After months of waiting,League of Legendsplayers can finally play thenew and improved Volibearwho arrived with this week’s patch. While the community is still adapting to the god of thunder’s redesigned kit and looks across all of his previous skins, there’s one more surprise in store for Volibear’s fans. After waiting 4 months since the original announcement, players can earn The Thousand-Pierced Bear skin during the current patch.

The Thousand-Pierced Bear originated from Silence for the Damned, a story released in early 2019. Back then, the player base received a different glimpse of Volibear that portrayed him in a more monstrous light. While Riot Games ultimately decided not to go this route forthe Volibear rework, the developer mentioned that the concept would be finalized in an eldritch horror-themed skin that everyone would be able to get. Ultimately, this resulted in a free Volibear skin forLeague of Legendsthat features a skeletal elk head, eyes all over his body, and jagged blades sticking out of Volibear’s back.

league of legends in-game model of volibear skin

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How to Get the Thousand-Pierced Volibear Skin

Thankfully, the only requirement for the skin is that players need to own Volibear. As previously described in aLeague of Legendschampion design video, anyone who has already has Volibear or buys him during Patch 10.11 will qualify. Volibear can be added to a player’s collection by either purchasing him from the store or crafting in Hextech loot.

Buying Volibear from the in-game shop will cost 4800 Blue Essence. Alternatively, if players are fortunate to have a Volibear champion shard from previously opening champion capsules or Hextech chests, they can craft him at a reduced cost of 2880 Blue Essence. No matter the choice, Blue Essence earned from matches and leveling up is required, so anyone that doesn’t have enough should go play a few matches while thePulsefire eventis concurrently running.

Unlocking the Free League of Legends Skin

SincePatch 10.11has arrived, the first batch of free skins has already been distributed this afternoon. But anyone who hasn’t received their copy shouldn’t worry since the skin will continue to be given out to everyone that owns Volibear until June 10th. Once it has been awarded, players will receive a small notification above their collection tab.

Like some past traditional skins, Volibear’s Thousand-Pierced appearance is a special case that won’t be happening anytime soon for future reworks. However, theLeague of Legendscommunity should be happy about receiving a what-if skin compared to dozens of champions that were remade or never made it to live. Furthermore, The Thousand-Pierced Bear will go into the store for 975 RP after this free promotion period, so there will always be a chance to get it in the future.