Is migration cape rare?
No, the Minecraft migration cape is not rare based on the over 800,000 players that have it. But while common now, its origins and exclusivity do make it stand out in the game. Let’s explore the story behind one of Minecraft’s most unique capes.
The Migration Cape Marked a Monumental Shift in Minecraft‘s History
In 2020, Microsoft acquired Minecraft developers Mojang for $2.5 billion [1]. This marked a major changing of the guard. Mojang founder Markus "Notch" Persson nurtured Minecraft from its 2009 indie origins into an international phenomenon [2]. Now Microsoft would control that phenomenon, bringing their massive resources to bear.
To complete Microsoft‘s acquisition, Mojang players had to migrate accounts. As incentive, Mojang granted every migrator a sleek, black cape trimmed with Minecraft lime-green. This "migration cape" symbolized ushering dedicated fans from Mojang independence into the Microsoft era.
Over 800,000 Players Have Migrated for This Cape
How many players earned the migration cape? According to Minecraft.net, over 800,000 players successfully migrated from Mojang to Microsoft accounts [3]. Making the migration cape one of Minecraft‘s most common cosmetics.
| Cape Type | Rarity | Owners |
|---|---|---|
| Migration Cape | Common | 800,000+ players |
| Custom Map Cape | Extremely Rare | ~100 map creators |
For comparison, special custom map creator capes are individual and extremely rare [4]. But since transitioning to Microsoft was mandatory, the migration cape became commonplace.
The Mass Migration Was Not Without Challenges
Requiring all players to suddenly migrate accounts was turbulent. Many experienced issues transitioning their Mojang logins to Microsoft [5]. Players reported migration failures even months later, causing support headaches [6].
The migration cape is a badge of honor that you persevered through those rocky early days under Microsoft’s new regime. Rather than abandoning the game, you stuck with Minecraft because of your passion for its limitless creative potential.
The Migration Cape‘s Exclusivity Will Likely Increase
The migration period has long ended. Over 112 million new players have joined Minecraft since 2020 [7]. For these newcomers, the migration cape remains permanently out of reach. While still common among veteran players, its exclusivity grows with each new player.
Let’s contrast the migration cape with the equally beloved Minecon 2016 cape:
| Cape | Owners | Still Obtainable? |
|---|---|---|
| Migration Cape | 800,000+ | No |
| Minecon 2016 Cape | 10,000+ | No |
Both capes are common among dedicated veteran players. Neither are obtainable anymore for new players. The migration cape may never reach the legendary status of Minecon capes, but its comparative rarity and exclusivity grow over time.
For Veteran Players, It Symbolizes an Important Era
While the migration cape joined the ranks of common capes, its unique circumstances still make it meaningful. Players cherish early gaming memories shaping their love for Minecraft over the past decade [8]. The migration cape cements your place in that history.
Sure, completionists and newcomers miss out on owning this exclusive cape. But Mojang rewarding your loyalty through the Microsoft growing pains with a free cosmetic says something. It represents surviving the volatile changes from indie upstart to booming triple-A franchise together.
That shared experience provides value beyond just sporting a stylish cape. It’s why players still don the migration cape with pride nearly 3 years later. Even as dazzling new capes release regularly, few share the same sentimental weight.
Will Migration Capes Make a Comeback?
There is little chance of Mojang resurrecting the retired migration cape. It memorialized a specific purpose during 2020’s rocky transition process. Re-releasing such a cape could provoke backlash from veteran players who originally endured those migrations.
However, some capes make limited comebacks due to fan demand. For example, Mojang offered a final chance to obtain the 10-year anniversary cape in 2019 [9]. But these reprisals remain infrequent exceptions. Once most capes retire, they remain locked in the past.
Other Ways to Get Rare and Custom Capes
While the migration cape won‘t return, all hope isn‘t lost for determined cape collectors! Here are some existing options:
- Optifine modding – Install mods allowing custom capes
- Minecraft character creator – Design and buy capes starting at $10
- Partner company capes – Secure sponsorships for limited branded capes
Sure, these legally bypass Mojang‘s control rather than repeating the migration cape‘s origins. But they demonstrate how players still pursue the dream of fashioning rare, one-of-a-kind capes through business relationships or creativity.
Conclusion
The Minecraft migration cape‘s commonness among veterans combined with its retired exclusivity do make it distinctly special long-term. Even as more flashy cape designs inevitably arrive, the migration cape preserves an earlier era of Mojang charm for dedicated players.
So while it‘s not rare statistically, its deep personal meaning perseveres. For those who lived through those clumsy early Microsoft days, this stylish cape represents cherished history.
