Minecraft capes have become more accessible to players due to a change in the distribution model by Mojang Studios. Players can acquire capes through various methods, including merging Mojang and Microsoft accounts, watching Minecraft content during special events, submitting custom maps, playing new updates, and receiving seasonal items in the Minecraft Marketplace.
In Java Edition, players can equip capes by navigating to the Skins tab in the launcher, selecting or creating a skin, and choosing a cape from their inventory. In Bedrock Edition, players can access capes through the Dressing Room and select their desired cape from the inventory.
Optifine allows players to equip custom capes visible only to other Optifine users, which require a donation to obtain. Players can view their capes in-game through the inventory screen or by switching to third-person mode. Certain capes remain exclusive to developers or contributors, making them rare and highly sought after.