Simon 'Ghost' Riley Costume
Become the legendary Task Force 141 operator with tactical skull gear.
Simon 'Ghost' Riley is one of the most iconic operators from the Call of Duty franchise, known for his mysterious persona and striking skull mask. Fans choose this costume for its intimidating, highly detailed tactical aesthetic. The look centers on his signature skull balaclava paired with realistic military combat gear and a plate carrier.
- Difficulty
- Advanced
- Time
- ~45 min
- Budget
- $80–250
Try it on
See yourself as Simon 'Ghost' Riley
One clear photo of yourself; we render you in this costume — face untouched, full body, about 20 seconds.
One render, $1. No account needed — if it fails you're not charged. Pricing.
Your photo is sent to Google's Gemini API to make the render and isn't used for training. Renders are AI-generated and labelled.
Want a different costume on this photo, or a whole group in costume? Open the Try-On Studio.
What you need for a Simon 'Ghost' Riley costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete Simon 'Ghost' Riley costume — one box instead of 6 pieces.
Skull Balaclava Mask
A black fabric balaclava featuring a realistic white or grey skull faceplate attached to the front.
DIY: Paint a realistic white skull jaw design onto a plain black fabric balaclava using fabric paint.
Tactical Plate Carrier Vest
An olive drab, grey, or black military-style vest with MOLLE webbing and utility pouches.
Tactical Jacket
A dark grey or black softshell tactical jacket or fleece with sleeve pockets.
DIY: Use a plain dark grey zip-up hoodie or athletic jacket.
Combat Pants
Grey or multicam tactical pants featuring integrated dark knee pads.
DIY: Wear dark grey cargo pants and strap on external black skate knee pads.
Hard-Knuckle Tactical Gloves
Black or olive drab military-style gloves with reinforced plastic knuckles.
DIY: Use plain black athletic or work gloves.
Tactical Headset
Over-ear military communication headset with a thin boom microphone.
DIY: Modify a pair of black gaming headphones by attaching a wire microphone arm.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Simon 'Ghost' Riley costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Put on the dark grey tactical jacket and combat pants, ensuring the knee pads are aligned correctly.
- 2
Apply black makeup around your eyes so your skin is camouflaged beneath the mask.
- 3
Pull the black balaclava over your head and position the skull faceplate securely over your face.
- 4
Put on the tactical plate carrier vest, adjusting the shoulder and side straps for a snug, secure fit.
- 5
Place the tactical headset over the balaclava, positioning the microphone near your mouth.
- 6
Put on the hard-knuckle tactical gloves and secure the wrist straps.
Makeup & hair
Apply dark grey or black cream face paint around your eyes before putting on the mask so your skin doesn't show through the eye holes. Hair is completely covered by the balaclava and headset.
Simon 'Ghost' Riley for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- Pair with Captain John Price in full tactical gear and a boonie hat.
- group
- Form Task Force 141 with Soap MacTavish, Captain Price, and Gaz.
- kids
- A simplified version with a printed skull balaclava and a lightweight toy tactical vest.
- Plus size
- Tactical vests with adjustable side straps or cummerbunds offer a highly customizable fit.
Tips
- Make sure your mask has adequate ventilation, as wearing a balaclava and faceplate can get hot quickly.
- Use black makeup around your eyes to seamlessly blend your face into the dark eye cutouts of the skull mask.
- Check local convention or event rules regarding realistic-looking tactical gear and dummy props before wearing this in public.
Simon 'Ghost' Riley costume FAQ
- How do I get the signature Ghost mask?
- You can buy a molded 3D-printed MWII skull mask that attaches over a black fabric balaclava, or use a fabric balaclava with a printed skull pattern for a simpler look.
- What kind of vest does Ghost wear?
- He wears a tactical plate carrier vest, typically in olive drab, grey, or black, outfitted with various ammo pouches and a radio setup.
- Is this costume hot to wear?
- Yes, because of the layers of tactical clothing, gloves, and a full-face balaclava, it can trap heat. Opt for lightweight, breathable tactical shirts if wearing it in warm weather.
Did you know? Simon 'Ghost' Riley first appeared in 2009's Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, and his mysterious identity and sudden tragic fate instantly cemented him as a fan favorite.