The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt gives Geralt plenty of armor, but the base game does not let him freely equip separate hoods or cloaks as cosmetic clothing. If you want the classic hooded witcher look, you need a mod. The Hoods mod is the main option for adding hoods, capes, scarves, hats, and full cloaks to Geralt’s wardrobe. It is especially useful for players who prefer a darker, travel-worn style while keeping the bonuses and appearance of their favorite armor sets intact during gameplay.
Are Hoods And Cloaks Available In The Base Game?
No. The standard version of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt does not have a general hood or cloak slot for Geralt. Some armor sets can change his appearance, and certain quests provide special outfits, but you cannot simply buy a cloak and wear it over any armor.
This is why the Hoods mod is useful. It adds cosmetic items without requiring you to replace your main armor set. The current version also supports the updated game, making it a useful choice for players using the modern PC release.
How To Install The Hoods Mod
The Hoods mod is designed for the PC version. Before installing it, make sure you have the correct version for your game, especially if you are playing the updated release.
The basic installation process is:
- Download the latest Hoods mod files.
- Place the modHoods folder inside your game’s Mods folder.
- Place the dlcHoods folder inside the game’s DLC folder.
- Run Script Merger if your installation reports conflicts.
- Restart the game after installation so the new items appear correctly.
The mod also includes an optional input settings file. This lets you assign a key or controller input for switching certain hoods between their raised and lowered versions.
Where To Get Hoods And Cloaks
Once the mod is installed, you can purchase its items from several merchants around the world.
In White Orchard, visit Bram, the merchant commonly identified as the Griffon Merchant. His stock can include several useful choices, such as:
- Cat armor hood
- Classic hood
- Pointy hood
- NPC hood
- Kaer Morhen cloak
- Bear scarf
- Alternative cowl hood
- Alternative mage cloak
- NPC cape
The Baron’s Quartermaster at Crow’s Perch offers another selection. His inventory can include the Pointy Kaer Morhen cloak, Cowl Hood, Mage Cloak, Skelliger Hat, Baron Thug Scarf, and several alternate hood designs.
For more choices, visit Elihal in Novigrad. His shop can provide items such as Crach Cape, Crach Fur, Avallach Cloak, NPC Pointy Hood, NPC Medic Hood, Vesemir Hat, and several other cosmetic pieces.
The newer versions of the mod also add a Loan Shark merchant in Novigrad, near the southern gate. This merchant can stock additional items, including the Rowdy Hood, Round Hood, Jester Hat, and several masks.
How To Equip And Use Them
The mod treats these cosmetic pieces differently from normal armor. Depending on the item, they can appear in the mask section of your inventory rather than taking the place of your armor.
Some hoods can be switched between hood-up and hood-down appearances. You can use the assigned keybind, or select the equipped item in your inventory and use the appropriate control to change its appearance.
Several items can also be dyed. This gives you more control over Geralt’s outfit and makes it easier to match a cloak with your favorite witcher armor.
Things To Know Before Installing
The Hoods mod is mainly an appearance upgrade, not a new armor system. It is best suited to players who want more freedom when creating Geralt’s outfit.
Keep in mind that cosmetic mods can sometimes cause clipping, particularly when cloaks interact with armor, weapons, or Geralt’s movements. Updating the mod after a major game update is also important because changes to the game can affect older mod files.