How Do I Redesign My Character’s Appearance After Leveling Up?

Leveling up is more than a numbers bump. It’s a shift in identity. Your character has survived something, learned something, or taken a step deeper into the story that’s shaping them. Their appearance shouldn’t reset every level, but it should reflect these changes. The best redesigns feel earned - like a natural evolution rather than a costume swap.

If you want your character’s look to grow in a believable way, here’s how to approach the redesign without losing the essence of who they were before.

Start With What Changed - Not What’s New

A level isn’t a makeover; it’s a consequence.Ask yourself:

• What specifically happened in the last arc?

• What did the character gain, overcome, or lose?

• What physical or emotional marks would those events leave?

Maybe they picked up a scar.Maybe their gear became slightly more refined.Maybe they carry themselves differently now.

Your redesign should answer the question:“What did the last chapter do to them?”

That’s where authenticity starts.

Evolve the Silhouette, Don’t Replace It

A character’s silhouette is their most recognizable trait. When redesigning, try to keep the foundational shape while adjusting the details.

Examples:

• A ranger’s cloak becomes heavier, more reinforced.

• A wizard’s robes gain new layers linked to their school or discoveries.

• A cleric’s armor gains iconography reflecting new devotion or rank.

• A rogue swaps lighter gear for more structured pieces as confidence grows.

Evolution keeps the character familiar while signaling growth.

Upgrade One Core Element, Not Everything

If you overhaul the entire look at once, the redesign feels disconnected.Choose one major upgrade and let everything else support it.

That upgrade could be:

• A new piece of armor

• A staff with deeper runes

• A cloak with improved materials

• A symbolic accessory from an NPC or quest

• A significant haircut or grooming shift

• A newly earned religious or arcane marking

One upgrade makes the redesign feel focused - not chaotic.

Reflect New Abilities Through Subtle Visual Cues

If your character gained magic, strength, or skill, let the appearance hint at it rather than shout it.

For instance:

• A sorcerer with new elemental magic might have a faint color shift in clothing or ornamentation.

• A fighter gaining mastery could adopt more deliberate, refined gear maintenance.

• A druid achieving a new circle might add natural elements from their region.

These cues make the redesign feel integrated with the mechanics of leveling rather than divorced from them.

Let Wear and Tear Tell the Story

A leveled-up character is not “new.” They’ve been through something.

Wear, aging, and imperfections are often the most powerful redesign tools:

• Frayed edges from travel

• Polished spots where gear is frequently touched

• Stains or markings that won’t come out

• Repairs from past battles or emotional moments

These details show the journey - and make the redesign feel lived-in rather than cosmetic.

Use Visual Layers to Communicate the Change Clearly

Online, redesigns often get lost because webcams flatten detail.This is where players using Faes AR find the biggest advantage: you can adjust your character’s overlays to match their growth without losing clarity on camera.

For example:

• Adding new textures or upgraded gear

• Reflecting scars or magical effects

• Altering color palettes as the character matures

• Shifting cloaks, armor, or silhouettes to reflect new milestones

Visual upgrades stay crisp and readable, even through basic webcams.

If you want to experiment with redesigned looks, you can preview options through the Faes AR Portal.To understand how the team approaches growth-focused design, check out:About FaesAnd if you’re ready to implement the new look, the app is available here:https://www.patreon.com/FaesAR