> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://wiki.redmodding.org/cyberpunk-2077-modding/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://wiki.redmodding.org/cyberpunk-2077-modding/modding-guides/items-equipment/custompathing-assets.md).
# Custompathing assets
How to stop influencing game or mod files by making your own copy (with blackjack and hookers)
**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):
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!
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:
## Until next time, chooms!
---
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