About this FAQ

This is a collection of some of the most frequently asked questions I get about my Higgs cosplay(s).In future I want to write up my whole process (with pictures and nice diagrams) and post a sort of build book online, but until then this will have to do 😅Please note: I'll no longer be replying to cosplay questions sent via DM.Lou
@quaccs
(last updated June 2025)

Where did you get the models/STLs for (x)?:

The following I made myself in blender:
- DS1 skull mask
- DS1 black mask
- DS1 gloves (gold pieces)
- DS1 gold neck band
- DS2 maskThere are tons of models out there (search on yeggi), but these are the STLs by other creators that I've personally used. Most of them are paid (please support the artists if it's in your budget, making models is skilled & time consuming work):

• DS1 rifle by somethingworkshop
• DS1 knife by somethingworkshop
• DS1 knife (free) by calscustoms
• DS1 grenades by somethingworkshop
• BB pod connector parts by joey-druga
• DS2 guitar by twitte_king

How did you make the odradek?

The odradek is the one prop (other than the official BB) that I didn't fully make or print myself. I bought it years ago when I didn't have the skills in 3D/lighting to make it. It was made by littleswallowstudio on etsy, but unfortunately the shop no longer exists.If you can't find a model to print I'd recommend using EVA foam, or honestly... skip it entirely if it's giving you grief. It's possibly the most annoying part of the cosplay to make and wear. It's fragile and a pain to transport and wear at a con. Even with my friend as a handler watching out for me, people still LOVE to bump into it.Not having one isn't the end of the world. When it's worn folded behind you (like it is sometimes in game, or in the photo at the top of the page) it's not visible in photos taken from the front anyway.That said I'm aware there's a lack of Higgs specific odradek models/prefabricated ones out there. One day I'll work on making a cosplay specific model based on my experience of wearing one, but that probably won't be until I've finished my DS2 cosplay.

How did you make the cape?

The cape/mantle is the oldest part of the cosplay (made in 2019). I made it when I didn't have a sewing machine and had even less of a clue about sewing. I didn't use a pattern, just vibes. I draped fabric over myself, pinned it, marked it, cut it, etc until I was happy with the shape.It's made from stretch matte PVC fabric (for the back & the front parts with gold stripes) and black polycotton (hood lining). The gold stripes are bias tape (sewn on). The void out logo was done with a stencil and acrylic paint mixed with fabric medium, same with the text on the hood. It's worn using elasticated straps that go over my shoulders like backpack straps. It's then secured to the arms & plate carrier with velcro. The gold neck band attaches via snaps. The entire thing is hand sewn 😭Here is a very bad diagram I once sent to someone that will give you a rough idea of the shape of it:

How did you make the knife?

I used the knife STL from somethingworkshopIt was 3D printed in PLA, covered in UV resin to hide layer lines, then sanded and primed. I used a satin black spray paint on the handle parts.The blade was sprayed with black gloss spray paint then covered in gilding paste and gold leaf. I then sealed it with an acrylic resin based gloss varnish.I used the same technique on the other gold parts (skull mask, gloves, neck band, gun detailing).

Where did you get/how did you make the BB?

It's the official BB that came with the collectors edition of Death Stranding.
I took it apart and repainted it with transparent red spray paint on the inside of the "glass" and olive drab paint on the rest.You can buy the official BB on the Kojima productions store, but I think they're often out of stock.Official BBA guide on how to take apart the official BB

How did you do the eyebrows? Are those real??? (I genuinely got asked this idk)

They're not real 😌 I cover my eyebrows with silicone prosthetics, SFX makeup and apply tattoo transfers I made myself. It takes ages, and by the end of the day I'm crying sweat from underneath my bald eyebrows. 0/10 do not recommend.

How long did it take you to make?

It took me 5 years on and off, but I had loads of long breaks & remade quite a few pieces. So probably about 12 months in total if you remove all the breaks etc

How much did it cost?

Because I made it over a period of years I'd have to go back and price up all the materials and stuff so... no idea to be honest. What I don't know can't hurt me.(Probably a lot, definitely in the hundreds)

Some final thoughts

This specific cosplay was made over a very long period of time, with accuracy in mind at the expense of almost everything else. It wasn't my first cosplay.I'm including this not to discourage anyone, but to be honest about the reality of making/wearing a version of Higgs that was built to look as accurate as possible.It's very hot to wear, despite the mask having multiple ventilation fans. The makeup alone takes an hour or more. The costume itself requires a lot of packing space to transport to cons (1 XL suitcase and a massive long bag for the gun/odradek). If I'm wearing the masks I need a handler to walk in front of me on the con floor because I can only see a tiny patch out of my right eye. Even without the masks, if I have the hood up I have zero peripheral vision. It's like wearing horse blinkers.All that said, your cosplay doesn't need to be like this! It's totally possible to make one that looks cool as fuck but isn't as hellish to wear. Or super expensive. Or takes forever to make. Prioritise what matters to you. You can pick thinner/more breathable materials, omit parts entirely (e.g. the leather body, the masks, the odradek), wear it with the hood down, etc etc.The most important thing is that you have fun making and wearing it. Being Higgs for a day is great fun.

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