Is Northern Aspil - VRChat Avatar worth it if you’re shopping in 3D?
If you are tired of the same humanoid default or a generic dragon that doesn’t quite feel you, you need a character that balances high-end customization with a distinct, memorable silhouette. The Northern Aspil by Vivi is a $45 VRChat avatar that leans into the “fluffy snake” aesthetic, offering a subspecies of the Aspilum that feels both playful and sophisticated. It is not just a static mesh; it is a fully rigged, expressive package designed for creators who want their avatar to react, move, and look alive without spending weeks on secondary rigging.
At $45, you are getting a complete production pipeline: pre-exported textures, Substance Painter files, and a Unity 2022 package ready for upload. If you are looking for a character that can handle advanced face tracking, modular menus, and squishy contact points, the Northern Aspil is a strong contender for your next main.
Quick answer
| Best for | VRChat users who want a highly customizable, fluffy snake avatar with advanced rigging and face tracking support. |
| Skip if | You do not have access to Unity 2022, VRCFury, or a face-tracking compatible headset, or if you prefer a simple, low-poly avatar. |
| Price | $45 |
| Format | Unity 2022 package, Substance Painter files, Blender 3.4 files, and pre-exported textures. |
| One-line take | A premium, expressive snake avatar that turns your VRChat presence into a character with actual personality and movement. |
What you’re actually buying
The core appeal of the Northern Aspil is its depth of customization. You are not just buying a skin; you are buying a character that can be shaped to fit your specific vibe. The package includes a wide range of body and face shape adjustments, allowing you to dial in the exact level of fluff, hood size, and body proportions you want. This is rare for a snake-based avatar, as many stick to a single rigid silhouette. Here, you can hide specific shapes for the fluff and hood, giving you total control over the aesthetic.
Movement is where the Northern Aspil really shines. Vivi has implemented advanced rigging using twist and corrective bones, which means the tail and body move with a natural, fluid weight rather than that stiff, robotic feel you get from cheaper avatars. The face tracking is unified and expressive, with toggleable ear movements and faked eye dilation/constriction that add layers of emotion to your interactions. If you use a face-tracking headset, the avatar will mirror your expressions with a level of detail that makes conversations feel more intimate and engaging.
The technical package is equally impressive. You get a ready-to-upload Unity 2022 package with all materials pre-set up in Poiyomi 9.1, so you can skip the tedious setup phase. Included are Substance Painter 9.1.2 files for all textures, allowing you to recolor or modify the look without losing quality. The Blender 3.4 files are also provided, giving you the source assets if you want to make deeper modifications. This level of file inclusion is what separates a premium avatar from a basic one, ensuring you have the tools to make it truly yours. (Northern Aspil - VRChat Avatar)
One buyer noted, “I didn’t think I’d ever purchase an avatar, only because I had already made a personal model for myself, but I really fell in love with this one and how wonderfully sassy it looks haha!” Gumroad reviews
Why it’s on our radar
The Northern Aspil stands out because it solves the common problem of “static” avatars. Most snake avatars look great in a screenshot but feel lifeless in a room. By integrating a mood wheel, expressive visemes, and squishy face contacts (nose boop, cheek squish, jowl squish), Vivi has created an avatar that encourages interaction. The mood wheel is a particularly clever touch, allowing you to change your default expression to add character without needing to manually adjust every single parameter.
The inclusion of a Discord server for support is also a significant differentiator. For a $45 product, having a dedicated space to ask questions and show off your customizations adds a layer of community and assurance that you are not just buying a file and being left alone. This is especially helpful for users who might be new to using VRCFury for modular menu customization. (Northern Aspil - VRChat Avatar)
Another buyer shared, “An amazing snake avatar! I love how fluffy it is and the tail is perfection!” Gumroad reviews
What actually matters
Before you commit to the Northern Aspil, ensure your setup meets the prerequisites. You will need Unity 2022, VRChat Creator Companion, and VRCFury. If you plan to use the face tracking features, you will need a compatible headset and Jerry’s Face Tracking Template. The modular menu system relies on VRCFury, so if you are not comfortable with that tool, you might want to test the public avatar first to see if the complexity is for you.
Check the texture files. The package includes two base textures and Substance Painter files, which is great for customization, but if you want a very specific color palette, you will need to do some work in Substance Painter. If you are looking for a “set it and forget it” avatar, the default textures are solid, but the real value is in the ability to modify them. (Northern Aspil - VRChat Avatar)
The rigging is advanced, which is a plus for movement, but it also means the avatar is likely heavier than a simple low-poly model. Make sure your PC can handle the performance, especially if you are using it in crowded rooms. The expressive features are worth the performance cost, but it is something to keep in mind. (Northern Aspil - VRChat Avatar)
Mid-check
If you are ready to see the full file list and check the current pricing, View on Gumroad
FAQ
Does the Northern Aspil require face tracking? No, face tracking is optional. The avatar includes expressive visemes and gestures that work without a headset, but the unified expression face tracking with ear movements and eye dilation requires a face-tracking compatible headset and Jerry’s Face Tracking Template.
Can I customize the body shape significantly? Yes. The Northern Aspil includes multiple body and face adjustments, as well as hiding shapes for fluff and hood. This allows for a wide range of customization, from a sleeker look to a very fluffy, hooded appearance.
What software do I need to open the files? You will need Unity 2022 for the main package, Blender 3.4+ for the source files, and Substance Painter 9.1.2+ for the texture files. VRCFury is also required for the modular menu customization. (Northern Aspil - VRChat Avatar)
Bottom line
The Northern Aspil is a premium VRChat avatar that offers a unique blend of aesthetic appeal and technical depth. At $45, you are getting a fully rigged, expressive character with a complete set of source files and a supportive community. If you are looking for a snake avatar that feels alive, responds to your expressions, and can be customized to your exact taste, this is a strong choice. The combination of advanced rigging, modular menus, and included Substance Painter files makes it a worthwhile investment for anyone serious about their VRChat presence.