And not just because of that one shirtless blacksmith scene. But since we’re already talking about his looks, how about we make him pop out in-game as well? For this ranking we’re looking at all of his cosmetics to find the best ones. The ranking is based on each skin’s price, aesthetic, and overall appeal – all to decide which ones are worth getting & which ones you can do without.
7. Arcane Jayce
Released: November 8th, 2021 Price: Mission Reward To kick off our last place choice, we’ve got Arcane Jayce – and it’s the weirdest to rank. If you’ve followed along with the Arcane event, you’ll know that Arcane skins are basically just Prestige versions of the base model. Like it just legitimately looks better in every way imaginable plus it offers some new animations as well. The hammer looks a lot more detailed, the ability particles are a bit smoother, and the champion overall just feels fresher. That being said, Arcane skins don’t really change anything fundamental about the champion – which is usually the point of skins. So I’ll have to leave this in last place due to a technicality. It does look pretty sick though. And that splash art brings a tear to my eye.
6. Jayce Brighthammer
Released: November 17th, 2016 Price: 750 RP This skin stands on the complete opposite side of the spectrum to Arcane Jayce, as it makes Jayce feel completely different from the base design. Jayce Brighthammer takes quite a bold approach here – it gives Jayce some heavy armor and a hammer that looks like it should be wielded by an orc. It also makes him look a lot more fantastic, and a lot more durable. But it’s not like the skin is ugly or anything. And it has some really nice particles too, and the crystal within the hammer when you switch to ranged mode seems oddly perfect now that we know the lore behind its power. However, the character model at a glance just looks like Garen. It’s a rather cheap skin, and I know that some Jayce players absolutely love this one. But the second you can confuse any skin which another champion, I have to deduct some points.
5. Debonair Jayce
Released: February 14th, 2013 Price: 975 RP We didn’t really need Arcane to show us that Jayce is quite the ladies’ man. And this skin really plays to his strengths. Although it does offer a new recall animation and some minor particle changes, it’s all about the character model with this one. Wearing the most stylish tuxedo money can buy, Debonair Jayce is here to blow up carries and steal wives, and he just scored an Ace. The skin is pretty fun overall. And I think it’s decent for its price tag. But there are a lot of things you can do with this champion other than just make him look pretty. That said, you undoubtedly should get style points for winning with this skin.
4. Full Metal Jayce
Released: July 6th, 2012 Price: 1350 RP I’m slightly torn when it comes to Full Metal Jayce. On the one hand, I really don’t like it when a skin just turns you into a robot – it feels a bit lazy. On the other hand, it is rather well made. With Jayce being a scientist, I can say that this doesn’t make any sense, and I’m honestly digging the particles on this skin. The fact that you have a power source on your shoulder where your hammer-form W springs out of… it makes the skin look so much more realistic. And it also comes with a voice filter, so it’s a bit easier to get into the whole “robotic” groove. And on top of all that, this has been a staple Jayce skin for quite some time. So you get some of those classic legacy points. Overall, I do think there are more creative Jayce skins out there. But I wouldn’t fight you on calling this your personal best pick.
3. Forsaken Jayce
Released: May 3rd, 2015 Price: 1350 RP I will always be a sucker for a “darkest timeline” skin. So this one is right up my alley. The fact that Jayce is covered in dark robes from head to toe already makes me love it. But there are so many other details to discuss. The fact that he has a robot arm really gets the creative juices flowing here, regarding how he ended up this way. And his bright red hammer subtly cues to his backstory as a smith working with hot metal. The animations and particles are all top notch, in my opinion. Plus I’ll just say it: I love the idea and I love the splash art. So why isn’t this at number one? Well, because it can feel clunky from time to time. I don’t know whether it’s because of its age, or something with the particles, but CSing with Forsaken Jayce can feel like a real challenge from time to time. Still an excellent choice – but not Jayce’s best skin on the market.
2. Battle Academia Jayce
Released: May 15th, 2019 Price: 1350 RP Just like Arcane Jayce feels like a Prestige Edition base skin, Battle Academia feels like a Prestige Edition Arcane skin. It makes Jayce look even more like your everyday good-looking Joe, while making his hammer seem even more impressive than before. And the animations are just flawless. Every ability is very clear and concise when it comes to timing and hit-boxes, which makes full-combos a bit easier. And the ranged W even has an added animation of holograms on the side, which makes it look cooler, and makes it very clear when you need to disengage. The new backing animation is also quite dynamic (and catchy). And the skin’s splash art has the same energy as Arcane Jayce, with him being in the center of attention. Definitely one of the best.
1. Resistance Jayce
Released: November 12th, 2020 Price: 1350 RP This might just be my headcanon nerdiness, but I immediately fell in love with the idea of Resistance Jayce. Just the thought of “this is how Jayce could have ended up had he been a child of the Lanes” gives me shivers – and I think it makes a lot of sense. The character model is a lot older and a lot more rugged than we’re used to, which I don’t really mind. And his hammer is more akin to Battlecast skins than anything else. But that steam-punk vibe just works great with the skin fantasy. The animations are also rather eye-catching, as they use a lot of the same red particles like we saw in Forsaken Jayce, but with an added layer of polish. And that new backing animation just tells a whole story, doesn’t it? Overall I love the idea for this skin, and I love the execution, making it my top pick out of all his skins so far. 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.
