Minecraft capes, once a rare adornment for a select few, have recently become more accessible to the broader player community thanks to a strategic shift by Mojang Studios. This evolution in the cape distribution model means that many players can now proudly display one or more capes in their inventory. Understanding how to acquire, view, and equip these coveted items is essential for any Minecraft enthusiast looking to enhance their character’s appearance.
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For players using Java Edition, the process begins in the launcher. Navigate to the Skins tab, select an existing skin or create a new one, and then click Edit. Here, you can upload a new skin file, switch between the classic Steve and slim Alex models, and choose from any capes you own. After selecting your desired cape, simply click Save & Use to apply it to your skin.
In Bedrock Edition, the journey starts in the Dressing Room. From the left menu, select the Capes sub-menu to view all available capes in your inventory. Choose your preferred cape, and it will be automatically applied to your selected skin.
How to get Minecraft capes
The landscape of Minecraft capes is rich with history, as each unique design has traditionally been tied to specific criteria for earning. Initially, many capes were exclusive to Mojang developers or contributors, such as translators. The most notable use of capes was as a special cosmetic for attendees of Minecon, Minecraft’s annual convention, with the last in-person event occurring in 2016. Since then, the cape distribution system has seen a revival, offering players various opportunities to earn capes, including:
- Merging Mojang and Microsoft accounts following the announcement of the migration.
- Watching Minecraft content on platforms like Twitch or TikTok during the 15-year anniversary celebrations.
- Submitting custom maps to Minecraft Realms.
- Playing new updates shortly after their release.
- Receiving seasonal items for free in the Minecraft Marketplace.
For a comprehensive list of capes and their respective criteria, players can refer to the Minecraft Wiki. It’s worth noting that many of these opportunities are time-sensitive; failing to claim a cape during a promotional event may result in missing out entirely. However, some designs may occasionally appear on second-hand markets like eBay for those who missed the initial offer. To stay informed about future cape opportunities, players should keep a close watch on Minecraft’s official social media channels.
How to equip capes in Minecraft Java
Equipping a cape in Minecraft Java Edition is a straightforward process. Follow these steps:
- Open the Minecraft launcher and select the Skins tab from the top menu.
- Choose an existing skin to edit or create a new one.
- A customization window will appear, allowing you to select a cape from your unlocked inventory. Choose your desired cape and click Save & Use in the bottom right corner.
- Since capes are assigned to individual skins rather than your overall profile, you can mix and match different capes with various skins.
How to equip capes in Minecraft Bedrock
In Minecraft Bedrock Edition, the method for equipping capes differs slightly due to the separate management of skins and capes. Here’s how to do it:
- Launch Minecraft and navigate to the Dressing Room tab in the main menu.
- Select the skin preset you wish to edit.
- In the left menu, click on the Capes option at the bottom to access your cape inventory.
- Click on the cape you wish to use, and it will automatically apply to your selected skin, with a preview visible on the right side of the screen.
How to get Optifine capes
Optifine, a popular third-party utility mod for Minecraft Java, offers players the ability to equip custom capes. These capes, however, are only visible to other Optifine users and require a donation to the project. Despite a decline in popularity due to emerging alternatives, the ability to create custom capes remains appealing. To obtain an Optifine cape, follow these steps:
- Visit the official Optifine website and navigate to the Donate tab.
- Select a cape to apply to your character. Unlike standard capes, these are not tied to specific skins and will appear with any skin you wear.
- Choose from pre-made Optifine capes or select Custom for a unique color.
- Alternatively, you can select Banner to create a cape based on a banner design by entering the banner’s URL.
- Proceed to the Paymentwall button to complete your donation.
- After processing your donation, your selected cape will become visible in-game for you and other Optifine users.
FAQs
<button type="button" class="—–Bk”><span class="—–Ck”>What happens to my cape when I equip an elytra?
As both capes and elytra occupy the same area on a player’s back, Mojang has programmed the elytra to take precedence, displaying only the elytra while the cape’s texture is hidden. Each cape is designed to complement the elytra, ensuring an aesthetically pleasing appearance.
<button type="button" class="—–Bk”><span class="—–Ck”>Is getting an Optifine cape worth it?
While Optifine capes come with a price tag, they offer customization options that free capes do not. However, their visibility is limited to other Optifine users, and with the rise of alternatives, the necessity for Optifine capes has diminished. Ultimately, the value lies in how much a player values customization over cost.
<button type="button" class="—–Bk”><span class="—–Ck”>How can I see my own cape in-game?
To view your cape in-game, simply access your inventory screen where it will appear in the character preview. Alternatively, you can switch to third-person mode, typically activated by the F5 key on desktop versions, to see your cape flowing behind you.
<button type="button" class="—–Bk”><span class="—–Ck”>What is the rarest Minecraft cape?
While many capes are distributed to the general player base, some designs are reserved for a select few, such as developers or contributors. Unique capes have been awarded for special milestones or inside jokes, making them highly coveted among the community.
