With multiplayer games being so popular, there is no shortage of different genres and styles of gameplay available to choose from. Battle royale titles offer intense, high stakes matches that guarantee an adrenaline rush during late game fights, while co-op titles motivate players to work together and communicate properly. Shooters reward skill with aiming, while fighting games allow players to display their expertise with a certain character’s kit. Despite the different genres, cosmetics are a priority for nearly all multiplayer titles.
For developers and publishers, cosmetics are often a source of monetization, but they are also a key way for players to express themselves. Throughout 2022, dozens of memorable skins were released for beloved multiplayer titles like Fortnite and promising newcomers like MultiVersus. From entertaining crossovers to gorgeous original designs, multiplayer skin collectors had a whole lot to strive for. In no particular order, here are the best skins released this year.
MultiVersus - Cake The Cat
Some of MultiVersus’ best skins are those that add new voice lines for a character, but Cake the Cat went above and beyond and introduced an entirely new voice actor to the mix. Unlocked at the end of the pre-season Battle Pass, this gender-bent version of Jake the Dog was created by Ice King in Adventure Time, and fans of the show will be happy to hear Roz Ryan back as Fionna’s feline friend. All of her sassiness is captured in the new voice lines, with different victory and loss poses present as well. With Cake’s visual design perfectly captured, and the upcoming spin-off series Adventure Time: Fionna and Cake making the skin particularly relevant, it stands tall as MultiVersus’ very best.
Overwatch 2 - Cyberdemon Genji
Though the community has been critical of Overwatch 2’s Mythic skins and their limited customization options, they are still deserving of their classification and serve as some of the best skins in the game. Of the two released thus far, Cyberdemon Genji seems to be a bit more popular, with every aspect of the damage hero altered by this special skin. Unlocked at the end of Season 1’s Battle Pass, Cyberdemon Genji’s Dragonblade Ultimate gets special effects, his voice is entirely altered, and players get to choose between a few different masks, bodies, and color schemes. The mask opening to reveal a glowing green skull is the icing on the cake, adding yet another special feature to an already details skin.
Fortnite - Darth Vader
Fortnite has crossed over with many IPs, but there are a few that Epic Games consistently returns to for new cosmetics. Alongside Marvel and DC, Star Wars is one of the most consistently features properties, with sequel characters like Rey and Kylo Ren getting the ball rolling before fan favorites like Obi-Wan Kenobi joined the roster. Though he took some work to obtain, as players had to reach the final page of the Battle Pass in Fortnite Chapter 3 Season 3, Darth Vader did not disappoint. The Sith Lord translated well to Fortnite’s art style, with his distinct helmet boasting the shiny eyes like fans have come to expect. The panel on his midsection features a number of distinct buttons, and with players able to wield Vader’s lightsaber in-game back during Season 3, Fortnite managed to provide the full Vader experience.
Genshin Impact - Red Dead of Night Diluc
Though there is some interesting lore about Genshin Impact’s world, it is ultimately the characters that drive the game’s story and make it the successful title that it is. Wishing on banners would be much less exciting without a likable cast, and Diluc is just one member of a stacked roster. Like the name suggests, Red Dead of Night emphasizes the color red, with Diluc’s alternate outfit matching his fiery hair. Alongside a red and black tailcoat, he dons a gray waistcoat with a phoenix insignia. The chain on the back also ensures that the five-star skin looks great from behind, and with some unique voice lines included, the attire is absolutely worth the 1980 Genesis Crystals.
Fall Guys - SpongeBob
Since it first began doing crossovers, Fall Guys has not slowed down at all, as Mediatonic has turned everything from the Doom Slayer to Godzilla into beans. However, SpongeBob SquarePants might just be the best crossover skin ever released for the whimsical battle royale title. While some characters translate into beans better than others, SpongeBob foregoes the risk of a faulty transition entirely. This is because Mediatonic gives fans a square-shaped top and bottom, with the hilarious character’s usual outfit and hole-covered body looking just like they do in games like The Cosmic Shake. His toothy smile, long nose, and positive attitude are perfectly reflected in the skin, and if players have a black face to put on, it does not look like there is a bean under the skin at all. Overall, SpongeBob is very much worth the time it takes to finish the Season 3 Battle Pass.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 - Eth.3n
In recent years, Call of Duty titles have embraced cosmetic bundles, and some of the most popular ones are those that serve as references. While the Kill Bill and Hitman bundles were fun in Black Ops Cold War, as was the Punisher-inspired Vanguard skin for Wade, the Warfighters: Eth.3n bundle appeals directly to franchise veterans. The entire bundle is themed around Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare, with the skin at the heart of the collection focusing on Ethan. One of the main characters in Infinite Warfare’s underrated campaign, players quickly fell in love with the robotic Ethan due to his unique personality. Through the use of a cleverly designed helmet, those that don the Eth.3n skin can make Gus look just like the futuristic Call of Duty character.
Apex Legends - Octane's Sea Legs Skin
Not every skin homage comes in the form of an official crossover, as some unofficial tributes can be seen from time to time as well. One of Apex Legends’ most visually unique characters, Octane, received a Sea Legs skin during Season 13’s Gaiden Event. While it may just look like a quirky skin to many players, it is extra special for anime fans, as the outfit is a near-perfect recreation of Monkey D. Luffy from One Piece. The character’s signature straw hat is present alongside a face mask, while the gloves, exposed chest, jacket, and shorts are similar as well. With One Piece being such an iconic anime, this skin proved to be a massive hit with players.
Sackboy: A Big Adventure - Kratos
Though Apex Legends took the unofficial route with its One Piece-inspired skin, Sackboy: A Big Adventure has consistently featured fully licensed skins based on other PlayStation exclusive franchises. Anytime there is a new release like Returnal or Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart, free skins are added as DLC to help celebrate the occasion. While God of War Ragnarok received three skins, and Freya and Atreus both look great, it is Kratos that stands tall as the best of the trio. Alongside his red face tattoo, a massive beard is being sported by Sackboy, which makes for quite a funny sight. Some arm wraps and armor are visible as well, though the standout feature is the Leviathan axe, which should make playful slaps feel a lot more intimidating.
Dead by Daylight - Sheva
Dead by Daylight’s two Resident Evil crossovers have brought a wide variety of content to the multiplayer title. Albert Wesker and the Nemesis serve as terrifying killers, while Ada Wong, Rebecca Chambers, Leon Kennedy, and Jill Valentine function as survivors. However, thanks to some special skins for Leon and Jill that cost 1485 Auric Cells each, players can also become Carlos Oliveira and Sheva Alomar. Out of these two legendary skins, Sheva’s feels more memorable, as her design is a massive departure from Jill's appearance. While it would be interesting enough if the character swap was purely cosmetic, it also comes with unique voice lines to let players sound like Sheva, ensuring that they can fully embody Chris Redfield’s Resident Evil 5 partner.
Fortnite - Spider-Gwen
Fortnite having two skins that rank as some of 2022’s best shows just how dominant the title is in the cosmetics department. While Darth Vader served as the best of the Star Wars skins that came to the game this year, Spider-Gwen proved to be the most exciting Marvel addition. Boasting her flashy white and black suit with pink eyes, the costume looks just as good as it does in her comics, ensuring she does not look out of place on Fortnite’s Island. After unlocking Spider-Gwen in the Chapter 3 Season 4 Battle Pass, players were able to get an unmasked variant as a bonus reward, allowing for some extra variety. With the maskless Gwen looking just like she does in Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse, those that found the character through the animated film should be particularly satisfied with the outfit.