kind of spoilers, no images but I mention parts of what they look like
SPOILER (click to toggle)
They're more like magical transformations than viruses (the "Magical" one being the only kind of zombie-esque one) but I don't really mind that and they're all still amazing and beautiful, first time I've wanted every new strain. My only complaint is there are two tree/plant-related ones, but they're still different enough.
I really wish we could have the backgrounds from "Pointy", the fairies from "Magical" (though do have fairy wearables already), and the hermit crabs from "Grainy" as wearables.
I would absolutely pay money for the first few petals of Delicate as a wear.
I'm hoping I'm not stuck though, I seem to be stuck on stage three. That being said, while the end results are awesome looking, the wait times and things outright vanishing seems a little screwy this year.
[edit]Over twelve hours later...

the last one ('delicate') made me scream. it's like. so. frickin.. BEAUTIFUL, oh my god.
is an alternative, though it is a bit older...
Ok now for my opinion, SPOILER (click to toggle)
I chose Pointy and I'm in love with it (although I lost it when it glitched out... waiting for it to come back.. please come back) The instant I saw its head poke out of the water I knew it had to be It's everything I hoped it would be!
But I love Magical and Delicate too! Really going to have to get magical <3
ONLY CLICK IF YOU WANT TO SEE THE FINAL STAGE SPOILERS!!! (images)
[spoiler=last warning!!!]![]()
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delicate---------------grainy------------magical-----------pointy
I have to admit, I love all 4 strains this year! The sand one is interesting and I love how this theme little crabs are helping rebuild this time~
i love the Magical one so, so much! it's a perfect blend of creepy and fascinating, and i love plants! i wish the Delicate one was more delicate and less cute, but i still like it too. the Grainy one surprised me. looks better than i expected based on the earlier stages. it's fun! all the strains are really nice this year. i'm glad they aren't gory this time.
Oh, true, I forgot about that, but I like the water.
I didn't notice the similarity to the crystallite though! Makes it even better! I did notice the Magical one looks like the bone garden items and the Delicate one reminds me of a mask (I can't remember what it's called). Not sure about the Grainy one but they all seem to be based on items.
is an alternative, though it is a bit older...
Oh, true, I forgot about that, but I like the water.
I didn't notice the similarity to the crystallite though! Makes it even better! I did notice the Magical one looks like the bone garden items and the Delicate one reminds me of a mask (I can't remember what it's called). Not sure about the Grainy one but they all seem to be based on items.
They're all land-based! Coda Caves, Delphi, Glade, and Shengui Guo. It worked out great that the bone garden items matched up and those crystal minions. You might see another skin or two based off them (you won't have the zombie stages, but just straight up unlockable).
Oooh, exciting, can't wait to see them!
I like that we had another land theme this year. And I'm also hoping that we can have wearables based on some of the stages, the first and third stages of Quesea would make good foregrounds, maybe those could be at the Beach Shack or as part of the Summer items this year? Or in the Forum Shop?
is an older item, but it makes a cute companion for the Delphi based skin.
I did not know those hermit crab items existed, I love them.
Yes I agree, I like all of the strains this year! Would love some more strain wearable items from the den if there happens to be another wave released later.
Definitely agreed! I love every single strain this year. :) They're a nice break from the gross skins and really appropriate for this year.
Are the new skins going to be given the names that we had an unofficial vote for?