Within League of Legends, few champions are as polarizing as Yasuo the Unforgiven. The swordsman is praised for his aesthetic and the fantasy he fulfills as players dash through enemies and swing their blade imbued with all the powers of the wind; while he is also reviled for his projectile blocking "Wind Wall" and his high skill-cap which often results in newer players performing poorly, ultimately negatively impacting their team.
Inspiring equal amounts of hatred and devotion, Yasuo has achieved a position of immense notoriety within the League community and is often prominently featured as a poster child in the game's promotional material and videos. Drawing from this ambivalent popularity, cosplayers have brought the wandering champion to life in a way that avoids the divisiveness of his in-game mechanics.
The Obstinance Of The Wind
Yasuo's masterful swordsmanship is enhanced even further by his ability to control the wind through magical techniques. After striking twice with "Steel Tempest," a simple forward thrust, the third use of the skill fires off a whirlwind that can send enemies to the skies.
Perhaps Yasuo's most hated ability, "Wind Wall," also utilizes the powers of the wind, bringing any projectile attack to a harmless halt. @SenninUzumaki's cosplay illustrates the relationship between Yasuo and the air with subtle imagery; after unsheathing his blade, a circle of wind wreathes the swordsman in a defensive embrace.
A Serious Blade
As a disgraced swordsman forced to slay his own brother, Yasuo's lore is somber and tragic—characteristics that bleed into the champion's sardonic attitude in-game.
Cosplayer @har_fie encapsulates the bitter feelings of a haunted and persecuted prodigy; his glower equally suggests a warning hesitance and a knowing threat: Yasuo doesn't want unnecessary bloodshed, but getting in his way will necessitate it. To emphasize this point, Yasuo's blade has been partially unleashed—the sword isn't fully drawn yet, but the cutting steel has been made visible to would-be antagonists.
Cut And Slice Like A DJ
In the world of League's "True Damage" skins, Yasuo is an inscrutable creative who prioritizes music above everything; he only emerges from his seclusion for the right artist or collaboration, and he deemed producing True Damage's song "GIANTS" worthy.
@stylouz_cosplay embodies the cool vibes of a samurai-turned-DJ, realizing both the enigmatic nature and sharp edge that combine to make True Damage Yasuo. Whether spinning records or whirling with his blade, Yasuo's talent and discipline are on full display for the world to see, on stage and on the Rift.
The Ionian Wanderer
@chouk.cosplay realizes Yasuo's design with stunning accuracy, especially in the craftsmanship of her winged pouldron and tempestuous blade. Disgraced by his brash decision to leave the elder master he was tasked with protecting, Yasuo's failing was further misconstrued and blame for the death of his charge fell upon his shoulders.
In a moment, Yasuo decided that uncovering the truth and avenging his master was worth more than proving his innocence; the backdrop @chouk.cosplay stands before captures the vagabond nature of Yasuo's wandering as he is forced to defend himself from the very people he had hoped to protect.
Cybernetic Samurai
League's "PROJECT" skin line reimagines champions in a world dominated by future technology, controlling corporations, and battles between cyborgs. Yasuo's traditional design receives a stark makeover, his humanity completely obscured by his advanced armor and orange-tinted faceguard.
Still a rebel at heart, PROJECT Yasuo battles against the hegemony with the resistance group known as G/NETIC. @davidsons captures the defining line that exists between Yasuo's mortal mastery of the blade and the augmented movements of a cyborg as he draws his plasma sword and trots towards unseen foes.
A New Sheriff's In Town
Electing to portray High Noon Yasuo, a cowboy-swordsman with a revolver-blade, @no__whale brings together the disparate themes of East and West in his cosplay. Much like in his original lore, High Noon Yasuo wanders alone after what may or may not be false accusations of murder.
Despite his fate as a nomad, High Noon Yasuo enforces his form of justice on bandits and outlaws, thus ensuring the protection of townsfolk with or without a badge. Outfitted with the standard tools of a roughneck cowboy—rope, boots, bandana, and hat—particular emphasis is placed on the cosplay's gun-sword hybrid, showing off the dual nature of the weapon.
Mastering A Master
League is certainly a game that requires practice and dedication to learn the mechanics of a multitude of characters and the pacing of a match. As players gain experience with a champion, they earn "mastery points," which eventually unlock emotes that can be used in-game as a way of showing their commitment—as with most expressive features in a competitive game, this is often utilized to taunt opponents.
@neioworkshop's Yasuo cosplay not only exhibits an attention to detail for the costume itself, specifically in the soft texture of the cloak contrasted with the metallic sheen of the pauldron, but also includes a mastery emote above the head.
The Muscular Way Of The Sword
Considering the use of the sword as an extension of the body, it only makes sense for a master to hone their physicality along with their blade work. @sd_cosplayfit illustrates this philosophy perfectly with his incredibly toned take on Yasuo.
The wandering swordsman, while known for his technical skill and wind magic, also possesses the great strength and endurance necessary to tirelessly battle; although his ultimate ability certainly relies on his elemental powers, it seems to be a marrying of supernatural forces with peak finesse and power as "Last Breath" holds enemies in the sky while Yasuo slashes them to pieces.
The Damned And Weary
Haunted by the ghosts of his past, the nadir of Yasuo's story arc sees him forced to slay the very people he hoped to protect by disobeying his orders in the first place—despite his hesitance and misgivings, he reluctantly battles his compatriots in an effort to defend the tattered remains of his stained honor.
Despite being a child prodigy, earning the special instruction by a master in the ways of the wind, adulthood has been a perpetual struggle to face the consequences stemming from a bad choice and flawed ego. @yoshplay depicts the world-weary wanderer and his "Unforgiven" stigma with his picture-perfect cosplay.
Behind The Blade
While Yasuo's story is certainly tragic, there is a prevailing sense of hope and optimism that clings to the champion. Yes, he has been accused of murdering his master and was forced to slay his own brother in self-defense, but he doesn't stop moving; there is a yearning for a better life that is manifested in his tireless wandering.
This promise of a new chapter is best seen in Yasuo's teacher-student relationship with Taliyah, an earth mage he encounters and instructs. @elfficosplay, with his blade out of sight, a comfortable recline, and subtle hints of a smirk forming across his face provides viewers a glimpse of the man beneath the burdens of shame and duty.