- Mirror's Edge Catalyst outfits are cosmetic skins that change Faith's look without affecting gameplay stats.
- Most unlocks come from GridLeaks, side missions, and district completion, not the main story.
- Outfits are purely cosmetic — speed, stamina, and combat stay identical.
- The official game page lists the game; unlocks happen in-game.
- Pre-order and deluxe edition items may no longer be obtainable through normal play.
How the Outfit System Works
Outfits in Mirror's Edge Catalyst are part of Faith's customization options. Once unlocked, they can be equipped from the game's menu, swapping Faith's default Runner look for alternate color schemes and apparel variants. The system is entirely cosmetic — no outfit changes Faith's movement speed, Flow, stamina, or combat performance, so pick whatever looks best while you sprint across Glass.
The main sources of outfit pieces and cosmetic unlocks fall into a few clear categories:
| Unlock Source | What It Gives | Effort Level |
|---|---|---|
| Main story missions | A small number of default looks | Story progression |
| GridLeaks destroyed | District completion rewards | High — 700+ total |
| Side missions & deliveries | Cosmetic items and Chipsets | Medium |
| Dashes & Time Trials stars | Chipsets and completion credit | Medium to high |
| Deluxe / pre-order content | Exclusive outfit items | Purchase only |
Outfits never gate gameplay. Chipsets you earn from side activities should go into the skill tree first (Traversal and Gear branches) — outfits can be collected afterward during free roam.
Step-by-Step: Unlocking Outfit Items
Follow this route to build your cosmetic collection efficiently after finishing the story. The order matters because map upgrades make late-game cleanup dramatically faster.
Finish the Main Story First
Complete all main missions to unlock free roam across every district of Glass. Full map access is essential before grinding collectibles, since outfit-related rewards are spread across Anchor, Downtown, View Gardens, and beyond.
Buy the Map Upgrade Skills
Spend Chipsets on the Exploration Markers upgrades in the Gear branch. These reveal nearby collectibles and side activities on your map, turning a blind hunt into a checklist you can clear district by district.
Clear Side Missions and Deliveries
Work through the delivery and diversion missions in each district. These reward Chipsets and contribute to district completion percentages, which is where most cosmetic unlocks are tied.
Destroy GridLeaks by District
GridLeaks flash visibly along parkour lines and must be smashed mid-run. Clear them district by district using the map filter, and check each district's completion percentage as you go.
Finish with Dashes and Time Trials
Earn star ratings in Dashes and Time Trials to top off remaining completion requirements. Study ghost replays of top runners to shave seconds off your lines.
GridLeaks are destroyed by running or sliding through them at speed. Some sit on narrow rails or mid-jump lines — if you miss one, loop back and rebuild Flow before the attempt rather than creeping in slowly.
Completion Rewards Compared
Different activities reward different types of unlocks. Prioritize based on what you enjoy — here is how the main activity types compare for cosmetic and completion value.
| Activity | Reward Type | Speed | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main missions | Story unlocks | Fast | Required baseline |
| Delivery missions | Chipsets, completion % | Fast | Quick wins |
| GridLeaks | District completion % | Slow | Completionists |
| Dashes | Stars, Chipsets | Medium | Skill players |
| Time Trials | Stars, Chipsets | Medium | Route mastery |
| Security Zones | Combat encounters, credit | Medium | Combat fans |
Story-First Runners
- Unlock free roam early
- Minimal collectible grind
- Fewer outfit pieces
Completionists
- Full GridLeaks sweep
- All side missions cleared
- Maximum cosmetic unlocks
Speedrunners
- Focus on Dashes and trials
- Star ratings fast
- Chipsets fund gear skills
Track each district's completion percentage individually. Finishing a single district fully often feels more rewarding than scattering progress across all of Glass at once.
Customization Tips and Collector's Checklist
A few practical tips make the outfit hunt smoother. First, always run with the map filter set to the collectible type you are hunting. Second, pair GridLeaks runs with nearby Dashes — many GridLeaks sit directly on established race lines, so you can earn stars and destroy interference sources in the same run. Third, remember that Fast Climb and Quick Turn traversal upgrades make repeated rooftop circuits far less painful.
Outfit Collector's Checklist:
- Finish all main story missions
- Unlock Exploration Markers map upgrades
- Complete all delivery missions per district
- Destroy every GridLeaks hub in Anchor
- Clear remaining districts to 100% completion
In Dashes, watch the ghost line of a top-ranked runner before your attempt. Their route usually reveals the fastest path past several GridLeaks you may have missed on your own line.
FAQ
Q: Do Mirror's Edge Catalyst outfits affect gameplay?
No. Outfits in Mirror's Edge Catalyst are purely cosmetic. Faith's speed, Flow, stamina, and combat abilities are identical regardless of which outfit you equip.
Q: What is the fastest way to unlock outfit items?
Finish the story first, buy the Exploration Markers map upgrades with Chipsets, then clear delivery missions and GridLeaks district by district. Map upgrades turn the hunt into a guided checklist.
Q: Are GridLeaks required for outfit unlocks?
GridLeaks contribute heavily to district completion percentages, which is where most cosmetic rewards are tied. Expect to destroy a large share of the 700+ GridLeaks across Glass for full completion.
Q: Can I still get pre-order or deluxe edition outfits?
Deluxe and pre-order cosmetic items were tied to specific purchase editions at launch in 2016. Check the Steam store page for current edition availability, as some exclusive items may not be obtainable through normal play.