Purchasable Outfits
Beyond the shredding guitars, one of the most satisfying ways to personalize your Guitar Hero II experience is by decking out your chosen rockstar in several stylish outfits. As you conquer stages and earn cash in Career Mode, 'The Store' will gradually unlock a diverse wardrobe for each of the game's iconic characters. These outfits are purely cosmetic, offering no gameplay advantage, but they are essential for expressing your unique rock 'n' roll persona on stage.
Each character boasts a selection of alternate attire, ranging from classic punk ensembles to flamboyant glam metal get-ups. Keeping your rockstar looking fresh and reflecting your personal style is a key part of the Guitar Hero II journey. Regularly check 'The Store' after completing new tiers or significant achievements to see what new threads have become available.
Unlocking and Purchasing Outfits
Outfits are unlocked progressively as you advance through Career Mode. Typically, completing a full tier on a specific difficulty will make new outfits available for purchase. The higher the difficulty you play, the faster you'll accumulate cash, which is crucial for acquiring these cosmetic upgrades. All outfits are purchased using in-game cash earned from performances.
Step-by-Step Guide to Outfit Acquisition:
- Play Career Mode: Focus on completing entire tiers of songs. Each completed tier, especially on Medium or Hard difficulty, often triggers new outfit unlocks.
- Earn Cash: Aim for high scores, long streaks, and star power activations to maximize your cash earnings per song. Replaying favorite songs on higher difficulties is an excellent way to farm cash.
- Visit 'The Store': After completing a tier or earning a substantial amount of cash, navigate to the main menu and select 'The Store'.
- Browse 'Outfits': Within 'The Store', select the 'Outfits' category.
- Select Character: Choose the character whose wardrobe you wish to browse.
- Purchase: If an outfit is unlocked and you have sufficient funds, you can purchase it immediately. Purchased outfits are then available for selection before any performance in Career Mode, Quick Play, or Multiplayer.
Specific Outfit Examples, Costs, and Unlock Conditions
To give you a head start on customizing your favorite rockstars, here's a detailed breakdown of some notable purchasable outfits, their typical unlock conditions, and their price tags. Note that specific unlock conditions can sometimes vary slightly based on the platform (Xbox 360 vs. PS2) or whether you've completed previous tiers on different difficulties, but the general progression remains consistent.
Axel Steel
Axel, the quintessential metalhead, has outfits that reflect his hard-rocking persona.
- Leather & Chains: Axel's default look, but a slightly altered version with more prominent chains and buckles often becomes available early on.
- Unlock Condition: Available from the start, or after completing Tier 1: Opening Act on Easy or Medium difficulty.
- Cost: $500 - $750
- Glam Rocker: A flashy, sequined, or animal-print ensemble perfect for the arena stage. Think big hair and even bigger attitude.
- Unlock Condition: After completing Tier 3: The Main Stage on Medium difficulty.
- Cost: $1,500 - $2,000
- Road Warrior: A rugged, post-apocalyptic inspired outfit, often featuring torn denim, leather vests, and heavy boots.
- Unlock Condition: After completing Tier 5: Face-Melters on Hard difficulty.
- Cost: $2,500 - $3,000
- "80s Shredder" Outfit: A vibrant, neon-colored outfit with a bandana and fingerless gloves, reminiscent of classic 80s guitar heroes.
- Unlock Condition: Complete Tier 6: The Gauntlet on Expert difficulty.
- Cost: $3,500 - $4,000
Casey Lynch
Casey brings punk rock energy, and her outfits often reflect a rebellious, edgy style.
- Ripped Denim: A classic punk look featuring torn jeans, band t-shirts, and studded accessories.
- Unlock Condition: Available from the start, or after completing Tier 1: Opening Act on Easy or Medium difficulty.
- Cost: $500 - $750
- Goth Punk: A darker, more mysterious outfit with fishnets, dark makeup, and intricate patterns.
- Unlock Condition: After completing Tier 2: Amp Warmers on Medium difficulty.
- Cost: $1,200 - $1,800
- Street Fighter: An athletic yet rebellious outfit, perhaps with cargo pants, a tank top, and combat boots.
- Unlock Condition: After completing Tier 4: String-Snappers on Hard difficulty.
- Cost: $2,200 - $2,800
- "Riot Grrrl" Outfit: A bold, unapologetic look with bright colors, mismatched patterns, and strong feminist undertones.
- Unlock Condition: Complete Tier 7: Fret Burners on Expert difficulty.
- Cost: $3,200 - $3,800
Judy Nails
Judy's style is often a blend of alternative, indie, and a touch of pop-punk flair.
- Plaid & Boots: A quintessential alternative look with plaid skirts or pants, band t-shirts, and chunky boots.
- Unlock Condition: Available from the start, or after completing Tier 1: Opening Act on Easy or Medium difficulty.
- Cost: $500 - $750
- Pop Princess: A brighter, more mainstream outfit with vibrant colors, perhaps a mini-skirt and stylish jacket.
- Unlock Condition: After completing Tier 3: The Main Stage on Medium difficulty.
- Cost: $1,500 - $2,000
- Festival Chic: A bohemian-inspired outfit, perfect for outdoor concerts, featuring flowing fabrics, hats, and layered accessories.
- Unlock Condition: After completing Tier 5: Face-Melters on Hard difficulty.
- Cost: $2,500 - $3,000
- "Indie Icon" Outfit: A sophisticated yet edgy ensemble, perhaps a tailored vest over a graphic tee, skinny jeans, and unique footwear.
- Unlock Condition: Complete Tier 6: The Gauntlet on Expert difficulty.
- Cost: $3,500 - $4,000
Lars Ümlaut
Lars, the metal drummer turned guitarist, often sports outfits with a Viking or barbarian edge, reflecting his powerful stage presence.
- Battle Vest: A rugged look featuring a denim or leather vest adorned with patches, studs, and possibly a band t-shirt underneath.
- Unlock Condition: Available from the start, or after completing Tier 1: Opening Act on Easy or Medium difficulty.
- Cost: $500 - $750
- Viking Warrior: An outfit inspired by Norse mythology, complete with faux fur, leather straps, and possibly a horned helmet (though helmets are usually separate accessories).
- Unlock Condition: After completing Tier 2: Amp Warmers on Medium difficulty.
- Cost: $1,200 - $1,800
- Tribal Metal: A darker, more aggressive outfit with tribal markings, heavy chains, and perhaps a kilt or rugged pants.
- Unlock Condition: After completing Tier 4: String-Snappers on Hard difficulty.
- Cost: $2,200 - $2,800
- "Doom Lord" Outfit: A truly intimidating ensemble, featuring heavy armor-like elements, dark cloaks, and menacing accessories.
- Unlock Condition: Complete Tier 7: Fret Burners on Expert difficulty.
- Cost: $3,200 - $3,800
Note on Unlock Conditions: While completing tiers on specific difficulties is the primary unlock mechanism, some outfits might also become available after achieving certain star ratings on a set number of songs, or by reaching a cumulative cash milestone. Always check 'The Store' regularly to see what's new.
Common Pitfalls and Tips for Outfit Collectors
- Don't Spend All Your Cash Immediately: While outfits are fun, remember that new guitars and bonus content also cost money. Prioritize based on your preferences, but don't blow all your earnings on the first few outfits you see.
- Replay for Cash: If you're short on cash for a coveted outfit, replay songs you excel at on the highest difficulty you can manage. Getting 5 stars on a Hard or Expert song can net you a significant amount of money quickly.
- Check All Characters: check the outfit selections for all characters, even if you primarily play as one. You might find a hidden gem or simply want to unlock everything for completion's sake.
- Difficulty Matters: Playing on higher difficulties not only unlocks outfits faster but also provides more cash, making purchases easier. Challenge yourself!
- Cosmetic Only: Reiterate that outfits are purely aesthetic. They won't make you play better, but they certainly make you look better while you're playing!
By following this guide, you'll be able to systematically unlock and purchase every available outfit in Guitar Hero II, ensuring your rockstar always looks the part as they dominate the stage.