# For V: Creating facial cyberware

## Summary

**Created:** Jul 18 2025 by [mana vortex](mailto:undefined)\
**Last documented update:** Jul 18 2025 by [mana vortex](mailto:undefined)

This guide will show you how to create custom facial cyberware from scratch.

## What you need

* [ ] A [Wolvenkit project](https://wiki.redmodding.org/wolvenkit/wolvenkit-app/usage/wolvenkit-projects#create-a-new-wolvenkit-mod-project)
* [ ] [The Wolvenkit Blender IO Suite](/cyberpunk-2077-modding/for-mod-creators-theory/modding-tools/wolvenkit-blender-io-suite.md#compatibility) and the compatible Blender version
* [ ] Optional: an image editing program (you can use [photopea.com](http://photopea.com/), it's free)

## Skipping and skimming

<figure><img src="/files/yIzZ7I8mnFVhrJbNzpks" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

This tutorial has **no fluff**, and you should not skip over parts of it unless they're **clearly marked** as optional. If you do anything differently (using other names or whatever), you add extra complexity which you will have to deal with.

I recommend following the steps **exactly** like a braindead automaton, then creating a **backup copy** of the working project before starting to fuck around.

Of course this is a free world, so you can do what you want.

## Step 1: Setting up the files

1. Add the [basehead .mesh and .morphtarget](/cyberpunk-2077-modding/for-mod-creators-theory/references-lists-and-overviews/cheat-sheet-head.md) to your Wolvenkit project:

<table data-header-hidden><thead><tr><th width="126"></th><th></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>fem V</td><td><code>base\characters\head\player_base_heads\player_female_average\h0_000_pwa__morphs.morphtarget</code><br><code>base\characters\head\player_base_heads\player_female_average\h0_000_pwa_c__basehead\h0_000_pwa_c__basehead.mesh</code></td></tr><tr><td>mascV</td><td><code>base\characters\head\player_base_heads\player_man_average\h0_000_pma__morphs.morphtarget</code><br><code>base\characters\head\player_base_heads\player_man_average\h0_000_pma_c__basehead\h0_000_pma_c__basehead.mesh</code></td></tr></tbody></table>

{% hint style="info" %}
If you want to create cyberware for both body genders, you should work on both heads simultaneously. That is much easier than porting the final product!
{% endhint %}

Currently, your mod is overwriting the player base head. To avoid that, we will [custompath](/cyberpunk-2077-modding/modding-guides/items-equipment/custompathing-assets.md) and move both files to a custom folder.

2. Select the `.mesh` file and use Wolvenkit's rename function (`f2`) to move it. Make sure to have the "Update in project files" box ticked.

<figure><img src="/files/hrh4X8PymiXCiXxyZjcR" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

3. Do the same for the .morphtarget file.
4. Your `archive` tab should now look like this:

<figure><img src="/files/MoUN3wK4vTVD5DUXMyiU" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

5. Now, [export](/cyberpunk-2077-modding/for-mod-creators-theory/modding-tools/wolvenkit-blender-io-suite/wkit-blender-plugin-import-export.md#meshes) the `.mesh` and `.morphtarget` file:\
   In Wkit's [Export Tool](https://wiki.redmodding.org/wolvenkit/wolvenkit-app/usage/import-export#exporting), click on the "Export all" button. This will create the files for Blender in your folder.

## Step 2: Creating your new cyberware

1. Open up Blender and [import](/cyberpunk-2077-modding/for-mod-creators-theory/modding-tools/wolvenkit-blender-io-suite/wkit-blender-plugin-import-export.md#importing-into-blender) the .morphtarget file. We will only work on that one!

<details>

<summary>What's the difference?</summary>

The `.morphtarget` contains the 3d data (the **shape** of the cyberware). It will deform with the face sliders from the character creator.

The `.mesh` contains the material data (the **surface appearance** of the cyberware). The `.morphtarget` pulls it in via the `baseMesh` property.

</details>

You should now see something like this:

<figure><img src="/files/kDreyarKhFyh3fkezkhO" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

2. Select the head mesh by clicking on it in the outliner (blue arrows to the right)
3. Duplicate the head (Hotkey: `Shift+D`), so that you have a reference for resizing.
4. Switch to Edit Mode (`Tab`)

### Step 2.1: Cutting out your cyberware's shape

We will now **cut away** all the **faces** (surface triangles) that are not part of your custom cyberware.

{% hint style="info" %}
If you have never used Blender before, you'll probably want to check out [Blender: Getting Started](/cyberpunk-2077-modding/for-mod-creators-theory/3d-modelling/blender-getting-started.md)before proceeding.
{% endhint %}

I'm putting a smiley on V's forehead, so I am cutting away everything but this little part:

<figure><img src="/files/FkhDD9Scz79MAPeFuorO" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### 2.2: Make it a tiny bit larger

We want our cyberware to float above the player head, not clip into it. For that reason, we need to scale it up a little.

1. Select all vertices (Hotkey: `a`)
2. Enter scaling mode (Hotkey: `s`)
3. Upscale it slightly (Hotkey: type `0.02` and press enter) - you have the original head as a reference

Once it is directly above the surface, you're done here.

## Step 3: Textures

<figure><img src="/files/AChlTIHbwtuRMYxXQRc9" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

1. Switch back to Object mode (hotkey: `Tab`)
2. Delete the reference head mesh (select it by clicking, then press `x`)
3. Switch to the Shading perspective
4. Make sure that the viewport is set to "Viewport Shading"
5. Add a new material to your mesh by clicking the "New" button

This creates a new empty material for Blender.

### 3.1: Adding a texture

Now, add a blank texture to your mesh. Move your mouse cursor over the node editor at the bottom, then do the following:

1. Add a new image texture (hotkey: `Shift+A`, type `image`, press enter)
2. Create a new image texture by clicking the `+ New` button
3. Give it a name (for example `my_new_cyberware_d01`)

{% hint style="info" %}
Leave the resolution at 1k. You might be tempted to go all-in and have insanely detailed textures; however, [most people **won't even see them**](/cyberpunk-2077-modding/for-mod-creators-theory/3d-modelling/on-4k-textures-and-high-poly-meshes.md).
{% endhint %}

4. Connect the `Color` output of your new node to the `Base Color` input of the `Principled BSDF` shader node
5. Click on the texture node to select it. That will change the texture viewport on the left to black.

<figure><img src="/files/FzKG7KT5UlOHkx5qX1Tv" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### 3.2 UV Mapping

{% hint style="info" %}
You do not need to know more about [UV Mapping: texturing a 3d object](/cyberpunk-2077-modding/for-mod-creators-theory/materials/uv-mapping-texturing-a-3d-object.md)for the purpose of this guide.
{% endhint %}

1. In the top bar where you switched to the Shading perspective in 3.1, switch to `UV Editing`
2. Make sure that your viewport (right) is in Edit Mode (Hotkey: `Tab`)
3. Select all vertices (Hotkey: `A`)
4. To prepare for UV unwrapping, we will now merge by distance (Hotkey: `m`):

<figure><img src="/files/IdEY0nSXpJ0dm9Alwlqf" alt=""><figcaption><p>This will make sure that your cyberware isn't made out of disjointed parts (which the head mesh is for reasons).</p></figcaption></figure>

5. On the UV editor on the left side, also select all vertices (Hotkey: `A`)
6. Unwrap them (Hotkey: `Ctrl+U`)

<figure><img src="/files/vQd171J9LSMFApB0oz20" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Now that our UV map is using the whole texture, it's time to paint our texture.

### 3.3 Texture painting

1. In the top bar where you switched to the Shading perspective in 3.1, switch to `Texture Paint`
2. You can now use a brush to paint, either on the texture (left), or on the 3d model (right):

<figure><img src="/files/mTqR0J4tTmlnyhuiPc0w" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

3. Draw the rest of the owl.
4. Once you are done painting your texture, save it:
   1. Move the mouse over the texture port on the left and press Ctrl+Alt+S
   2. From the "Recents" dropdown, select the topmost folder (where your mesh and morphtarget are)
   3. Right-click to create a new folder "textures"
   4. Save your texture inside the fodler as `my_new_cyberware_d01.png`

## Step 4: Back into Wolvenkit

In this section, we'll get our .mesh and .morphtarget back into Wolvenkit.

1. In the top bar, switch back to the `Layout` perspective
2. Make sure that your viewport is in Object mode (Hotkey: `Tab`)
3. Select all meshes that you want to export
4. From the menu, select File -> Export -> Cyberpunk GLB (or see the [wiki page](/cyberpunk-2077-modding/for-mod-creators-theory/modding-tools/wolvenkit-blender-io-suite/wkit-blender-plugin-import-export.md#exporting-from-blender))
5. Overwrite **both** `h0_000_pwa_c__basehead.glb` and `h0_000_pwa__morphs.morphtarget.glb`

That was the Blender part. Now, we need to go back to Wolvenkit.

6. On the Import Tool in the bottom left, import **first** the glb that goes into the `.mesh` file:

<figure><img src="/files/3VcAbuZpjtmNYeOsXxVV" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

7. Now, import the morphtarget and the texture.

{% hint style="info" %}
You might be unable to export the morphtarget again, so you should keep your `.blend` file!
{% endhint %}

## Step 5: Materials

1. Open the `.mesh` file in Wolvenkit
2. From the top bar, open the "Clean Up" menu
3. Hold the shift key and click "Clear All Materials":

<figure><img src="/files/zbdxSsbf5MZ51pSjBrvv" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

4. Save the file.

### 5.1 Creating and configuring a new appearance

Now, we'll create an appearance with materials.

1. Select the `appearances` node, and click the yellow `+` button on the right:

<figure><img src="/files/gKyvn9RL0uzuuWz7rpYz" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

2. Expand the `appearances` node on the left
3. Expand your new appearance (it is called `default`)
4. Select the `chunkMaterials` node on the left, and click the yellow button again to add an entry
5. Give the chunkMaterial the name of the material that you will create next (e.g. `my_custom_cyberware_material`):

<figure><img src="/files/cX303tj330vRYjuld4dI" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### 5.1.1 Adding the material

1. On the left, expand the `localMaterialBuffer` node and select its child `materials`
2. Right-click, then select `Add material and definition` from the context menu
3. In the popup dialogue, enter the name from step 5 in the previous section (e.g. `my_custom_cyberware_material`)
4. Select the new CMaterialInstance

### 5.1.2 Configuring the material

This is where we tell the material how to behave. We'll create a `decal` (something that is projected on top of something else), then tell it to use our texture.

1. Set the `baseMaterial` depot path to `base\materials\mesh_decal.mt`
2. Expand the node and select the `values` array
3. Click the yellow + button on the right panel
4. In the dialogue that now opens, add a `Texture`
   1. Change its `key` to `DiffuseTexture`
   2. Change its `value` to the relative path to your texture (right-click on the texture in the project browser, select `copy relative path`, then paste it into the depot path box)
5. Add another property, this one a `Scalar`
   1. Change its key to DiffuseAlpha
   2. Change its value to 1

<figure><img src="/files/n334tYqOERgA190E1YMQ" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

The decal will now project your texture on top of V's head, and force it to be completely intransparent.

## Step 6: Connecting everything

So far, we have a .mesh and a .morphtarget in Wolvenkit. If we packed the mod now, nothing would happen, because the game doesn't know what to do with those files.

### 6.1 The .ent file

First, we need an .ent file to hold our component.

1. Find `base\characters\head\player_base_heads\appearances\entity\cyberware\hx_000_pwa__cyberware_01.ent` and add it to your project (`pma` for masc V)
2. Move the file to your folder (tutorial\cyberware\my\_custom\_face\_cyberware) and open it
3. Select the second component and change the following properties:
   1. morphresource's `depotPath` to the path of your custom morphtarget
   2. the name to something unique

<figure><img src="/files/coMv5re4ZbxbbbkEnivU" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

4. Save the file.

### 6.2 The .xl file

Now we only need to add our .ent file to the player entity. ArchiveXL can do that for us.

1. Switch your project browser to the `Resources` tab
2. In the resources folder, create a new .xl file (or an empty text file with the .archive.xl extension)
3. In the text file, paste the following content (delete the gender that you're not using):

```yaml
resource:
  patch:
    # masc V
    tutorial\cyberware\my_custom_face_cyberware\hx_000_pma__cyberware_01.ent:
      - base\characters\entities\player\photo_mode\player_ma_photomode.ent
      - base\characters\entities\player\player_ma_tpp.ent
      - base\characters\entities\player\player_ma_tpp_cutscene.ent
      - base\characters\entities\player\player_ma_tpp_cutscene_no_impostor.ent
      - base\characters\entities\player\player_ma_tpp_reflexion.ent
      - ep1\characters\entities\player\photo_mode\player_ma_photomode_ep1.ent
      - ep1\characters\entities\player\player_ma_tpp_ep1.ent
    # fem V
    tutorial\cyberware\my_custom_face_cyberware\hx_000_pwa__cyberware_01.ent:
      - base\characters\entities\player\photo_mode\player_wa_photomode.ent
      - base\characters\entities\player\player_wa_tpp.ent
      - base\characters\entities\player\player_wa_tpp_cutscene.ent
      - base\characters\entities\player\player_wa_tpp_cutscene_no_impostor.ent
      - base\characters\entities\player\player_wa_tpp_reflexion.ent
      - ep1\characters\entities\player\photo_mode\player_wa_photomode_ep1.ent
      - ep1\characters\entities\player\player_wa_tpp_ep1.ent
```

Now, start the game. If you did everything correctly, you should now see your new cyberware!

<figure><img src="/files/E42Y0BaP9EodbycR5OmA" alt=""><figcaption><p>She doesn't like it</p></figcaption></figure>


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