# Custompathing assets

**Published: January 16 2024 by @madmaximusjb**\
**Last documented edit: April 2026 by** [mana vortex](mailto:undefined)

This guide will teach you how to set game assets as new files. Don't worry, it's really simple!

## Why do I need this?

The game **identifies files** by their paths. For example, `base\characters\main_npc\silverhand\a0_001_ma_arms__silverhand.mesh` is Johnny's signature arm. The game will read that file whenever it spawns everyone's favourite terrorist — any changes you make will affect him.

If you want to use your own copy of that arm (for a custom NPC), the solution is **custompathing**.

By moving the arm to e.g. `your_modder_name\npcs\johnnys_evil_halfbrother\a0_001_ma_arms__silverhand.mesh` , you can change whatever you want, and the original won't be affected.

{% hint style="info" %}
Wolvenkit's [File Validation](https://wiki.redmodding.org/wolvenkit/wolvenkit-app/file-validation) can help you find broken reference paths in your project, and the `full scan to log view` will check for many common issues.
{% endhint %}

## An exercise

You need a [Wolvenkit Project](https://wiki.redmodding.org/wolvenkit/wolvenkit-app/usage/wolvenkit-projects) with at least one file in it. If you don't have one yet, let's use Johnny's arm:

```
base\characters\main_npc\silverhand\a0_001_ma_arms__silverhand.mesh
base\characters\main_npc\silverhand\textures\ml_a0_001_ma_arms__silverhand.mlsetup
```

### Step 1: Renaming to target

The easiest (and recommended) way to do this is Wolvenkit's [Rename](https://wiki.redmodding.org/wolvenkit/wolvenkit-app/editor/project-explorer#rename) dialogue.

With a file or folder selected in the project browser, click "Rename" in the context menu (or press f2):

<figure><img src="/files/iZVRwYrTboiZ0T7C8hyE" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

In the box, put the full name of where you want your file/folder to go. In our example, that'll be\
`your_modder_name\npcs\johnnys_evil_halfbrother\` .

Make sure to check the box so that Wolvenkit can update all references across your project!

<figure><img src="/files/COn5YVGa14VZYw59XkLW" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Now, click "Finish".

### Step 2: Success!

You now have your very own copy of Johnny's arm, with its own `.mlsetup` file. You can recolour the arm without the original being affected.

The blue text tells you which references have been updated:

<figure><img src="/files/5kcoQqAMFPc3ufgmBVow" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Until next time, chooms!


---

# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://wiki.redmodding.org/cyberpunk-2077-modding/modding-guides/items-equipment/custompathing-assets.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.