Summary
Period: 20th of October to 3rd of November, 2016
Bundles: Super Supernatural, Fearsome Foursome, Spooky Squad, Underworld, Zombieslayer and The Teemoing Set
Legacy Skins: 2016, 2015, 2014, Shadow Isles, 2012, 2011 and 2010
Icons: Seeing Hat (250 RP), Summoning Cauldron (250 RP), Little Devil Teemo (defeat the Doom Bots of Doom by the 11th), Doomed Minion (summon the Little Devil by the 11th), Evil Pumpkin (send a gift by the 11th)
Wards: Vamporo (640 RP)
Note: the bundles include the respective champions and reduce their prices depending on which content you already own. In case you don’t own a champion or skin in a bundle the price rises by the appropriate price.
Overview
Another Harrwoing, another unexpected turn of events. The Dark Lord has appeared in person before us all thanks to the meddling of some unscrupulous witches; there’s always someone like that. He doesn’t come empty handed: he arrives with all kinds of gifts but, not unbecoming of him, they come at a price. If you are willing to make a sacrifice to his Evil Majesty then here’s a quick look at all that a handful of souls can buy.
Behold: three new skins, returning legacy skins from all previous Harrowings including Zombie Brand, six legacy bundles, a handful of creepy icons and a bloodthirsty ward. The returning skins are a welcome sight and the same can be said about the ward; if you are part of the appropriate, blood-fancying crowd. Not all the dread-inducing icons require a monetary sacrifice, mark the day in blood, though the alternatives may require some questionable activities in the name of the Malignant Archfiend.
The bundles are simply a yearly collection of Harrowing skins. The discounts are tiny so unless you like the whole selection of a single year then the bundle wouldn’t really be a good option. Fortunately, there are some strong years where most if not all of the skins are worthwhile; celebrate faithful ones. So, getting a little discount on top of a great batch of skins is simply icing on the demonic cake. Yes, the Wicked One also offers confectionery but we are told that it’s actually a certain witch’s cooking. Just like him to be devious and twisted like that.
You’ll probably notice that skins from Harrowing 2013 are missing. That’s because neither Haunted Zyra nor Officer Vi are legacy skins. Therefore, they are available all year round and can perfectly be bought for half their price at a regular sale. For this reason, now isn’t the ideal time to get them though they do suit the season. If only they could help against the demonic influence of the Prince of Devils. These poor witches didn’t actually know what they were getting into. May the heavens show mercy on our poor, lost souls.
Bundles
Super Supernatural
Discount: 30%
Total Price: 8750 -> 6125 RP
Skins’ Price: 5394 -> 3774 RP
Harrowing 2010 was particularly uneven year in terms of skins. In spite of its simplicity Pumpinkhead Fiddlesticks is a most recommend classic interpretation of a scarecrow. Also interesting are the polished Zombie Ryze, the iconic Nosferatu Vladimir and charming Lollipoppy. Sadly, Kitty Cat Katarina remains an overvalued fetish and Mundo Mundo a simplistic joke. If you don’t mind the low points then the bundle could be for you but know that the small discount doesn’t compensate for the worst skins.
Fearsome Foursome
Discount: 20%
Total Price: 5710 -> 4568 RP
Skins’ Price: 2990 -> 2392 RP
Some are simpler and some more elaborate but Harrwoing 2011 was a good year. Sure, most are re-models but there are little touches, like extra particles for Bewitching Nidalee and Haunting Nocturne, to make them special. FrankentTibbers Annie and Definitely Not Blitzcrank are great re-models. Although by now a bit more would be expected they are quite charming. Truth be told, this is a very nice bundle.
Spooky Squad
Discount: 25%
Total Price: 8357 -> 6268 RP
Skins’ Price: 4873 -> 3655 RP
Harrowing 2012 was another strong year. The bundle encompasses the Harrowing and also the Shadow Isles skins. The high point is certainly the Shadow Isles skins: Headless Hecarim, Haunted Maokai and Underworld Twisted Fate are some of the best skins available for the respective champions.
Pirate Ryze is also quite nice: though he doesn’t offer many particles he has some new animations for his abilities, idle stance and joke. Headmistress Fiora is a charming skin that relies too much on the new model. The new sounds, even after a full visual and game-play upgrade, remain restricted to her auto-attacks and taunt despite the initial promise of including her abilities; and that’s all that’s special.
While it could be said that Headmistress Fiora and Pirate Ryze are the low points of the bundle they are appealing skins that simply have some lacking areas. Regardless, they are enjoyable if you are willing to accept their problems. Sadly, they certainly aren’t up to the impressive level of the Shadow Isles skins. Thus, it may be better to concentrate on them.
Underworld
Discount: 15%
Total Price: 5602 -> 4762 RP
Skins’ Price: 3672 -> 3122 RP
Harrowing 2014 was clearly an uneven year for skins. On the one hand there’s the impressive Ravenborn LeBlanc: a skin that stands high as the best for the Deceiver and among the most attractive overall. With an ample array of changes the skin is a suitable and elegant choice.
Sadly, neither Reaper Soraka nor Underworld Wukong come near. Reaper Soraka is an interesting skin that, ultimately, doesn’t really fit with its theme of dead applied to a healer; if there was to be a plot twist there, it’s not clear. Underworld Wukong is simply inferior to the Monkey King’s other skins with few features to make it special. In conclusion, getting Ravenborn LeBlanc is the ideal option.
Zombieslayer
Discount: 15%
Total Price: 5602 -> 4762 RP
Skins’ Price: 3672 -> 3122 RP
Harrowing 2015 tried but only partially succeeded in improving on the skin selection. Without a doubt the theme is much less original and even bland in comparison to the best alternatives; like the Shadow Isles. Nevertheless, Zombie Nunu convinces with an elaborate and eye-catching execution that can feel abhorrent for nervous stomachs; goo for everyone.
Slayer Pantheon is a nice even if conventional interpretation of the zombie-slayer that is appealing. The problem is Slayer Jinx: a skin so simple and tame that it seems dull; something that Jinx never is. If you can excuse how unremarkable Slayer Jinx is then the bundle could be tempting. Still, be aware that the small discount doesn’t, by any means, compensate for an unconvincing skin.
The Teemoing Set
Discount: 0%
Total Price: 4990 RP
Skins’ Price: 3675 RP
Extras: Vamporo Ward (1 RP)
With some effort, Harrowing 2016 sees a return to form in regards to skins. Both Bewitching skins are quite pleasing with more traditional, Morgana, or unorthodox, takes on practitioners of witchcraft. There’s room for improvement in either case as they stand close to the classic style but the result is nothing short of charming.
The one of many names is something that steals the show. Little Devil Teemo is a revelation and confirmation of what many have already decried. If you want to embrace the darkness then you can’t sink lower than this. While the Lord of All Evils isn’t enough to justify the whole bundle it certainly is something that will stir the blackest hearts with joy.
As there’s no proper discount in the bundle it’s merely a convenient way of getting all three skins, provided you like them all, plus a cheap ward. You could wait for next year to get a measly discount on the bundle, if it reappears intact, or just get the skins you like now. Either way, there isn’t much to gain with this bundle; unless you want to make a crimson donation.
The end is nigh.