How to Customize Your Character in Ready or Not (March 2026 Guide)

Ankit Babal
July 20, 2025
Gaming

Ready or Not’s character customization system allows you to create a unique SWAT officer that reflects your tactical preferences and playstyle. Whether you’re preparing for a high-stakes raid or want to look your best in multiplayer matches, this comprehensive guide will show you exactly how to customize every aspect of your character, from uniforms to tactical gear.

Quick Overview: Character Customization in Ready or Not

Customization Category	What You Can Change	Location
Uniform	Shirts, Pants, Gloves, Boots, Belt	Locker Room
Tactical Gear	Armor, Helmet, Facewear, Mount, Ballistic Mask	Locker Room
Accessories	Watches, Tattoos, Eyewear	Locker Room
Loadout	Weapons, Attachments, Deployables	Weapons Desk/Locker Room
Team Customization	AI Officer Appearance & Loadouts	Same Menu

How to Access Character Customization in Ready or Not?

I’ve spent countless hours perfecting my SWAT officer’s look, and accessing the customization menu is simpler than you might think. When you enter the police headquarters between missions, you have two primary methods to customize your character:

Method 1: Through the SWAT Unit Room

Enter the police headquarters after completing or before starting a mission
Walk through the Briefing Room – this is the main corridor
Find the SWAT Unit room with computers and equipment
Interact with the computer to access both loadout and character customization

Method 2: Direct Access via Locker Room

Head straight to the locker room area
Approach any locker and look for the interaction prompt
Press the interact key (default: F) to open the customization menu
Select “Customize Character” from the options

Both methods lead to the same comprehensive customization screen, so choose whichever is more convenient for your current location in the headquarters.

Understanding the Customization Categories

Uniform Customization

The uniform section is where you’ll spend most of your time creating your unique look. Here’s what you can modify:

Shirts: From tactical button-ups to specialized SWAT gear, including:

Atlas Pro Shirt (unlocked through Dark Waters DLC)
Button-up Shirt (unlock by completing Valley of the Dolls with B rank)
Cerro Torre L5 Rolled Softshell
Various tactical and patrol shirts

Pants: Choose from multiple tactical options:

Standard SWAT tactical pants
Cargo pants with extra storage
Specialized raid pants
Different camo patterns and colors

Gloves: Essential for protection and grip:

Tactical gloves with knuckle protection
Lightweight patrol gloves
Heavy-duty breach gloves
Fingerless options for better dexterity

Boots: Your foundation for every mission:

Standard combat boots
Lightweight tactical boots
Heavy-duty breach boots
Various height options

Belt: More than just aesthetic:

Duty belts with equipment slots
Tactical belts with quick-release
Different buckle styles and colors

Tactical Gear Customization

This is where function meets form – your tactical gear directly impacts your performance in missions.

Armor Types and Coverage:

Front Only: Lightest option, maximum mobility, minimum protection
Front/Back: Balanced protection and mobility
Full Coverage: Maximum protection but reduced movement speed

Armor Materials:

Kevlar: Standard protection, balanced weight
Steel Plates: Heavy but excellent against rifle rounds
Ceramic: Lightweight with good protection, but can crack

Helmet Options:

No Helmet: Maximum peripheral vision but zero head protection
Helmet Only: Standard protection with mounting options
Ballistic Mask + Helmet: Maximum face and head protection

Facewear Choices:

None: Clear vision and communication
Anti-flash Goggles: Protection against flashbangs
Gas Mask: Essential for chemical threats
Ballistic Goggles: Eye protection from debris

Mount Options:

Standard NVG Mount: For night vision goggles
Camera Mount: For helmet cameras
No Mount: Cleaner look but no attachment options

Accessories That Make a Difference

While accessories might seem purely cosmetic, they add personality to your operator:

Watches:

Basic digital watches
Tactical smartwatches
Developer’s Ruined Watch (unlock by completing Permadeath Mode)
Various luxury and military-style timepieces

Tattoos:

Sleeve tattoos
Individual arm tattoos
Military-themed designs
Custom artwork options

Eyewear:

Tactical sunglasses
Clear protective glasses
Prescription frames
Specialized tactical eyewear

Unlocking Character Customization Items

One of the most rewarding aspects of Ready or Not is earning new customization options through gameplay. Here’s how to unlock various items:

Performance-Based Unlocks

Most customization items are locked behind performance requirements:

Complete missions with high grades (S, A, or B ranks)
Achieve specific objectives within missions
Complete challenge modes like Permadeath
Finish DLC content for exclusive items

Specific Unlock Examples

Atlas Pro Shirt: Complete Dark Waters DLC missions
Button-up Shirt: Achieve B rank on Valley of the Dolls
Developer’s Ruined Watch: Complete Permadeath Mode without losing any officers
Special Forces Gear: Achieve S ranks on multiple missions
Supporter Edition Items: Available only to game supporters

Alternative Methods

If you’re looking to unlock items faster:

Practice Mode: Items unlocked in practice mode carry over
Replay Missions: Focus on missions you can complete with high grades
Mods: Some community mods unlock all customization (single-player only)

Modifying Your Loadout

Character customization extends beyond appearance – your loadout is crucial for mission success.

Primary Weapon Customization

Access the loadout screen to modify:

Weapon Selection: Choose from assault rifles, SMGs, shotguns
Sights/Optics: Red dots, holographic, magnified scopes
Muzzle Attachments: Suppressors, compensators, flash hiders
Underbarrel: Grips, lasers, flashlights
Ammunition Types: FMJ, JHP, AP rounds

Secondary Weapon Options

Your sidearm is equally important:

Pistol Selection: Various calibers and capacities
Attachments: Mini red dots, weapon lights, suppressors
Holster Position: Strong side, cross-draw, drop-leg

Tactical Equipment

Choose your deployables wisely:

Breaching Tools: C2 charges, breaching shotgun, ram
Less-Lethal: Taser, pepper spray, beanbag rounds
Grenades: Flashbangs, CS gas, stingers
Utility: Lockpicks, mirrorgun, door wedges

Customizing Your AI Team

Don’t forget about your AI teammates – their appearance and loadouts matter too!

Team Appearance

Access team customization through the same menu
Select individual officers to customize
Apply uniform presets or customize individually
Ensure visual distinction between team members

Team Loadouts

Strategic loadout distribution is key:

Pointman: Close-range weapons, heavy armor
Breacher: Shotgun, breaching tools
Support: Long-range weapons, utility items
Less-Lethal Specialist: Non-lethal options

Advanced Customization Tips

After hundreds of hours in Ready or Not, I’ve learned these pro tips:

Performance vs. Aesthetics

Night Missions: Always prioritize NVG-compatible helmets
CQB Maps: Lighter armor for faster movement
Open Areas: Full armor coverage is worth the speed penalty
Chemical Threats: Gas masks are non-negotiable

Creating Loadout Presets

While Ready or Not doesn’t have official preset saves, you can:

Screenshot your favorite setups
Create a naming system for quick reference
Match loadouts to mission types
Coordinate with your regular team

Multiplayer Considerations

When playing online:

Distinctive appearance helps team recognition
Avoid all-black setups in dark maps
Communicate your role through appearance
Consider colorblind teammates with gear choices

Common Customization Mistakes to Avoid

I’ve seen countless players make these errors:

Overloading on Heavy Gear

Mistake: Maximum armor on every mission
Reality: Speed saves lives in many scenarios
Solution: Match protection to threat level

Ignoring Facewear

Mistake: Never equipping protective facewear
Reality: Flashbangs and gas are common
Solution: At minimum, carry anti-flash goggles

Fashion Over Function

Mistake: Choosing gear purely for looks
Reality: Every piece affects performance
Solution: Find the balance between style and effectiveness

Neglecting Team Coordination

Mistake: Everyone running identical loadouts
Reality: Specialized roles increase success
Solution: Coordinate equipment distribution

Platform-Specific Customization

PC Controls

Mouse precision for detailed customization
Keyboard shortcuts for quick changes
Higher resolution shows gear details better

Console Considerations

Controller navigation may feel slower
Use D-pad for precise selection
Preview animations help visualize changes

Modding and Custom Content

The Ready or Not modding community offers extensive customization options:

Popular Customization Mods

Customization Unlocked: Instantly unlocks all items
Custom Uniform Packs: Additional clothing options
Realistic Gear Mods: Real-world equipment brands
Character Model Replacements: Different operator models

Installing Customization Mods

Download from trusted sources (Nexus Mods, mod.io)
Follow installation instructions carefully
Backup your save files before modding
Disable for multiplayer to avoid issues

Mod Limitations

Remember that mods:

Don’t work in all multiplayer modes
May cause stability issues
Won’t unlock supporter-exclusive content
Require updates after game patches

Future of Customization in Ready or Not

Based on developer communications and community feedback:

Confirmed Upcoming Features

More DLC-specific customization items
Additional uniform variations
Expanded color options
New equipment types

Community Requested Features

Weapon skin customization
Custom patches and insignias
Female operator models
Preset saving system

Maximizing Your Customization Experience

To get the most out of Ready or Not’s customization:

Daily Routine

Check for updates – new items added regularly
Complete daily challenges for unlock progress
Experiment with loadouts in practice mode
Share screenshots with the community

Long-term Goals

Complete all missions with S rank
Unlock every customization item
Master different playstyles
Help new players with loadout advice

Troubleshooting Customization Issues

Items Not Appearing

If unlocked items don’t show:

Restart the game completely
Verify game files through Steam/Epic
Check DLC installation status
Disable conflicting mods

Customization Not Saving

When changes don’t stick:

Apply changes before exiting menu
Check file permissions in game folder
Disable cloud saves temporarily
Reinstall if persistent

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to unlock items for each character?

No, once unlocked, customization items are available for all your characters and AI teammates.

Can I customize during a mission?

No, all customization must be done in the police headquarters between missions.

Do customization choices affect gameplay?

Yes! Armor weight affects movement speed, helmet choice impacts vision, and facewear provides various protections.

Are there microtransactions for customization?

No, all customization items are earned through gameplay or included with supporter editions.

Can friends see my customization in multiplayer?

Yes, your customized appearance is visible to all players in multiplayer matches.

Do mods disable achievements?

Most cosmetic mods don’t affect achievements, but always check mod descriptions.

How often are new items added?

VOID Interactive regularly adds items through updates and DLC, typically every few months.

Can I reset my unlocks?

There’s no in-game reset option, but you can delete your save file to start fresh.

Conclusion

Character customization in Ready or Not goes far beyond simple cosmetics – it’s an integral part of the tactical experience that affects both your performance and your connection to your operator. Whether you’re meticulously crafting the perfect look or optimizing your loadout for maximum efficiency, the customization system offers incredible depth and rewards dedication.

Remember, the best loadout is one that matches your playstyle and the mission at hand. Take time to experiment, learn from each deployment, and don’t be afraid to adjust your setup based on what works best for you and your team.

As Ready or Not continues to evolve with new updates and content, the customization options will only expand. Stay engaged with the community, share your favorite setups, and most importantly, have fun creating your perfect SWAT officer.

Ready or Not is available on PC via Steam and Epic Games Store. Stay updated with the latest patches and content by following VOID Interactive’s official channels.