In the ever-evolving world of Valorant, where tactical gunplay meets artistic expression, weapon skins have become a cornerstone of player identity and collection. Riot Games, known for its meticulous attention to detail and cultural homage, has consistently delivered skin lines that are more than just cosmetic upgrades—they are stories. One such narrative-rich collection that captured the community's heart is the Nunca Olvidados bundle. This collection stands as a timeless tribute, drawing its soul from the vibrant and profound Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) cultural tradition. For a professional player, a skin is not just about aesthetics; it's about the feel, the thematic resonance, and the statement it makes on the battlefield. The Nunca Olvidados bundle delivered on all fronts, offering a visually stunning and culturally authentic arsenal.
The Artistic Vision and Cultural Essence
The art lead for the Nunca Olvidados skins, Sean Marino, articulated the team's primary goal: to create skins that felt both beautiful and culturally accurate. This was not merely a surface-level appropriation of motifs. The developers immersed themselves in the holiday's spirit, taking inspiration from various artists to ensure the imagery and colors authentically represented Día de los Muertos. This holiday, with its focus on remembrance, celebration of life, and connection with ancestors, is reflected in every intricate detail of the bundle. The result is a collection that resonates with warmth, memory, and vibrant life, even as it acknowledges the theme of mortality—a poignant contrast to the game's competitive violence.
A Duel of Light and Shadow: Day and Night Variants
A defining and beloved feature of the Nunca Olvidados bundle is its dual-variant system for each weapon. This wasn't just a simple recolor; it offered players a choice between two distinct moods:
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Day Variant: Characterized by lighter, brighter textures. This variant embodies the celebratory, lively aspect of the holiday, filled with color and light.
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Night Variant: Featuring darker, more subdued tones. This variant captures the mysterious, reflective, and solemn side of remembrance.
This duality allowed players to match their in-game persona or mood, adding a layer of personalization that went beyond a single look.
The Arsenal: A Closer Look
The Deluxe Edition bundle comprised a carefully curated selection of firearms, each transformed into a work of folk art, culminating in a unique melee weapon.
1. Vandal
The flagship rifle of the bundle, the Vandal, received a magnificent makeover. Adorned with elaborate floral patterns, intricate skeletal designs, and vibrant color palettes, it became a centerpiece. The variants allowed players to wield either a sun-drenched celebratory rifle or a more enigmatic, shadowy version.
2. Ares
The heavy machine gun, often a tool for suppressing fire, was reinvented with the same care. Its larger surface area became a canvas for sprawling Día de los Muertos artwork, making sustained fire feel like unleashing a cultural festival.
3. Bulldog
This versatile rifle-balanced weapon showcased the theme's adaptability. The designs wrapped around its frame seamlessly, proving that the artistic vision could enhance even the most utilitarian firearms in the game's roster.
4. Frenzy
The sidearm was not forgotten. The Frenzy pistol, though small, was packed with detail, ensuring that even a quick sidearm switch revealed the beautiful craftsmanship of the bundle.
5. Catrina (Melee) 🌸
The pièce de résistance of the collection was the Catrina melee weapon. Named after the iconic elegant skeletal figure of Día de los Muertos, this knife was a masterpiece. It departed from traditional blade designs, featuring a floral and skeletal motif that made it look like a ceremonial artifact rather than a combat tool. It remains one of the most distinctive and sought-after melee skins in Valorant's history.
Completing the Collection: Player Card
No premium bundle is complete without ancillary cosmetics, and Nunca Olvidados included a captivating player card. This card further immersed players in the theme, featuring classic Día de los Muertos iconography that perfectly complemented the weapon skins when displayed on a player's profile.
Legacy and Lasting Impact
While the bundle had its specific release window in October 2021, its impact is lasting. For collectors and players who secured it, these skins are treasured items. In the current landscape of Valorant in 2025, where skin technology has advanced with more elaborate finishers and animations, the Nunca Olvidados bundle is remembered for its pure artistic integrity and cultural celebration. It set a high bar for thematic cohesion and visual storytelling. The bundle's price of 5,100 Valorant Points (VP) for the complete set was seen as an investment in a piece of the game's artistic history.
For the professional gamer, analyzing such bundles is part of understanding the game's ecosystem. Skins like Nunca Olvidados contribute to Valorant's identity, blending competitive esports with rich, community-driven culture. They remind players that behind every match is a world of art and narrative, waiting to be equipped and admired. Even years later, pulling out the Catrina knife or the adorned Vandal is a move that commands respect, not just for the player's skill, but for their appreciation of one of Valorant's most beautifully crafted homages.