How to Get & Wear a Cape in Minecraft

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An in-depth guide to acquiring a cape in Minecraft, plus how to equip it

Co-authored by Zac Churchill and Janice Tieperman

Last Updated: August 13, 2024 Fact Checked

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Java Edition

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Bedrock Edition

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How to Equip Capes

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Expert Q&A

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Capes are a unique and somewhat rare cosmetic feature in Minecraft that are often used to commemorate specific events or achievements. In this article, we’ll walk you through the different ways to get capes in your Minecraft Java or Bedrock game so you can stand out in your Minecraft world.

Things You Should Know

In Minecraft Java Edition, use the Optfine mod to add capes to your game for free.
In Minecraft Bedrock, buy skin packs like Star Wars Classic or Battle & Beasts which contain skins with capes.
Complete long-term projects in Minecraft Java to get the Realms MapMaker and Mojira Moderator capes, or get a job at Mojang for the Mojang Studios capes.

Section 1 of 3:

Java Edition

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1
Mod your game so you have a cape. Install Minecraft Forge, one of the premiere modding tools for Minecraft, and then install the OptiFine mod. Some other helpful cape modding resources include:
- MinecraftCapes
- Capes (Fabric/Forge)
- WaveyCapes
- Important note: Modded capes are only visible to you, and can’t be seen by other players.
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Get 3 mod-free capes in Java by completing specific long-term projects. Each cape requires the player to complete advanced and time-consuming tasks:
- Realms MapMaker cape: Players need to be awarded points by Minecraft for making high-quality Realms maps via the Java Realms Content Creator Program before qualifying for this cape.
- Mojira Moderator cape: Players need to be active participants in Minecraft’s bug-tracking program, and then asked to be moderators on the platform.
- Mojang Studios cape: Players need to be employed by Mojang to receive this cape. Click here to check for any open positions with the company.^{[1]
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Section 2 of 3:

Bedrock Edition

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1
Buy a skin pack that has a cape built in. Some official Minecraft skin packs come with a cape as part of the cosmetic design. Open up the Marketplace and look up skin packs like:
- Battle & Beasts Skin Pack
- Battle & Beasts 2 Skin Pack
- Star Wars Classic Skin Pack
- Star Wars Prequel Skin Pack
- Halloween Mash-up
- Adventure Time Mash-up
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Register for Bedrock’s Beta edition to get the Pan Cape. This cape features a pancake in the very center or resembles a syrupy and buttery stack of pancakes when you’re wearing an Elytra.
- Windows 10/11/Xbox One: Download the Xbox Insider Hub app from the Microsoft Store and go to the Preview menu. Then, select “Minecraft for Windows 10,” followed by “Join” and “Continue.”
- Android: Pull up Minecraft in the Google Play Store, go down to the “Become a tester” section, and then hit “Join.”^{[2]
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Section 3 of 3:

How to Equip Capes

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Go to the Skins tab on the Minecraft Launcher and click on the skin you’d like to equip. Any available capes you have will be listed on the follow-up screen.
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Bedrock Go to the Dressing Room from the main menu and click on the red cape icon on the left-hand side of the screen. Click on the cape that you’d like to wear and then hit “Equip.”
- In either edition, it’s possible to wear an Elytra and a cape at the same time. Simply equip the cape on your character before entering the game, and then equip the Elytra as chest plate armor.

Expert Q&A

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Question

How can I get a free cape in Minecraft?

Zac Churchill
Minecraft Specialist
Zac Churchill is a Minecraft Specialist based in Davidson, North Carolina. Zac has played Minecraft for over 10 years and has extensive knowledge of how to play Minecraft and how the game has changed over the different versions. Specifically, Zac has expert experience in survival worlds, large builds on creative mode, and server design/upkeep. He graduated in 2023 with a BA in Sociology and English from Tufts University.

Zac Churchill

Minecraft Specialist

Expert Answer

Capes are fairly rare, but you can get a free one by attending a Minecraft event, such as Minecon.

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Is there any other way to get a Minecraft cape?

Community Answer

Yes, other Minecraft mods (like OptiFine) let you donate in exchange for a cape, which you may then customize with the banner system. Or you can simply use the OptiFine pre-made cape.

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If I change my username, do I keep the cape?

Community Answer

Yes, because when you change your name your UUID doesn't change. Your UUID is unique like your fingerprint, and your cape will be tied to your UUID; so if you change your name and you have a official cape (e.g., from minecon) then yes, you will keep it. With mods, on the other hand, I am not sure.

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Minecraft Festival is an upcoming event that will offer a free cape to attendees.

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Unfortunately, it isn’t possible to receive the Vanilla Cape or the Migrator Cape. It also isn’t possible to get capes for past events unless you were an attendee.

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Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.

If you are looking for different mods, it is highly recommended to use curseforge (https://www.curseforge.com/minecraft/mc-mods) as 9minecraft is a website known to repost mods without giving credit to developers.
Minecraft Xbox 360 edition has lots of packs with capes and more abnormal Minecraft characters.
You can now get capes in Minecraft PE. When you update the game you get a Minecon skin pack.

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