how good the sound design is for this skin. Playing with Astronaut Bard feels like a fun galactic adventure. And the Meep whispers work so well with the alien theme that I can’t help but get immersed. The backing animation is fun too, and there are a lot of chromas to choose from. Plus the splash art showcases Bard having the time of his life, so brownie points all around.
1. Snow Day Bard
Released: December 10th, 2015 Price: 1350 RP This has been THE Bard skin for quite some time – and I don’t think it’s going to get dethroned anytime soon. Sure, it might be fun to throw on a different skin every now and then. But Snow Day Bard just seems like the best option long term. The character model looks cozy and jolly as all hell, which are both adjectives that Bard mains like to see. And the theme lends itself to some really nice features. Healing with coocoo is a mood and a half. And the little penguins that follow you around are absolutely adorable. Sure, Peta wouldn’t be thrilled that you’re chucking penguins into the enemy. But that’s besides the point. Your Q, chimes, and E also get a particle makeover, with everything being ice-themed now. And it all just works. I especially love his little eyes – they look so content with life. Are all Bard players endless optimists, or does this skin perfect cuteness to a level we can’t comprehend? Who knows! What I do know is that Snow Day Bard is certainly the best Bard skin to pick up. 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.
