Release Date & Essential Details
Launch: February 27, 2026 as part of Season 41 Esports Series collection. Originally announced for February 26, release adjusted to February 27. Season 41 begins February 5, 2026 at 08:00 UTC+8.
This A-Tier Purple Esports Series costume adds Aesop Carl to Squad BLK, joining Tracy (Mechanic), Ganji (Batter), and Eli (Seer) as the fourth member. Unlike gacha-exclusive skins, BLK.AESOP is directly purchasable through Illusion Hall.
Limited availability with no confirmed return date. Buy Identity V Echoes for limited skins before February 27 to capitalize on first-week pricing. BitTopup offers secure top-ups with instant delivery.
Release Timeline & Server Availability
First-week discount expires seven days after launch at 23:59 server time—a precise 168-hour window. Server time is UTC+8 standard. Verify local conversion: UTC+8 = 07:59 PST same day, mid-afternoon CET.
Access shop interface (top-right corner icon) immediately after servers stabilize post-maintenance. Delayed purchases risk missing the savings window entirely.
Rarity Classification & Limited Status
A-Tier classification sits below S-Tier, above B/C-Tier. Features comprehensive visual redesigns, custom animations, unique sound effects. Purple Esports Series designation emphasizes competitive aesthetic.
Limited status means no permanent shop rotation after initial window closes. Esports Series skins rarely return—treat February 27 as potentially the only guaranteed acquisition opportunity.
Exact Echo Cost Breakdown
Standard price: 1388 EchoesFirst-week discount: 1178 Echoes (210 Echo savings, 15.1% off) Esports Series Package: 2618 Echoes (skin + Phase Transition S-Tier accessory)
Separate purchase cost: 3066 Echoes (1388 + 1888), making package 448 Echoes cheaper.
Calculate exact requirement: Check current Echo balance via shop interface, subtract from 1178 (first-week) or 2618 (package).
First Week Discount Savings
210 Echo savings = 15.1% reduction. Seven-day window begins February 27, expires at 23:59 server time on day seven. Top up Identity V Echoes discount purchase before deadline. BitTopup's instant delivery ensures timely arrival.
Echo Bundle Optimization
For 1178 Echoes: Combine two 648 bundles (1296 total, 118 leftover) or single 1280 bundle (102 over).
For 2618 Echoes: Single 3280 bundle provides complete coverage with 662 remaining.
Avoid multiple small bundles—worse Echo-to-currency conversion rates. Larger bundles offer better value per Echo.
First Week Discount Mechanics
Discount automatically applies—no coupon codes needed. 1178 Echo price displays in Illusion Hall from February 27 through expiration. Timer operates on server time (UTC+8).
Set calendar reminder 24 hours before expiration for safety buffer. Never wait until final hours.
Historical Discount Patterns
Previous A-Tier Esports Series releases consistently featured 15% first-week discounts. Seven-day window never extends beyond initial week regardless of demand or feedback.
BLK.AESOP Features & Visual Effects
Purple Esports Series aesthetic matches Squad BLK teammates. A-Tier guarantees comprehensive visual redesign including custom animations, unique sound effects, distinctive embalming interaction visuals.
Phase Transition S-Tier accessory creates combined effects when equipped alongside BLK.AESOP. Standalone 1888 Echo value makes 2618 Echo bundle attractive.
Unique Animation Effects
A-Tier skins feature custom embalming animations. Historical A-Tier Embalmer skins included modified coffin designs, unique embalming fluid effects, distinctive victory/defeat animations.
Purple Esports Series color scheme extends to embalming visual effects for thematic consistency.
Competitive Advantages?
Zero gameplay impact. All Identity V skins are cosmetic-only—no effect on movement speed, skill effectiveness, or hitbox dimensions. Value centers on visual appeal and collection completion, not competitive edge.
Step-by-Step Purchase Guide
- Calculate Echo requirement: Check balance, subtract from 1178/2618
- Select optimal bundle: Cover shortage with minimal excess, prioritize larger bundles
- Complete Echo purchase: Use BitTopup for secure transactions, instant delivery, competitive pricing
- Verify Echo receipt: Confirm Echoes appear before proceeding
- Navigate to Illusion Hall: Access during first-week discount
- Complete skin purchase: Select BLK.AESOP or Esports Package, confirm deduction
- Verify acquisition: Check costume inventory
Account Security During Transactions
- Enable two-factor authentication before purchases
- Use secure platforms like BitTopup with encrypted transaction data
- Verify official URLs to avoid phishing sites
- Never share account credentials
- Monitor transaction history immediately after purchase
BitTopup includes SSL encryption, verified payment gateways, 24/7 customer support.
BLK Series Collection Context
Squad BLK celebrates competitive gaming through coordinated skins. Four-member squad—Tracy, Ganji, Aesop, Eli—creates complete team composition. Collectors pursuing full sets must acquire all four.
Esports Series designation indicates limited availability with uncertain return schedules. Previous Esports skins remained unavailable for extended periods, sometimes never returning.
Previous BLK Releases & Pricing
Earlier Squad BLK releases followed identical pricing—A-Tier at 1388 Echoes with 15% first-week discounts. Phase Transition accessory bundling offers enhanced value through package deals.
Will BLK.AESOP Return?
Limited Esports Series skins show minimal return frequency. While Identity V occasionally brings back popular items during anniversary events, relying on uncertain future availability creates unnecessary risk. February 27 launch = only guaranteed opportunity.
Collection value increases over time as availability decreases. Secure during first-week discount for immediate savings and long-term collection security.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Missing first-week deadline: Final-hour purchases risk technical issues, payment delays, timezone errors costing 210 Echoes
- Purchasing insufficient Echoes: Underestimating forces emergency top-ups that may miss discount
- Buying multiple small bundles: Inefficient packages waste money versus larger purchases
- Ignoring Esports Package value: Separate purchases lose 448 Echoes versus bundle
- Assuming discount extensions: Never happens regardless of demand
- Using unsecured platforms: Risks account compromise, fraud, non-delivery
Regional Store Confusion
Identity V operates separate regional servers with distinct shops. Verify active server before purchasing—server name appears in profile settings and login screen. Echoes don't transfer between servers.
BitTopup allows server selection during checkout, preventing wrong-server purchases.
Where to Safely Purchase Echoes
BitTopup advantages:
- Competitive pricing: Market-leading rates maximize Echo-to-currency value
- Instant delivery: Automated systems deliver within minutes
- Secure transactions: SSL encryption, verified payment gateways
- 24/7 customer support: Multilingual assistance, all timezones
- Wide game coverage: Single platform for multiple currencies
- High user ratings: Thousands of verified positive reviews
Streamlined interface: Select Identity V Echoes → choose bundle → specify server → complete payment → instant delivery.
Payment Security
Industry-standard protocols including encrypted processing, SSL certificates, PCI DSS compliance. Multiple payment methods: credit/debit cards, digital wallets, regional systems.
Is BLK.AESOP Worth It?
Value depends on priorities:
Ideal buyers:
- Embalmer mains who frequently play Aesop Carl
- Squad BLK collectors completing four-member set
- Esports enthusiasts supporting competitive scene
- Limited skin collectors prioritizing rare cosmetics
- Players comfortable spending 1178+ Echoes on cosmetics
Players who rarely use Embalmer should consider whether investment justifies Echo cost versus alternative skins for main characters.
Final Recommendation
Purchase during first-week discount (February 27 + seven days) for 210 Echo savings. If interested in Phase Transition accessory, Esports Package's 448 Echo savings makes it superior choice.
Prepare Echo balance before February 27 to avoid last-minute complications. Limited Esports Series skins don't return frequently—secure now rather than risk indefinite waiting.
FAQ
How many Echoes does BLK.AESOP cost? 1388 Echoes standard, 1178 Echoes first week (February 27, 2026). Esports Package: 2618 Echoes (skin + Phase Transition accessory).
When does first-week discount expire? Seven days after February 27, 2026 at 23:59 server time (UTC+8). 168-hour window before reverting to 1388 Echoes.
Can you get BLK.AESOP without spending Echoes? No. Requires Echo purchase through Illusion Hall. Free Echo accumulation through events takes months and likely misses limited window.
What's in the Esports Series Package? BLK.AESOP A-Tier costume + Phase Transition S-Tier accessory for 2618 Echoes. Separate purchase: 3066 Echoes (1388 + 1888), making package 448 Echoes cheaper.
Will BLK.AESOP return after initial release? Return schedule unconfirmed. Limited Esports Series skins show minimal return frequency, some never re-enter rotation. February 27, 2026 = only guaranteed opportunity.
Does BLK.AESOP affect gameplay? No. Purely cosmetic with zero impact on mechanics, movement speed, skills, or hitbox. All Identity V skins maintain cosmetic-only status for competitive balance.
